With an abundance of the workforce moving their office into their spare room, interior design is no longer just about aesthetics. In 2022, it's all about functionality. Unfortunately, switching from one trend to the other is not as easy as it sounds. After all, when you've been taught that minimalism is the way to go, incorporating a chaotic workspace is bound to come with a few bumps and bruises. Luckily, interior designers have never been known to shy away from a challenge – here are some of their best-kept secrets for interior design this year!
Coming together again – the importance of the great room
As dinner parties regain their roles in a post-pandemic society, it's time to consider where they're taking place – the great room. In 2022, the emphasis is on having enough space, both for ourselves and for entertainment. This is where great rooms come in – among the largest in the house, these rooms should provide open and comfortable spaces for your family and friends. With that said, they shouldn't be strapped to the bare minimum. While a couch and table are required, every great room still needs a few fashionable centerpieces. Whether it's going to be a 3D graphic piece or a statement Moroccan rug is entirely up to you.
Around the world – one dramatic wallpaper at a time
When exotic destinations become out of reach, the only alternative is to bring them right into your living room. This is precisely what interior designers did with exotic print wallpaper in 2022. Through bold and vibrant colors, a patterned wall manages to give new life to a room that didn't even know it needed it. However, before tackling the aesthetics, make sure to see what’s hiding on the other side; that’s right – the pipes. More often than not, renovators overlook redoing the pipes and end up creating a waterfall right in your North Shore safari-patterned guest room. Thus, once you’ve decided to redo the walls, make sure to do them right – complete pipe relining in North Shore included. After all, you want your Australian living room to feel like an oasis, not drown in it.
Old furniture with a new life – the
It's true, giving away the old and letting in the new has a certain cleansing feel to it. However, not everything deserves a place in the gutter. In 2022, it's all about second chances, and in interior design, that can mean only one thing – vintage furniture. While this piece can be a century-old heirloom, one found at a rummage sale works just as well – what matters is the desire to give a new life to some long-forgotten furniture pieces. The fact that most of us aren't professional restaurateurs shouldn't come as a discouragement. Rather, think of it as a challenge that requires a bit of googling, a few good friends, and some top-notch advice at the hardware store!
Going green – style and sustainability
When talking about going green, most articles tend to drift into sustainability. However, sustainable design is not a trend, it's something that should never go out of style. With that said, this year is about green style. Going green in the realm of style means turning to earth tones and vibrant natural colors – some yellow cabinets here and a bold green wall there. Like in nature, the important thing here is to find a balance – find tones that rejuvenate the space while not giving you a headache!
Curve your surrounding – the relevance of edges
For the longest time, sharp and clear lines were the epitome of contemporary interior design. Fortunately for future parents and baby-proofers alike, sharp edges are making their exit from the design stage. Here to take their place – curves and rounded edges. This year, the goal is to create comfortable environments that spill over into one another. As rounded edges provide no clear boundary, the rooms appear to flow into one another, creating a sense of unity and coherence. Unlike sharp edges, undefined boundaries also give a feeling of safety and security.
After a turbulent two years, it is high time for our homes to become welcoming again. Thus, in 2022, the emphasis in interior design is on natural, sustainable, and soft. There are no sharp edges or synthetic colors in sight. Once the guests walk into the great room, the sense of serenity will make them want to stay forever.