Homeowners often hear they should choose the styles they love because interior design trends come and go. However, it’s vital to understand what is popular in any given year, especially if they plan to flip houses, sell an existing home or make a living as a professional interior designer. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 59,170 interior designers in the United States. They fall into industry categories such as architects, engineers, merchants and residential builders. Freelancers and amateur enthusiasts round out the collection of those with a passion for design. 

With so many focused on what looks great in homes and commercial space, it isn’t surprising new trends emerge each year. What can people expect in 2022? Here are the top predictions for what will dominate in the new year. 

1. Sustainable Materials

The general public is more concerned than ever before about protecting the environment for current and future generations. In addition to using recycled and sustainable materials, many homebuyers also want drought-resistant plants and repurposed furnishings. The right flooring, insulation and even roofing can reduce maintenance costs and energy usage. 

2. Long-Lasting Materials

An influx of cheaply made home items from foreign shores may have saved people money in the short term, but homeowners and contractors are onto the poor quality of these items. No one wants to replace things constantly or wind up with drywall that makes their family ill. 

One trend emerging is the demand for longer-lasting, higher-quality products that stand the test of time. For example, aluminum bar grating for railings has a solid strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the designs to withstand the elements, freezing conditions and high winds. 

A steel roof needs to be replaced less frequently than asphalt shingles. Brick exteriors hold up longer than wood. Many materials cost a bit more both inside and outside the home, but the bigger upfront investment may result in lower costs over the 30 or 40 years someone might live in a residence. 

3. Neutral Colors

Sometimes bold, bright colors dominate interior designs. Other years, retro looks come back into fashion. Currently, people are trending toward neutral wall and flooring choices. While a mix of dark and light makes for some natural interest, designers know neutrals afford a lot of freedom to swap out materials such as throw pillows, curtains and artwork as design trends change. 

4. Engineering Consultants

More people appreciated taking something old and making it beautiful again in the last decade. Companies select rundown buildings and turn them into office spaces, or homeowners take apart old barns and repurpose the wood and hardware. 

However, using old materials or the bones of an existing building requires specialized skills a general contractor may not possess. Engineering consultants have specialized knowledge in modernizing HVAC systems or adding to a loft area so it’s structurally sound. 

Although companies may have a bit more upfront cost in consulting fees, they’ll save money resulting from wasted time, effort and expense when things go wrong during a renovation. An engineer helps avoid renovation pitfalls. 

5. Retro Appeal

The 1970s made a comeback recently, but not the psychedelic look. Instead, expect to see modern elements such as buttons on couches to gather the material in or straight lines for side tables and dressers. 

Designers turned to thick legs with skinny bases and shiny surfaces. Millennials discovered the fun appeal of ‘70s styles, but they only want a touch of whimsy here and there rather than a complete throwback. A piece of artwork, a retro-inspired throw pillow or a shag area rug brings the tone of this decade without full-on explosions of yellow, orange and brown. 

6. Extreme Minimalism

One of the results of the COVID-19 pandemic was people spending more time at home and realizing just how much stuff they have and don’t need. Today.com reported a surge in donations in 2020 to the point that thrift stores complained of items piling up and overflowing outside bins. 

Many people are limiting the clutter in their homes and going with an extremely minimalist approach for 2022 and beyond. Expect scaled-back decor and furnishings that function in multiple ways, such as a Murphy bed that serves as a desk when folded up.

7. Dark Accents

Designers are also mixing in some black and dark elements to add some contrast to natural tones. For example, they might pair a greige sofa with a natural wood conversation table featuring black metal legs. 

One might see a black rug, throw pillow or knickknacks. The walls might be earth-toned and the picture frames black. The key with this design trend is to only scatter the dark accents as a small portion of the overall design so they pop.

Wild Cards

Although a look ahead highlights some of the key design elements likely to remain popular into the new year, trends are finicky. Some wild cards make their way into the mix each year that no one saw coming. Keep an eye on popular shows, celebrity homes and internet posts. The next big trend can come from anywhere.

Author Bio: Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized. She is a journalist who covers the innovations impacting the construction and industrial sectors.

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