The 8 Hottest Home Decor Trends Defining 2022

Discovering the most influential home decor trends shaping interiors in 2022.

1. Embracing the Tranquility of Green Paint Colors

There’s nothing I enjoy more than discussing paint colors, and each year, I eagerly anticipate the “Colors of the Year” chosen by leading paint companies. For 2022, it’s abundantly clear that green is reigning supreme! This versatile hue brings a sense of calm, nature, and growth into our homes, perfectly aligning with a desire for more organic and peaceful environments. Let’s explore some of the standout green shades.

Sherwin-Williams has crowned Evergreen Fog (SW 9130) as its 2022 Color of the Year. They describe it as “a versatile and calming hue, a chameleon color of gorgeous green-meets-gray, with just a bit of blue. It’s a simple but sophisticated wash of beautiful, organic color.” This muted, earthy green-gray offers a serene backdrop that harmonizes beautifully with natural textures and materials, making it an excellent choice for creating a tranquil retreat in any room. Its subtle blue undertones add a layer of sophistication without being overpowering. What are your first impressions of this sophisticated shade?

I am particularly fond of how Evergreen Fog effortlessly complements warm wood tones and various textural elements, both of which I frequently incorporate into our home’s design. This makes it an incredibly adaptable color for a variety of decor styles, from rustic to contemporary.

Benjamin Moore’s 2022 Color of the Year, October Mist, is another exquisite green. Evoking the delicate silver-green stem of a flower, Benjamin Moore states that “This gently shaded sage quietly anchors a space, while encouraging individual expression through color. October Mist creates a canvas for other colors – and your imagination – to blossom.” This soft, muted sage green is a true chameleon, acting as a sophisticated “colored neutral” that allows other elements in a room to shine. Its understated elegance makes it perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or even home offices where a sense of calm and focus is desired.

Indeed, October Mist’s inherent versatility means it would play nicely with a wide spectrum of colors, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a subtle pop of color that still offers the foundational qualities of a neutral palette.

Behr also joined the green movement, selecting (yes, you guessed it!) Breezeway as their 2022 Color of the Year. They describe it as “A silvery green shade with cool undertones. The color is inspired by naturally stunning sea glass found on the shore of salty beaches.” This fresh, airy green with a hint of blue brings a calming, optimistic feel reminiscent of coastal serenity. Breezeway is perfect for creating bright, inviting spaces that feel connected to nature and evoke a sense of peaceful escape.

Not to be outdone, PPG opted for the subdued elegance of Olive Sprig, which you can explore further {here}. Glidden chose the more vibrant and playful Guacamole, perfect for adding a lively touch, viewable {here}. The collective embrace of green underscores a broader cultural shift towards appreciating nature, seeking tranquility, and fostering well-being within our homes.

In a bold departure from the green trend, Pantone unveiled Very Peri, a color they describe as “a dynamic periwinkle blue hue with a vivifying violet red undertone.” While this vibrant shade undoubtedly makes a statement in fashion and digital design, its application as a primary paint color for interior walls may be a bit too daring for many homeowners. However, Very Peri could be an exciting accent color, bringing a pop of creative energy through smaller decor items, textiles, or art.

Pantone’s Very Peri: A bold periwinkle hue for accent pieces and fashion.

2. The Soft Embrace of Curved Furniture Pieces

After years of sharp lines and minimalist angles dominating interior design, 2022 sees a refreshing shift towards softer, more organic forms. I began noticing a significant rise in curved furniture pieces in 2021, and this trend is set to flourish even further this year. Curved designs bring a sense of fluidity, comfort, and sophisticated elegance into a space, breaking up rigidity and encouraging a more relaxed ambiance. From inviting seating to graceful bedroom essentials, these pieces offer both aesthetic appeal and enhanced comfort.

We’re seeing this trend manifest in a variety of furniture types, starting with exquisite chairs such as {these curvy rattan lounge chairs}, which instantly add a touch of natural texture and laid-back luxury. Their rounded backs and arms provide a welcoming embrace, perfect for creating cozy reading nooks or accentuating a relaxed living room aesthetic.

Elegant rattan lounge chairs exemplify the growing trend of curved furniture in home design.

Similarly, {these upholstered swivel chairs} showcase how curved lines can merge with functionality. The gentle curves of their backs and seats offer ergonomic comfort, while the swivel mechanism adds versatility, making them ideal for dynamic living spaces or open-concept layouts. These pieces exemplify how modern design is prioritizing comfort and organic flow.

Upholstered swivel chairs featuring soft, inviting curves for contemporary living.

The bedroom is also embracing this softened aesthetic, with furniture like {this curvy platform bed}, which transforms a utilitarian piece into a sculptural statement. Paired with coordinating pieces such as {these nightstands} that echo the same gentle contours, the overall effect is one of serene sophistication and understated luxury. These designs soften the edges of a room, promoting a more tranquil and welcoming atmosphere.

Bedroom furniture featuring elegant curves, setting a tranquil tone for 2022 interiors.

Beyond individual pieces, we’re witnessing an influx of curved sofas, sectionals, dining tables, and console tables. A prime example is {this ivory linen console table}, which combines a soft textile finish with graceful curves, offering a sophisticated focal point without the harshness of traditional rectangular forms. The integration of curves throughout different furniture categories signifies a desire for more approachable, comfortable, and visually interesting interiors. This trend, with its emphasis on fluidity and organic design, is definitely one I wholeheartedly endorse and can easily incorporate into any design scheme.

An ivory linen console table showcases the soft, inviting lines of curved furniture trends.

3. The Rise of Hardworking Kitchens & Bathroom Storage Solutions

Houzz, a leading platform for home design and remodeling, has highlighted several pivotal trends shaping 2022, with a strong emphasis on highly functional and integrated storage solutions in both kitchens and bathrooms. This movement towards built-in features that significantly boost functionality is perfectly aligned with my passion for organized and efficient spaces. The idea of super-functional cabinets that seamlessly blend practicality with aesthetics is a trend I absolutely adore!

In the kitchen, we’re seeing a significant evolution towards optimizing every inch of space. This includes a greater prevalence of innovative features such as dedicated pullouts within pantries, like those showcased in our recent kitchen remodel. These pullouts make it incredibly easy to access items, eliminating the hassle of digging through deep shelves and keeping everything neatly organized. They are a game-changer for maximizing storage and maintaining a clutter-free kitchen environment.

Smart pantry pull-out drawers for superior kitchen organization and accessibility.

Beyond pantry solutions, kitchens are becoming smarter with appliance lifts that elegantly raise bulky mixers and other countertop appliances from hidden cabinets to working height, saving valuable counter space. Built-in drawer dividers are also gaining popularity, offering tailored compartments for cutlery, utensils, and cooking tools, ensuring everything has its designated spot. Another clever innovation is the designated paper towel roll holder and storage, such as the one we featured in our previous kitchen, which not only held a roll for immediate use but also discreetly stored several backup rolls behind it. These thoughtful additions streamline daily tasks and contribute to a more efficient and enjoyable cooking experience.

Innovative pull-out kitchen cabinet with integrated paper towel holder and dual trash bins.

Kitchen Sources: Appliances  |  Cabinet cup pulls  |  Cabinet pulls  |  Round braided tray | Marble & wood utensil holder  |  Gray geometric rug  |  Floating wood shelves  |  Sink  |  Black & white hand towel

The trend extends seamlessly into bathrooms, where innovative storage is making these spaces more spa-like and user-friendly. Expect to see clever features such as hidden pullouts designed specifically for laundry hampers, maintaining a clean aesthetic while keeping laundry out of sight. In-drawer outlets are becoming a staple, offering convenient charging points for styling tools, electric toothbrushes, and other gadgets, eliminating countertop clutter. Furthermore, built-in drawer organizers, similar to those found in {this James Martin bathroom vanity}, provide custom compartments for toiletries, cosmetics, and other essentials, ensuring a perfectly organized and serene bathroom experience.

Integrated storage solutions in a stylish bathroom vanity for a clutter-free space.

Hidden in-drawer outlets providing seamless power for styling tools.

For bathrooms, several trends align with features we incorporated into our recent bathroom remodel, underscoring their enduring appeal. These include the timeless elegance of marble showers, the luxurious indulgence of freestanding tubs, and the comfort of heated floors. These elements elevate the bathroom from a purely functional space to a private sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Our master bathroom featuring a marble shower, freestanding tub, and elegant design elements.

Master Bathroom Sources – Shower: Pump bottles (16 oz white/gold)  |  Body brush  |  Sea sponge  |  Stool  |  Shelves:  Floating shelves  |  White woven basket (medium)  |   Gray & white striped planter (holding snake plant) |  Colorful moth art print  |  White wood frame  |   Glass canister (1 gallon size)  |  Bath bombs  |  Belly basket with tassel  |  Favorite bath towels  |  Large lidded basket for hamper  |  Freestanding bathtub  |  Tub filler  |  Dipped leg stool

Other anticipated bathroom features, though not part of our recent renovation, include the luxury of multiple shower heads and sprays for a custom showering experience, and low curb showers that offer both aesthetic appeal and enhanced accessibility. These trends reflect a holistic approach to home design, focusing on convenience, comfort, and personalized functionality.

4. Elevating Entertaining with Upscale Home Bars

With many of us spending more quality time at home over the past couple of years, there’s been a noticeable surge in homeowners investing in creating sophisticated home bar setups. This trend reflects a desire to bring the luxury and convenience of a well-appointed bar into our personal spaces, making entertaining at home more elegant and enjoyable. It’s a trend I’m personally excited to embrace this year, especially since we have a rather dated bar area off our hallway leading to the kitchen that’s ripe for a modern renovation. This transformation will undoubtedly enhance our entertaining capabilities and add a touch of glamour to our home.

The “before” snapshot of our home bar, awaiting its luxurious transformation.

Creating an upscale home bar doesn’t necessarily require a dedicated built-in space. You can achieve a sophisticated look by glamming up a stylish bar cart, such as {this one}. A beautifully styled bar cart, adorned with elegant glassware, quality spirits, and chic accessories, can serve as a movable focal point for entertaining, perfect for smaller spaces or for those who prefer flexibility in their decor. It’s an accessible way to infuse luxury into your home without a major renovation.

An elegant bar cart demonstrates how to create an upscale home bar in any space.

For those seeking a more integrated yet flexible solution, investing in a bar cabinet is an excellent option. These versatile pieces appear like regular, stylish cabinets on the outside but ingeniously transform into epic at-home bars when opened, revealing thoughtfully designed compartments for bottles, glasses, and tools. Bar cabinets come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any home, from compact options like {this white paneled bar cabinet}, which fits beautifully into a cozy nook,

This white paneled bar cabinet exemplifies sophisticated, compact home bar design.

to grand, statement-making pieces such as {this striking black bar cabinet}, which can serve as a powerful focal point in a larger living or dining area. The clever design of these cabinets allows for a luxurious bar experience while maintaining a neat and organized appearance when not in use.

A commanding black bar cabinet showcasing the trend for luxurious home entertaining.

The market is currently brimming with a fantastic array of stylish bar cabinet options, offering something for every taste and decor scheme. Investing in a beautiful bar cabinet or thoughtfully styling a bar cart allows you to bring a touch of sophistication and convenience to your entertaining, transforming any gathering into a more special occasion. Here are some of my top picks, combining functionality with exquisite design:

A curated selection of luxurious bar cabinets trending in 2022, offering elegance and functionality.

Bar Cabinet Sources: 1. Distressed French white bar cabinet  |  2. Black fish scale motif bar cabinet  |  3. White paneled bar cabinet  |  4. Tall black bar cabinet  |  5. Fluted brass leg bar cabinet  |  6. Gray drop front bar cabinet  |  7. Round cane bar cabinet

5. Harmonizing with Nature: The Rise of Biophilic Design

Each year, Pinterest provides invaluable insights into emerging trends by tracking popular search terms across its platform. For 2022, one of their prominent predictions points to a significant surge in interest in biophilic design. This innovative approach to interior design focuses on bringing the outdoors in, consciously creating home environments that foster a deeper connection to nature. The philosophy behind biophilic design is rooted in the understanding that humans have an innate need to connect with natural elements, and by integrating these into our living spaces, we can enhance our well-being, reduce stress, and boost creativity. It’s about designing spaces that breathe life and serenity.

Biophilic design can be incredibly simple to implement, starting with the immediate and impactful choice of filling your home with live plants. Incorporating greenery is perhaps the most straightforward way to introduce natural elements, improving air quality while adding vibrant color and texture. Plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment, making our homes feel more vibrant and alive.

For those who love the idea of fresh plants but crave convenience, monthly plant subscription services are a burgeoning market. Companies like The Sill offer {these subscription boxes}, delivering a new, carefully selected plant right to your doorstep each month. This makes it effortless to continuously refresh your green decor. If you wish to take biophilic design a step further, more elaborate and awe-inspiring integrations are trending. Imagine captivating plant walls that turn an ordinary surface into a living tapestry, or dramatic staircase gardens that bring lush greenery to unexpected architectural features. Beyond plants, biophilic design also incorporates elements like natural light maximization, the use of organic materials such as wood and stone, and patterns reminiscent of nature to create spaces that truly nourish the soul.

6. The Pampered Pet: Decoding “Barkitecture”

Another fascinating trend highlighted by Pinterest for 2022 is “barkitecture,” their playful term for animal-first architecture and interior design. This trend is being significantly driven by younger generations of pet parents who view their furry companions as integral family members and are increasingly redesigning their homes with their pets’ comfort, safety, and enjoyment in mind. This goes far beyond just buying a pet bed; it’s about integrating pet needs into the very fabric of home design. The growth of this trend is evidenced by a noticeable increase in Pinterest searches for terms such as “luxury cat room,” “luxury dog room,” and “dog beds made with furniture.”

Expect to see more dedicated pet suites and innovative built-in features becoming standard in new construction homes and even during renovation projects. These can include discreet and stylish feeding areas, cleverly integrated litter boxes that blend into cabinetry, convenient dog wash stations in mudrooms or utility areas, and custom pet gates that seamlessly complement the home’s aesthetic. Furthermore, the market for luxury pet beds is expanding rapidly, offering stylish and comfortable options that are designed to complement sophisticated interiors, rather than detract from them. These elevated pet accommodations ensure that our beloved animals live in comfort and style, perfectly integrated into our upscale living environments.

A collection of luxurious and stylish pet beds, reflecting the “barkitecture” trend of 2022.

Pet Bed Sources: 1. Wicker dog bed with blue check cushion  |  2. Vintage stripe cuddler bed  |  3. Cat hammock  |  4. Black & natural stripe dog bed  |  5. Blue patterned dog sofa  |  6. Gray pet sofa with legs  |  7. Woven dog bed  |  8. Navy & white Riviera dog bed

Other intriguing trends that Pinterest predicts will gain momentum in 2022 include “emotional escape rooms” – personalized spaces like music-themed rooms or crystal rooms designed for sensory and emotional well-being. “Hellenistic revival” points to a renewed interest in ancient Greek aesthetics, bringing classical grandeur and timeless elegance into modern homes. Lastly, “limitless luxe” encourages integrating luxury into the most unexpected corners of your home, transforming mundane spaces into delightful experiences. These trends collectively illustrate a desire for highly personalized, comfortable, and meaningful living environments.

7. Investing in Longevity: Higher Quality vs. Fast Furniture

The past year has brought about a significant shift in how we perceive and interact with our homes, prompting a re-evaluation of our purchasing habits. Coupled with a growing global awareness of sustainable practices, there’s a strong emerging trend towards investing in higher quality, durable furniture rather than opting for cheaper, “fast furniture” alternatives. This move is about mindful consumption, recognizing the long-term value of well-crafted pieces, both for our budgets and the environment.

Personally, I’ve always advocated for a high/low mix in furniture and home decor. While I appreciate budget-friendly decorative accents, when it comes to foundational furniture pieces, I unequivocally lean towards investing in quality. A prime example is the beautiful, high-quality sectional we purchased five years ago for our family room in our previous home. This was a significant investment, but one I have absolutely no regrets about.

Our family room, showcasing the sectional that exemplifies investment in quality furniture.

Family Room Sources: Sectional  |  Grasscloth wallpaper behind shelves (Charcoal)  |  Landscape art print  |  Small framed art print  |  White ginger jar  | Star anise pod  |  Chandelier (satin bronze)  |  White tasseled pillow cover  |  Blue linen pillow cover  |  Green & blue block print pillow cover  |  Rug  |  Acrylic coffee table (similar)  |  Coffee table tray (28″ square)  |  Black and white striped box (on coffee table)  |  Brass cricket (on coffee table)  |  Basket planter  |  Rattan chair

Not only has this sectional held up beautifully through years of family life, but it also seamlessly integrated into our new home, proving its timeless appeal and adaptability (you can find more details about our sectional in {this post}). The initial cost, while higher, will ultimately prove to be more economical than repeatedly buying less expensive pieces that quickly wear out, leading to more frequent replacements. This is the essence of sustainable consumption – buying well once to avoid constant turnover.

Of course, there have been instances where I’ve purchased more budget-friendly furniture, particularly when anticipating a move and uncertain if a piece would fit into a new layout. In our younger years, budget constraints were also a significant factor, making higher-end furniture unattainable. However, the landscape of furniture acquisition is changing for the better. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and online sites such as Chairish and eBay have revolutionized the buying and selling of used furniture, making it infinitely easier and more accessible. This fosters a circular economy, significantly reducing the amount of furniture sent to landfills, a practice I wholeheartedly support.

Adding to this positive trend, IKEA has launched a commendable buy back & resell program in Europe. This initiative allows customers to sell their used IKEA furniture back to the company, which then resells it, preventing items from going to waste. This commitment to sustainability is inspiring, and I eagerly hope they expand this program to the US soon!

And with that, we conclude our exploration of the top home decor trends for 2022. From the calming embrace of green paint and the inviting softness of curved furniture, to the functional elegance of smart storage and the natural beauty of biophilic design, these trends collectively point towards homes that are more personalized, comfortable, efficient, and deeply connected to well-being. What are your thoughts on these predictions? Are any of these inspiring trends calling to you, perhaps sparking an idea for your next home improvement project?