2022 Interior Design Trends You Should Know About

I might get some backlash for writing this but, did anybody else notice that as soon as the 2nd of January hit, almost all the interior design accounts on Instagram launched into projects like changing the bedroom look, uplifting the living room, x, y, z trend predictions, colour predictions, ad collaborations, etc. I really felt annoyed by this because it perpetuates this idea of buying stuff you don't always or really need so that you can feel "better in your home". So I had to say something about this trend of creating interior design trends.

Now, ever since I started working in this industry, I felt such a huge resistance to trends. I didn’t know why really, especially at first, when I was really feeling bad about not knowing the industry's latest trends and always felt I was behind everything. I had a huge FOMO of missing out on important industry information. But, with time, I realised that it was actually just my own resistance to this idea of interior trends and renewing your home every year so that it looks a certain way.

I've always disliked the idea of following what others think it's right for me over my own heart's desires. Not just when it comes to interior design, but in fashion too, art, poetry or just what I should be thinking, to put it bluntly. So it comes as no surprise to me that I never followed any interior trends of my own or used any of my projects. I’ve always believed that your home is your own and as a result, it should be just as you want it, not as I want it (as an interior designer, professional, or “trend expert”).

I am also sure you agree that when it comes to your home, the space you live your life in, NO ONE should ever tell you HOW to live in it or HOW your home should look like.

Image and design by ©Detail Movement

It's ok not to change anything. It's ok to keep your wall colour the same for more than one year.

Here is the thing. I am not 100% against interior trends. Even though most of them are created just to perpetuate consumerism because let’s face it, we don’t need every little fluffy thing that comes out each year, there have been some interior design trends that I’ve liked as well. I am only human, and I thrive on beautiful, visual things. After all, that is one of the reasons I became an interior designer.

However, I think it’s important to become aware that just like with fast fashion, most interior design trends lead to a “fast interior” worldwide movement that is growing.

But, to come back to my initial point, if you happen to love an interior design trend, by all means, include it in your home, but only because you really love it, and you know you'll still love it for years to come.

We are currently living through unprecedented times, with Covid still around, and with global warming to name just a few. It’s so so easy to start feeling anxious and scared of the future (I know I am). So it’s important now more than ever that we have a space that is our own, where we can ground ourselves, relax, recharge and just take a breath, realigning our thoughts so that we can continue on. I might be speaking from experience here, but trust me when I say that your surroundings are always influencing your decisions, your thoughts, your mindset, and most importantly your actions. Just remember how it feels when you go on vacation to a lovely hotel. Your mood picks up instantly!

I really believe that your home should give you the same feeling of excitement, happiness, and joy, whenever you are in it. So if we follow that line of thought, it stands to reason that your home should be uniquely yours, after your own taste and style. But, how will you know what your style is if you are bombarded with interior design trends that keep changing every year? The answer is to just follow your heart!

We as designers love to change things up (especially on IG) because we like to try out new things, make new industry connections, offer you inspiration and because, let's face it, we like to show off our work. That is normal. But that does not mean that you have to implement every little trend that shows up online or the industry experts say that it’s in this year.

To let you in on another little secret, if you look a wee bit into trends, you'll quickly realise that they are basically the same ones, just on rotation every couple of years. There will always be some type of wood or stone that is in fashion, curves or arches will be either in or out, vibrant or soft colours, earthy textures, natural patterns and vibes, flamboyant vibes, or other fancy words. Basically the same things.

So why not just follow your gut and only use what you really love? At the end of the day, just take what you need without feeling the need or the pressure to change your home so that it looks IG-worthy. Who cares if x, y, or z approves of how your home looks on IG or in real life?

What matters is HOW it looks to you, and how you FEEL in your home at the end of the day

And if you still want to know what you should do in your home, have a look at what are some “evergreen” items in the interiors industry. What are those? Evergreen items are those items that will always be “in” or appreciated. Things like wooden floors and wooden pieces of furniture. Plants and greenery will always be in because it satisfies our inner need to connect with nature. Another “evergreen trend” would be items that offer comfort, like a good mattress or sofa, or cotton/linen-based beddings. Light will always play a majour role in any interior, so have a look at lights that offer a warmer light because it’s softer on the eyes over long periods of time (as opposed to cold light).

While I get that these are very general things, it’s important to understand that you don’t need to buy into in a certain finish or colour because interior design trends say that marble, brass, or terrazzo, or whatever is in this year.

Always follow your gut and pick the colour or finish that brings you the most joy, every day when you see it.

That is it! That is the only rule! Always trust your heart, my loves. It knows what you need the most!

Have you been confused, excited, or annoyed by interior design trends? What has been your experience with them? What is a design trend that you’ve absolutely loved or detested? Let me know your thoughts below or you can always share your experience on Instagram. Just tap @detailmovement and leave your message there. 

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Raluca x

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All images that are credited as '©Detail Movement', are done by Raluca Vaduva for Detail Movement. All rights reserved. All pictures that are not my own, I credit them to the best of my knowledge & research, to their offline/online sources. I do not claim ownership over them in any way. If you see your picture on this site and do not wish for it to be displayed, please get in touch and I will remove it or add additional notes at your request.