Trends To Love (& Leave Behind) In 2022
It wasn’t that long ago that we wrote about trends we could ‘get behind’ in 2021 - and we can confidently say that those aren’t going anywhere! Unlike fads - which take people by storm and then fade as quickly as they appeared, trends evolve slowly over time in response to our wants and needs. They represent new ways of life … often leading to long term change. We’re excited to see the following trends emerging in 2022 …
The ‘70s Are Back Baby!
It began as a flirtation with rattan and houseplants… and now the 70s are back (and not just because Abba have reunited!) 70s design trends reflected a desire for playfulness and enjoyment - a shift away from the pared-back discipline of the previous decades. Perhaps our renewed interest in the design from this era speaks to our wish for more optimism in our homes. This time ‘round, we’ll pass on the avocado bathrooms and shag-pile rugs, and select a few key elements, to channel that chilled-out 1970s vibe. Think timber joinery, low sculptural furniture, and rich, inviting textures. You can catch a hint of this trend in our show home.
Anything But White
The days of all-neutral, monochromatic looks are finally numbered (even the ever-popular all-white kitchen). The cool-neutrals trend had its moment and gave off an air of sophistication, but it's a bit too sterile in the post-Covid age. People want to feel cloaked in comfort and warmth. When looking at the major paint players (Resene, Dulux, Sherwin-Williams etc) it’s clear to see that greens and blues reign supreme, while warmer neutrals are becoming richer and spicier. Pick your poison, there are endless opportunities.
Perfectly, Eclectically You
People are choosing to invest in their homes more than ever before; there’s a shift away from worrying about ‘broader appeal’ and a focus on individual preferences. We’re passing on ‘buy it and throw it away in 5 years’ consumerism, and seeing the value in developing a lasting, personal style. This means embracing vintage pieces and celebrating heirlooms and items we’ve picked up on our travels. To accommodate this, designers are taking a more layered, modernist approach - with a mish-mash of styles so everything works together.
Organic Texture
With more time spent indoors than ever before, we’re still seeking to strengthen our connection with nature. This has inspired a resurgence in natural surfaces and textures - think speckled stoneware, veined marble surfaces, chunky wool carpets, linen bedding and roughcast finishes on walls. The raw, imperfect nature of these materials adds depth while also mimicking the calming ambience of the outdoors. Organic textures make a house feel even more like a home.
So long, farewell …
We’re calling it, and saying the following fads and trends have had their day in the sun:
Millennial pink - it will forever hold a place in our hearts.
Word art - it may be ‘rosé o’clock’ … but your wall doesn’t need to say it.
Fast furniture - buy quality, buy once.
Farmhouse - for actual farms only please.
White-grey minimalism - too cold!
In 2022 and beyond, you can expect to see New Zealand homes channeling more comfort, more personality and more playfulness! We’re so excited to work with our clients on achieving this with their own builds… get in touch below if you’d like to work with us too!