We turned to nine local experts in the design space to weigh in on emerging and timeless home trends to know in 2022
COVID-19 has changed the design landscape.
“We are seeing many homes now with two offices, which was almost never seen before the pandemic. I think the focus on work from home is likely here to stay as I think some form of work from home is going to continue to be a part of many jobs going forward. However, homes are not necessarily getting larger. Space is being created by eliminating dining rooms in many new home designs.” – Chris Ehrenfeld, owner, Bold Construction
“I would say almost every client who comes in the door right now wants help throughout the house, but with a focus on refreshing the kitchen and bathrooms, because that is where we spend a lot of time.” – Cat French, founder, Catherine French Design
“People are working, exercising, cooking, studying and eating at home, and kitchens have become the center of family life. Homeowners want to make the time they spend at home more enjoyable and relaxing by improving the layout of their kitchens and bathrooms and making additions to their homes.” – Jeamilette Marcano and Lisa Wells, designers, Cederberg Kitchens and Renovations
“More and more clients are turning extra bedrooms, formal dining rooms and unfinished spaces into offices. I see this trend slowing down eventually but not anytime soon. It’s also a good place for homeowners to keep their general housekeeping records (bills, mail, appliance/tool manuals, etc.). Those things used to be kept in a drawer in the kitchen, so now there’s a more formal place for it to live.” – Kaylor Russell, senior designer, Kitchen & Bath Galleries
Every space needs a little color.
“Greens and pinks are supposed to be big this year for interior paint (according to Sherwin Williams), while cabinet finishes are trending toward darker paint colors: navy, charcoal, tobacco. Bold wallpaper is still trending from its rise over the past couple of years.” – Megan Cone, project design manager, Bold Construction
“Pantone went bold this year and didn’t follow much of the anticipated and projected color trends. I don’t see [the Pantone color of the year] Very Peri being significant in home decor this year; maybe a toned down, more muted version. But you never know … ” – Christy O’Hara, lead designer, Steel Roots Home Decor
“Greens are trending more, rust tones are coming back – imagine sunset in the Appalachian Mountains: blues, greens, orangey-peach accents. It just seems like the rooms that are all gray are starting to come to us and ask for color, and clients ask, ‘How can I get more color into my home, how can I make it feel happier or warmer or more cheerful?’” – Cat French
“Regarding cabinet paint colors, cool gray has been on the way out for a little bit and warm greige colors are in. Clients are also playing around with more vibrant colors for their islands, bathrooms, mudrooms and laundry rooms. Bright greens and blues seem to be everywhere right now.” – Kaylor Russell
“Very Peri is nice and fresh! I think it would make a great accent color, and feel bright and clean.” – Pearl Arnold, co-founder and principal designer, Triple Aught Design + Build
Personalize the most used room in a home: your kitchen.
“I don’t think white kitchens are going to go away, but we are definitely seeing more warmer wood tones or maybe an accent color on the island. There’s also a lot of natural, organic elements coming forward with texture, like a rattan bar stool or unique pendants overhead.” – Cat French
“Quartz will always be a good option for the client who wants the white marble look but doesn’t want to worry about stains. We are seeing more and more clients going with quartzite counters. It tends to be a little pricer than quartz, but you get the depth and look of marble with the durability of granite.” – Kaylor Russell
“My personal favorite is a kitchen with two dishwashers. Trust me, having two dishwashers is brilliant. Even when I don’t have enough dishes to fill
both, I use the empty one to dry dishes rather than have them on the counter.” – Christy O’Hara
“We’re seeing a continuation of large islands for gathering, with folks doubling up on appliances (dishwashers, double ovens, large cooktops, etc.) for entertaining. I’m seeing more and more interest in kegerators, large beverage/wine fridges and outdoor appliances.” – Megan Cone
Lighting is always a bright idea.
“Lighting is the jewelry of the home. Unfortunately, it is often overlooked. I like lighting with organic accents – it brings depth and texture into a space.” – Christy O’Hara
“Layering lights creates drama and a cozier feel to any space. For example, don’t rely strictly on recessed cans for illumination. Use a combination of minimal recessed lighting, lamps, sconces and other softer lights to create mood.” – Rebecca Johnson, partner, Will Johnson Building Company
“The biggest complaint I hear from clients about their existing kitchen is that they have horrible lighting. With dimmable lights, they have control over how it feels in the kitchen at different parts of the day. There are also dimmable lights where you can change the color from warm to cool, which is a great feature to have. I’m seeing more rattan lighting fixtures because it breaks up the combination of shiny appliances and adds texture to painted kitchens.”
– Kaylor Russell
“Woven and bohemian lighting is trending up. [There is] lots more interest in ‘casual’ fixtures that bring in an added warmth and texture. Previous trends of geometric fixtures are hanging around, too, but leaning more monochromatic – highlighting the angles, rather than the finishes.” – Megan Cone
Connect your interiors with the outdoors.
“Clients are asking for more windows and sliding doors to create that indoor/outdoor connection, but what has really been interesting is that people are now actually willing to reduce square footage rather than sacrifice natural light.” – Cat French
“We are currently working on a project where we added a skylight to a kitchen to bring in more natural light, and it really helped open up the space by making the ceilings seem higher. Even though we didn’t increase the square footage of the home, it feels larger.” – Jeamilette Marcano and Lisa Wells
“Clients are still looking to maximize their living space by expanding into the outdoors. Extended patios, fire pits and privacy screening continue to be popular, and many are asking about swimming pools and outdoor kitchens. I’ve also seen a renewed focus on native plants and pollinators as well as upping curb appeal. Clients want to ensure their front yard is just as inviting as the back.” – Amy Strunk, landscape designer, Amy Strunk Designs
“Nearly all of our custom homes now have what I like to call a ‘backyard oasis.’ We are doing large foldaway doors to enjoy indoor/outdoor living. Outside, we see larger screened porches and covered areas, use of phantom screens, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, hot tubs, swimming pools and outdoor kitchens. I think this trend is here to stay, as I believe people are gaining a better appreciation for truly enjoying their homes and nature.” – Chris Ehrenfeld
Trend-proof tips for every space:
“We believe that the overall everyday look and feel of an open concept will always be in style. Open spaces make a room feel larger, are more comfortable and allow for entertaining more people. By removing some walls, you can open up the space, making the room more open and seem larger, too.” – Jeamilette Marcano and Lisa Wells
“We can do a lot with synthetic materials, but there is something about natural materials that always brings warmth to a space. [Think] cedar shake shingles, bluestone, natural stone tile (like marbles and limestones) and reclaimed wood.” – Rebecca Johnson
“Our goal is for a project to retain its quality and style for 30- to 50-plus years, without ever looking worn and dated. My tried-and-true finishes are polished chrome, steel, wood and stone. Simplicity is always best!” – Pearl Arnold
“Ultimately my question to clients is simple: What resonates with them? If it’s that fun sculptural pendant that makes them happy every time they see it, then I say go for it, because that is ultimately what design is about: helping people create spaces that best support how they want to feel.” – Cat French
