Top home decor trends in 2022

Warm neutrals like brown and calming shades of green are expected to be in demand this year. Photo: Spacejoy/Unsplash

We can all agree that Covid-19 has upended lives, livelihoods and the way we live and work since it first hit us two years ago.

Millions of people worked – with many still working – from home, a place which is also being used by children as their classroom and recreational space.

And with people cooking more, both for themselves as well as for home-cook businesses, the kitchen and dining table have never been more well-utilised.

Being at home so much has also led to the need to create comfortable living spaces, along with the necessity for private corners.

As people have not been able to spend on holidays, some are more willing to divert their money towards enhancing their home interiors.

Materials that will be well-received this year include marble and wood, plus textured surfaces. Photo: Jesse Bridgewater/Pixabay

However, Edric Choo, director and principal of O2 Design Atelier, feels that extravagant and costly designs will less likely be felt this year.

“Affordable designs with good effects and that use less materials, open layouts and flexible plans will be popular this year,” said Choo.

The pandemic has also led many people to reflect on how they live – one part of that involves making as little impact on the environment as possible.

All these factors will play a role in influencing home decor styles this year.

As we look forward to a 2022 that’s hopefully going to return to some normalcy, let’s check out what kinds of interiors will abound this year.

Green hues are expected to make their presence felt as the colour is linked to biophilic design. Photo: Epic 8 Design

Shades of calm

The US-based Pantone Color Institute, which forecasts global colour trends, has declared periwinkle blue as the 2022 Colour of the Year.

Called “Very Peri”, the new, calming shade has a violet-red undertone and is described as having a “sprightly, joyous attitude and dynamic presence” that blends easily with other hues and makes a great accent colour, as reported in the South China Morning Post.

As a whole, warm neutrals like brown and calming shades of green are expected to be in demand this year as people continue to gravitate towards cosy, calming homes to return to amidst the external chaos.

“Designing a space with a soothing and calm colour mood usually works well for most people. Creating a room which feels like a warm hug is awesome! Shades of brown are going to be popular, as they create a more neutral effect and reflect natural timber,” said Teh Wan Yan, founder and creative director of Epic 8 Design.

Greys with soft, brown undertones that offer an earthy feel will also be sought-after.

Bright colours like orange or yellow add cheer and personality to the space. Photo: vanitjan/Freepik

Green hues are equally expected to make their presence felt as the colour is linked to biophilic design and a connection to nature, which is what people will continue to pursue this year.

In addition, the use of bright or bold colours like orange, yellow or red as accent pieces or colours will be popular as people seek to add cheer to the present situation.

Nature and sustainability

A key practice this year will involve people placing increasing emphasis on having plants in their homes. A green and calm surrounding can offer solace amidst the challenging times.

There will also be a push towards biophilic design, which is about connecting people in a building more closely to nature.

“Biophilia is our love towards nature and life. The benefits of nature in improving our health, well-being and productivity are well established,” said Teh.

Choo said that people are becoming more aware of the benefits of a dwelling that’s closer to nature with landscaping, or natural lighting and ventilation.

The idea of bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out has been an important design aspect for a while, says Choo. Photo: O2 Design Atelier

“The modernist idea of bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out, and the blurring of boundaries has been an important design aspect for a while.

“Indoor plants, coupled with natural lighting and ventilation, will definitely bring people a step closer to nature and experience the beauty of existence, while reducing energy consumption and promoting healthy living,” he added.

Choo said adopting a sustainable approach in design thinking and architecture will help give back to Mother Earth by consuming less energy and using natural resources.

Multifunctional approach

The pandemic has also influenced people on the different ways of utilising a particular space or furniture.

“Now that our homes have become the place where we work, study, cook, sleep, and socialise, multiplying our space would be a new trend, I believe,” said Teh, an architectural and interior designer.

Choo said the pandemic has made home owners experience working in a space that’s away from their conventional office.

A key trend this year will see more plants and greenery placed in homes to create a sense of calm and connection to nature. Photo: O2 Design Atelier

“This has made home owners rethink their space at home and wanting it to be more open to promote natural ventilation rather than being enclosed.

“It has also made them more (creative) in organising their home space into one with multifunctional uses,” said Choo.

In line with creating a warm ambience as mentioned earlier, materials that will be well-received include marble and wood, plus textured surfaces, for a more organic and natural feel.

“We may see a change towards nature-inspired material and objects, as we are spending more time indoors than before.

“Designing and creating spaces with a connection to nature will be the new trend,” said Teh.

Indoor plants, coupled with natural lighting and ventilation, will definitely bring people a step closer to nature, says Choo. Photo: O2 Design Atelier

Home office

A survey entitled “Are We Ready To Be Back In The Office?” released last October by market research company Ipsos showed that one-third (33%) of Malaysians preferred to work from home rather than return to their workplaces.

The survey also showed that Malaysians preferred to work more than half their working week, or 2.8 days, from home. Meanwhile, 32% of Malaysians were ready to return to their offices.

What’s clear is that both employers and employees have realised that it is possible to be just as productive, if not more, by working from home.

Many companies are also keen on adopting the hybrid work style, which combines a home and office work arrangement.

Thus, the home office will continue to dominate this year.

Private spaces and home offices will be popular this year as many people will still work from home. Photo: Epic 8 Design

“We may have already noticed the advantages and disadvantages of working from home, which directly impact us as well as the environment. Re-programming our working style could be a solution to all the endless traffic jams, transportation problems and pollution issues that we are experiencing.

“Rethinking our work space and pattern and creating a more flexible hybrid work environment may, in turn, increase our productivity level, create a healthier lifestyle and save the planet too,” said Teh.

With the continued popularity of home offices, expect to see more unique work spaces and furniture that are both functional and pleasing to the eye.

Space-saving retractable tables, height-adjustable desks as well as good, ergonomic office chairs will be much sought-after.

People are also expected to be more willing to spend on quality pieces as they understand the long-term health benefits of good office furniture.

In addition, the focus will also be on making conscious efforts to opt for sustainably made and longer-lasting pieces (to reduce wastage), to be more environmentally friendly.