These 10 Design Pros Make Their 2022 Predictions
Author: Talia Hart
Updated on January 19, 2022
With a new year comes new design trends, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2022. Luckily, these Canadian designers are giving us a sneak peek at what we’ll be seeing more of (and what they’ll be avoiding) this year. From creating a more livable space with sustainable antique finds to moving away from cold white spaces, these experts give their design predictions for the year.
Scroll down to see what designers are forecasting for 2022!
Emma Reddington on Vintage Furniture
“My design prediction is that we will see the market for vintage furniture continue to grow as people seek out more unique pieces that infuse their homes with soul and set them apart from their neighbors. It’s also a more sustainable choice.”
What She’s Over:
“I think the boho look with dried florals, macramé wall hangings and desert-inspired color schemes has reached a saturation point and will fade away.”
Photographer: Sarah Elliot
Designer: Nune
Maayan Kessler on Being Adventurous With Color
“I think there will be a shift away from mostly white and neutral rooms. People are going to get more adventurous with color and start using more dynamic palettes. Greige days aren’t gone, but they are going to get a lift. I’m loving softened jewel tones in plush mohair.”
What She’s Over:
“I absolutely love antique vessels, invest in the real oldies. DO NOT fall for the reproductions from big box stores, these are going to look dated real fast. Scour Etsy or antique shows, it’s worth the hunt.”
Photographer: Lauren Miller
Designer: Maayan Kessler Design
Collective Studio on Darker Wood Tones
“The one design trend we are finally seeing catch up is darker wood tones. We are using more medium toned oak and even some walnut in a few upcoming projects. Both in millwork, furniture and floors. We love the warmth it adds, and it gives a much more traditional feel in older homes that have been renovated in a more current style. We recently did these custom chairs and are so happy with the warmth that the darker wood tone adds to the space. It gives the dining room an old world charm, and the mix of darker wood with a bold modern pattern on the chair backs feels current.”
What They’re Over:
“There are a few stand out design trends we feel are on their way out. Definitely hoping to see less shiplap, barn doors, and all white kitchens.”
Photographer: Niamh Barry
Designer: Collective Studio Interiors
Smith Erickson Designs on Creating Soothing Spaces With Neutrals & Texture
“For design trends in 2022, we see neutrals and texture playing a major role in how we design our spaces. In this crazy world, we are wanting homes to feel soothing and calm and a color scheme with soft hues and natural fibers will do just that.”
What They’re Over:
“Something that we think we will be seeing less of is stark all-white kitchens. In kitchens, we will be seeing warm woods, deep hues of color, and natural stone with movement to create drama and warmth.”
Photographer: Michelle Johnson
Designer: SmithErickson Designs
Vanessa Francis on Creating A Designated Home Office
“Creating a designated space for a home office will be key as more people are working from home. Makeshift desks and working at the dining table aren’t viable solutions as people look for more ergonomic work environments at home.”
What She’s Over:
“The farmhouse look has definitely had its day. I’m referring to rustic spaces with reclaimed wood planks on walls, for example. This was never a good idea. But I feel that vertical shiplap, which I love and some consider to be farmhouse, is definitely here for a while.”
Photographer: Stephani Buchman
Designer: Vanessa Francis Design
Myers + Philippe Design On Warm Neutrals
“The design trend that we are predicting for 2022 is warm neutrals. We’re seeing a shift from crisp whites into a much softer palette of beige, creams and sand tones. These neutrals bring comfort and give us a sense of nostalgia that we are all longing for right now.”
What They’re Over:
“A design ‘do not’ for us in 2022 is saying goodbye to monochromatic grey interiors. Although it may still have its place as an accent color, we’re no longer craving that grey on grey palette.”
Photographer: Stephani Buchman
Designer: Myers + Philippe Interior Design Inc.
Stacy Begg on Dramatic Walls & Furnishings
“My prediction for 2022 is more color, everywhere. Not only painted walls and colorful wallpaper, but color in the kitchen and bath. People taking bold leaps with bottle greens and kelly greens, both on millwork and backsplash tile. Everybody needs a little lift these days, and color is an easy way to do that. Yellow is so happy. I feel it was hot last year, and still continuing.”
What She’s Over:
“Super veiny marbles!”
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: House & Home January/February 2021
Designer: Ali Budd; Architecture by Anna Voineskos
Candace Thompson On Seeing More Wood
“I think we’re going to see a lot more wood — in our kitchens, on our walls, and in the smaller details like lighting and hardware. “
What She’s Over:
“Brass hardware, fixtures, and faucets are an easy go-to to make a space feel instantly pretty, but there are so many beautiful finishes and I hope we start to see more of a mix.”
Photographer: Ashley Capp
Source: House & Home July 2015
Designer: John Baker and Juli Daoust-Baker
Jaime Zimmerman on Unique Railings
“My prediction for new trends is seeing new materials used as railings instead of standard wood and wrought iron. I think we will see new materials like rattan or wood with unique designs.”
What She’s Over:
“I think high contrast rooms are on the way out. For example, rooms that are all black and white. I think we are leaning towards more neutral and softer tones, so still having contrast but at a more subtle level.”
Photographer: Stacey Brandford
Designer: Aránzazu González Bernardo & Michael Fohring, Odami
Montana Labelle on Hand-Made Materials
“We are seeing a move towards more hand-made materials and products in design. COVID’s impact on the supply chain and delivery timelines has required us to look at alternative options, moving away from mass produced decor and materials to more local or artisanal partners that can create something unique for the client (and often quicker). The sculptural plaster light you see hanging in this space was made by a Canadian artist, Kit King — rather than picking something from a big box store we worked with the client on something super unique that acts as a functional art piece.”
What She’s Over:
“This year, we believe we will continue to see a move away from the black and white modern home. Rather than living in a white box, we have found clients are more interested in spaces with texture, warmth and pieces that tell a story. This includes vintage furniture, textured walls and more organic color stories. We are spending so much time in our homes right now and people want that lived-in feel that creates a comforting and calming space for them and their families.”
Photographer: Lauren Miller.
Designer: Montana Labelle