Design trends to watch out for in 2022

Formal spaces will now have to be flexible in function to cater to the new normal.

There is much anticipation once again for the styles and trends that will define the upcoming year.

While limitations set by the COVID-19 pandemic will still be probably felt in the industry, new events in the local scene may also influence our preferences in the near future. Without further ado, here are the trends that are predicted to shape our 2022.

Rise of Scandinavian design

Ikea, the European brand that popularized ready-to-assemble furniture, has already opened its first store in the Philippines. The online buzz and widespread excitement of Filipinos over this international brand’s grand opening foretell the possible spread of Scandinavian design in our spaces.

The brand’s penchant for modern and white design definitely provides a refreshing take on minimalism. Ikea’s offerings provide a clean, easy-to-assemble setup that satisfy both budget-minded and design-conscious consumers. It can be expected that many Filipino homes and businesses will feature Ikea pieces in the near future.

The October Mist 1495 was chosen by Benjamin Moore as their 2022 Color of the Year.

Personalization through technology

With our country still reeling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless technology remains in-demand especially in the hospitality industry.

While technology such as sensor switches, temperature control and smart home features are anything but new, its introduction in domestic and public spaces definitely help put a lot of us at ease. Besides limiting the spread of pathogens, these high-tech elements allow us to modify the environment to suit our comfort levels. As the world continues to function in the new normal, it is reasonable to assume that contactless technology would remain sought after in both private and public spaces.

Outdoor-indoor spaces will be in-demand in 2022.

Indoor-outdoor spaces

Because of the numerous quarantines enforced during the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us rarely got to go out and enjoy the outdoors. This has led to a sudden demand for urban gardens, resort-inspired spaces and open air areas.

This resurgence for nature-inspired spaces will no doubt remain prevalent in 2022, as we continue to seek healthy environments to work and live in. People can expect the division between enclosed and outdoor spaces to become blurred in the homes of the future. Moreover, outdoor spaces such as verandas, patios and backyards are gradually becoming the selling points of many new homes today.

Biophilic or nature-inspired interiors will remain desirable.

Marriage of flexibility and formality

In the past, many upscale homes feature rooms which were primarily used for special occasions only. With the rise of the work-from-home setup, a lot of these spaces were transformed to accommodate the daily activities of family members at home. In the words of American interior designer Tammy Connor, this has resulted in a “reimagined and utilitarian approach to designing formal spaces” (Veranda, 2021).

Today, spaces such as living rooms, dining rooms and entry foyers are designed to become more inviting and flexible. While these spaces are still set to cater to visitors, many of these feature practical elements such as hygiene stations, movable furniture and open spaces to accommodate various activities. More durable and vibrant furniture are also replacing old, stuffy elements to present a more relaxed interior.

Social media worthy venues

Tiktok and Instagram, the dominating social media platforms of today, have made picturesque spaces a primary factor in hospitality design. As we slowly resume activities in leisure and dining venues, many of us now look for picture-worthy spaces we can share to our followers and friends online. While international destinations used to wow bigtime in the past, local destinations have risen to the challenge to cater to the wants of the new generation. The rise of unique and creative spaces will definitely continue on as many establishments open their doors in the new normal era.

Sustainable and eco-centric design

Amid all the new trends, sustainable and eco-friendly architecture will most probably remain at the forefront of the industry. With many clients leaning toward practical yet responsive design, the need to source materials locally, respect natural features, and offer healthy environments will continue to be a priority for many clients. Beyond offering nature-inspired interiors and landscaping, this feature will require designers to create timeless spaces that will promote well-being. Eco-townships, integrated communities and mixed-use complexes will help cater to this demand on a large scale level.

A bright, green year ahead

With vaccinations successfully distributed and COVID-19 cases dropping this year, we have many reasons to look forward to 2022.

In the field of architecture and design, this glimmer of hope will most probably reflected in our choice of colors, themes and even furniture. In fact, major color brands have announced early the choice color for 2022 which, while varies, point to one main hue. With Benjamin Moore picking October Mist 1495 and Sherwin-Williams announcing Evergreen Fog as the color of the year, green is set to define the new year.

Coincidentally, the chosen shades exude subtleness, calmness and strength. They fittingly represent what we need nowadays–a relaxed space where we can begin life again in the new normal.

Sources:

www.watg.com, www.veranda.com, www.forbes.com, www.sherwin-williams.com, www.benjaminmoore.com, Ben Mack, Valeria Boltneva, and Vecislavas Popa via Pexels.com