by Blake Herzog
A new year has arrived and Americans are adding more comfort and whimsy to their homes, as our longtime love affair with minimalism continues to cool off.
But just as we’re looking to fill in some blank spaces the supply chain has slowed to a crawl, leaving us unsure exactly when we’re going to be able to fill out our vision.
Patience is still a virtue and anticipation can be half the fun of making over our homes, but many of us want to see and enjoy the results of our planning as soon as possible. Here are some of the hottest home design trends for 2022, listed in order of their vulnerability to shipping delays and other effects of the shipping bottleneck.
Sustainable furnishings
This trend has been accelerating for several years now, but this could be its time to hit the stratosphere. Along with all the other environmental advantages of used and locally sourced furniture, their local availability exempts them from needing to squeeze through the port of Los Angeles or other equally overtaxed gateways. Hit all the thrift and consignment stores in town, and if you find something you like that’s not quite up to your standard, make it a DIY project!
Biophilic design
Incorporating plants into your home design is going to be huge, in tandem with the color green. Infuse your abode with actual greenery by adding plant shelves and walls, attention-grabbing hanging planters and even turning your humid bathroom into a sanctuary for you and your plants. Their availability rests largely on the kind of plants you choose; more exotic specimens could be considerably harder to find and orders may take a while to be filled.
Texture
Another step toward maximalism that’s being embraced is texturing, whether it’s being done with plaster on the walls, rugs on the floor, or blankets on sofas, beds, or anywhere else they can go. Coziness is king with furry or nubby textiles along with anything with fringe or other throwback embellishments. This trend’s dependence on well-established styles is a boon for availability, but some larger objects like rugs and construction materials, if needed, could get dicey.
Curved lines
Another newly embraced design element for architecture and furniture is going with curved shapes and lines where we’ve come to expect straight surfaces and 90 or 180-degree angles. There’s new demand for rounded corners and wavy surfaces built into sofas and tables, counters and even on walls, either new or existing. Since this trend is relatively new and involves larger furnishings or rounding off corners in a house, this type of makeover may take longer to pull off.
Multifunctionality
As more extended families share homes and our need for a home office fluctuates over time, the limits of an open-plan home have come into focus. We’re looking for more separation between our home’s functions, as well as features that may draw guests if you see any vacation rentals in your property’s future. Remodels are subject to the state of the construction industry, but bookshelves and partitions have a similar effect.
