Looking Back at a Year of Bold, Grounded, and Creative Home Style
2022 was a year where home truly became a haven. As the world adjusted to hybrid lifestyles, interior design responded with bold self-expression, organic textures, and spaces that could shift from work to rest with ease. The trends weren’t just about looks—they were about how we live.
Let’s take a look at the decor movements that made 2022 a standout year in design.
Bold Colors Took Center Stage
Neutral tones had their moment, but in 2022, color came back with confidence. Think deep emerald, rich terracotta, mustard yellow, and even vibrant cobalt blue. These shades brought energy and personality to everything from accent walls to kitchen cabinets.
Curious about soft tones too? Take a look at our guide to Pastel Interior Design for a calming contrast.
Paint brands like Benjamin Moore chose bold hues like October Mist and Wild Flower as colors of the year, proving that personality was back in full swing.
Biophilic Design Made Homes Feel Alive
Bringing the outdoors in was a key theme of 2022. Biophilic design—using natural materials, indoor plants, and daylight-focused layouts—became essential. It wasn’t just about looks; studies showed it could improve mood, reduce stress, and support better focus at home.
Wood accents, linen textiles, stone finishes, and greenery transformed even small spaces into calming sanctuaries.
Explore more on this trend in our post on Using Natural Materials in Home Decor.
Multifunctional Spaces Became the New Standard
With work-from-home still in full swing for many, 2022 demanded smart space usage. Kitchen islands became office desks, and living rooms turned into workout zones. Fold-away furniture, modular sofas, and clever storage were all the rage.
Brands like IKEA leaned into this with collections focused on flexibility and small-space innovation.
See our favorite ideas in Top Kitchen Interior Design Tips, where layout meets lifestyle.
Vintage and Retro Came Roaring Back
2022 was also the year of the throwback. Mid-century modern, 70s curves, and even bold 90s patterns reemerged—but with a fresh, edited take. Mixing vintage finds with modern pieces became a popular way to give spaces depth and character.
Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and platforms like Chairish became go-to sources for stylish, secondhand gems.
Be faithful to your own taste, because nothing you really like is ever out of style.
Billy Baldwin
2022 Was the Year of Personal Expression
More than anything, 2022 was a year where design became personal. It was about creating a space that supported your rhythm, reflected your values, and sparked joy.
From earthy color palettes to retro revivals and everything in between, the trends of 2022 gave us permission to decorate our lives, not just our homes.
