6 Trends Designers Can’t Wait to Say Goodbye to in 2022

The Farmhouse Feel

When you think of farmhouse decor, do you automatically picture shiplap? 'Live laugh love’ signs? Vintage animal prints on everything from wallpaper to salt shakers? While there is a bit of southern charm in this design style, the majority of homeowners and designers alike are ready to move in from it.

“I understand the attraction of farmhouse style: white walls, light woods, and neutral rugs and textiles can create a peaceful space,” says Annie Elliot of Annie Elliott Design. “But without enough visual interest, peaceful can become boring. If you just can't let go of the farmhouse look, I urge you to infuse it with some personality. Statement art, a rug with a dramatic pattern, or fabulous pillows in interesting colors
will update the farmhouse style nicely—and give it some staying power.”

White on White

While there is minimalist beauty with white walls, white cabinets, white countertops, etc. some designers say this trend is going out in 2022. Instead, people are leaning toward a bit of statement color, contrast, and striking elements that bring about a more maximalist style.

"White walls are timeless, but once you add white cabinets, white furniture, white accessories, and more, the interior of your home begins to look and feel uninviting,” says Emily Spanos of Emily June Designs. “Weaving in bursts of color and doses of warmth creates a home that feels far [cozier] and inviting!”

The same goes for all-white kitchens. While these were all the rage over the past few years, designers share that they’re taking a major dip in popularity.

“For the past few years, we’ve seen everyone and their mother paint their kitchens, cabinets, and countertops a stark white to create a bright and modern look. Yes, it was great at first, but lately this trend has become overdone,” shares Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy. “Instead, homeowners are beginning to lean toward kitchens with warmth and personality. Bold and moody accents are in, along with more nature-inspired pieces. Out with white and playing it safe, and in with colors and taking risks!”

Minimalist Style

It’s not just ‘all white’—the minimalist trend is fading in popularity overall. Gone is the ‘less is more’ ideal; instead, designers are seeing a shift to timeless decor, grand art, and statement furniture over the simplistic elements.

“Minimalism and mid-century everything [is] being replaced with a trend towards more 80s and 90s inspired looks, maximalism, and more traditional styles—à la the ‘grandmillennial’ look,” shares Stephanie Purzycki, Co-Founder and CEO of The Finish.

“There’s still a place for mid-century and minimalism and there always will be because it’s a classic style in its own right, but it’s no longer the center of the style at home. Instead of everything in your home being mid-century and minimalist, now it’s mixed with more traditional pieces as sort of a counterpoint to some of the more traditional and maximalist styles we’re seeing.”

Is the ‘bold’ here to stay? Only time will tell. All designers know is that ‘more is more’ is starting to sound a lot more appealing.

Harsh Lines & Layouts

One of the bigger trends for the new year is round, organic shapes (in both design and decor) or statement pieces that provide a strong, yet gentler feel.

As we’re constantly overstimulated—think social media, electronic devices, work-and-school-from-home, etc.—styles that are a bit less ‘harsh’ can help our homes feel safe.

“Hard, strict lines and layouts will soon go away and be left in 2021,” shares Channa Alvarez, Interior Designer at Living Spaces. “Instead, round, organic shapes to soften the design will be big in 2022. Furniture like poufs and coffee tables without hard corners will be more popular to bring a softness into the space.”

In addition, some of the bold and fast trends we've seen lately are anticipated to dip in popularity, too.

"I cannot wait to say goodbye to dramatic materials like heavily veined marble or quartz, or terrazzo,” shares Kaitlin Kingrey, Senior Interior Designer at M+A Architects. “[These materials] came in fast and strong, and quickly oversaturated the market. [They] are visually dominating and a costly investment—making bold statements and dictating the design of a space.”

Instead, she hopes that as we shift into 2022 and beyond, we feel soothed and safe through subtle and less rigid design. 

Boho Style & Open-Concept Spaces

There’s something to be said for boho style: whites, creams, fuzzy blankets, plants, and an overall comfy aesthetic—what’s not to love? But as we head into 2022, some designers are kind of over it.

“After a year [plus] of living life in yoga pants and ponytails, I think people are ready to feel ‘put-together’ again,” shares Amanda Thompson of ALine Studio. “Same goes for their homes. I think come 2022, more refined and structured interiors are going to be the thing. [It’s] time to polish up!" 

With this perspective comes a shift away from the ‘flow’ style—all areas of the house seamlessly leading into one another, open concept floor plans, and open shelving—in order to feel a bit more sophisticated.

“One of the trends I am most looking forward to saying goodbye to in 2022 is open kitchen shelving,” shares Ryan Jones, Founder of Land of Rugs. “Sure, it looks great, and on the face of it, it seems incredibly easy to maintain. The reality of this is that just isn’t the case, at all. It takes a lot of work to keep the items on the shelves looking great, and you have to ensure you are constantly dusting as well. It is a lot more effort than it is worth, quite frankly.”

Neutral Outdoor Areas

As far as the exterior of your house goes, there are some shifts there, too. Namely, a swap from neutral tones for furniture, throw pillows, and plants that's more colorful and inviting.

“The grey and stainless steel look that's dominated the past few years, from kitchens to patio furniture, is finally on the way out,” shares Chris Campbell of The Charming Bench Company. “We [are] look[ing] forward to bright primary and jewel tones. Something that perks up the mood a bit. Unpretentious and comforting.”

He also shares the desire for plants in all outdoor spaces, from the deck to the porch swing, window to the patio. “A reassuring indoors to outdoors flow of design that is a great reflection of a greener environmental mood going into the future.”