When you're considering a style makeover in your home, it always helps to know what looks are coming into fashion - after all, most of us don't have the time or budget to redecorate again and again, so we want to avoid committing to any trends that are on their way out.
One of the best ways to ensure that any decor makeover stays on-trend until you're ready for a change is to study emerging trends - the looks that are steadily growing in popularity but still have a way to go before they peak.
If you're planning on revamping your interiors in 2022, here are the trends you'll want to bear in mind before you pick up a paintbrush or click 'buy' on that big furniture purchase. Read on for style inspiration - and don't miss our guide to the key colours of 2022 for even more style inspo!
And why not get a head start on the interior design trends for 2023?
2022 decor trends - the interior styles to watch
Curves are back
Straight lines and brisk angles have been all the rage lately, a trend encapsulated by the rise of Japandi style. However, in the year ahead prepare to see more rounded shapes, reminiscent of mid-century modern chairs, tables, and sideboards.
Rounded shapes are an attractive choice for homeowners for both aesthetic and practical reasons, says Emma Cowburn, a kitchen designer for Harvey Jones. 'Softer forms are alluring and appealing because they exude luxury and sophistication. They are also more ergonomic and feel more natural to use, whilst aesthetically every view is taken care of, rather than creating abrupt stops.'
The curve comeback won't be restricted to living room furniture, either. 'Rounded corners will be particularly popular in kitchen islands,' Cowburn predicts, as well as in dining rooms and kitchen-diners - 'a curved seating area is more sociable,' she explains.
Royalcore reigns supreme
The popularity of lavish TV period dramas like Bridgerton and The Crown has unleashed a wave of enthusiasm for the ornate decor seen in the palaces and stately homes historically occupied by the aristocracy.
This trend first emerged on social media, where it was soon christened 'royalcore'. However, this aesthetic is a broad umbrella that can include anything from elements of medieval fantasy to light and airy Georgian neoclassical style to the imposing Gothic opulence of Victorian manors.
In its fullest incarnation, Royalcore is not a scheme for the faint of heart, but you can draw inspiration from the look without trying to transform a two-bed semi into Windsor Castle. Experiment with elements that appeal to you - whether that's fine china, rococo or baroque-style furniture with plenty of flourishes, claw-foot bathtubs or even a four-poster bed
Authenticity is king
Going hand in hand with rising consumer interest in sustainability is a thirst for authenticity in the home - that is, opting for decor that is handmade using natural materials, and preferably produced by an individual maker or small company over a large corporate chain.
'One of the main trends for 2022 is authenticity,' says Lorena Williams, head of product design and visual creation at Amtico. 'People are looking for elements of craftsmanship and heritage in their products.'
Not only is buying from small-scale makers using sustainable materials often the more eco-friendly choice, it also brings a human touch and element of personalisation to your decor - when you opt for handmade products, you know that your purchase will be unique.
The increasing value placed on authenticity is good news for unfussy decor styles that showcase natural, rustic materials - not only is the ever-popular Scandi style likely to remain in vogue, we're also likely to see a rising interest in boho and coastal schemes.
Velvet revolution
A side effect of the current 1970s style revival, velvet furnishings are suddenly everywhere - and we couldn't be happier. Textured fabrics were a huge part of 1970s style, for better or worse - stubborn textured wallpaper has long been the bane of new homeowners - but luckily, the old favourites now enjoying a comeback have undergone a stylish modern makeover.
Velvet fell out of favour when minimalist decor was dominating our social media feeds, with its emphasis on subtle colours and simple fabrics. But now that bright colours and luxurious textures are roaring back into fashion on a tide of maximalism, velvet is back where it belongs - at the top of our style wishlist!
So, where should you start? 'When looking to add a touch of velvet elegance to your home, consider what other fabrics that item will be paired with,' says Rachel Epstein, design specialist and creative director of CARME Home. 'Velvet accent chairs, headboards, cushions or stools are a great place to start experimenting with this luxurious material.'
Check out our round-up of the loveliest velvet furniture on the market to get started!
Grow up with vertical gardens
If you enjoy browsing home decor trends on Instagram or TikTok, you'll probably have seen that space-saving urban gardening ideas are all the rage - and none more so that the vertical garden.
The ideal solution if you're working with a compact garden, patio or balcony, a vertical garden allows you to make the most of your space by using vertically stacked planters or climbing plants that naturally grow upwards. When it comes to the types of flowers and plants you can use in a vertical garden, the sky's the limit - we love the idea of creating a mini herb garden to have on hand when cooking.
You can even create a vertical garden inside if you've no outdoor space at all, using houseplants designed to thrive indoors. Or why not create an artificial green wall using some realistic faux foliage for all the effect with none of the upkeep!
Feeling inspired? Check out our guide to the top colours of 2022 and the best kitchen trends for 2022.
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