Sustainability, Minimalism and Other Interior Design Trends from 2022 (and What to Look for in 2023)
By Elliman Insider Team | Published on December 22, 2022
Photo by Taran Wilkhu, courtesy of Accouter Design.
With 2022 coming to a close, we called on the experts at the award-winning design studio Accouter to run down the standout interior design trends from the past year—and what trends to look for in the year to come. The London-based studio provides interiors for global real estate clients of Knight Frank Residential, the UK-based international partner of Douglas Elliman.
What were some of the most popular, designer-approved interior trends in 2022?
2022 was all about form, texture and sustainability. Biophilic design has been a significant trend, presenting natural raw materials to draw inspiration and embody the beauty and sustainability of nature. With so many now understanding the importance of designing your home for well-being, biophilic interiors focus on incorporating daylight, organic materials and nature, which have been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep and evoke a positive atmosphere.
Minimalism has also been prevalent in 2022. “Less is more” has been the guiding principle, with organic shapes, textures and contrasting surfaces that make spaces look curated and totally considered.
What makes these trends special?
Sustainability is very special as we are being increasingly mindful of the world around us and the environment we live in, so are now so much more aware of what we design and how it impacts well-being and nature.
Biophilic design is significant as interior design and well-being are inextricably linked. Home should be a refuge, somewhere to relax after a stressful day or a private space to reflect. Scientists have undertaken studies on this topic and found that specific colors, accessories and trends can evoke people’s positive and negative emotional responses.
When it comes to minimalism, keeping it simple with clean lines is a very powerful way to design. Sometimes a design feels louder when pared back with key statement pieces
Are any of these trends timeless, or re-creations of trends from decades past?
We believe trends are a sign of the times. Humans are very good at re-inventing ourselves, so it is inevitable that design is sourced from history. When it comes to technology, interior design trends are a most definitely a sign of the times, with many of our clients now opting for large televisions that double up as a statement wall art piece.
Was there a controversial trend from this past year that polarized designers into “pro” and “con” camps? What makes it controversial?
The color of the year often divides design, and there are always those who are influenced by those changing trends and those that prefer a more consistent color palette for their interiors. The round cushion, which we saw a lot this year, has been controversial among designers, with many preferring the traditional straight edge cushions that conform to the clean lines of a design scheme.
What trend do you hope we can close the book on with 2022—and what would you like to see in its place in 2023?
We are happy to say goodbye to grey and greige interiors—they have had their moment. Gone are the days when neutral tones satisfy an interior lover’s appetite. For 2023, we want to see color—lots of color. Color is set to be back, especially warm sunset tones, such as terracotta, browns, muted blush, and golden hour vibes.
With those finer details, we hope to see more decorative and bold borders that make a statement of their own in every home. Statement and uniquely shaped rugs have also been on the rise for a few years now, but 2023 will be their time to shine.
Future-focused design will continue in a bigger way next year. We look forward to seeing “old staying new,” with people becoming more consciously sustainable, opting for heirloom hero pieces instead of new items. With vinyl sales and sound systems continuing to soar, we expect to be creating more music rooms in client’s homes, nodding to the nostalgic, retro looks that showcase those hero antique pieces to treasure.