Design trends with staying power
These 2022 style directions may be super trendy – but they also have ‘classic’ written all over them. Here are six of our picks for trendy looks that will go the distance.
CREAM OF THE CROP
It’s been all about that crisp white coastal and Scandinavian-inspired wall for more than a decade, so we’re quite ready to embrace some new neutrals. And since we’re in love with everything warm-toned right now, it stands to reason that all things beige and cream are pulling at our heart strings. Because when you’re going for awarm and inviting ambience, walls in beige or cream can feel like the cosy embrace that never stops.
IT’S ALL ABOUTWALLS
With so many of us working between our own four walls these days, it makes sense that we’re starting to see them as more than just those things that hold a house together, or a blank canvas for art. In fact, walls are becoming the art in themselves. Yes, in 2022, we’re reinventing the wall. Because with such a large surface to work with, we might as well have fun. We’re going in for detail. Everything from wallpaper to moulding to tiles to lime wash to plaster is making an appearance. It makes economical sense, too, because walls make a big impact in any room, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck with a feature wall or four.
DECORATE WITH DECO
If you love a touch of drama, this trend will have you feeling extra-excited about your new build. This 1920s-inspired de´cor trend is all about a feeling of luxury and opulence, achieved through bold geometrics and even bolder colour choices. When choosing Art Decoinspired pieces for your home, think overall clean, straight lines; triangular or trapezoidal forms; starburst shapes, furniture in streamlined and sleek shapes, black touches – and enough gold for a king or queen.
EMBRACE LIMESTONE OR TRAVERTINE
Our current love affair with all things Mediterranean, mixed with our newfound appreciation of the natural world, merges beautifully in this trend. Travertine and limestone are durable natural stones that have been used in old
world Europe for ages, so are sure to add a touch of old-world charm to your home. These natural finishes also add texture, warmth and artisanal flair to your home. These can be used in walls and flooring for maximum impact – move over, plain white walls! – or as an eye-catching accent piece, for instance a kitchen benchtop or tiled splashback.
CLUSTER LIGHTING
You can never go wrong with statement lighting, and amulti-pendant light fixture certainly ups the ante. Perfect for living rooms, especially ones with high ceilings, a cluster of pendant lights is also great for defining a space within an open-plan living area, like above a dining room table. Texture and natural finishes still reign supreme, so we’re seeing a lot of woven and basket-style pendant lights. Or echo the colours of your living room furnishings in your pendants and opt for a lighting cluster in coloured glass.
A RETURN TO TRADITION
We’re swapping straight lines for curved, minimalist for more detail, and lightweight furniture for more classic, substantial pieces. Think rolled-arm sofas and wingbacks; floral wallpaper and crochet; homes with a sense of history. Whereas we used to grab that sleek midcentury piece at the op shop, we’re now embracing our grandparents’ love of
layering patterns and coming home with the framed needlepoint art instead. If the maxim ‘less is more’ never worked for you, go full Grand Millennial style and embrace your love of pattern, florals, heirloom pieces and kitschy knick knacks, all layered together in a nostalgia triumph. If you’re not about so much detail but want a nod to traditional style, factor traditional touches like crown moulding or a statement chandelier into your build.