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Design trends are constantly evolving. While there are design elements that last the test of time, others are emerging (or returning!) to influence how we design and decorate our homes. In this post, we'll explore the 7 hottest trends in the world of Interior Design for 2022. From new colors to materials, to improving the mood and functionality of your spaces… we'll cover them all. Let's get started!

Trend #1 – Popular Interior Paint Colors

Every year the major paint manufacturers release their color of the year. But, unlike last year, I have to wonder if they were all reading each other's minds! Each of the major brands landed on some variation of my favorite color, GREEN.

This option conveys significant mood-enhancing qualities, giving us the best of indoors and outdoors, and is heavily symbolic of growth and new opportunities. So, let's embrace it!

Here are the colors of the year from four leading paint brands.

Benjamin Moore

Let's start with Benjamin Moore. Their 2022 color of the year is October Mist.

October mist is this light calming sage green that feels like you've brought the outdoors in.

Its botanical hues provide warmth, a feeling of nature, and peace. This fits with the popular trend of using earth tones in your home's décor.

This color gives all the vibes... nurturing, expressive, yet playful. Its versatility gives way to opportunities to personalize and renew your space in a way that is perfectly... you!

Sherwin Williams

Next up, we have Sherwin Williams' color of the year, Evergreen Fog!

They describe their choice as a soothing, subtle shade meant to freshen up any space.

For me, Evergreen Fog is a gray-green mix, which screams earth tone. While it's an earth tone, it still adds a layer of sophistication to any décor.

If you've been wanting a fresh start, or at least the ability to create that vibe in your home, this is the choice for you. Do you hear it calling your name?!

Behr

Now, let's explore Behr. They are presenting Breezeway as their color of the year. Like Calgon, I want this color to take me away!

They describe Breezeway as a color that evokes peace while representing the desire to move forward and discover newfound passions.

I'm not sure about you, but this color is definitely bright and cheerful. It leaves me longing for those warm sunny days and adventures to the beach. Seeking harmony and tranquility? Look no further; you've found the one!

Valspar

Finally, let's take a look at Valspar's color of the year - Blanched Thyme.

Here we have another nature-inspired sage green color. They tout it as a green shade that promotes a space that is grounding, inside and out.

For me, this shade is undoubtedly a warm, calming choice, that will make for a great accent color.

If you have an area at home (or would like to create one!) to refocus your headspace, complete a workout, manage work projects, etc., this may be the color for you. Happy painting!

Trend #2 – Exterior Paint Colors

Now, hang tight, we can't move on just yet. Let's stick with paint colors for another beat because I have to mention this growing trend.

No longer should you be afraid of the dark... Black exterior paint color is now mainstream! For the past few years, I've been watching this trend, and I have been loving it.

At one point in the Interior Design world, we were so inundated with the white farmhouse color. Those days are out. People are seemingly excited to move in a totally different direction. Risky and bold is IN!

Black is a great neutral color option and creates an amazing contrast with other materials and textures. It's essentially like our new little black dress of 2022...but for our house (wink!).

The color blends into the landscape nicely while still offering up a cozy welcoming vibe. Honestly, the black exterior offers up a little defiance for me, and I love it.

Trend #3 – The Murphy Bed

Two years ago, at the start of the pandemic, we were all forced indoors. People were forced to quickly create multi-purpose rooms to include small offices.

Here in 2022, many of us are still working remotely. So, making intentional choices when you approach your renovation projects is critical. The layout and function of your most-used spaces should be optimized for multi-purpose usage.

One of the most popular spaces to add a small office has become our bedrooms. So, people are turning to space-saving solutions to easily merge these two spaces.

You remember the Murphy bed, don't you? It's also known as a wall bed. Murphy beds are mechanically designed to easily pull up and down without too much heavy lifting.

When not in use, it's placed in an upright position and barely noticeable. When it's time for bed, you pull a normal size bed down and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Unlike yesteryear, homeowners are surrounding the beds with bookcases that house books, plants, and other accessories.

Combined, these all help make the Murphy bed become almost invisible when it is vertically against the wall.

There are a variety of pre-built options at local furniture retailers, or this bed makes for a great DIY option if you're up to it! Overall, Murphy beds help us to create a highly functional and efficient space. They have my endorsement!

Trend #4 – Black Accents on Windows and Doors

I told you... the new Interior Design's black dress, right!? The Black matte paint color can be found throughout homes today. It's on our furniture, lighting, and accessories.

When the black paint shows up on our window frames and doors, it makes a huge impact. It creates a defined focal point and an appearance of clean décor.

Take a look, the black trim around the windows offers a lovely contrast to the paint colors surrounding them. Its simple, timeless, and elegant.

Still not convinced? Because the look is so beautiful, you may even opt out of window treatments which will save you a few dollars. Hello, sunlight!

Black door frames offer the same impact as the windows.

The bonus?! If your doors are the standard white, you'll find that it's very easy to paint them out black.

If you are interested in a low-cost option to achieve timeless décor with designer's flare, get started here! Black windows and doors will be here for a while.

Trend #5 – Light Wood Cabinets and Floors

While designers and architects have leaned toward lighter wood materials for years, this trend is becoming hot in homes across the country.

People remain invested in creating spaces that are comfortable, warm, and inviting. So, it's no surprise that the light wood colors are what's happening in 2022.

Because of their light color, the wood grains are quite visible, which highlights the inherent beauty of the flooring material.

This look is also very versatile. It tends to blend seamlessly with other earth tones but also warms up cool colors as well.

Do you know how I am always talking about lighting? Well, light wood flooring helps achieve a brighter and more airy space. It's also a "Neat Nancy's" dream. The light color helps to camouflage dust, pet hair, and dirt in a way that darker colors cannot.

White Oak, Light Hickory, and White Maple are just a few of the most popular wood colors these days. Get started and take your pick!

Trend #6 – Boho Chic/Ethnic Décor

The push to support 'Small Businesses' throughout the country has aided in the continued rise of the Boho Chic craze.

More and more people are taking home more unique, artisan quality décor that introduces color and life into the home. The key to getting this design style just right is a blend of old and new decorative items.

Small shops tend to offer beautifully hand-crafted décor items that speak to their culture and traditions.

If you'd like to go this route, consider using a mixture of natural materials, leather, bold or contrasting color palettes, textiles, and remember...natural wood is a MUST!

This vintage meets chic approach is often inclusive of ethnic design elements that are very aesthetically pleasing. Undoubtedly crafted with passion and love, these colorful, textural, symbolic accessories enhance the eclectic boho ethnic décor while creating interest everywhere you look.

Add something unique to your décor. And remember to support the small businesses in your community!

Trend #7 – Indoor Plants

Who would have guessed it? One of my other home design favorites is trending everywhere... Plants!

This trend took off in 2020 and will continue to grow in 2022.

In the world of design, many plants add an architectural presence to the home's décor.

Their bright colors, broad leaves, and organic shapes add unique elemental interest.

Plants also serve to bring nature indoors.

And for many who don't get to spend a lot of time outside, this helps them stay connected to nature.

For many people, plants also give them a reason to care for something else.

Caring for the plants is therapeutic and is used to help reduce stress.

Oh, and did I mention that they clean the air by absorbing toxins!

From someone who loves plants, whether you want to create a mini indoor jungle or just a desk plant, go pick one up today. You will experience the feeling of joy they'll bring into your home

And... that’s it!

Homes that depict luxury and taste aren't just for showrooms anymore. People are paying attention to ways to incorporate natural beauty, functionality, and timeless décor in their own spaces.

If you haven't already checked it out, go watch the full video to be inspired to incorporate as many of these trends as your heart (and wallet!) desires. While you're there, don't forget to hit that Subscribe button!

Happy decorating!

2022 Interior Design Trends of the Year