Design Trends 2022-23
Living spaces have always been a blend of personalities, moods, and comfort. Over the last two years, people have been confined to their interiors, looking for serenity and peace of mind during remote work.
We have seen an inclination towards an organic lifestyle in almost all aspects of life, and a similar trend is visible in curated home interiors. There is a growing demand for sustainable products, subtle color schemes, and minimalist approaches.
We asked a few designers where they could get inspiration from and what trends they see for the future.
‘Sometimes I find I start to get bored with things I’ve been seeing and creatively play with new ways of thinking about using old ideas. There’s so much out there for the everyday person to see and get inspired (and confused!) by, so I feel part of my job is to help wade through what will make sense now and into the future.’ Says Cynthia Soda from Soda Pop Design Inc.
This article will discuss the trending design styles designers focus on. Some designers follow the trends, and others focus on individual needs.
‘I don’t believe in design trends; I believe in Lifestyle Trends. Every person has a different taste. And it depends on their lifestyle.” says Ramsin Khachi from Khachi Design + Build
Walkthrough with us and discover diverse concepts that will trend for the next few years. A few trends are long-lasting, while the others may fade away depending on personal preferences.
‘I think trends come out of a collective desire for something new. A need for change. Design is ever flowing, changing, and evolving, so if we don’t change, we become stagnant, says Rebecca Hay from Rebecca Hay Designs Inc
The trending concepts in the design world can be categorized in the following :
- Scandi – Also referred to as Scandinavian design, is based on three factors: clean lines, utility, and simplicity.
- Japandi – Japandi is a hybrid that brings together Scandinavian design and Japanese aesthetics. It includes contrasting color tones, still maintaining sleek and clean lines.
- Cottage Core – The concept originated from a country living style, bridging warmth, aesthetics, and comfort. This design focuses on bringing coziness to a living space. It brings with it comfort with personal freedom.
Scandinavian design has become synonymous with modern minimalism. What makes it so unique?
Scandinavian designs refer to designs that are simple, functional, and clean. This concept has become a global phenomenon. Designers from Scandinavia (most commonly referred to as Northern Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) have influenced how we live today. Their minimalist approach to design has inspired designers around the world.
Scandi design can be characterized by the elements such as white walls emphasizing bright and airy interiors, natural color tones, and textures.
‘Smaller but purposeful and impactful. The minimalistic approach is still popular where every object has a function,’ mentions Ramsin Khachi.
‘I think these trends will always be around. Something is soothing and calming about the simplicity of this design.‘ believes Rebecca Hay
The design often integrates earthly elements such as wood and stone in elegantly simple layouts.
‘The natural wood tones the bright open, airy vibe. Tons of natural light streaming in. There are so many different types of design styles out there.’ Rebecca continues.
However, is this a trend that continues to last but eventually perishes?
‘I feel like no trend ever is lost for long – it comes back in waves and with just enough difference from the previous iteration to make it different, points out Cynthia Soda
Japndi design is all about mixing elements of Japanese and Scandinavian concepts. Minimalism is a design philosophy that emphasizes simplicity, clarity, and organization. Japandi-inspired home essentially means selecting everything with intention.
The trend sparked up, especially during the pandemic, when our interior living spaces were the only place to rest and recharge.
‘There will always be a demand for simplicity in a world full of chaos and hustle,’ says Rebecca.
And maybe that is the reason it is still going strong.
This design philosophy embraces slow living, contentment, and simplicity in a clutter-free zone. ‘Japandi’ design can be characterized by using neutral muted tones and textures with the thoughtful and subtle integration of contrast colors.
‘I feel like these ideas play off of each other – Japandi essentially building upon the simplicity of what we have seen from Scandanavian design of the past,’ explains Cynthia
The idea is to curate a calming and soothing ambiance using sustainable and eco-friendly products.
The term “cottage” has become synonymous with cozy living spaces. The cottage style has recently evolved into a modern interpretation of classic design. Today, the cottage style is often associated with warm colors, vintage accents, and simple furnishings.
‘The cottage and the rustic vibe are still going strong, although I’ve noticed more demand for softer, cleaner lines,’ remarks Rebecca
Cottagecore is a mix of cottage and country styles. It combines traditional and contemporary designs and can be differentiated by its simplicity, warmth, and comfort. This trend is very personal and depends on an individual’s choice.
‘I feel this trend is more suited to textiles or second homes – I’d maybe wear this trend to a Sunday brunch but not live in it every day.‘ shares, Cynthia
The Cottagecore look embraces clutters and can be characterized by elements such as floral prints, natural materials, indoor plants, and more. One can achieve this look and get a cottage core makeover by dressing up the windows, mixing woods, and integrating beadboards or wainscoting in the design.
Why this trend, once popular is, fading away and can only be noticed in a few places?
‘Sometimes a trend becomes so saturated that a population will start to rebel against it. I think that’s what we’re beginning to see with the overly rustic cottage chic,’ reasons Rebecca.
The above-mentioned trending designs are the mix-and-match combination of natural materials, biophilic elements, sustainability, wood, wall paneling, and specially integrated subtle elements.
Let’s understand each element that is contributing and making up the trends.
Natural materials are becoming more and more popular in the home décor industry. They bring warmth and comfort to our homes and offer a unique aesthetic appeal. The trend to incorporate natural materials will continue to grow in the coming years.
Even with hardware, brass is in and is expected to continue in demand for a long. There are many ways to integrate natural materials into living spaces. Some of the natural elements that can be easily integrated include wood, bamboo, tones, rattan and wicker, seagrass, and shells.
‘Biophilic, as the name suggests, is the love for life and living things.
Including biophilic elements helps us restore our intrinsic connection with nature. Bringing outdoors indoors has other benefits too. It has shown positive effects on moods and emotions, thereby reducing stress.
The consumer today is more sensitive about the product they are using.
‘Sustainability and biophilia are something I’d love to see more of an interior residence. When we select materials, we’re not thinking about them being discarded within the next couple of years, we want the materials selected to last and to be easy to care for. references, Cynthia
The trend to incorporate natural materials will continue to grow in the coming years.
One can bring this trend home by including unpainted wood surfaces, stone textures, living plants, ceramics, and wicker furniture.
Consumers today are more informed and have more information at their disposal.
‘This is completely a passion of my own. We do our best to incorporate sustainable practices into our design selections’, says Rebecca
They know about climate change and emergent needs to pivot and shift to a sustainable lifestyle.
More and more clients care about the products in their homes, where they come from, and if they will harm their health.
Using legal and FSC-certified wood products, sustainable wood alternatives, and a distance from harmful plastic can effectively contribute to keeping the right balance individually.
At Brenlo, we ensure all our products and processes adhere to sustainability guidelines.
What does the future hold for light woods? Will they continue to gain popularity?
Wood has always been famous for interior designers, architects, and homeowners. However, the demand for light woods has increased dramatically in recent years. The appeal of wood is its versatility, durability, and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.
Brenlo has seen a continued spike in demand and re-emergence of white oak. The hottest leading species include rift-cut and quarter-cut white oak. We keep it stocked and custom-make designs at our manufacturing facility.
‘Natural wood products are a go-to; clients appreciate anything made locally.‘, mentions Rebecca.
Ramsin Khachi is also renovating his house and reemphasizes his love for quarter-sawn white oak, selected for doors.
Wood is a natural material that can be fused into the design supporting trending designs, including Scandi, Japandi, and Cottage Core.
The diverse variety of wood species offers many options to blend with any interior.
The latest trend in interior design is wood paneling. It has been around since ancient times, but now it is gaining momentum. In addition to being beautiful, it also adds warmth and character to the room.
‘That is the biggest trend I’m seeing in the design world, paneling of all shapes and sizes on as many walls as possible.’, mentions Rebecca.
Wood panels are a great way to add beauty and style to your home. They come in various styles and colors and are often used to create unique designs. It is important to remember that wood panels are not only decorative; they also provide thermal insulation, soundproofing, and protection against moisture.
‘The way we use it now will continue to evolve (either more modern/traditional/eclectic), but I love the versatility of it and the way it can add so much to a space with a little ingenuity.‘ remarks Cynthia
‘I love paneling because it adds textural depth to a space. Especially if you’re someone who doesn’t love Wallpaper, paneling is a great solution. You add interest without too much pattern and color’. further explains Rebecca
Ramsin mentions envisioning and achieving beautiful modern wainscoting look using inspire series at his house.
The textured look helps bring nature closer, often becoming a design’s center of attraction and talking point. One can achieve white stain accents using inspire series by Brenlo, especially in rift-cut and quarter-cut white oak, which continues to be in demand.
Architecture has always played a key role in defining the look and feel of our homes. Today, architects are using new materials and techniques to create unique designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Architectural trends come and go, but some remain timeless. One such trend is the archway. The archway is a standard feature found in traditional architecture. It is now being revived, thanks to modern architects and designers adding curved doors, rounded windows, and arced mirrors to their interior design.
Today, architects are using new technologies to create unique architectural features that are both functional and aesthetic.This means that they are incorporating new materials into their designs.
‘A proper balance – right blend – using textures, colors, styles, and tones.’ concludes Ramsin
Brenlo Ltd has been keeping up with the latest trends and supporting the design community with its sustainable natural products.
Brenlo offers a diverse variety of stock and custom-made wood moulding, doors, and wall paneling options. Our manufacturing facility and expansive stock inventory support projects with tighter deadlines while never compromising on quality. We adhere to environmental compliance and provide FSC-certified products that support sustainable living.
We will continue to support the industry and our customers by bringing the latest trends and updates to make informed decisions.
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