Thanks to COVID, the major trends of Summer 2021 have focused on the outdoors – that is, making the balcony, patio and backyard areas more livable and luxurious. According to the designers, that has not changed; People are still updating the exterior of their homes, essentially making it an extension of the interior. However, in the summer of 2022, decor trends are also massively affecting interiors again – a transition that makes the freshness of the new season even more exciting.
This does not mean, however, that the most promising materials, practices, and forms were not inspired by the effects of the pandemic; In fact, everything from muted colors to the soft curves that designers see more of seem to be direct results of the stress and uncertainty of the past few years. So while living outdoors for the most part may be less part of the overall focus, the selection of details in response to the pandemic is far from over.
This may sound a bit “dreary and gloomy,” but thankfully, this summer’s biggest trends are anything but. These days, people want every part of their home – from the pool space to their bedroom – to be completely comfortable, luxurious and unique, and the design movements reflect that. Here, a few of the top designers predict that you’ll be seeing more of them in the coming months.
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to forbid
For designer Breegan Jane, this summer is all about one material in particular: stone. “They appear on coffee tables, side tables, and even in pieces like candelabra,” she told TZR, predicting that we’ll continue to see them in all kinds of decor this season. “I think a major reason for the stone trend is because there are beautiful, realistic options that weren’t there in years past,” she continues. “There are a lot of man-made stone-like materials on the market that mimic stone in a way that manufacturers literally couldn’t do just two years ago.”
As for how to use the stone at home, Jane stresses that you shouldn’t be afraid of it. “Be big or small,” she explains. “Put stone on your fireplace and it will be totally luxurious in two seconds. Buy cute stone coasters for your coffee table…play with them in different ways. You can’t go wrong.”
Decorate based on your dreams
You may have made design decisions based on your zodiac sign before. But these days, people are looking for new influences for inspiring décor — so much so that HomeGoods devised an entirely new feature around one. “Our dreams tell us how we really feel which is why we launched Home Goods Dream Vibes, a digital experience to help you tap into an unexpected source of inspiration – your actual dreams – to help discover new home design trends and help unlock design elements,” says Beth Diana Smith, HomeGoods style expert and Principal Designer of Beth Diana Smith Interior Design, You need to create better energy in your home. To easily tap into this trend, you can open the site and “tell” the feature about your dreams. It is then decoded to present a “Dream Vibe”, a customized mood board that helps you To fine-tune the specific trends and aesthetics that suit you.
Blurry inside and out
The indoor and outdoor trend is not new, but, according to designers, it will continue to gain momentum this summer. “Summer is always a good time to blur the lines on the outside and inside,” Joyner says. “It’s time to enjoy a seamless indoor and outdoor space.”
There are more than several ways to do this. Joyner’s advice? “Rearrange your fireplace seats as a focal point to embrace the outside views. Make each room feel like a sunroom. Think of a ‘tropical escape’ by creating an indoor forest.”
Tara Miller of The Heartland Interior Design says that more and more people are moving away from traditional outdoor decor and instead incorporating sculptural and art-inspired pieces. An example of this, she says, is using a luxury molded coffee table as the centerpiece of an outdoor furniture set. While it’s not just about bringing the home indoors — says designer Megan Molten, many also bring the outdoors. According to her, people are already in green spaces right now, and are increasingly investing in plants and planters that are fun for their spaces. However, you don’t need a green thumb to make this work. While Kristen Froome of Kristen Froome Interiors agrees that there’s a definite move to bringing the outdoors these days, she says she’s seeing “more false plants coming, because they’re easier to maintain and some really cool realistic options hitting the market.”
shades of blue and green
According to Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, her team has begun tracking the transition from gray to blue and green in recent years. “While classic neutrals like Pure White SW 7005 still rank number one in sales, we’ve really embraced these extra gradient combinations and are using them almost as neutrals now in an expanded color space,” she told TZR.
But while green is definitely having a moment of its own, Jade Joyner, co-founder and lead designer of Metal + Petal, is leaning toward blue in particular. “[It’s] Officially the Color of Summer 2022.” Blue is the color almost every room needs. It’s a great base to start with, a color that’s easy to pull off, and just about everyone loves the color.” Specifically, Joyner is currently in a light blue used in contemporary ways.
curves
You haven’t seen the latest trend for curves. In fact, Libby Rouse of Sharp + Gray Interiors says it’s one of the biggest things you’ll notice right now. “Curves are incorporated into all types of furnishings, from armchairs to couches to sofas and even accessories,” she says. And there’s a good reason for that. The designer says these softer silhouettes are a great way to break up a room’s harsh lines. “I love that they feel fresh and add movement,” she continues.
Get creative with paint
It’s not just about the colors you use in summer 2022 – it’s about how you use them. According to Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors, one practice that is increasingly popular is color decoration. “Choosing a color for your windows and doors, rather than plain white, will add interest and contrast—especially if you keep the walls white instead!” TZR says.
Miller also sees monochrome rooms having a moment. “People embrace the whole green room, the room full of red, and the blue room that is completely covered,” she says. “Having one paint color and painting the walls, trim, and ceiling in that color is a huge hit. This simple paint technique radically changes your room and gives it character.”
And the paint trends don’t stop there. “Lacquer finishes are having a big moment, and painting the ceiling with a high-gloss finish or adding a lacquer piece is a very summery style—a classic look you’ll love for years to come,” says Joyner. Vroom seconds this. “I’m starting to see more gloss, and I hope to balance everything we’ve been doing with matte.”
