Over the last two years, interior design found itself in a strange place. What were once places of rest and relaxation found themselves turned to makeshift offices and workspaces. With a hybrid of work and play archetypes taking up our homes, many of the design choices that came about were unsurprisingly reactive. However, it seems that despite constantly facing the familiar and sedentary, more emphasis is being placed on transforming our homes into sanctuaries and outward or should we say, inward expressions of our external lifestyles. No more has this been truer than in the gradual increase in natural fibres, travertine paving, and mismatched timbers use cases. 

Perhaps our prolonged absence from nature has brought upon a new era of natural colour schemes and organic forms. Factually, the appeal of materials like terra cotta translates logically to a number of interior products, from oxidized metals and stones, wood and of course, clay. Then, of course, you have soft materials, including linen and suede. It is a
colour that has been said to be both grounded and hopeful. Unlike other materials like timber, pavers can comb walls in kitchens and bathrooms. And, with their inherent tonal shades and the ability to explore exaggerated widths, there is growing receptivity for creating individual and unique looks. The ease of maintaining terracotta and travertine paving will also ensure their staple status in the new year.  

Supporting this new era is a less subtle stylistic trend; biophilic design and its ascendency to new heights (literally). Bringing the outdoors inside has seen the rise of indoor trees (lemon and olives) taking centre stage. Coined contemporary conservatory, this has seen the already popular plant propagation soar to the manufacturing level, with suppliers capitalizing on new contraptions that allow different plant species to thrive indoors similar to miniature greenhouses modelled on classical designs. Whether a “simply styled conservatory corner in a sunny location or an all-over garden-inspired room with patterned wallpapers and wicker furniture,” diversity in this trend will only be limited to ceiling heights.  

Without overdoing it on the jungle-inspired hues, one last notable though obvious trend is the need to create a sensorial experience. From composition to longevity, there is a desire for interiors to feel as good as they look. This is said to be influencing people’s choices for interior products more than ever. Starting with natural fibres, we see textured walls and handmade ceramics perpetuating personal accents, illustrating our increasing awareness
towards the impact of synthetic fibres. We observed experts forseeing organic and round shapes filling rooms with comfy curvilinear ,welcoming forms. Creating an overall relaxed feel, these forms encircle pieces, including desks and consoles with waterfall corners, drum tables and scalloped shapes on accent rugs and ottomans, bringing about a focused femininity of gentle curves. 

Are you looking for more inspiration in a reopened 2022? 

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