2022 Design Trends That Will Last, According to a Design Expert

With 2022 coming to an end, many of us are looking forward to a new year, including projects around the home. Before spending time, money and effort on current interior design trends that will instantly feel outdated, we’ve looked to an expert for advice: award-winning property stylist and interior decorator, Red Barrinuevo, Principal Designer at Toronto firm, Redesign4More. Based on his extensive knowledge, here are the 2022 trends that will be worth the investment, lasting through 2023 and beyond.

A home office corner with a small desk, upholstered chair, large plant, and framed art

Red Barrinuevo

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WFH Hub

“Things are going back to a bit of normalcy, but a lot of people will still work from home,” Red shared with us. He estimates that in downtown Toronto, only about 20 percent of the workforce is back in the office. Many companies are keeping a remote or hybrid work model and have downsized their office space. This means that dedicated workspaces in your home will stick around, whether in a full room, a nook or a corner.

A living area in front of a glass wall and sliding doors leading to another room

Red Barrinuevo

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Keep it Separated

“The trend now is open but separated at the same time,” Red mentioned. People are craving separation of spaces in their homes versus open concept layouts. This can be achieved several ways, using stylish wooden slat dividers, clear glass walls, simple half walls or even folding dividers. You want your space to flow but also have more clearly defined rooms.

Bright colourful orange-themed wallpaper in a kitchen

Brewster Wallcovering

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Make a Statement

Once upon a time, wallpaper was a serious commitment. “The good thing with wallpaper now is that it’s not permanent,” Red shared. “We have peel and stick options that you can easily remove if you want to change them, or wallpapers that you can paint over.” With the endless options for patterns, colours and textures, wallpaper will continue to be an exciting way to inject some life into any space.

A serene, spa-style bathroom with wooden flooring and large white soaker tub

Getty Images

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Tranquility Base

These days, people spend more time at home and use their bathrooms as a spa-like retreat. Red mentioned that neutral, natural and earthy is the vibe that his clients are looking for, saying all white along with wood and wood-toned elements being most popular. Soaker tubs that are the room’s focal point and separate showers are two things that Red also sees continuing into 2023.

A live-edge dining table with long bench seating and three windows behind it

Lauren Kolyn

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Everything Old is New Again

While vintage pieces, repurposing existing items, upcycling and using reclaimed materials became more popular because of supply chain issues during the pandemic, you’ll be seeing more of this in 2023 and beyond. “There’s a realization that you already have so much in your house. You just have to use it in a more artistic and creative way,” explained Red. “It makes everything look more interesting.”

A kitchen with open shelving and a breakfast bar with seating

Red Barrinuevo

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Down to Earth

While glossy subway tiles aren’t going anywhere any time soon, Red noted that the trend of more organic colours and materials in kitchen design has lasting power. “As far as cabinet colours, we’ve gone back to more organic colours and materials,” Red explained, noting that greens, blacks and earthy tones are being used alongside cane inlays or accents.

A bedroom with pendant lights and layered decorative accents like blankets and pillows

Red Barrinuevo

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Layer it Up

Red cites function and comfort are two of the main reasons that the trend of layering textures is going to be sticking around, so keep those throw blankets and accent pillows nearby. When it comes to floors, he suggested that patterned area rugs can be placed atop jute carpets or other flooring made with neutral, natural fibres. He added that textures also extend to the furnishings in a room, with more curved, ergonomic shapes continuing their popularity versus square, angular pieces.

You might also like: 10 Ways to Add Texture in Your Living Room Like the Pros

Open shelving in a foyer above a cabinet

Courtney Ryall

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Open It Up

Open style shelving is something that never goes out of style, according to Red. It’s a flexible and functional option, whether you incorporate it into a family room, dining room or foyer. “They’re a perfect way to incorporate and display vintage pieces in your existing spaces,” mentioned Red. It’s also a stylish way to store glassware, dishes and serving pieces in your kitchen.

A backyard with dining area and separate lounge area

HGTV Canada

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Take it Outside

Outdoor living spaces – like yards, patios and balconies – will continue to be more than just a decorative accent to your home. “The trend is bringing more function to it,” Red told us. “It’s all about maximizing the space.” If you have a large backyard, he suggests setting up separate areas with a specific purpose, like a dining option, a lounge, and a conversation nook for more intimate gatherings. For smaller spaces, go with multifunctional and convertible options.

A living plant wall above a low cabinet and an armchair to the left.

Lauren Kolyn

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Keep It Green

A trend that never seems to go out of style is bringing a touch of the outdoors into almost any room in your home to liven up a room. While working on interior decorating projects, Red mentioned that his clients have requested that he keep the greenery they already have, or find ways to incorporate new plants into their space.