Eco-friendly design options will drive trends in 2022, from changing your home design to meeting your needs to being more aware of how you decorate.
Changing the Way We Think About Design
We’ve gone from lockdowns, remote working, and distance learning to rediscovering the importance of home design to our pleasure and well-being in the last two years. While some epidemic living trends may persist in our lives as we enter the new year, there are also many new patterns emerging that are inspired by earth-friendly, sustainable ideas.
Whether you want to just refresh some of your home decors or embark on big renovation projects, you’ll want to keep these eco-friendly design ideas on your radar as we enter the new year.
Sustainable, Recycled Materials
You already know about bamboo and cork when it comes to sustainable and recycled flooring options, and there are other earth-friendly materials you’ll want to keep your eye on. More emphasis is being given to materials that are not only sustainable and recycled but are also non-toxic and sturdy. Consider metal for railings and countertops. Bioglass is made of post-consumer recycled glass and is a great option for sinks, walls, and even flooring.
Maximalism and DIY Decor
The clean, white, nearly empty spaces that were popular in the minimalist style are giving way to maximalism, which encourages us to employ a variety of goods, particularly those that we can recycle and update ourselves. As with sustainable materials, more of us will be recycling used furniture and ornamental objects in our homes by 2022.
According to Laurie Barrette, coauthor of Minimal: For Simple and Sustainable Living, with renovation projects multiplying and supply chains still slow due to the pandemic, it is often faster and more financially feasible to look at the items we already have and use our DIY skills in areas such as woodworking and upholstery to give our items an updated look.
Don’t Forget the Greens
Sales of houseplants were soaring long before the pandemic and there’s no sign that trend is withering anytime soon. In fact, in the 3 years leading up to 2019, the sale of houseplants increased by 50 percent according to the National Gardening Association.
With more of us looking for a connection to Mother Nature, houseplants are a great option that will exercise your green thumb, help your home’s air quality, and even add some color and texture to your decor. For those who aren’t up to the task of keeping plants alive, try easy options such as moss compositions and even dried plants and flowers.
Walls 101
When it comes to walls, the trend is moving in the direction of a natural color palette that matches colors found in nature. The type of paint and wallcovering you use also will be key. Look for paint options that are labeled “low VOC (volatile organic compounds)” or “low odor,” which means the paint mixture won’t contain harmful chemicals. If you’re looking to get in on the wallpaper trend, consider natural wallpaper instead of the more traditional vinyl, which is not an eco-friendly choice.
Natural Rugs
We all know a rug can really tie a room together, so if you’re looking to give an area of your home an updated look, rugs are a great, inexpensive option. Look for eco-friendly materials such as those made of wool, sisal, jute, or hemp. These natural materials are durable and resist shedding, plus they are non-allergenic and nontoxic, meaning they’re not only great for the environment but good for your health as well.
Let There Be Light
You already know about LED bulbs, which are earth-friendly and easy on your wallet. As we move into 2022, it’s all about natural light, so think large picture windows and skylights. Natural light saves you money, and you reap the benefits of sunlight even during the winter months, which can help with your overall mood and well-being. So open those curtains and blinds and let the sun do its work.
Think Local
By seeking out locally sourced materials and decor, you’ll eliminate shipping and transporting of items, thus reducing their carbon footprint. It also helps your community when you shop locally. If you’re looking for furniture, try a local furniture maker or even a secondhand store. Look for holiday decorations at local pop-ups, markets, and stores. And if you’re working on a larger remodeling project, seek out materials such as wood, cabinets, and flooring that are made as close to your location as possible.
Smarter Homes
We’re moving from smart homes to intelligent homes as the many ways that the tech gadgets throughout our homes can connect and communicate with each other will continue to grow. It’s estimated that more than half of homes in the United States will have adopted smart gadgets by 2023, and by 2022, the global smart-home market will be valued at $53.5 billion, according to a study from Statista.
Try Japandi
If you aren’t familiar with the term Japandi, think of it as a mix of Marie Kondo’s organizing technique and Scandinavian minimalism. Confused? Stick with me here. Japan is a trend that works to get rid of your clutter and instead focus on natural light while finding the perfect blend of function and design.
To get in on the trend, think of sustainable materials such as recycled plastic or bamboo for furniture, fabrics that have been naturally dyed, and using what you already have instead of buying more items.
