Home Designs Changes in 2022 - What Is Out of Style | 21Oak (2025)

Home design trends come and go. Styles that are all the rage eventually get overused and become outdated. We all know that sensation of style fatigue — you feel like you’ve seen the same thing over and over, and just want something new and fresh.

Contents

  • Kitchen trends that won’t be trendy in 2022
  • Open concepts aren’t as popular — but neither are single-use rooms
  • Minimalism and industrialism give way to warmth
  • All-white is losing its appeal
  • Textured paint is going by the wayside
  • Rustic design will be an accent, not a centerpiece
  • Focus on timeless trends

As we head into 2022, there are several trends that we’ll be saying goodbye to. In some cases, these trends have been slowly fading away for years because they’re impractical or difficult to maintain, while in other instances, the COVID-19 pandemic caused homeowners to embrace other options.

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Kitchen trends that won’t be trendy in 2022

Avoid these design trends if you want to keep your kitchen from looking stuck in the past.

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Faux finishes

Homeowners are looking for materials that are natural and authentic. According to Ayca Stiffel, senior designer at By Design Interiors, “A trend that is dying out [is] anything faux finished. People are wanting more organic and natural designs that are light, airy, and can stand the test of time. Pure materials that are derived of natural materials are timeless, as opposed to a wood-look porcelain tile that may not last as long but [is] cheaper.”

Sylvia James, interior designer for Home How, agreed that people are looking for natural materials. “With more time spent at home, there is a resurgence of interest in bringing the outside in, using natural materials like wood,” she said. “It goes particularly well with other on-trend materials like metal and stone to create a light, bright, and airy atmosphere that provides a blank canvas for you to add color and character.”

Minimalism

Sleek, simple, and neutral doesn’t hold that much appeal anymore.

“As people have been spending more time in their homes due to the pandemic, the wish to express unique taste and personality has grown stronger,” said Teri Simone, the chief kitchen designer for Nieu Cabinet Doors. “The maximalist trend is the perfect way to be creative and playful with decor — and this is no different in the kitchen.

“Moving away from the minimalist white kitchens that have been popular in recent years, people are yearning for color,” she added. “Boldly colored cabinetry, wall colors, and statement tile backsplashes are making a comeback. This trend combines kitsch vintage styles, bold modern colors, and opulent metallics, building a sense of drama.”

All-white kitchens

No, the all-white kitchen isn’t completely going away — it will always be a timeless staple for a reason. But white is giving way to a lot more color.

“White isn’t out, but we are implementing painted or natural wood islands as opposed to an all-white kitchen,” explained Betty Brandolino, founder and creative director ofFresh Twist Studio. “Some of our customers are even asking for entire kitchens with painted cabinets. Green has been the color of choice, ranging from a sage green, to an olive green, and even a brighter green. I would also say if a client still wants a classic white kitchen, the shade of white they tend to choose is becoming warmer and not as bright as in years past.”

Simone noted that when moody blues and greens are “applied to cabinetry, wall treatments, counter materials, or tiles,” they “contrast with clean whites, and bold metallics for a dramatic, luxury statement. Moody colors are a sophisticated way to achieve more personality within the kitchen.”

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Open concepts aren’t as popular — but neither are single-use rooms

For a while now, homeowners have been focusing on making their houses feel more open. New homes with open floorplans have drawn the attention of buyers, and people who owned houses often renovated them to create larger areas that served multiple purposes.

While having open spaces makes it easy to keep an eye on kids and can be great for entertaining, the COVID-19 pandemic has made people recognize the drawbacks of that design. Not having clearly delineated rooms made it difficult to work from home and to get some desperately needed privacy when everybody was together 24/7.

The pandemic has caused people’s preferences to shift when it comes to floorplans. According to Evelyn Benatar, president of New York Interior Design Inc., fewer people are choosing “big, open spaces when you are building a house. The loft-like feeling is going away because of COVID. People want more privacy and sectioned-off rooms.”

Homeowners are looking for separate spaces that they can use for a particular purpose, such as a home office or a gym, but they aren’t abandoning the open concept altogether. Multipurpose rooms can still be useful.

Homeowners don’t want rooms completely closed off either

While there is a need for privacy when it comes to certain tasks, multipurpose and multifunctional spaces are highly valued as well (if it makes sense).

“I see single-task rooms or separated rooms becoming less popular,” said Erika Barczak, senior designer at By Design Interiors. “I am really into multi-use rooms…partly because I live in a tiny home, and partly because I believe in the functionality of a space.

“We don’t need a separate room for every task: wrapping presents, to another little office nook, or a teeny laundry room,” Barczak continued. “These walls and doors are wasted square footage, and many of these novelty rooms just become storage. Why not make a utilitarian utility room that is large enough for kids to play, laundry to be running, and even serve as a working pantry or ‘dirty kitchen’ all in one?!”

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Minimalism and industrialism give way to warmth

Minimalism, with its emphasis on white walls and ultrasimple designs, has been trendy for a while. According to Marilyn Sygrove, president of Sygrove Associates Design Group Inc., that style is dying out. “Since the pandemic, we have all hunkered down and want to feel safe and comforted, so surrounding ourselves with memories of carefree times has started to become very important,” she said.

Homeowners are now incorporating more features that give their homes some personality and make the spaces feel more comfortable. Industrial architectural design has also been trending for years, but things are going in the other direction as we approach 2022. Homeowners are shying away from metal and exposed brick, or at least being more selective in their use of metal and other industrial features.

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All-white is losing its appeal

Much like in the kitchen, using white throughout an entire room is another interior design trend that’s waning. White can make a room look crisp and clean, but too much of it can make a room feel cold. Homeowners are keeping white walls but including more colors for contrast.

They’re also shying away from white when it comes to furniture. A sofa, loveseat, or armchair in white or another light color may look attractive, but it’s not practical for a family with kids and pets. Homeowners are moving toward colors that don’t show dirt and pet hair as much.

In 2022, “….I don’t think you will see people living with a lot of white in their lives,” Sygrove said, “because it is not practical on all surfaces such as carpets, upholstery, and walls, so there will be subtle, tonal colors and layers of patterns and/or textures.”

Incorporating pastels can add an unexpected pop of color to a room, but this design trend sometimes got taken too far. Pastels are still popular, but homeowners are keeping things simple and including a single pastel-colored piece of furniture or accent or embracing softer tones.

“From vibrant colors, there will be a craving for something softer and gentler to come home to,” in 2022, according to Sygrove.

Textured paint is going by the wayside

Textured paint became trendy for a while, but homeowners are shying away from it now. “I have noticed that we are not doing as much painted texture walls as many people tended to do a few years back,” said Charlie A. Bolivar, interior designer at Charlie’s Designs LLC. “That has certainly become a thing of the past. I think that trend is dying out because many people nowadays prefer using wallpapers, and even large murals that can be done much faster and cheaper than having an artist create a textured wall.”

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Rustic design will be an accent, not a centerpiece

Using reclaimed wood in home decor became trendy several years back, but, as with countless other trends, some people went overboard. Homeowners who incorporate reclaimed wood in their interior design will be using it as an accent, not as a central design element, in 2022. Distressed wood is another rustic trend that’s losing popularity.

“The ‘overtly’ country farmhouse is on its way out. I feel the ‘over the top’, country chic, rustic farmhouse style is fading away,” said Jenni Warsitz, lead designer at By Design Interiors. “Clients are leaning more toward modern, sleek lines, geometric tiles, fresh, light, and vibrant colors. Modern farmhouse is still relevant, but I think more Studio McGee — less Magnolia Home.”

Focus on timeless trends

Homeowners often buy furniture and accessories for a house without giving much thought to whether each piece will stand the test of time. Decorating a house isn’t a process that should be rushed. Furniture and decor can be expensive, so homeowners should choose carefully.

“Trends come and go — they have a timestamp; thus, I look for pieces that are timeless, functional, and look great no matter what decade,” Stiffel said. “If clients want to incorporate trends, [they should] keep to easy-to-change pieces, such as paint, pillows, bedding, etc. I always start with neutrals as [a] foundation and supplement with trends in these smaller, interchangeable pieces.”

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Home Designs Changes in 2022 - What Is Out of Style | 21Oak (2025)

FAQs

What interior design trend to avoid in 2022? ›

Insider asked interior designers to share the worst trends they saw in 2022. Designers think bouclé fabrics and curvilinear furnishings have been overdone and need to go away. Designers didn't love the overuse of brown and gray in interiors that reigned throughout the year.

Is modern farmhouse going out of style 2022? ›

These days, farmhouse style is still overwhelmingly popular; in fact, it was one of the most searched decor styles in 2022.

What is in style for home decor 2022? ›

Natural Materials and Finishes

It's a trend that's here to stay, with elements like wood, stone and earthen composites high in the rankings. Wood grain is to be celebrated. Stone can take any form, from a tabletop to a countertop to floors or sculptures.

What is the next trend in home design? ›

Biophilic Design

Expect to see more indoor plants, living green walls, natural materials like stone and wood and large windows to maximize natural light and reduce the barrier between the interior and exterior." Photo: Matti Gresham.

Is dark wood furniture out of style in 2024 living room? ›

Dark wood is making a comeback in 2024. A firm favourite of many interior designers, the sheer elegance of dark wood has taken a backseat to mainstream interior design trends for the last few years as the light and minimalist Scandi style took centre stage.

Is gold going out of style in homes? ›

"Gold is still very much a thing, but the gold is becoming more muted and finishes are more unlacquered—unlike a shiny gold—something that really ages well." The same goes for once-popular black iron and steel windows and doors, she reveals.

What decor is replacing a farmhouse? ›

Exposed beams, antique wood flooring, stone fireplaces, and paneled walls are some of Rustic Vogue's standout characteristics. Typically, rustic home decor furniture is constructed from wicker, rattan, or untreated wood. The light fixtures in this style are made of brass and similar materials.

What is replacing a modern farmhouse in 2024? ›

The modern farmhouse style that gained popularity with the Gaines family on Fixer Upper is not the same as what it used to be. In 2024, you can expect to see a new take on farmhouse style – one that embraces warmer tones, stacked stone accents, and moves away from stark white aesthetics.

What is the new farmhouse style called? ›

Modern farmhouse is all about mixing comfortable furniture with salvaged materials, such as reclaimed wood. Antiques are at home in modern farmhouse interiors, though they shouldn't be too delicate to touch.

What is the furniture trend in 2022? ›

GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE FURNITURE

Green or sustainable furniture is the talk of the market in 2022. More and more people are looking to bring as much outdoors as possible into their interior designs to compensate for the lack of time spent outside and emphasize the beauty of nature.

What is in style right now 2022? ›

In 2022, we see a lot of old fashion trends coming back. From low-rise jeans, animal prints, and neon colors to fluffy mittens, fur bags, and pointed-toe shoes.

Why is white furniture so popular? ›

It gives a clean, fresh feel which is perfect all year round. Dark colours can feel wintery and pastel shades too summery, but white is so versatile that it can be ideal to cool you down in summer and evoke warmth in the winter.

What is the trend in baseboards in 2024? ›

In 2024, expect to see homeowners and designers opting for sleek, unembellished wood trim that blends seamlessly with the walls and overall decor. Minimalistic baseboards with straight, simple lines will be a hallmark of modern interiors this year.

What decor style is 2024? ›

Biophilic Design

As we head into 2024, Biophilic Design is set to become a key trend, turning our homes and offices into serene, nurturing sanctuaries.

What is the trend in pillows in 2024? ›

In 2024, texture is as important as visual appeal. Textured and tactile fabrics are in high demand, offering a sensory experience that goes beyond the visual. Bouclé, chenille, and faux fur are among the top choices for adding depth and interest to throw pillow covers.

What is the trend forecasting for interior design in 2022? ›

A trend being carried forward from the latter part of 2021 is soft curves, arches and rounded silhouettes, and continue being favored in 2022. Wall finishes, furniture, accessories, lighting and even layout and structural elements like doorways will all adopt a more curvaceous look and feel.

Is Chrome out of style in 2024? ›

Chrome also makes a comeback, starting to elbow out brass for the "it" metal. In both residential and commercial, marble is what everyone wants - and in a big way. We are obsessed with what we're seeing so far in 2024 and are already working some of them into our current projects. Scroll down to see our favorites!

Are drop shadows outdated? ›

But drop shadows should only be used subtly. Many times, they're unnecessary (not to mention dated). When used on text in a dramatic way, it can actually make it very difficult to read.

Are feature walls out in 2024? ›

Feature walls now incorporate elements like timber panelling, wall panelling, and bricks to add depth and texture to your living spaces.” These textured walls create a dynamic focal point that elevates the overall aesthetic of your home. When it comes to kitchens, the colour palette is taking a refreshing turn in 2024.

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