In the last year to 18 months, I’ve come to realize I really miss doors. Yes, doors! Open floor plans are lovely for idyllic living, but let’s face it…. no one really wants to hear or see everything we say and do in our homes. Doors provide us those opportunities to close off the unwanted and breathe a sigh of relief! Therefore, it’s a welcome change that interior design trends are gravitating back to divided spaces. Spaces that are reminiscent of classic architecture. And doesn’t that sound like a dream?!?

For 2022, design trends are really going back to anything natural, comfy, cozy, furry and nubby. Families are reclaiming their space for sanctuary. Many people are heading back to the office and freeing up the home offices that we had to carve out. The corner of the den or bedroom, the basement, the dining room table are less and less being used as work from home areas and transforming back to their original intention, but with some updates.

People are looking for permanence. Gone are the disposable pieces of furniture. Investment pieces of sustainably minded materials are what is taking center stage. Reclaimed wood, recycled materials, and reuse of items for new purposes are helping to create a mindful home.

Design is drawing inspiration from the countryside with its sprawling meadows and wildflowers. Cottagecore design is organic, wholesome, pastoral, floral. You will see these influences in everything! Wallpaper will abound! And wallpaper doesn’t have to be scary. The new technology of adhesives makes wallpapering a room much less permanent than of old. So go for the big flowers or the landscape mural and bring the outdoors in.

This yen for outdoors is called biophilic design. It’s using layers of textures through natural materials, colors and especially plants to create a space that is soothing and earthy. Get inspired! A friend recently went through a tornado and lost a giant walnut tree in their yard. He used the tree and had it transformed into a beautiful handmade, heirloom quality dining table. This year is all about taking spaces and items and making them into something that feels good!

Green! Green is a color that feels good! And green will be the color of every last thing you see this year! It’s the color that will be taken into every room! Green is nature. It evokes a sense of renewal and regrowth. And don’t we all need a bit of that? Paint your kitchen island green or buy a green sofa! The grounding earthy pull will anchor your space.

As we move into a new year, let’s let our homes help us ease into a new mindset. One that will allow us to come home and reset, rest and recuperate. So grab a cup of tea, sit in your favorite chair next to a lush green indoor plant and close the door to last year. Let your home transform into a space that allows you to grow and inspire.

Stylishly yours,

The Chelsee Sowder Design Team

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