Buzz
The apartment rental platform Rent Café recently analyzed Google search data to identify the most popular interior design trends, giving us a sneak peek into the home decor styles that will define 2022. (Or, more realistically, the images we’ll save with grand plans to add to our vision boards, only to have them buried under the same clutter that’s been accumulating for years.)
Nevertheless, inspiration is all around us, particularly on the internet. Below is a quick overview of five trending design styles and the personalities that might gravitate toward each one.
Japandi
According to Google, Japandi dominated as the top decorating trend in 2021, with searches skyrocketing by 1217% compared to 2020. This style merges the understated elegance of Japanese minimalism with the practical, cozy elements of Scandinavian design. Despite the geographical distance between the two regions, their design philosophies align beautifully. Both emphasize serenity and simplicity, resulting in Japandi’s signature clean lines, neutral tones, and spacious layouts. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking to transform their home into a peaceful retreat amidst the chaos of modern life.
Dark Academia
Ranking as the second most popular design trend in 2021, dark academia stands in stark contrast to Japandi. This aesthetic is defined by rich, dark wood furnishings, rooms filled to the brim with eclectic items, classical Greek sculptures, and an abundance of vintage books. Dark academia blends elements of goth and steampunk but avoids their more exaggerated traits. Picture the study where Mary Shelley might have penned her novels, complete with a desk drawer housing her late husband’s heart, and you’ll grasp the essence of this style. It’s perfect for those who adore Harry Potter or have outgrown their Sisters of Mercy phase.
Cottagecore
Following closely is cottagecore, a design movement fueled by social media that romanticizes rustic, countryside living. Envision cozy Irish knit sweaters, dried floral arrangements, vintage furniture, charming plaid patterns, an overabundance of houseplants, and (brace yourself) the resurgence of macramé. While cottagecore shares dark academia’s rejection of modernism, it replaces brooding intellectualism with a focus on idyllic, pastoral simplicity. It’s rural life reimagined with elegance and refinement, free from the grit of hardship. This style is ideal for those who adore floral dresses and crave Instagram-worthy aesthetics.
Grandmillenial
Combining “grandma” and “millennial,” grandmillenial design harks back to pre-modern America, featuring embroidered linens, needlepoint cushions, elaborate chandeliers, and furniture made of wicker and walnut. It’s reminiscent of how your grandmother might have decorated her home in the late 1940s—a nostalgic embrace of the traditional and the seemingly outdated. This style evokes memories of the short-lived “normcore” trend from the 1990s. While grandmillenial isn’t as rustic as cottagecore or as somber as dark academia, it shares their disdain for modern technology and contemporary aesthetics. Opt for this style if you’re looking to repurpose heirlooms and save money in the process.
Maximalism
Completing the lineup of 2021’s most popular design trends is maximalism. This style is for those who aim to make a striking impression by filling their homes with an eclectic mix of items. Picture a vibrant explosion of colors, patterns, textures, and decorative knick-knacks. Maximalism combines the over-the-top opulence of a Victorian-era home, where every inch is adorned, with the flashy, indulgent aesthetic of 1980s excess. Choose this style if you’re the type to declare, “I’m not here to make friends” on a reality show or if you’re embracing a newfound sense of wealth.
