David DeQuattro is the Managing Principal at RGB Architects in Providence, RI and a contributor to building and design publications. In this article David DeQuattro discusses his observations on the latest trends in Interior Design and how they are influencing architecture.
When it comes to Interior Design, David DeQuattro of RGB Architects notes that Interior Design is the driving part of the engine that makes vehicle ride smoothly. The different trends that drive the interior of a space drive the exterior of the buildings.
What’s on tap for Interior Design in 2022? In one word: Eclectic.
Vintage
David DeQuattro reports that vintage isn’t entirely new to Interior Design. Since the late 1990s and early 2000s, Interior Designers have increasingly incorporated unique vintage accessories into living rooms and bedrooms.
One-of-a-kind is now king again, especially when rising prices of furniture and design goods and supply chain issues. It’s also become a popular choice when sameness rules throughout home goods retail stores.
Additionally, David DeQuattro says it’s preferred among those requiring their design aesthetic to be environmentally friendly. Upcycling old finds is incredibly desirable for both injecting personality into a space and making a home unlike any other on the block.
Earth Tones
Deep greens and browns seemed to have had their heyday in the 1990s. Interior Designers in 2022 beg to differ. David DeQuattro of RGB Architects notes that shades of brown, including caramels, chocolates, and camel tones are back in — even the deep browns not seen since the 1970s.
Browns are now being seen as more of a neutral, rich addition to create elegant dining rooms and even luxurious bedrooms. It seems to represent a current shift back to color experimentation following a long period of whites, grays, and light blues.
Fun Prints
The color explosion and experimentation have extended into prints as well, especially in rugs — bold, bright, complex, and fun. David DeQuattro says a mix of prints and patterns is being used on not just walls and floors but upholstered chairs and headboards. Subdued is out. Expressive is in.
The Darker the Better
Gone are the days of stark all-white kitchens. In 2022, kitchens are getting moodier. It’s not just done through deep colors. Hard, slightly bumpy textures such as marbles, quartzites, and granites are making their way back to countertops — and so are unexpected touches like stones.
Accents such as black lamps and dark islands are adding more lush character to any size kitchen.
Sculptural Furniture
Curves are always welcome, especially in furniture. Sharp industrial designs and angles are giving way to softer looks in everything from chairs and coffee tables to bookcases. It’s a more natural, classic look and subtle ways to represent the overall taste of the homeowner.
David DeQuattro reports that there are also sculptural influences being seen in lighting, including eccentric pendants and sconces with character. Many combine earlier styles, such as art deco and atomic age with decidedly modern colors, materials, and textures.
Natural Artisan Updates
Have shabby chic and farmhouse styles met their end? David DeQuattro says the jury is out on that, as modern styles using natural materials have been embraced as more comfortable and authentic design choices.
Think organic material and patterns reflecting nature mixed with striking raw materials like rattan (yes, rattan is back) and imperfect woods.
Maximalism
Understand minimalism? Then maximalism shouldn’t be too hard to master. Where minimalism was simple, clean, and a bit drab, maximalism puts colors and textures, and layers in a design blender.
Bright printed wallpaper (another 2022 Interior Design trend) may be covered with different colored artwork. Patterns mix and clash and it’s more than OK: it’s 2022.
Geometric Shapes
For a while there, we thought subway tiles were never going to exit from kitchens. And bathrooms. And everywhere.
But David DeQuattro says Interior Designers are increasingly shifting away from the classic subway look to more flowy and geometric shapes for backsplashes, fireplaces, and wallpaper. Geometric shapes are being used to create dynamic showpieces, such as floor-to-ceiling tiles and exaggerated diamond or wave shapes.
Defined Spaces
David DeQuattro says there are many who swear by open floor plans, and many new homes built in 2022 are decidedly open, especially on the first floor. But the COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly hybrid work options have led many homeowners to create more defined privacy spaces that were once free-flowing. Pocket and barn doors are now popular add-ons to add just a touch of privacy to open spaces.
More Attention to Outdoor Spaces
Over the past few years, more people have been living in their homes. David DeQuattro of RGB Architects says that means more attention has been paid to creating distinctive and comfortable outdoor living spaces, eschewing plastic lawn furniture in favor of modern deck colors and stylish furniture.
And look for more outdoor-indoor living combination through outdoor kitchens and architectural additions that easily bring the outside in.
