Your home is your sanctuary, so it should be a place that reflects your personal style — this much is true. On the other hand, all trends come and go, particularly after two unprecedented years that changed the way in which we live, work and play (and did most of those things inside our own four walls). 

So if you’re ready to make some changes, here are a few trends worth saying goodbye to as we enter 2022, as well as a some new home styles to try instead.

FARMHOUSE DECOR PHOTO COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK

Farmhouse Decor

You’ve lived, you’ve laughed, you’ve loved, now it’s time to remove, recycle or move on from rustic word art and all the accompanying farmhouse decor. The whitewashed woods, neutral carpets and shiplap walls ushered in by Joanna Gaines when “Fixer Upper” became an HGTV sensation in 2013 aren’t without their charms, however — and starting completely over is hard (and expensive) to do. Instead, try updating your space by adding statement art, pillows in bold colors or area rugs with interesting patterns.  

OLIVE SPRIG COURTESY PPG PAINTS

Gray Paint

Gray paint has been popular since 2008, and it’s easy to see why; the neutral hue pairs well with just about everything. But as we move forward from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s time to embrace a more optimistic palette — which color experts already agree is green. From PPG Paints to Sherwin-Williams, the world’s major paint manufacturers have chosen natural, organic hues as their colors of the year for 2022. 

Like gray, green can be a surprisingly perfect neutral. It pairs nicely with other colors (including gray) and natural woods. Plus, the leafy shade encompasses another big trend for 2022: bringing natural, outdoor styles inside.  

OPEN SPACES CONCEPT COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK

Open-Concept Spaces

The popularity of open-concept spaces took a major nosedive thanks to the pandemic. When the stay-at-home orders first hit in early 2020, people scrambled to find private spaces to conduct their Zoom meetings, and those airy combined kitchens and great rooms didn’t seem quite so appealing. 

“The pandemic has shifted our priorities at home as we look for spaces that can serve multiple purposes,” says Juliane Mazzarella, owner of Avenue Interiors in Sewickley. “Home offices are mixing into guest rooms, dining rooms and any corner we can find.” 

Nearly two years later, with many people still working at home, there is a continued interest in home offices, as well as a separation of work zones and private spaces from communal areas.

MINIMALISM STYLE PHOTO COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK

Minimalism

Clean, minimalistic spaces are a classic, and they look pretty, but they’re hard to maintain — just ask anyone with kids. Instead, home styles are taking a cue from the more-is-more style of the 1980s and 1990s and trending toward bold maximalism; think opulent mirrors, curved furniture, luxurious materials and jewel-toned hues.  

“I feel there has been a shift towards embracing and playing with color,” says Pittsburgh-based interior designer Hayley Watters. “For example, I have noticed a considerable shift towards the use of darker, more dramatic colors. I predict we will be seeing lots of rich greens and blues taking over many interiors.”

For more exciting new home trends to try in 2022, explore our January HOME issue.