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Our Editors’ Favorite Modern Design Trends for 2022

2022 is officially here, and while we may still be dating documents with 2021 for the next few weeks (or months) a new class of modern design trends has arrived to remind us that time is in fact moving forwards and we’re not stuck in a 2020 loop, even if it does feel that way sometimes. From jewel tones and checker print to natural textures and craft, there’s no shortage of design trends to play with this year – but if you find yourself unsure about where to start, the Design Milk editors are sharing their top design trends for 2022 along with modern decor picks to experiment with at home!

biophilic design trends

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“With all the time spent indoors these past few years, it’s no surprise that biophilic design – a design concept centered on bringing nature indoors – is trending for 2022. While biophilic design has been common within architecture for years, we’ll be seeing more home furnishings and decor items sprout (no pun intended) up around the concept this year, which means everyone can experience the restorative benefits of mother nature at home. Experiment with indirect natural elements by incorporating natural shapes, materials, and textures into your space, or bring the greenery in with planters and vases. This self-watering planter by Greenery Unlimited allows you to do just that with minimal fuss – its water reservoir keeps plants hydrated at their own pace for weeks – and it has a modern aesthetic that’ll complement any decor style”
– Alexa Morales // Commerce Editor

$69

modern maximalism design trend for 2022

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“Minimalism always seems to be on trend but in recent times maximalism has been rising to the top. Perhaps it’s because we’ve all been stuck inside our homes during this never-ending pandemic and we’re craving something more – bold colors, repeating patterns, geometric shapes, etc. – anything to make our eyes dance around and be happy as we stay inside and stare at our same four walls. This Optical Movement Throw Blanket from DittoHouse is the perfect example with its juxtaposing diagonal lines in four colors that create an optical illusion. It’d be a bright, bold, and super fun addition to any sofa!”
– Caroline Williamson // Editorial Director

$195

oversized everything design trend for 2022

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“Oversized everything has been gaining momentum recently, and I couldn’t love the trend more! After the past few years we’ve experienced, and now being in the middle of winter, it all just feels very comforting and lighthearted. Two things I think most of us wouldn’t mind having a bit more of in our lives. Aside from what may seem like the obvious choices of overstuffed and exaggerated furniture, there are also some other subtle ways to bring the trend into your space. A few ideas that come to mind are Cloudnola’s Screw Up Hook Set and Bendo’s CLIP Wall Hook – both ideal for keeping winter coats off of the floor and general clutter in order while making a solid visual statement. I also need to mention a personal favorite: Poketo’s Spectrum Wall Planner. I’m someone who writes everything down and needs to see ahead weeks at a time, and the simple graphic design of this big calendar makes an oversized, useful impact.”
– Kelly Beall // Senior Editor

$48

wavy curved design 2022 design trends

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“The wavy + curved trend is really having a moment right now, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. Arched doorways, chairs with curved backrests, squiggle candlesticks, rounded sofas, concrete tiles with wavy designs, arched headboards for beds – there is no shortage of waves and curves in the design world! I personally love this trend and hope to see different iterations of it in the new year. Maybe an arched doggie door or a wavy bench of some sort? If you’re looking to incorporate this trend, you can go big with a DIY arched doorway (it’s possible, I’ve seen it on @dwellaware!) or make a decorative statement with the warm wave on the Blish Rug by Carret Design
– Vy Yang // Lifestyle Editor

$289+

@design_milk Curvy design trend inspo from Extra&Ordinary Design! 〰️ Find them on the Design Milk Shop #repost 🎥 @extraandordinarydesign #boostofhope #newyear ♬ Pretty – Coco & Clair Clair

colorblocking 2022 design trend

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“The art of color blocking – pairing bold, solid shades for a graphic and modern design aesthetic – will thrive this year, and fortunately for design lovers everywhere, the limitless spectrum of color presents countless opportunities to play with the trend. Small accessories like this bathroom shower curtain, accent pieces like this Heymat rug, or a piece of wall art like this Tom Pigeon print, are all great ways to start. My personal favorite? Jillian Rene Decor’s Monochromatic Color Block Pillow Covers. I love the minimal design of these covers, and the range of eye-catching color options guarantees there will be a hue for you. Plus, pillow covers give you the freedom to try the trend on different areas of your home with ease – rotate the same cushion from your bed to your couch, and to an accent chair whenever the mood strikes!”
– Alexa Morales // Commerce Editor

$85+

>>> For more trending products for 2022 visit the Design Milk Shop here! <<<

Alexa is commerce editor at Design Milk. She lives in Miami, Florida with her fiancé Alex and retired greyhound, Phoebe. A longtime art and design enthusiast, Alexa’s first stops in any new city are the art museums. When she’s not writing about her favorite DM shop picks, she might be buried in a book, binging reality tv or adventuring around her city with her partner and pup.