Pantone’s Colour of the Year is the happy ‘Very Peri’ – and the world gasped in surprise. After so much minimalism, the new home trends show how much our living ideas have changed in the past two years. So, what kind of Very Peri house would you be in 2022?

One thing we’ve noticed recently is that people are approaching home design differently these days. Trending colours are one thing, but we’re also rethinking how homes function.
For example, during the pandemic we had to start using our living spaces for homeschooling, work-from-home offices, and playgrounds for the kids.
It’s changed how we think about the layout and ‘feel’ of the homes we live in. According to experts in lifestyle trends, we’re heading into a season where homes will be about comfort, calm and nurture – no more stark, minimalistic whites and cool greys.
So, let’s dive into the 5 top home trends for 2022, and find out which one you’d choose for a brand new home.
2022 TREND #1: Do you like lots of timber, warm browns and raw materials?
Families are moving away from the ‘throwaway’ lifestyle and into long-lasting materials and textiles like natural timber for benchtops and floors. Instead of white or barely-there colours, it’s earthy tones like caramel, chocolate brown and creams to make the home feel warm and inviting (and maybe a little bit modern-70s).
Experts are saying leather and stone are a good complement for the natural trend, too. Stone is making a comeback for benchtops and tiles, especially in bathrooms. Add in some greenery and voila, a 2022 nature-inspired bathroom in a brand new home.
2022 TREND #2: Would you love to optimise your spaces?
It’s not reasonable to expect that everyone can afford a home with a study these days. It’s becoming much more common now to look at our ‘usual’ spaces like kitchens, dining tables and nooks as serving dual purposes.
It could mean designing – or modifying a home design – to include space for larger tables, room for book shelves or fitting an alcove for a desk. Extending a garage space (if possible) can make room for gym equipment, too.
The great perk about designing a home to suit a work-from-home lifestyle is that it gives you freedom to live wherever you like, without having to think about commuting or distances.
We’re always happy to help customers with any changes you want to make to your home layout, without adding exorbitant costs. You’re welcome to contact us anytime to see the designs we offer and get some advice about alterations.
2022 TREND #3: How much do you love bold, vibrant colours?
Queue the entrance of Very Peri! If you’re tired of minimalism, you’ll love the trend towards audacious colours, mismatched furniture and loads of texture. This trend even involves florals, which to be honest we never thought we’d see come back again.
Even wallpaper is back, in lots of big, bold colours and patterns. It’s called ‘grandmillenial’, because it’s bringing back trend ideas from a bygone 1940s era with a modern twist – a little bit more glamour and brighter colours.
2022 TREND #4: Would you choose more walls over open plan?
We’re still generally seeing people choose open plan simply because it maximises space, but there’s also a move towards compartmentalising areas. Putting in some walls can allow people to work from home more effectively (everyone who’s ever been Zoom-bombed by their toddler agrees).
A layout that separates a living room from a kitchen could make it easier to work while others relax, or create a wall that allows for a desk. It’s all up to you, really.
Another interesting point around open plan is that people are realising our outdoor area matters. It becomes an extension of our home; a place for family to eat outside, to see greenery while we work, and to entertain on weekends. Having an inviting outdoor space means you could add more walls inside without compromising too much on having a feeling of spaciousness in your home.
How to 2022 TREND #5: Prefer round and comfy over straight and sharp?the right policy for you
For a long time, homes were all about straight edges and minimal, clean lines. One thing experts are saying has changed since the start of the pandemic is a move towards curves which make a room feel more inviting and relaxed. We’re talking lots of rounded surfaces, including wavy kitchen islands and curved walls.
Of course, architectural designs like curvy kitchen islands can add a lot of extra expense, so if you’re working with a budget you could always choose furniture that brings in the curves. Circular tables, round-edged lounges, and oversized round pendant lights would do the trick.
Creating a home in 2022
If you’re thinking about building a new home in 2022 (and you’ve figured out what trend you love), you can start by looking at home designs. We have design experts who walk you through the design process, know all about trends, and can help you create a home that suits your family – and stays ‘on trend’ for years to come.