An aspect of Ayurveda I love most is the seasonal routine. The ancient medicinal science believes that we are deeply connected to our environments. Just as the seasons vary, we are constantly changing—so shifting our lives to complement the time of year helps us to attain balance and vitality. This is done through our diet and habits. I also believe, anecdotally, that it can be extended to our homes. As the air becomes hotter and the days longer, I lean toward cooler, breezier interiors. Linen sheets. Vibrant colors. Beachy accessories. Feeling inspired by the ethereal season upon us, I asked a few design experts for their take on the top summer décor trends of 2022.
These looks are stunning. But like summer, there’s an ease to each one. Simply put: They’re attainable for any budget. Because this season is about fluidity, and it’s time for a bit of a reprieve. (Gosh, we’ve earned it.) So read on for the 2022 summer décor trends that double as a dose of positivity and wellness.
Feature image by Justin Coit of Lauren Conrad’s Home.
Image by Amanda Marie Birnie courtesy of Julia Miller of Yond Interiors
Trend #1: Fresh and Unexpected Paint Details
Fresh color will always be in vogue. But it’s how you use it that will win the summer decor trends of 2022. The forecast for this summer is incorporating fresh, vibrant paint in unexpected forms such as on trim and cabinetry, says Julia Miller, owner and principal designer of YOND Interiors. “Color can be used in a million ways—and we think summer will be huge for injecting it in new ways,” adds Miller.
Why We Love It:
Miller’s forecast is a reminder that fresh paint doesn’t have to be washed over every wall to make an impact. As she says, use for concentrated areas to pack a punch. “Paint can be intimidating,” Miller points out, “but we find that using highly curated paint palette decks like Farrow and Ball, can help to expedite the color selection process.”
Image by Michelle Nash
Trend #2: Lots of Nature
Verdant leaves have reigned in 2022—and they’ll continue to well into the second half of the year. The trend of incorporating an abundance of nature into the home comes from several design experts, including Christopher Charles, owner of Christopher Charles Interiors, and Paul Rochford and Michael Violante, the principals behind V&R Interiors. The look can be incorporated in two ways: including plants throughout a room or by capitalizing on views of outdoor greenery with open windows and sheer curtains. Both are easy and accessible.
Why We Love It
Plants always lend an uplifting feel to any room. Truly, any room, including the kitchen, bath, or even an entryway. Just be sure to know your plants’ needs as the summer heat may require additional care.
Image by Hannah Haston
Trend #3: The Tropics
For summer 2022, interior designer Andi Morse of Andi Morse Design forecasts the Maldives at home. Tropical décor packs an instant vacation-vibes punch in a room. Morse says this look is simple to obtain. You can start with incorporating bright “happy” colors, from sunny yellows to emerald greens, with throw pillows, vases, and rugs. But the bolder approach is to incorporate island greenery and motifs via wallpaper and prints. Think, “tropical trees, pineapple motifs, and leaves of all kinds,” Morse adds.
Why We Love It
This trend is “so fun” and refreshing, says Morse, who loves this look for an accent wall, main bathroom, or powder room. “It brings some happiness home.”
Trend #4: Blurring the Outdoors and In
Temperatures are warming up in the northern hemisphere, which means dining al fresco and spending more time outdoors. Interior designer Andrea Rodman sees people weaving in ample opportunities to embrace both the outdoors and the look of the outdoors throughout their homes this year. Materials like jute for rugs, chunky cozy furniture with carved details, and more refined designs for outdoor furniture are all in her forecast.
Why We Love It
Even if you don’t have an outdoor living space, you can bring in the same en-plein-air vibe seamlessly into the home. A jute rug (a focal piece that complements many aesthetics) is ideal, but so are jute accessories and décor items that speak to patio spaces.
Trend #5: Fresh Greens
One of the biggest colors trends of this year continues to pull from the outdoors. Green, particularly earthy and muted greens, are a huge inspiration for designers in 2022, says color expert Amy Wax. “Green brings out that sense of being refreshed and being natural and colorful—so it hits all of those places.” This sense of refreshment and reprieve is ideal for the summer months, given that this is the time to kick back and sink into the warmth.
Why We Love It
Wax points out that earthy green is decidedly neutral and “can be used with almost every color on the pallet,” she says. In this light, Wax recommends leaning toward paints and décor accessories that are mossy, grassy, or olive green.