8 Interior Design Trends Pros Are Eager to Leave Behind in 2022

Designer Takes8 Interior Design Trends Pros Are Eager to Leave Behind in 2022Pros weigh in on the unflattering or overused design choices to avoid in your next project

By Jessica Ritz

December 21, 2021

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Every year, AD PRO checks in with our network to get their predictions on the styles and interior design trends that will resonate in the year ahead. Perhaps even more telling is the reverse: the unflattering or overused—dare we say, even cheugy—design choices that pros would happily see disappear come the new year. Below, leading creatives candidly weigh in on the interior design trends they hope to leave behind in 2022.

Overstuffed seating

“Let’s say goodbye to 2021 and overly creative upholstered chairs that are overstuffed like a Michelin man—and also sofas with asymmetrical angles that look more like sculpture than a comfortable place to sit. Classic shapes and styles like Jean Michel Frank, George Smith, and Mies van der Rohe remain timeless because they were designed with comfort and proportion in mind rather than what looks intriguing on an Instagram post.” —Michael Cox, Foley & Cox

Pared-down interiors

“I’m tired of seeing pared-down interiors obviously styled by real estate agents and stagers who feel that the only homes that sell are those that are basically empty and devoid of personal effects. Sadly, I think this look trickles down to a lot of editorial and advertising in the design world and DIY’ers who think this is what is on trend. Actually it’s the opposite, and I’m much more keen to see a place that has been lived in and loved that tells a story!” —Frank de Biasi, Frank de Biasi Interiors

According to Joy Moyler, black hardware “will forever feel trendy.”

Photo: tulcarion/Getty Images

Black kitchen and bath hardware

“A design trend I am ready to see go upon the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve is black kitchen and bath hardware. I know I will likely be slayed for this. As a lover of classic unlacquered brass, silver, and good-quality nickel, black hardware will forever feel trendy to me. Wesley Snipes famously said in the film Passenger 57, ‘Always bet on black.’ But he wasn’t referring to kitchen and bath fittings.” —Joy Moyler, Joy Moyler Interiors

“Modern barn” design

“Banal in both exterior and interior, the vaguely barn-like structures with all-white walls, black windows, bleached wide-oak flooring, and abstracted greige carpets inspired by the galaxy or jellyfish or other sea life in mauve-y, earthy color schemes. They look like depressing medical scans. Also, the black-and-white photography on the walls of horses, or sad gray days at the beach!” —Patrick Mele, Patrick Mele

It’s time to bid farewell to white and bright palettes, Mandy Cheng says.

Photo: Wongsakorn Dulyavit/Getty Images

“Safe” color palettes

“Bold colors, layers, patterns, and sumptuous textiles are fighting the previously popular white and bright color palettes, and I love it. I’m ready for the light and bright trends to take a seat on the sidelines for a while.” —Mandy Cheng, Mandy Cheng Design

Backlit stone finishes

“We would love to see this feature go away in private homes, as it dates the home quickly. We don’t need to highlight the beauty of natural stone by adding artificial backlighting to it. Let the material shine on its own.” —Edel Legaspi, Legaspi Courts Design

Does remote work have people reconsidering the open floor plan? Rachel Bullock thinks so.

Photo: Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

Open floor plans

“With more people spending time at home during the pandemic, many are starting to realize that the separation of space is useful. No one wants to be on competing Zooms in the same kitchen/living/dining room. Having distinct spaces also allows each zone to have its own character, and having everything connected can make a space feel too cavernous when you are not entertaining. Defined, intimate spaces that offer everyday coziness will start to take priority over the once-a-year giant party.” —Rachel Bullock, LAUN Los Angeles

Lazily used design terms

“For starters, the term ‘maximalist’ is overused and starting to represent nothing other than throwing a whole lot into the pot and hoping it comes out right. Another common one is ‘transitional’—let’s instead get behind an aesthetic and work it in a committed fashion rather than winding up personality-less. —P.M.