Etsy’s Trend Predictions for 2022 Are Full of Vibrance and Nostalgia

Shop SmarterEtsy’s Trend Predictions for 2022 Are Full of Vibrance and Nostalgia A sneak peek at what we’ll be shopping in the coming months

By Sarah Lyon

December 29, 2021

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email

Image Courtesy of NoaRazerStudio 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Email

All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

These past few years have been a whirlwind, to say the least, and it may seem shocking to some that 2022 is already on the horizon. Though we certainly continue to live through an unprecedented time, reading through Etsy’s 2021 year in review report and looking at the company’s predictions for what’s ahead may provide you with a dose of hopefulness—and even some nostalgia—that you didn’t know you needed.

A look back at Etsy’s 2021 search trends reveals just how eager we were to gather together again as soon as it became safe to do so. The marketplace saw searches for wedding decor increase by a whopping 897% in July, while those who weren’t tying the knot embraced the opportunity to entertain friends once again too. Searches for party decor and serving trays were up by 784% and 913%, respectively, as of June. 

Of course, it’s more than likely hosts were making their own decorations as well. DIY kits continued to be ultra popular more than a year into the pandemic, with searches up by over 1,000% in May. And the hottest back to school accessory this past fall? Face masks, of course—searches were up by over 600% in August as parents helped their children prepare for the year ahead.

So what lies ahead for 2022, according to Etsy? Based on their predictions, we can expect to see a whole lot of color and a few throwback moments in the year ahead.

Green—particularly in emerald

According to Etsy, a huge wave of emerald green is on the horizon—the company even named it the color of the year. “Shoppers are reaching for shades of green as a way to add pops of color into their homes and wardrobes in the new year,” Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson says. “Both mood-boosting and grounding, green hues symbolize harmony and growth, while allowing shoppers to connect with nature—something we could always use a little more of.”

Esme Hexy Ring Dish$16EtsyBuy ItMore vibrant hues and accents

Not so wild about green? Fear not, as there are plenty of other vibrant hues in the fold, too. And why not tackle your lighting while adding some color to your home? Statement fixtures that lean towards the ’70s are having a major moment, for example. Bold lamps that are both functional and artistic? Count us in!

Colorful Handmade Lampshade$280EtsyBuy ItPop-punk attire

And throwing it back to more recent decades, you may want to get those Less Than Jake CDs from your high school years out of the basement, as pop-punk is experiencing a major revival that will continue into 2022. Etsy searches for spiked collars are already up by nearly 900%, and we wouldn’t blame you for having the urge to relive your angsty teenage years by partaking in the look.

Silver Choker Necklace$221EtsyBuy ItFairytale and fantasy elements for kids

While adults are looking to escape their current reality through fashion, kids will be doing so through fairytale and fantasy-inspired toys and costumes. Bring on the dragon toys and mythical beast accessories! “In an increasingly technology-filled world, many shoppers are opting for nostalgia-inspired aesthetics that are reminiscent of decades past,” Dayna says. “We’re seeing a return to all-things retro—from ’70s lighting to the pop-punk styles of the early ’00s to fairytale motifs for kids—reminding us all of simpler times.”

Dragon Mobile$90EtsyBuy ItAnd a bit of balance

Though next year’s trend predictions show us that we’re eager to live boldly, those who prefer to take it slow and keep things simple will be glad to know that the Swedish concept of Lagom will also be at the forefront of our lives, Etsy says. The phrase, which loosely translates to “just the right amount” will guide our shopping behaviors and encourage individuals to find balance in all areas of life, the company says.

ExploreShoppingClever