As the world moves into spring in 2022 the days are starting to become longer and going outside for a walk becomes more pleasurable. Having said goodbye to winter, for many people thoughts turn to home improvements and redesigns, in addition to removing all the clutter that has taken root in and around the living spaces. Here is a selection of top design trends for in and around the home in 2022 that are guaranteed to put a spring in your step!
A freestanding bath tub adds style and elegance to any bathroom
Gone are the days when a bathroom was an overlooked design space in the house. In this busy modern world, a bathroom serves as a focal point for relaxation and to invigorate you after an exhausting day at work. If you are thinking about giving your bathroom a facelift this season, a freestanding bath can turn any bath-time into a luxurious event. The most popular style of bathroom tends to be modern, followed by transitional and then contemporary designs. A freestanding bathtub comes in designs that can satisfy any of these popular themes.
Another great benefit is that is does not necessarily have to be in a corner of the bathroom and can therefore become the stylish focal point of your bathroom. The most common material for modern freestanding bathtubs is acrylic. This is a far lighter material than very old fashioned baths which were made from cast iron with an enamel coating or porcelain covered steel. The weight saving benefits of acrylic mean that the bathroom floor does not necessarily need to be reinforced.
Islands and granite surfaces are hot in the kitchen, and you can use sustainable and efficient materials, too
If you are considering giving your kitchen a makeover or even a complete overhaul, two key trends this spring are kitchen islands for eating and preparing food on and the use of granite surfaces for your worktops and counters. Kitchen islands have grown in popularity over the past few years. Whether you want your island to be a place where you and the family can sit down together for a meal or snack, or as a centerpiece for your cooking appliances so that you can show off your cooking skills, it is a key design trend.
Having an island as a conventional breakfast bar design also removes the need for a free-standing table and chairs in the kitchen area. This is great if your kitchen is on the small side and space is at a premium.
In terms of surfaces for your kitchen areas, granite and quartz materials give an exceptionally luxurious quality finish to any kitchen. Companies such as granitetransformations.co.uk can take you through every stage of the process when choosing these materials from design stage to installation. Having such hard surfaces in your kitchen also offers the benefits of being easy to clean and having an exceptionally long working life, not just looking great.
In regard to sustainability, with a growing public awareness of the threats posed to humanity itself by climate change and global warming, these beliefs are starting to shape consumer behaviour for interior design improvements.
Firstly, there is the energy efficient aspect of a home. Consumers recognize that an exceptionally well-insulated house with a modern, fuel efficient boiler and quality double glazed windows will lead to lower energy usage. Lower energy consumption by a population helps to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels which are a key “greenhouse gas” factor. In terms of sustainable materials bamboo is a key element for modern interior design. As a result of its fast-growing nature and inherent strength and flexibility it is starting to be seen in a wealth of modern furniture designs.
Cork is another material growing in popularity as it can be harvested from the bark of cork oak trees every nine years. The tree then replenishes itself, so no harm is done to the tree itself. Use cork in your interior designs from under flooring to wall insulation and you get the double bonus of using a sustainable product that also helps reduce your energy consumption.
Expand your living space outdoors, or bring outside in with houseplants
As the weather begins to get warmer, the prospect of barbecues and outdoor dining becomes a viable option, but have you considered that it is not just the warmer months that allow you to eat al fresco? In recent years, patio heaters have become ubiquitous in the restaurant and bar trade as indoor smoking became banned across the world. Consumers saw this trend and the early adopters have begun to take advantage of modern patio heating products to allow outdoor dining at home in all but the worst of weather. Recent design trends have seen the blurring of indoor and outdoor spaces. No longer is the outdoor green space of any property simply a place for plants and lawns. In recent times it has become an extension of the living space that the home offers. After a busy day, why not eat your evening meal as a family, al fresco and in perfect comfort?
Additionally, one key trend which also blurs the lines between the indoors and outdoors of your home is the growing desire for an abundance of houseplants indoors. This is one of the unexpected effects of the global lockdowns brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. As people were advised to stay indoors in every country during the pandemic, there was a growing desire to reconnect with nature. 2022 sees this trend of indoor houseplants continue to gain popularity. As most people know, houseplants can improve the air quality of rooms by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen by photosynthesis. In addition, just having house plants indoors can help to promote a feeling of calmness and tranquility which is much needed in these modern times. If you are looking for inspiration for great modern houseplants consider varieties such as Grape Ivy for its delicate beauty, Satin Vine if you are new to plant keeping but want to stay modern and orchids for their vibrant color. Orchids have often been viewed as hard to keep and maintain but modern varieties can be both beautiful and easy to care for.