Time to reinvent your home decor: Maximalism & biophilic designs to rule 2022

This past year, our homes, just like the last year, played the role of both living and working spaces. They were the much-needed sanctuaries from the uncertainties of a pandemic-riddled world. Just as we thought we were out of the woods, a new coronavirus variant has reminded us that “home” is indeed our haven. This will shape the future of interior design next year.

How we decorate our homes will centre around style and sustainability in terms of the materials we use and the brands we shop from; a renewed interest in bringing the natural world indoors and a restructuring of our living spaces to adapt to flexible working schedules.

A nostalgic dip into our design past

The word “trend” reflects the feeling of a new fad that might disappear tomorrow. This is a fallacy. How we design today is the subjective building on our experiences — what we feel and see, how we are able to transfer the past into the present. It is never completely independent and removed from what we have done before.

Maximalism
This by no means is a modern trend. But it is coming back in a big way for sure and redefining even the way we look at clean lines and the use of geometry in décor.

Right from the 16th-century up until the Victorian era, maximalism meant every inch of homes was covered with colours and decorative elements — from wallpapers to rugs to draperies to curios. It started off as a sign of wealth and was quickly embraced by the bourgeoisie.

Today’s interpretation of maximalism, however, works with the layering of textures, patterns, colours and objects in a bold fusion that appeals to the senses. There is even restrained maximalism, where one could work with a muted palette of choice. Here, you play within a limited set of parameters but the aim is to have a similar result as maximalism.

Traditionally, it is a gushing of expressions and over the top. But it can also be done in a restrained yet versatile manner. As people, and especially the millennials, have increased independence and spending power, they are collecting objects of interest, travelling more and populating their homes with meaningful and significant art and accessories. The idea is to have a cultural explosion of your experiences and tastes on display around you.

Greening your home
There is an emphasis on creating calming, plant-filled environments that establish a visual connection with nature. The term “biophilic design” is gaining momentum. It means incorporating plants and greens into living environments in a significant way. Biophilia can reduce stress, enhance creativity and clarity of thought, improve our well-being and expedite healing. As the world population continues to become more urban, these qualities are ever more important.

Designers and architects will have to experiment with how to integrate the outdoors into even the most compact of homes using roof gardens, micro backyards, porches and balconies. The concept of greening can also be fused into the maximalist approach to design by making the plants a part of the visual layers, adding to a three dimensional texturing.

Flexibility and adaptability
At this time, when we are spending longer periods of time with our families, it is imperative to maximise every inch of space in the house. Flexibility of spaces — enabled through sliding doors and walls, partitions and adaptable furniture — allows us to do this even in the smallest of homes. Visual connections throughout the common areas of the family domain such as the dining, living and kitchen by amalgamating all these into one big hearth are ideal for family bonding.

- The author is Partner at reD Architects.