2022 Trend Forecaster Q&A with Mark Woodman

Trend Forecaster: 2022 Emerging Trends in Product Design, Colors and Innovation

with Mark Woodman

The last two years have changed how we live and thus how we design. As designs focus more heavily on comfort and attention to living space, the emerging trends in colors, product designs, textures and innovations have reflected those shifts.

Mark Woodman is the owner of Mark Woodman Design + Color, LLC and is an expert in the field of design, building products, and trend forecasting. In this Q&A, Woodman explores upcoming trends in the design field that also cross over into the building products realm in anticipation of 2022.

How will we see these trends used in architectural, interior and product design, home renovations and decor, fashion, and product innovations? Prepare for the year ahead with these enlightening insights and predictions from Woodman.

Q: What style trends have you seen quietly gaining momentum over the past year? Why do you think they are gaining popularity?

A: Softness - Especially in fabrics such as velvet, wool and corduroy. Textures of all sorts. And matte or low-sheen finishes on surfaces like quartz, porcelain and brick or stone.

These trends are comforting and inviting, offering a moment of calm. The need for ease and comfort was already emerging as an upcoming trend, but the pandemic drove it into hyper speed. Now that we’ve spent more time in comfy sweats, cozy sweaters, and some cushy chairs, we want our interior elements to reflect those qualities.

Q: What style trends have been impacted by the pandemic, if any?

A: One of the biggest living space trends to be impacted by the pandemic is open floor plans. We have discovered that they are not that convenient, are rather loud, and offer little privacy. There is an anticipation of the delineation of “flex” spaces with moveable walls, if not whole rooms added back to the living space. If a separate room is carved out, it will still be designed as a flex space. Office in the morning, classroom in the afternoon, tv lounge at night.

Q: What style trends can we expect to see in 2022?

A: More warm colors will emerge, such as beige, tan, caramel, cocoa, etc. It’s a palette of coffee colors from latte to espresso! The interesting thing is that they will influence other hues to warm up a bit, especially grey and black.

The textures will continue to offer us depth. And there will be more patterns, especially florals and botanicals.

The connection to the outdoors became really important during the pandemic and after. It was the escape; it was the place to feel free. And we started to garden flowers and food! It was exhilarating, and people want to expand on that.

Q: How do you anticipate these trends translating into the home building category?

A: First is the re-think of open floor plans and the emergence of flex rooms. The connection to the outdoors will be very important, too. Lots of glass for light and views, and the addition of “outdoor” space.

It could be the addition of a Juliet Balcony, which allows you to step outside, or having a potted plant - any connection to the outdoors. Of course, larger patios in brick and stone complete with outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, and sweeping walls of plants will be desired for both single and multi-family living.

Q: How will these trends transform from interior to exterior spaces?

A: A lot of what I track and discuss is interior-focused, but many of the elements take place on the exterior, too. Warmer colors on the structure, whether deep reds or sandy beige hues, have great visual warmth. Elements like glass bricks, especially translucent, can transfer light or give the illusion of illumination just by their higher sheen.

Both interior and exterior spaces need to be practical and long-wearing. Supply chains, having been interrupted globally, means it’s not simple to switch something out in a short period. Items have to be selected that will last, perform and bring long-term joy.

Stay ahead of all the newest and emerging design trends for 2022 with our 2022 new products to see how many of these trends are translating into stone and brick design possibilities for your next project.