Inspire me

Refresh your interior with the best colours and prints for 2022

6 ways to transform the home with new season colour and print.

#1 Earthy hues

If you’re feeling the chill, the simplest way to warm up is with 2022’s on trend earthy palette. Think rich terracotta, walnut, ochre and camel, with a teeny slash of bold crimson or mandarin to shake things up. Deep natural hues are back, so time to wrap yourself up in a colour hug with a wall of mocha-coloured paint or soft bedlinen in shades of moss, clay and rust. Earth colours are cosy and calm, yet super chic and elegant. Winning.

TIP: Strong earthy shades work well with warm, paler neutrals like buttermilk, linen and sand – steer clear of cooler grey tones (make a beeline for trends #2 and #3 instead)

Picture captions - Lola Curvaceous Burnt Orange Velvet Armchair by Audenza

Mocha Matt Emulsion Paint by ilovewallpaper.co.uk

Monaco Bath by Victoria + Albert Baths

#2 Going green

Green is our go-to colour for 2022 – from dark olive and forest green to uplifting mint and muted sage (the perfect tie-in with a grey scheme). The entire green spectrum is relaxed, serene and seriously cool. Green also connects us naturally to the great outdoors and strengthens our desire to turn our living space into a sanctuary. “Green is the colour of harmony and balance when it comes to colour psychology,” says Natasha Bradley, head of colour at paint brand, Lick. “The more we work from home, the more we need to create spaces that nurture us and our new ways of living.” We’re giving it the green light.

TIP: You can’t go wrong with a green kitchen, whether it’s rich emerald painted units or sophisticated Verdigris wall tiles. It’s timeless, fresh and energetic.

Picture captions - Marsala Terrazzo tile by Otto Tiles & Design

Shaker Kitchen by deVOL

#3 Power pastels

Sugary, sweetshop hues like rose, lemon, pistachio and violet have gone all grown up. While blush pink bathrooms have been popular for a season or two, the pastel palette shows no signs of waning. Take the look one step further by colour drenching walls, skirting boards and doors in the same paint shades, say blush, sky blue or duck egg. Pair with natural materials like rattan and hemp and a profusion of indoor plants for a look you’ll love.

TIP: Make a nod to the earth palette with warmer pastels like sunflower, dusty peach and pale coral – the best way to bring the vacation mood back home.

Picture caption - First Light Paint by Benjamin Moore

#4 Biophilic design

Bio-what? We all want to be next to nature as far as possible, right. So, biophilic design (as it’s known in the industry) is about connecting our four walls to nature and the outside world. This translates as lush green foliage prints, organic shapes and natural landscape features. Cover walls in overgrown leaf patterns or an abstract marble print for a cool twist on the trend. Make a beeline for chairs and sofas in restorative flora and fauna patterns…and relax.

TIP: Take the biophilic idea one step further with a living wall made from real foliage. The ultimate house plant and design feature in one.

Picture captions - Fern Wallpaper by Lorna Syson

Art Deco Jungle Wallpaper by Lime Lace

Pastel Marble Wallpaper Mural by Wallsauce.com

#5 Regency core

Blame it on Bridgerton. Yes, this hit Netflix period drama, has got us all hot under the collar for a huge dash of Regency-inspired glamour back home. The grand, opulent mood is having a moment, so time to think big. For print and pattern this means blowsy, romantic florals on statement walls or a luxe accent chair in a detailed, heritage pattern. Use rich, jewel colours (ruby, sapphire, emerald, amethyst) – and don’t be afraid to clash two or three prints in the same room. We’re in love – but would Lady Whistledown approve?

TIP: The Bridgerton look isn’t for shrinking violets. Opulent printed velvets and silks are more maximalist than minimalist. But dip your toe in the mood with a dainty damask wallpaper or a scattering of fringed, floral cushions.

Picture caption - Portobello Parade Jellied Teal Wallpaper by Divine Savages

#6 Retro graphic

Graphic, abstract prints are oh so cool. Like a piece of modern art for the walls (without the high-end price tag), this look oozes colour and shape for the statement makers among us. Giant swirls and repeat geometrics in paintbox brights tie in neatly too with the retro, mid-century mood that’s going nowhere for interiors. For cushions and blinds, look out for 70s style blooms or digital, interlocking shapes in bold orange, yellow and red.

TIP: If you don’t want to cover an entire wall in a retro pattern, create a gallery of framed abstract prints in different sizes.

Picture caption - Gelato Bauhaus Geometric Wallpaper by Bobbi Beck