Forecasting trends in 2022 | Part 3

The present evolution of trends leverages itself on the blending of design styles. Our three megatrends are closely related and as such, maximalism can be influenced by our ideas of nostalgia and escapism. Maximalism comes in many interpretations, however, the secret according to interior designer Alex Papachristidis is that “it’s all about the layering of textures and details that all come together. Nothing is the focus, but everything is an element.”

Maximalism has again influenced Mokum’s upcoming collaboration with Catherine Martin. Speaking about their relationship Mokum Design Director Stephanie Moffitt comments, “Catherine and I were both children of the seventies, so our formative years were surrounded with damask sofas, patterned wallpapers, and English and European influenced prints. We are excited to release a new range exploring maximalism, inspired by Catherine’s latest film project with her husband, Director Baz Luhrmann.” 

“Maximalism has also evolved from the interior seventies into a more sophisticated exploration of pattern, texture and rich colour. Textile patterns and wallpapers can be combined in a heady mix, or maximalism can be explored more subtly through mixing dimensional textiles, deep pile velvets and rich colours,” says Stephanie Moffitt. 

The growing emphasis on textural design brings visual optimism and 1970s glamour to spaces. Looped bouclé and plush pile velvets on strongly woven and tactile base fabrics are hitting the mark in upholstery, while grunty textures at the window are making designs like Arima by Designs of the Times and Totto by Mokum an exciting addition to spaces.  

The shift towards pattern is occurring in both residential and commercial projects, as clients who typically choose rendered surfaces and subtle wall finishes embrace the influence of a pattern on the experience of a space.  

Energetic prints can be layered together in minimalist, neutral tones or in vibrant colours to convey personal taste within the home and step away from the strict adherence to one style or another. Embracing legendary interior designer and ‘Prince of Chintz’ Mario Buatta’s belief that “a house should grow in the same way that an artist’s painting grows; a few dabs today, a few more tomorrow,” he once said, “and the rest when the spirit moves you." 

Animal prints are an enduring design favourite capable of bringing an atmosphere of escape into a space at a time of ongoing restricted movement. Creative license has transformed depictions of these prints into otherworldly scales, colours, and textures, design elements such as these transport you into the jungle, the desert, or into a realm of total fantasy. 

Alongside decorative tiles and artworks, wallpapers have regained their popularity in interior schemes. Committing to a bold design need not be intimidating because modern papers are quick and easy to remove, therefore the interior can be refreshed more frequently. Textured linen or linen-look wallpapers bring tactility and depth to the walls, while metallic accents create glamorous iridescence across geometric patterns and decorative garden scenes.  

The resurgence of maximalism in interior design comes in response to a global desire for joy, sanctuary, and excitement within our homes. Combining vibrant colours, an array of textures, and contrasting patterns and prints with objects of sentimental significance will create an interior space with layers of personality. 

Read article: Forecasting trends in 2022 | Part 1

Read article: Forecasting trends in 2022 | Part 2