Neil Kelly’s 2022 Home Design Forecast

As we say goodbye to 2021, it can be an exciting time to look ahead to some of the home design trends that we expect will gain traction in the new year.

As we emerge from the pandemic, one thing is clear – we’ve never been more familiar with our homes. Our team of designers share predictions for the top home design and renovation trends for 2022, which share a common thread – a post-pandemic desire for creating a tranquil and soothing home environment.

The sculptural freestanding tub and reclaimed cedar wall paneling create a visual connection with nature in this master bathroom. Design by Janel Campbell | Photo by Darius Kuzmickas / KuDa Photography

A Home Sanctuary
As homeowners seek tranquil, clutter-free homes, one design style will rise to the top of the list: Natural/Organic. This style incorporates shapes, colors and textures found in nature. People will move away from minimalist, monochrome, hard-edged design styles toward a more Natural/Organic style that features blues, warmer browns and greens, as well as curving lines found in nature. “Bringing the outside in can help people feel more grounded,” Neil Kelly Design Director Barbara Miller shares.

Inspired by the outdoors, this kitchen’s color palette is unified by lush grey-green backsplash tile extending all the way to the ceiling. Design by Therese DuBravac | Photo by Neil Kelly Company

From All White to Soothing Colors
Eugene Design Consultant Jackie Roscher is thrilled to see kitchens transitioning to warmer whites, natural wood tones and green in cabinet finishes. We will see more nature inspired colors like green, blue and brown which bring the outdoor feel inside.

Black cabinets add drama and sophistication to this kitchen design, especially when paired with brushed metal hardware. Design by Mary Miksch | Photo by Darius Kuzmickas / KuDa Photography

Back in Black
Black, or near black, as an accent color. Black pairs well with other neutrals, is gorgeous on cabinets and really pops with metallic hardware. “I’m happy to see black making a comeback and the continued use of mixed metals,” shares Roscher.

Though they require precision to install, porcelain slab counters are becoming more popular because of their beauty and resistance to staining. Design by Rob Barham | Photo by Darius Kuzmickas / KuDa Photography

The Cafe-Inspired Kitchen
A cafe-inspired kitchen design offers more flexible space that accommodates high traffic, homework, and working from home, in addition to normal cooking and entertaining activities. Some designs incorporate a “family landing zone, communication center, and charging station,” Seattle Design Consultant Amanda Sava shares.

More contemporary baths are incorporating square tile alternatives, such as the herringbone tile adorning this master bath. Design by Kimithy Nagel | Photo by Malia Campbell Photography

Tile in non-traditional shapes
Homeowners are looking beyond classic gray and white subway tiles, and exploring different colors, sizes and patterns, such as herringbone. Look for interesting, tone-on-tone patterns.

For homeowners concerned about the environment, bidet seats offer a more sanitary, more sustainable option for the bathroom. Design by Fabian Genovesi | Photo by Darius Kuzmickas / KuDa Photography

Bidet is Here to Stay
One effect of the pandemic is a greater focus on health and hygiene. Portland Design Consultant, Fabian Genovesi, sees a growing appreciation for bidet seats. “Homeowners are loving them,” states Genovesi. “They are more sanitary, and clients feel good about helping the environment with less waste.”

In this SW Portland home, an addition added more space to the kitchen, and created an entirely new master suite on the second floor directly above. Design by Byron Kellar | Photo by Darius Kuzmickas / KuDa Photography

The Home Office
Covid has forever changed the value of the home office. Families are getting creative with multi-use spaces, especially for artists and craft makers. “The need to create a flexible workspace for multiple members of a family isn’t going away anytime soon,” shares Portland Design Consultant Brian Hurst.

Increased Value in Additions
Because of a tight real estate market, more homeowners are opting to add to their existing home versus buying larger. “We’re seeing a lot of projects involving finished attics and basements,” adds Seattle Design Consultant Megan Knight. From second floor additions to basement conversions and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), additions can increase the value of your home while providing extra space.

With this glorious covered patio, which features its own kitchen, living room, and fireplace, the homeowners can experience the outdoors any time of year – even in the Pacific Northwest. Design by Tonya Bellusci | Photo by Darius Kuzmickas / KuDa Photography

Extending Living Space Outdoors
Decks and patios have become an integral extension of the home. Many decks and patios now include built-in storage, dedicated furnishings, an outdoor kitchen with a full-sized appliances and bar as well as comforts of a living room like television, music, and media.

Whether you’re thinking of updating a bath — perhaps with a bidet — or creating more space in your kitchen, Neil Kelly’s award-winning designers are ready to help you in 2022. Get in touch!