Interior design trends for 2022 – do landlords need to be aware?

As rents climb to pre-pandemic levels, meaning more competition for rental properties, landlords may want to consider how they can get ahead of the curve and find long-lasting tenants. Making your home as attractive as possible through interior design could be the key.

In 2022, interior design trends are predicted to centre on reclaiming spaces previously adapted to home working, a renewed interest in bringing nature indoors, and a drive to decorate consciously.

Of course, when considering a remodel or design change, it is important to note that not everything is ideal for a rental property. Modern design trends can prove either profitable or a disaster in a rental.

Below, we set out the possible interior design trends of 2022 and whether landlords should be aware of them to appeal to a wider market and let with ease.

A term that has recently taken the internet by storm for promoting simplicity, comfort and self-reliance, Cottagecore encompasses the romantic rural life with traditional ideals.

The nature-driven design trend calls for cosy spaces decorated with rustic touches and furnished with home-grown, artisan-crafted pieces.

This could include wildflowers, Venetian plaster walls and chalky paint surfaces. It is also an excellent choice for creating a more sustainable lifestyle, with vintage pieces and natural elements playing a pivotal role.

While this trend has a natural affinity with countryside homes, some elements can be adopted in even the most urban properties, forging a connection with the simpler side of life that helps renters feel grounded in their homes. 

According to designers, with the most substantial and immediate association to nature, green is one of the most obvious choices for interior design trends in 2022.

Green plays well into an over-arching trend for biophilic design in the home — i.e. recreating a connection to nature indoors that can help reproduce some of the health and mood-boosting qualities of spending time in nature.

Combining the earthy hue with natural tones, woven and raffia fittings and displays of rich, air-filtering houseplants could effortlessly add flair to the space. Alternatively, adding pops of rich jewel-toned greens through cushions, prints, and decorative items could prove less overwhelming.

With a recent push to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050, 2022 is primed to see a further emphasis on responsible manufacturing, sustainable materials, and the reuse and resale of furniture and homeware.

Environmentally-friendly materials do not just end at reclaimed wood or bamboo flooring. Advanced processes see reused materials such as recycled bioplastics enter the home décor arena. At the moment, this trend is geared toward accent pieces, but 2022 could see these areas expand.

Leather has also become a favoured material for this purpose. The combination of natural, warm earthy tones and a sense of permanence present the perfect interior furniture.

So, for rentals, consider adding some sustainable furniture that not only provides versatile storage but can last a lifetime.

Lighting, while often an afterthought, can significantly amplify the space, and statement lighting is emerging as a new, significant trend this year.

Statement wall lamps, large, dramatic pendant lights and chandeliers, and compelling table and floor lamps are all part of this luminous trend, which takes inspiration from the exciting new styles currently being developed in lighting.

However, statement lighting isn't just limited to fixtures. Good lighting should be volatile to create the desired ambience and specific lighting to highlight various features, artwork, ceiling and decorative spaces.

Of course, big, bold statements – be it lighting or otherwise – aren't going to suit every rental property. Consider your tenants' tastes before committing to significant refurbishments when deciding on more luxurious finishes.

Presenting a property in the best possible light is essential to ensuring the best rental returns. Therefore, investing extra effort in keeping up with the latest trends could help keep your tenants satisfied and encourage them to stay for the long term, effectively reducing void periods.

But this goes beyond wiping down your white goods and giving the walls a fresh lick of paint. Presently, tenants are held under the sway of interior style; year after year, the ground is laid for what people want to see in their homes.

As a landlord, it's wise to pay attention to design tastes because otherwise, you risk owning a property that doesn't feel modern or sophisticated without them.

Of course, no matter how your rental home is decorated, you don't want to lose sight of your target demographic. For instance, the above trends may be appealing to stylish young professionals but may not go down well with a young family.

When weighing your design options, analyse comparable homes on the market and see how your investment stacks up. Consider safer, neutral options, such as cool grey tones. Consider adding shelving that mixes reclaimed wood with contemporary metal for some unique flair for added storage.

Letting agents should also be on hand to recommend trends to their landlords, helping to attract today's renters and improve the overall letting experience.