Forecasting home design trends is a tricky business (for me) because I never want “trends” to be the focus of what we do at CLJ. Above all, we really value individuality and uniqueness and hope to inspire all of you to LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE, regardless of the trends that come and go. With all that being said, you might think of these trend predictions more as my personal opinions, things I’m excited to see more of in interiors, and hopefully, something you see here inspires and excites you!

Let’s get into it.

1. Chic Parisian Aunt is in

Image Source: And Studio

I feel like the grand millennial style came in fast and furious and left just as quickly. Alternatively, the design style I’m seeing and loving more could be personified as a “Chic Parisian Aunt.” I still see traditional home elements, but they’re elevated and tidied up! I really want my home to be cozy, but I want to explore more polished art deco vibes incorporated into our Modern Colonial home. Athena over at Eye Swoon and Mallory of Reserve Home do this really well.

2. Mural wallpaper is still trending

Image Source: Ashby Collective

In May 2021, I wrote an entire blog post dedicated to trending mural wallpaper, and guess what!–it’s still trending. Of course, this is good news to me since the study is covered in the most charming scenic wallpaper that I’m still very much in love with. This wallpapered bedroom was recently featured in Architectural Digest, and for good reason. It’s a show-stopper.

3. Wood-paneled walls

Image Source: Marie Flanigan Interiors

I have an entire Instagram saved folder called “Wood-Paneled Walls.” My heart has fallen head-over-heels for wood paneling, and can you even blame me? We were planning to do this in the rec room, but I’ve recently been toying with possibly doing it in the living room with the addition of the skylights. How beautiful would that be?

4. Colorful stone countertops

Image Source: Ashley Montgomery Design

For the last couple of years, we have been seeing really heavy veining in stone, and I think this is the year we are going to be seeing even more colorful stone!

Image Source: The Flint House

The colorful veining in The Flint House kitchen is beyond gorgeous, and I think this look has opened the door to getting even bolder and braver with colorful stone.

Like the bathroom below for example.

Image Source: Chan & Eayrs

I’m anticipating seeing stone slabs that are blue, red, green, and beyond!

I absolutely love the soapstone we used in the laundry room, but my only regret is that I didn’t go bolder with color. If I could go back in time, I would! Maybe in our future bathroom renovation, I’ll have the guts.

5. Molding on molding

Image Source: Joanna Gaines

Last week I went Live on Instagram and was asked for my recommendation about painting a wall without adding any trim. My two cents is I would (guilty) absolutely paint a wall without first adding trim. But in my opinion, trim is best. A home with custom millwork looks so elevated, classy, and historical. I don’t want a single room in my house that doesn’t have molding added to the walls and even the ceilings.

6. Structured upholstered furniture silhouettes

Image Source: Eye Swoon

For the last few years, we’ve seen really relaxed, cozy, cushioned sofas and chairs. Now I see a lot more taut shapes and silhouettes in upholstered furniture emerging. I’m really looking forward to this shift in my own home because I sure am getting tired of fluffing my sofa cushions before every photoshoot or guest arrives!

Image Source: Reserve Home

Couldn’t think of a more perfect example of this than Mallory at Reserve Home!

7. Darker wood-toned furniture

Image Source: Sean Anderson

Wood furniture is getting darker and darker! Remember years ago when all furniture and cabinets had to be white? We opened ourselves up to some lighter wood tones and, eventually, mid-tone wood, and we’re finally embracing darker woods!–walnut, cherry, espresso, mahogany… yes, please.

8. Unique lighting

Image Source: Jean Stoffer

Lighting has evolved into being the “it” factor in a room, and I can’t think of a better example of this than Jean Stoffer herself. I think of lighting as the “bling” or the “jewelry” of the room. A room doesn’t quite feel complete without it, and without being overstated, it can completely transform the look and feel of a room entirely!

Image Source: Jean Stoffer

When we set out to budget our projects, I almost always choose the lighting first and allot the biggest chunk of change to it. Don’t skimp on your lighting!

9. Pastel tones

Design: Alisa Bloom

For a while now, jewel tones have been coming back in paint. We’ve graduated from accent walls and are seeing entire walls and ceilings fully immersed in jewel-toned paint! I think this is a direct result of going too hard with whites and neutrals and then swinging drastically to bold and bright! But now, color goes beyond walls and into upholstery, rugs, tile, curtains, and cabinetry. No one’s playing it safe–and it is SO EXCITING to see. This year, I think we’re going to see a lot more tonal pastels mixed in, which I’m less comfortable with, but that discomfort really excites me because I love trying new things. Maybe the light blue in the mural room will be just perfect after all.

10. Polished, more elevated finishes and decor pieces

Image Source: Katrin Mood

There used to be either Maximalism or minimalism and the lines are blurring. This more “fancy” design trend is making room for fewer space fillers, and more elevated, intentional pieces, while not skimping on trim on trim and ornate details in those pieces.

What do you think of this list? Is there anything else you’re hoping to see? Anything you’re NOT excited about?