From multifunctional spaces to connection with nature, here are eight things that your home needs in 2022.

1. A home office

Offices are opening back up, but many people will not return to work five days a week.

"The home office is important with flexible workplaces appearing to be the way of the future," says Keith Fuller, senior designer at Porter Davis.

He explains a home office ideally will have plenty of natural light, adequate power points and a door or window to act as a barrier to sound and household distractions.

2. Natural colours and materials

“If you look at the trend and colour forecasting in 2022, it has been influenced by the few crazy years we've had with COVID, and it's now about connecting with nature," explains Melissa Donnan, interior design at Porter Davis.

"There’ll be a lot of natural colours like beige and really earthy greens.

"We're also going to see a lot of natural materials like timber and stone back inside.”

Adding elements of colour is on-trend.

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3. Zoned-open plan

Open plan living has been the favoured layout for decades, but Fuller says the pandemic has shown that zoned living — common in older homes — has upsides.

So, from now on, a careful balance needs to be struck between these two options.

“Open plan living is not dead but I think it needs to change, especially with kids staying around longer and people working from home,” he says.

A zoned-open plan layout means rather than a study nook, the office is closed off and located away from the living space. Family areas will still be free flowing but may incorporate features like fold-away doors to close off the television area at times.

4. Multifunctional spaces

This is a space set up for several purposes and can be easily adapted when your needs change. Think dual-purpose furniture which can fold away.

Also, the room typically needs plenty of storage to hide clutter, such as exercise equipment or art supplies.

Entertainment areas can have multiple purposes.

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5. Biophilic design

This design concept is about increasing connection with the natural environment and is very popular right now.

"Within our homes, this means things like bringing in more natural light, having greenery and more airflow," says Donnan.

Outdoor kitchens and an outdoor dining area are also on-trend, adds Fuller.

“It's more than just an alfresco area. A kitchen outside cements that indoor-outdoor living concept".

6. Curves

For the last few decades, modern design in Australia has been about rigid lines, but the style is changing.

Curves are back.

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“Right now, the trend is curves and arches, and introducing those into a contemporary space to get away from the bold, white and bright interiors,” Chiara Portesi, interior designer, Porter Davis, says.

Think softly curved walls and windows, rounded island benches, and mirrors and furniture that play on the circular style.

7. Simplification

In a post-pandemic world, many of us are decluttering our lives, translating into a reduced complexity of our homes.

"It's basically minimalism," Donnan says.

This means paring back the colour palette, incorporating subtle textures and raw materials.

Choose one stand out piece to act as a feature in the room rather than having multiple items.

8. Set up for tech

Complete home automation is not necessary, but Fuller says new homes do need to be tech-savvy.

This includes adding additional power points in strategic areas, along with USB ports.

Plan for Wi-Fi, stereos, additional cabling and even for CCTV at the front door.

Pictures are courtesy of Porter Davis.