When it comes to design trends, there's been a large push in recent years to focus on more than just how things look. The comfort and utility of everything in a space can make a difference in how it is perceived and how the people who live in it feel.

Design trends can be hard to follow, so here are 5 trends of 2022 and how they'll affect every part of your living experience at home.

Barndominium design style

Barndominium is a modern decor style that mixes rustic and contemporary living. Barndominium interior ideas showcase exposed wood and natural light. This interior style ensures a home is natural and spacious, allowing homeowners to feel more connected to a sustainable lifestyle than they may otherwise be.

You can use barndominium style decor in any home; you just have to create an open space feel. A great way to do this is by building a loft or adding cathedral ceilings. If you aren't looking to do any major renovations, you can still pull off this look by adding unfinished fixtures, neutral colors, and accent pieces such as signs made from barn wood or old ladders for plant stands that highlight country living.

Functional home offices

Many have had to contend with home offices for the last couple of years, and 2022 is the time to design with functionality and productivity in mind. Having a quiet and secluded space will allow you to focus on your job instead of the laundry you have to fold or the multiple things you have to complete around your home.

Keep in mind that if you’re spending a lot of time in your office, a good rule of thumb is to choose a room with a window. Natural lighting does wonders for both creativity and focus.

If more than one person has to share the office, a great compromise could be creating a sound-proof barrier between the two spaces. Of course, you don't have to go all the way and develop cubicles, but allowing yourselves to have separate workspaces will provide better focus. In addition, you’ll have an area where you’re excited to do your job.

You can also choose a two-person desk if you don't want to split up the room. These desks are functional and make working next to someone extremely manageable.

Whether you want to create a single-person office or shared space, pay close mind to efficiency. Before buying furniture, consider what you (and your office mate, if you’re sharing) have to accomplish. Next, map out the space you need to be efficient. After you've determined how to be fully functional, then you can shop for furniture.

Lastly, choose accents that create a sense of harmony. Inspirational prints or wrapping your bulletin boards in fabric are two ways that invite balance and tranquility into your space.

Decorative wallpaper

Wallpaper has been making a splash for the last couple of years, but the popular designs and styles many will be reaching for in 2022 may surprise you! More natural-looking patterns that can approach the look of brick, wood, or tile will be incredibly popular. But, of course, you must look at the right options for your space. This could mean wallpaper for textured walls or peel-and-stick wallpaper if you're renting your space.

Relaxed spaces

Modern life can feel like it’s moving a thousand miles a minute, so our homes need to be places where we can step back and breathe. Relaxing spaces are a key feature that many are designing for in 2022. These include areas where you can let the stress of the day drift away and focus on connecting with loved ones, rebuilding your energy, and spending time on your hobbies.

Perhaps the biggest change you can make to create a relaxed, stress-free environment is choosing a muted palette. For example, white walls with earth tones as accents can transform your space into a refuge without overwhelming the senses like dark or extremely vivid colors do.

Furniture will be another key player in 2022 with many seeking pieces that allow them to relieve tension and feel comfortable. This means light-filtering curtains, sound-absorbent carpets and rugs, and recliners and ottomans that allow you to indulge in your senses instead of your racing thoughts.

Another fantastic way to promote relaxation in the home is to capitalize on the tranquility of a fireplace. A fire doesn't have to be burning in the hearth to offer a sense of peace.

Adding accents and a decorative screen draws your attention, giving your eyes a spot in the room they can wander to and find a moment to rest.

Finished unique basements

Investing in usable space is a must in 2022, and our basements are the perfect place to utilize. Whether an office, a gym, or even a home theater for movie nights with the family, homeowners can stretch their home beyond what they currently have by transforming their basement into a functional area.

To accomplish this, everything from basement flooring to the layout of your downstairs will be looked at. You’ll want to consider the size of your basement to help determine what you’re going to use it for. The average basement has 1,000 square feet of space, which is more than enough for two or three bedrooms and one large shared space.

Something else to consider are the rooms above your basement, especially if part of it will be for guests. You don’t want to set a room someone will be sleeping in under a kitchen or another area that gets a ton of foot traffic.

Since most basements have very few windows, if any at all, don’t forget to think about the appropriate lighting to ensure the space is illuminated sufficiently.

Interior design: More than looks

Although design trends like to focus on the look of the design before much else, most modern methods are ensuring that comfort and utility are also heavily considered. Each of these trends can make an incredible difference to your home, so give them a try in 2022!

Natalie Akins is the Interior Design Editor at Innovative Building Materials. With over 20 years of interior design experience, Natalie has worked on many projects, including commercial office design and residential spaces.