Forget the Trends: For 2022, Traditional is Back in the Best Way

Our 2022 design resolution: Lean into what truly speaks to us. At Rainsford Company, that means embracing classic decor through and through, without getting sidetracked by buzzy trends or fleeting fancies.

Don't get us wrong — we love a seasonal trend guide as much as the next homebody, and are happily devoring all the fun and fresh trend reports and style predictions pouring through our feeds these days courtesy of our favourite decor publications. (Hot: curvy furniture, maximalist pattern, and the colour green. Not: stark minimalism, modern farmhouse, and totally open floor plans). But, when we parse out the looks that we would actually want to live with, we always seem to land back on more of the same — and that's just fine by us.

If we're being totally honest, we used to be shy to call our look "traditional." Lucky for us, it's not a dirty word anymore, conjuring up images of fussy, formal spaces devoid of real life. The New Traditional, as interior designers are calling it, is fun, lively and full of personality. Cue classic details like tasseled trims, crown moulding and millwork, and wallpaper and fabrics in predictable pattern repeats ranging from florals to stripes to animal prints, all set against a fresh, layered colour palette.

So to kick off the year again, we're forgoing the standard trend report in favour of this: A round-up of classic, timeless — and yes, we're saying it! — traditional design elements that will forever be in style.

Nothing adds softness to a room like draped fabrics. Blocky, mid-century sofas are finally making way for cushy seating with curved silhouettes, finished with feminine box pleated skirts. The same approach rings true for all uphostered furniture, such as beds and ottomans. Also seeing a resurgance: floorlength tablecloths (especially on small accent tables) and slipcovered Parsons dining chairs. Pretty is back!

From floors to furniture, woods are returning to a darker tones. Rich walnut, stained oak, ebony and mahogany are back, along with tropical woods like mango and acacia. If you're already in a committed design relationship with the airy, blonde Scandinavian woods that had previously taken over the design world, no sweat: Mixing tones of wood is way less taboo — and easier to make work — than you might think. Simply stick to similar undertones and finishes, and when bringing a contrasting wooden piece into a room (say, a walnut table in a room with white oak floors), repeat the accent tone at least twice in the same (for example, by adding in a walnut-framed art piece or bar cabinet.)

Whether created in the traditional way using hand-cut wood-block stamps, or silkscreened using more modern technolgies, the bright colours and graphic motifs of blockprint style patterns will never not be on our love list. From intricate paisley and suzani patterns to geometrics and stylized florals, motifs that keep true to the technique's Indian roots will always have a place in our hearts and our homes. Layer together pillows, drapes, and wallpaper to whatever level of boldness you like.

When (at long last) we're able to share in each other's close company again, these are the perfect dining tables to gather around. Intimate meals call for intimate seating, and round pedestal tables are ideal for shared conversation.

Basic, run-of-the-mill handles are being replaced with attention-grabbing old-fashioned hardware, on cabinetry and furniture alike. Look out for cupped bin pulls, hinged ring pulls and swing handles, and inset campaign-style hardware. It's like giving your space some heirloom jewelry to wear. The throwback-look extrends to kitchen and bathroom fixtures too, such as curvy gooseneck sink faucets, fancy tap handles and shiny exposed pipes.

Line 'em up! The freshest way to style a gallery wall is aligned and symmetical. Use matching frames and sizes across the board for a clean, proper look. To go all the way, mount a series of illustrations, art pieces or photos by the same artist as a simple-yet-impactful series.

You name the nook, and designers are making it permanent. Window seats, banquettes, bars, and bookcases — if it can be built-in, it will be in 2022. Built-ins create custom look (albeit with a custom pricetag) that being even further enhanced with intricated millwork and moulding, arched frames, and rich colours. We love the style and storage they add to a space (especially when adapted for unique uses, like the built-in workspace-cum-cocktail bar pictured below.)