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In today’s design world, we see many replicas of midcentury modern furniture on the market, but the real deal is still extremely popular (and valuable!), too.

We spoke with designers about the history, key characteristics, and popularity of the midcentury modern style (which is often referred to as “MCM”). These pros also shared their tips for styling one’s home with MCM pieces and what to keep in mind when shopping. As you probably guessed, midcentury modern style originated during the middle of the 20th century and embodied the needs and wants of the population of that time.

Trends come and go, whether it’s fashion or how we decorate our homes. And after two strange years filled with unprecedented shifts in how we live, work, and play, it’s no surprise that popular looks and styles are shifting in the new year. While there are some amazing trends to look out for come January, there are some that we might want to leave behind. Here are some of the trends designers can’t wait to say goodbye to in 2022.

There’s something to be said for boho style: whites, creams, fuzzy blankets, plants, and an overall comfy aesthetic—what’s not to love? But as we head into 2022, some designers are kind of over it.

Tile has transformative power, whether it’s used in the bathroom, kitchen, or even outdoors. It can add plenty of character to any space, and is also an excellent and (sometimes) budget-friendly way to modernize a dated room. Lately, I’m extra into tactile tile, that is, tile with raised details and relief, which really adds a contemporary touch (no pun intended!) to the walls of a home.

I’m not the only one who’s currently loving this look. “We have seen more interest in creating depth and dimension in design as of late, likely due to the fact that people have been spending so much time indoors and want to create spaces that intrigue and inspire them,” comments designer Amanda Thompson of ALine Studio.

The focus on green hues in 2022 home decor trends can also be attributed to the increase in nature-based or biophilic designs (and our growing love for plants, of course!). Whether the goal is to bring nature inside or to simply freshen the home with natural hues, live plants are becoming even more popular as we head into 2022. “After over a year of being shut inside, I think there has been and will continue to be a focus on regaining our connection to the natural world through the use of biophilic design principles,” shares Amanda Thompson of ALine Studio. “An emphasis on creating calming environments with natural lighting and ventilation, incorporating plants, and creating a visual connection with nature.”

Casually scrolling Zillow, with your feet up on the couch and The Real Housewives playing in the background, sounds like fun and games, and it is—until your lease is nearly up and you’re deep in the serious apartment searching stage. Then it’s time to get to business, especially in this wildly competitive rental market we’re currently living through.

Here to help us navigate the apartment hunting waters are Amanda Thompson, founder of interior design firm ALine Studio, and Matthew Kowles of The Finish, a service that pairs you with an interior designer, booked by the hour, to tackle projects of any size.

Decorating a space that’s short on square footage? White paint may just be the winning solution if you’re looking to make a room seem more expansive, designer Savannah Phillips said. “The best thing about white walls is that they can make a space look larger—as a bright and light color, white walls can give the illusion of a larger, less cluttered room.”

Additionally, white walls are excellent in transforming dimly lit spaces, such as basements. As designer Amanda Thompson explained in an email, “They are also instrumental in helping brighten and lighten up a room, especially one that may not have too many windows or natural light.”

AFTER 16 MONTHS cooped up with roommates or parents, young (and not-so-young) people have had enough. Those who can afford it are increasingly moving into their own first places when their leases end this summer and fall, said a spokesman for real-estate rental site StreetEasy. Searches that specified studio apartments are up 69% year-over-year.

When it comes to decorating these solo nests, however, designers say first timers’ greenness leads to errors: from cramming oafish sofas through doors they failed to measure to living sans civilities like curtains and rugs.

Carpet in the living room may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s certainly not an automatic design no-no either. Rather than dismissing it entirely, sometimes, you just need to embrace it. Aside from being a soft to place to stand, living room carpet can make a room feel cozier and more colorful. Have carpet in your own living room? Here’s 50 ways to make it work.

We all know that one rug can look great on top of carpet, but so does two. Layering multiple rugs on top of carpet creates a multifaceted look full of texture that will take your living room up a notch.