The year 2021 is behind us and we are dynamically entering 2022. What design trends have accompanied us over the last 12 months and what can we expect in the coming years? Will noble concrete still be in fashion? And what about terrazzo slabs, after they have re-entered the good graces of designers, will we still be so eager to use them? Below are our observations and predictions.
Grey elegance versus a return to nature
Both institutional and individual customers are more and more willing to reach for modern solutions, hence the still growing popularity of concrete slabs and products based on noble concrete. A simple form, a minimalist, raw style and gray-graphite colors dominated in 2021. Although exotic tendencies and cultural mixtures were becoming more and more pronounced in the interiors, the surroundings of the house still eagerly refer to minimalism and there is no indication that this approach will end. Simple blocks, large glazing and compact structures will set the design schemes also in 2022. This is also due to the great popularity of achromatic colors: white, black and gray. The first two, although they appear rather in the form of accessories (pots, garden furniture), also occur on large surfaces, such as the roof of the building, gates and fences, or carports. The third colour is the colour of fashionable terrace slabs, as well as paths and home driveways. Terrace tiles in such colors will build a harmonious base that will blend well with most house designs. A gray surface in the garden introduces peace and an elegant style. It is a subdued color with many faces, which skilfully harmonizes with the colors of the garden – from the green of lawns and warm browns of wood, to the ashen fragments of building facades.
On the other hand, in 2021, there was a very clear trend referred to as back to nature, which could be noticed by observing the designs of the so-called natural gardens – without unnecessary paths, decorations and fancy pruning of shrubs. Garden plants resembling those found in the natural environment dominated, and instead of a perfectly trimmed lawn, a flower meadow appeared more and more often. In addition, there was moderation in arranging space and choosing accessories, as well as focusing on making e.g. terrace tiles or concrete slabs for paths or driveways, refer to stone, sandstone or other natural materials in their appearance.
Terrazzo slabs are still in fashion
We have already written about the fact that terrazzo is currently one of the favourite materials of architects and designers in the article Tiles, window sills, stairs – terrazzo is back in favor, while in the text Terrazzo slabs for floors, terraces, pavements, paths – an overview of solutions and prices , we presented what costs you should be prepared for if you want to use this material. However, there is no denying that also in 2021, terrazzo slabs were a hit both in terms of interior designs and in the category of paving, terrace or even façade slabs. We would like to remind you that it is a concrete mixture in which marble particles of various colors are sunk. This makes terrace, paving and paving slabs almost indestructible, resistant to difficult weather conditions and mechanical damage as well as abrasion. Modern terrazzo, also used outdoors, retains its original appearance for decades and this is one of the greatest advantages of this material.
Driveways made of concrete slabs
Paving stones, although still very popular when it comes to the construction of driveways and parking spaces around the house, have recently had very serious concrete competition. In Poland, buildings with a simple geometric shape are becoming more and more popular. In their case, the austerity of the driveway made of concrete slabs exposes the minimalist style of the entire space. A modern driveway in front of the house is primarily raw, large-format concrete slabs (usually square or rectangular), arranged symmetrically or seemingly chaotically. When it comes to color, you can bet on classic grays, but it is also worth playing with color contrasts or using non-standard solutions. Terrazzo finishes will also be a good decision, in this way we will bet on a fashionable and durable solution.
To sum up, we don’t expect any design revolutions in 2022. The trend that will continue for the next year will be austerity and minimalism, and concrete in various shades of gray will continue to perfectly complement modern building shapes. However, we can be prepared for an increasing interest in the back to nature trend and a focus on materials and colors close to the natural environment. Terrazzo is unlikely to go out of fashion for a long time, so you can confidently plan the arrangement of the house’s surroundings based on this material.
