We tapped a few industry experts to determine the biggest storage needs in 2022 and how organizing strategies are shifting to keep up. These are the top storage and organizing trends expected to bring style and order to homes this year.
1. Style-Forward Storage
Storage is no longer an afterthought as trends shift toward stylish solutions that serve as part of the decor. “In the past, these types of products were looked at as simple functional items and now will move towards trendy, fashionable, and color-appropriate,” Feldman says. Even storage behind closed doors and utilitarian items such as trash cans are expected to follow this trend, says Jeffrey Phillip, a New York City-based professional organizer and interior designer. Sleek, colorful designs that look like furniture or decor will help blend organization into the room’s design.
2. Outdoor Inspiration
Biophilic design is a major trend for 2022, and this renewed focus on nature is starting to influence storage and organizing, too. Colors and materials derived from the outdoors will be highly sought-after throughout the home as people seek out the calming properties of nature. In particular, neutrals and woodsy tones, including creams, beiges, blues, and greens, are predicted to be some of the most popular colors for organizing products this year, according to Brandie Larsen and Ryan Eiesland, founders of the professional organizing company Home + Sort. Similarly, baskets woven from natural materials and organizers crafted from wood or bamboo will start to edge out those made from synthetic materials.
3. Entertaining-Ready Organization
As many of us hunkered down at home throughout 2020 and 2021, the bulk of our organizing efforts focused on private spaces such as home offices and bedrooms. As we begin to open our homes to guests again, priorities will shift toward areas used for entertaining and everyday needs. In addition to living and dining rooms, kitchens will receive some additional attention this year. “Since this space is so heavily used by an entire family and since there is always movement of tools, food, and gadgetry, it is a high-focus space in almost every home,” Phillip says.
4. Easy-Access Storage
Storage and organizing solutions need to keep up with our fast-paced schedules, which means easy access is key. This trend is all about add-ons that help our existing spaces work harder—so we don’t have to. “In the kitchen, people are adding soda can storage units to their fridges, stackable rack organizers for spices in the pantry, pieces that slide in and out under the sink to store cleaning supplies, and organizing racks for pots and pans,” Feldman says. He also calls out clear containers as a top organizing trend for 2022, as these “create a streamlined look and make it easy to find what you’re looking for.”
5. Sustainable Solutions
Sustainability continues to be a priority as more people begin to examine their own environmental impact. “Brands such as Brabantia have been working with this influence for decades and continue to roll out products that are not only sustainable themselves but help individuals live a more sustainable life,” Phillip says. Think bins and organizers made from sustainably sourced materials such as bamboo or recycled plastics and storage solutions that handily facilitate recycling and composting. Expect to see an even bigger push toward eco-friendly organizing in the coming months.
