This season’s most mystic microtrend comes from the sea – and designers are on board

2022’s earliest microtrend has emerged – and it’s making waves in the interiors industry. 

Designers on either side of the Atlantic are drawing inspiration from the sea – the natural muse that is behind the most sought-after pieces of the moment. 

With its sublime yet soothing characteristics, the sea is one of the most versatile interior design trends taking over our homes this new year. But what is pulling designers to the water? And how can you style this trend so that it stands the test of time? Here, those in the know share their secrets. 

Why is the sea trending? 

(Image credit: Deirdre Dyson)

Carpet designer Lady Deirdre Dyson is amongst the experts bringing the sea to the forefront of the industry. Her new collection, All at Sea, stems directly from the beauty of the water – meaning she is more than aware of the sea’s attraction. 

We are all drawn to the sea for many reasons,’ Lady Deirdre says in an interview with Livingetc. ‘It is beautiful with the changing colors of sunrise and sunset reflected from the sky. It supports us when we swim, and its gentle waves are soothing to the ear,’ she explains. 

According to Deirdre, a significant part of the sea’s attraction is its shade – which is simultaneously setting color trends this season. 

(Image credit: Celina Digby)

‘We all have a favorite color, and mine is blue of any hue,’ Deirdre says. ‘We all love including some of the ‘outside’ into our homes, whether indoor plants or paintings. For the All at Sea collection, I just thought that different aspects of the sea and light effects would bring even more memories and more of the ‘outside-in.’

How can you bring the sea into your home?

On the floor

(Image credit: Deirdre Dyson)

Deirdre Dyson’s All at Sea collection encapsulates the trend, so it's a natural place to start.

The designer reveals that her pieces ‘bring in motion, dappled calm, shadow, light, reflections, sea colors, starfish, and a shell’ into your home. However, the trend has is reshaping wallpaper ideas too.

On the wall

(Image credit: Celina Digby)

Designer Celina Digby, who is responsible for the patterned wallpaper above, also provokes you to indulge in an oceanic pattern – and create a therapeutic statement piece. 

‘The sight and sound of the sea I find equally therapeutic, and I always come back from the seaside feeling refreshed and calmer than when I arrived,’ she says in her discussion of the sea’s power.  

In your accessories  

(Image credit: Deirdre Dyson)

While Deirdre Dyson is best-associated with rug design, the designer similarly recommends interpreting the trend through your colored glassware and tablescape. 

‘To bring a bit of the sea into your home, you could start with using blues and greens – exactly which is a personal choice. Colored glassware could remind us of crystal waters,’ she adds. 

We expect this organic trend is more than just a phase – and that the sea will stay in style for seasons to come.