2022 Interior Trends with Jenna Choate

In a world of digital design, Jenna Choate is passionate about adding tactility into the mix. It’s this that made our ears prick up when discussing her moodboarding process. She explains that there are just some details that can only really come to life when touched, and we couldn’t agree more. It’s this connectivity that’s at the heart of Interior Fox — the Interior Design studio she runs with friend and colleague Marina.

Burnt Orange & Blues, featuring our BECKER Grooved Handle, MERCURY Lip Pull and HUMBOLDT Knob

An ‘East meets West’ approach defines the studio, drawing on their individual influences from living in different parts of the world. The result? Contemporary designs that fuse the light and airy with the warmth of rugged, natural textures. Their Instagram account is both uplifting and relatable, a bit like Jenna herself. So, naturally, we want to know what’s on her moodboard for 2022 (so we can immediately add it to ours).

Snapshot: Mixing over matching

A Lighter Mood

“I would say, don’t opt for every single metal finish to be in brass, as that feels overdone. Instead, use it sparingly as a ‘golden highlight’. I feel like in 2022 we will be seeing more mixing of finishes — especially in bathrooms — for example, a black tap and brass mirror go perfectly together. Another element to point out is the mixing of wood tones as you don't want all wood finishes to match one another. Use contrasting woods with similar undertones for a harmonised look. Ribbed or cladded wood which, is big right now, is stunning but I would aim to get a slightly more luxe version so that it reads differently on the eye. Look for a smaller, more intricate texture to feel unique and different in 2022.” 

A Lighter Mood, featuring our BECKER Grooved Handle, MERCURY Lip Pull and HUMBOLDT Knob

Manifesting your moodboard

Why do it?

“It's so important to make a plan before embarking on a design project and moodboarding is crucial — not only for the designer, but for the client to be able to visualise the end goal. At our design studio, Interior Fox , we actually make two types of moodboards where one is digital — using product images laid out in perspective for scale — while the other is a ‘luscious’ product/sample board. 
This ‘luscious’ type of moodboard has all the pretty things to hold and touch so that the client can begin to understand how the textures sit together.”
 
“So many details can only be seen in person and gathering an array of materials really creates that emotional impact that interiors are supposed to give you. What you don’t want to do is just start buying random stuff online and hope it all goes together, you’ll spend more money on these mistakes as you either replace them in a year or pay the return fees. Make a plan, make a moodboard.”

Where to start?

“When we begin to plan a moodboard we look for that one thing. Whether it is an object from the client’s travels or a killer rug — we always look for the first ‘wow’ factor. From there we start to push and pull the balance off the board and ask questions. ‘Does it need more contrasting materials?’ Use black hardware. ‘Does it need more soft touches?’ Use a light linen fabric. 
“You don’t need fancy software if you're a novice designer, you can literally get a large sheet of card and start collecting samples of fabric, wood flooring, inspirational images and found objects. Always use your gut feel, that is the best tool ever. You also want to pay attention to scale if you’re using several prints and limit your tile choices to about two or three in your bathrooms.” 
 
TOP TIP “Less is more, but don’t be afraid to break the rules.”

The ‘jewellery’ for your home

“Hardware is so important to get right, it's the equivalent of the jewellery to your outfit for an interior scheme — it sets the tone for the entire space. Tactility often gets overlooked and if you think about how often you touch your handles, knobs, pulls etc, it’s a lot! So the way the grooves feel, or the smoothness of the pull really matters.” 
 
“An old vintage dresser suddenly becomes new and intriguing with the right hardware. I love thin black pulls on a long set of dresser drawers, for example, it looks so elegant. Finishing touches are super important as it's the first thing you and your client sees even though it may be the last thing you plan for. So whatever you do, don’t skip this step!”

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A post shared by INTERIOR FOX - By Jen & Mar (@theinteriorfox)

Jenna (@theinteriorfox) combines textures, colours and hardware to manifest her vision.

In a nutshell

• Mix and match metal finishes as well as wood

• Add intricate textures to a scheme for luxe appeal

• Make two types of moodboards — one for scale, one for tactility

• Anchor your moodboard with a ‘wow’ piece

• Trust your gut when making decisions

• Hardware is often the first thing you see but the last thing you plan for — prioritise it!

Thanks to Jenna for joining us for a TEA BREAK and sharing her creative wisdom. Follow their inspiring design projects over at @theinteriorfox ✨

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