Foresight is 20/22
As we look ahead to a new year, we see a lot on the horizon that is bright and charming. From food and travel to home decorating and entertainment, there is much that we can anticipate with a renewed sense of hope and optimism!
On The Home Front
Along with the return to rounder, more comfortable shapes and a move away from harder synthetic surfaces like acrylic and paint, 2022 will see the continuing and growing popularity of NATURAL MATERIALS. In addition to the warmth and coziness they offer, materials like wood, cane, rattan, and stone can balance the increasing technology that now defines so many residences. On the fabric front, expect to see the liberal use of natural fibers like cotton and linen.
Paralleling this trend, along with growing awareness of the Earth’s fragility, is the emphasis on SUSTAINABILITY. Not only will you see more natural materials in architectural elements, flooring and furnishings, you can expect them to be environmentally-friendly, from reclaimed wood, cork and bamboo to glass, jute and recycled plastics and metal.
MINIMALISM has been a buzzword for several years now and will remain on-trend for 2022. As we steadily emerge from the pandemic-induced stress of 2020 and 2021, many folks continue to feel the need to purge infrequently or never used possessions—freeing up space for new daily routines including more at-home working and entertaining. And in addition to creating more physical space, decluttering helps create more emotional space for calm and tranquility.
These trends toward minimalism and eco-friendly materials also tie in with the COLORS that will be hot in 2022. Nearly every paint company has already announced their palette picks for 2022—and the word that best reflects them all is BOTANICAL. Calming and soothing, the many shades of green will be everywhere in 2022. From Benjamin Moore comes October Mist, a softly shaded sage that evokes the pale green of a flower stem. Also moving away from the cool neutrals and jewel tones that have dominated past color trends, Sherwin-Williams has selected the subtly soothing grey-green Evergreen Fog as its 2022 color of the year. And while Glidden is going bold with Guacamole as its sole pick, Valspar has announced a palette of 12 nature-inspired colors for 2022—from the deep blue Mountain River and rich earth-toned Rustic Oak to softer hues like Lilac Lane, Blanched Thyme and Subtle Peach.
What’s On The Menu?
The global buyers and culinary experts of Whole Foods Market have announced their Top Food Trends for 2022, and many of their predictions focus on foods and drinks that deliver added benefits as well as products that support the consumer’s sense of well-being and environmental stewardship.
Ultra-Urban Farming: Innovations in sustainable indoor farming from hydroponics to greenhouses that use 100% renewable electricity will translate to new products featuring organic, hyper-local produce.
You Do Yuzu: Expect the tart and sour flavors of this small citrus fruit to pop up on restaurant menus and in a variety of grocery items including salad dressings and hard seltzers.
Bubbly Do Right: Consumer demand is increasing for fizzy drinks that do double duty and manufacturers are responding with sparkling beverages that include probiotics, prebiotics and healthful botanicals.
Turmeric Takes Off: Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese healing and now popular in the U.S. as a dietary supplement, this golden spice is now turning up in packaged foods from crackers to chips to candy.
Planning A Night Out?
From the hottest new restaurants to the most highly-anticipated theater openings, here are our original pairings for a memorable night-on-the-town in 2022!
Dinner at Armitage Ale House followed by SIX at CIBC Theater
Evoking the ambience of London circa 1926, this stylish new venue offers select ales and cocktails paired with hearty pub fare and dishes with their roots in India. After dinner, head downtown for a performace of SIX. Running from Mar 29 to Jul 3, 2022, this rousing British pop musical tells the story of the six wives of Henry VIII.
Dinner at Pigtail followed by Don Quixote performed by The Joffrey Ballet
From renowned Spanish chef José Andrés comes this new speakeasy-inspired bar with its unique menu showcasing fine ibérico pork and bespoke cocktails. Pair this Iberian eatery with the Joffrey Ballet’s outstanding production of Don Quixote, at the Lyric Opera from Feb 16 to 27, 2022.
Dinner at Poppy’s Social followed by Wife of a Salesman at The Writers Theater
Serving up caramelized crust pizza and other crave-worthy fare, this unique eatery has reimagined the restaurant business with a community-centric approach that puts employees and charitable giving at the forefront. After dinner, head to another reimagination—The Wife of a Salesman at The Writer’s Theater. Opening March 3, this drama is inspired by Arthur Miller’s classic work, and imagines what could have happened if the 1950s housewife confronted her husband’s mistress.
Source: https://www.dreamtown.com/insights/talk-of-the-town-january-2022/
