Interface shared its mid-year Design Trend Index, which details the impact of world-changing events over the past two years on design. The report highlights the emphasis on people-focused interiors and the need for spaces that adapt to end users. It discusses five overarching themes that will continue to inform the design of commercial and residential spaces.

Identified by design experts at Interface and FLOR, the company's specialty brand, these trends reflect a growing need for comfort, flexibility and understanding as the world experienced enormous change over the last few years. The transformation of design trends speaks to how human behaviors and experiences have and will shape interiors.

The mid-year trends featured in the index include:

• Creating Calm: The stress of the pandemic resulted in a desire for quieter, calming spaces, which can be achieved through the integration of warmer hues, curved shapes, wood tones, soft pastels and nature-inspired tones.
• Biophilic Design is Better: The last few years highlighted the importance of mental and physical wellbeing and how physical spaces play a role in wellness. Consequently, designers are interested in integrating aspects of biophilic design or connecting humans to nature by incorporating natural elements into a space.
• Flexible Design: Today, it's beneficial to have adaptable spaces – both at home and in the office. This means interiors should be flexible, so they transform to meet changing needs. Designers achieve this by intentionally creating areas to serve multiple purposes. In the home, this might look like a space for work where you can also workout.
• Return of Retro: Retro design trends are back again, from wood panels to soft pastel palettes and bold, eclectic patterns. This growing trend is reflected in fashion, interiors and music, prompting feelings of nostalgia.
• Innovating Sustainability: Low-carbon design is trending as the impacts of climate change become more visible, resulting in a wave of innovation. Designers are looking to lower the carbon footprints of their spaces without sacrificing style. Thankfully, manufacturer innovations make this possible as they look to use more sustainable materials – from recycled plastics to bio-based materials and beyond.
  
  See the report here.