5 Big Interior Design Trends in the Spotlight for 2023
Whether or not you’re design-savvy, it’s fun to take a look at home interior forecasts for the new year. What’s Out might surprise you (gray!!) and what’s In may inspire you (raspberry!!). Just make sure you really resonate with a trend before you go all in. My advice? Start small.
On the blog this month, I’m sharing my roundup of 5 contemporary decor trends that clients are craving these days.
Repurposing Rules
Antiques and family heirlooms are on the rise for sure, as is upcycling and repurposing furniture to extend its life. I’ve been talking about this for years, and now we’re seeing a backlash against mass production after getting through lockdown by ordering lots of fast furniture.
Anna Brockway is the co-founder and president of Chairish, the pioneering online source for vintage and antique furnishings. She sees several reasons why consumers are finding their way to resale furniture. There’s “...better value in the face of inflation, greater selection of unique items, faster fulfillment and greater availability, and it’s kinder to the planet”, she points out.
Made By Hand
When buying new decor, the irregular and imperfect qualities of handmade goods really drive our choices today. Once again we’re yearning for a human touch, attention to detail, and sustainable options, just like the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th century.
Patti Carpenter, a global trend ambassador at Carpenter + Company, sees a clear “....move towards personalization and self-expression, and the need to voice our values through our purchases. Variety and variation is very exciting following this long period of being shut down—designers and innovators are taking chances again. Master craftsmanship is being more highly valued and all of this adds a wonderful warmth to where we spend our time.”
Warm Welcome
When it comes to colors, there’s a 180-degree turn from gray and green to earthly shades of red. Warm neutrals, blush tones, deep pinks, corals, and rich browns offer a cozy, comforting palette for the new year. My clients have embraced the warm neutral trend especially for their bedrooms, the ultimate cocooning space.
We’re also seeing moody jewel tones, featuring deep forest greens and teals, that bring elements of drama and mystery. These colors make a bold statement right now. And since gray is finally passé (yay!), we’re reveling in fresh pale pastels like sky blue, lilac and yellow.
Biophilic Design 2.0
Sustainability remains front of mind as we ride the wave of biophilic design, which highlights the synergy between environment and good mental health. London-based design studio Accouter says “With so many now understanding the importance of designing your home for well-being, biophilic interiors focus on incorporating daylight, organic materials and nature, which have been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep and evoke a positive atmosphere.”
Living with plants and natural materials like marble, wicker, metals and hand hewn wood feels really good to us. And don’t forget organic fabrics. They give a lot of texture to a space, too; think linen, cotton, raw silk, bouclé and wool in undyed tones of oatmeal, sand, and taupe.
Pattern and Color
Dynamic patterns rule on fabrics and wallpapers. We’re seeing nostalgic floral prints in unusual colors, animal and vegetable motifs (mushrooms galore!), colorful batiks and block prints, and traditional stripes and plaids in happy colorways. As you know, these are two of my favorite design elements and I’m so excited they’re back!
“From classic designs transformed with new color combinations or textures, to heritage color palettes used in more modern settings, 2023 will see a beautiful blend of the old and new, with many contemporary interpretations of traditional prints”, predicts Jennifer Ebert, Homes & Gardens' digital editor.
Whether or not you decide to hop on any of these design trends, I hope these predictions give you some inspiration for your next decorating project!
Until Next Time,
Nan
About Nan
I’m an interior designer who helps people turn their homes into their sanctuaries without the pain of renovating. I’ve been working as a professional designer since 1995 and one thing I love about interior design is how it can evoke a mood and create whatever feeling you want in your space. In that way, it’s kind of magical.
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