Interior Design Trend Predictions for 2023
The new year has brought with it a new wave of interior design trends, with a noticeable shift toward grand ornamentation and self-expression. After years of minimalist, neutral interiors, the desire for a more personalized and cozy home has emerged. This year, homeowners are seeking to make their homes a true reflection of their unique styles and personalities.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next home makeover project or you're just looking to stay in-the-know, we're sharing our expert predictions for the top 2023 interior design trends that are sure to get your creativity flowing:
Scalloped & Pleated Details
We’ll get right to it with our biggest trend prediction of the year. Get ready to see scalloped edges and pleats on lampshades, vases, headboards, mirrors, rugs and furniture… just about everywhere. These wavy, undulating lines are a unique detail that posses both softness and femininity and offer a sophisticated, yet playful touch to any space. Additionally, the versatility of the scalloped detail make it a trend that fits in well with virtually every design style.
Check out this lampshade with round pleats from Etsy that we absolutely love!
Art Deco
Art Deco was a popular design movement in the 1920s and 30s, characterized by bold geometric patterns, symmetrical furniture, metallic accents, intricate lighting fixtures, and rich, jewel-toned colors. This iconic style is back in a big way, but with a fresh, modern twist. This year, we can expect to see Art Deco elements appear most commonly through the use of stripes, contrast piping, mirrored surfaces, and onyx materials (especially in lighting). This trend will boast more playful, glamorous designs and impact color palettes in a big way (expect to see a lot more pastels and jewel tones).
Victorian Modern
The Victorian era was a time of opulence and grandeur, and this era is hugely influential in interior design right now. Ornate details, rich textures, and elegant furnishings that appear in this era are being mixed with more contemporary pieces for a paired down look. Some of the elements you can expect to see from the Victorian Era include: tufted upholstery, gilded mirrors, tapestries, decorative plaster mouldings, antique accents like busts and statues atop pedestals, and lamps with shades. Colors will also play a big role in creating a modern Victorian space, with designers often incorporating muted, deep tones like navy, emerald green, and plum.
The 70s
I know… the era that everyone deemed pretty much the worst for interior design is back. But not to worry. Designs this year will be inspired by the decade’s use of natural materials, earthy colors, and cozy textures—so you don’t have to worry about mirrored ceilings and linoleum floors. This retro style is showing up everywhere from wall paneling in deep, warm wood tones, parquet wood flooring, exposed natural wood kitchen cabinets, tile countertops, and the use of the color brown (we’re deeming brown is the color of the year). You can also expect to see the continued use of velvet furnishings and retro light fixtures.
Don’t want your house to feel like grandmas? Mix traditional 1970s elements, like a burl wood night stand, with a contemporary upholstered bed. Having your design lean more contemporary will prevent the room from feeling tired.
Maximalism
More is more is more. Maximalism is a response to the minimalistic, "sad beige" interiors that have dominated recent years. It is characterized by layering patterns, textures, and bold colors to create a visually dynamic and engaging space. In a maximalist interior, every surface is fearlessly adorned with statement pieces, from patterned wallpaper to ornate light fixtures. A strong departure from the minimalist aesthetic that prioritizes simplicity and clean lines, maximalism embraces the idea of layering and creating spaces that are rich and full of character, curation and personality. With its layered and eclectic look, maximalism can be a challenging trend to pull off, but when done correctly it can create a space that is visually stunning, cozy and inviting.
Patterned Wood Floor
We mentioned above (see The 70s) that parquet floors are having a moment. Inset wood flooring and inlay patterns are also becoming increasingly popular, as homeowners seek to add unique and eye-catching details to their homes. This trend involves using wooden boards (and sometimes tile) to create geometric shapes, patterns or borders that add visual interest and depth to a room. To create a truly standout design, consider using contrasting colors or materials in your inlay pattern. This is a very European-inspired architectural feature, and we love to see this level of attention to detail coming back into home building in North America.
Monochrome
Monochromatic (AKA tonal, or tone on tone) rooms create a harmonious look by using different shades of the same color throughout the space. This trend is all about simplicity. By keeping the color palette limited, it becomes easier to layer different textures and patterns to add depth and interest to the room. Monochrome or tonal rooms can range from soft pastels to bold, deep hues and can be adapted to suit any style or taste. Whether you prefer a neutral or a dramatic look, this trend will instantly elevate any space.
Trends that will continue from 2022
Statement Marble
Over the last few years, we’ve seen black or white/cream marble with a heavy dark vein (like Calacatta Viola) show up everywhere from countertops and backsplashes, to fireplace surrounds and side tables. This year we expect to see the statement marble trend continue but with more color variations like browns, pinks, greens and reds (like Rosso Levanto). These bold, statement-making materials are the perfect way to add a pop of color to a kitchen or bathroom.
Wall Coverings
From traditional wallpaper to modern, removable wallpaper and decals, there are endless wall covering options available to enhance the look of a space. Not only will wall coverings conceal imperfections or define specific areas within an open-plan space, it can also add texture, pattern and color to a room. From classic florals, geometric shapes and animal prints, to textured finishes, there's something for everyone. Whether you want to create a statement wall or add a subtle touch of texture, wall coverings are an easy and cost-effective way to achieve your desired effect.
Modern Classic
The modern classic (AKA modern traditional) interior design style is a blend of the old and the new, taking the best elements of traditional architectural features like plaster moulding and dentil crown moulding and adding a contemporary twist with sleek lines and curves. This style is a perfect blend of the warmth and comfort of traditional design with the sophistication and clean lines of modern design. The use of sophisticated materials like marble, velvet and leather, combined with the mix of metallic finishes, such as brass, nickel and gold, bring a touch of elegance to any space, making it look refined and timeless.
Checkerboard Pattern
Last year saw a rise in floor tiles installed in a harlequin pattern (when tiles in contrasting materials and/or colors are installed at a diagonal, and take on a diamond shape when facing the focal wall). Though this technique will continue into 2023, the key difference this year will be that more people will opt for a checkerboard stack pattern instead (when the tiles are arranged on the surface in a straight pattern, parallel to each other). We can expect to see this pattern appear not just on floors but in a variety of places, such as backsplashes, rugs, blankets and even wallpapers.
Curves
Curves have been a popular design trend for a few years now and their popularity will continue into 2023. The use of rounded shapes and organic forms create a soft, inviting atmosphere in the home. One of the most noticeable ways that this trend is being expressed recently is through the use of circular and ball-shaped pillows. As curves continue to be a trend, it is a great opportunity for interior designers and homeowners to experiment with this trend and incorporate it into their designs in unique and creative ways, because it looks like it is here to stay.
Style Mixing
Homeowners striving for a unique and personalized living space are mixing interior design styles and embracing eclecticism. To expertly mix styles, start by selecting a dominant style and incorporate elements from other styles in a subtle and cohesive way. For example, a modern and minimalist space can be accented with traditional elements like crown moulding and a chandelier. Whether mixing modern and traditional styles, or contemporary and bohemian styles, the key to making a space feel cohesive and harmonious is by repeating elements or colors. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with the mixing process. With careful consideration and thoughtful styling, mixing interior design styles can result in a beautiful design cocktail that uniquely reflects the personalities of the homeowners.
Fluted & Ribbed Textures
Ribbed and fluted textures will continue to be popular this year. These timeless design elements add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any space and can be incorporated in a variety of ways, such as on millwork, mantels or vanities, glassware and furniture like ottomans or side tables. Mixing fluted or reeded details with other textures and patterns can also help to create a layered and visually interesting space. Incorporating this trend in your home is a sure way to elevate the overall aesthetic.
Wabi-sabi
Wabi-sabi is a traditional Japanese philosophy that values the beauty of imperfection, transience and impermanence. In interior design, this trend rose to fame during the pandemic, as people looked to embrace a more natural and organic aesthetic in their homes. The wabi-sabi trend is characterized by the use of natural materials such as wood, stone and rough textures, as well as a minimalist color palette. In 2023, this trend is expected to continue to grow, as people look to continue to create comfortable spaces that embody a sense of serenity and simplicity.
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This post may contain commissionable links. Featured image source: Nate Berkus/Jeremiah Brent.
