Whenever the calendar changes from one year to the next, we look forward to various new interior design trends. Sometimes they come and go, but other times, they stay.
For many of us, the latter is the most interesting. We’re not so bothered about the innovations that last a season, but we do care a lot about those that will be with us for five to ten years.
So what are the big trends coming down the pike this year? Let’s take a look at what’s happening out there.
Bathroom Retreats
2023 is the year of bathroom retreats. Everyone is looking to make spaces that provide the facilities people need to take care of themselves.
Traditionally, the bedroom was where people went to relax and recuperate. However, this year, the bathroom is taking that role. Individuals want to indulge in more self-care with all the tools and amenities they need close by to achieve that.
Because of this change, we are seeing people rethink what their bathroom is about. Instead of being cheap and white, bathrooms are getting an injection of color and style. Monotony and drabness are about out this year, and patterns are in.
Wiggles And Waves
Another trend on the horizon is waves, something that’s been taking off significantly in the last few years. Waves are the natural evolution of the scalloped shapes that became pervasive in 2022. They are reminiscent of the sea, with designers using them to give rooms a more natural look without resorting to plants.
Instagrammable Rooms
Rooms that look great in the flesh are great, but those with social media appeal are even better. That’s because they allow their owners to share and leverage them for all they’re worth.
Creating an Instagrammable room usually requires several elements. The first is to make it bright and beautiful. It needs to feel like users can step into the room and begin enjoying it immediately.
The second is that the room needs personality and edginess. Traditional rooms might look nice in glossy magazines, but they won’t gain any attention on Instagram.
The third element needs to be something bold and eye-catching. People should see the room and think “wow, that’s unique.”
Instagrammable rooms can be color-clashing. That’s because contrasts tend to gain a lot of attention on social media, attracting more people.
Including retro elements alongside bold décor are certainly on-trend at the moment. This unexpectedness feels right at home in today’s “anything goes” culture.
Wooden Walls
In 2023, painting your walls is so passé, as is putting up wallpaper. Wooden cedar wall planks, though, are something entirely different.
Wooden walls used to be the preserve of stately homes. Wealthy patrons would put up mahogany paneling in their offices, libraries, and dining rooms.
Today, though, something different is possible. Designers are using a new type of wood background to make rooms feel more luxurious or practical. They are also using them for statement walls, instead of wallpaper, which they might have done in the past.
Sociable Spaces
During the lockdowns, homeowners neglected their social spaces. When nobody could come over for dinner, there was no point investing in them.
Over the last couple of years, though, things have changed significantly. Therefore, in 2023, we are seeing more people invest in open spaces for friends and family.
For interior social spaces, seating will take on a primary role. People will want to sit together comfortably instead of on top of each other.
Outdoors, we are also likely to witness the situation evolving. Instead of patios, homeowners will move towards decking and choose to arrange various seating options, including stools, sofas, and high chairs to give a bistro-like ambiance.
Modular sofas are also growing in popularity. These let homeowners decide how they want to arrange their seating inside a room of a given size.
Re-Using Old Materials
Reusing old materials is another significant interior design trend to watch this year. Homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their reliance on new virgin materials if they can rescue older ones, even if they have flaws.
For example, buying second-hand furniture is in vogue at the moment. Homeowners are raiding antique stores, looking for items they can use alongside their décor and setup.
Eco-conscious people are also looking for ways to transform older items and make them look brand new again. Upcycling is a popular movement right now, and will likely only grow as more families go green.
The desire to decorate sustainably will also increase significantly, the longer 2023 rolls on. The trend will be toward designs that embrace the imperfections of materials and the natural world in which we live. The goal will be to find older items that could lead a second life in a different context.
Multi-Purpose Spare Rooms
Multipurpose spare rooms were rare during the pandemic. Everyone used them for work. Today, though, the situation is a little different. In 2023, extra rooms are for whatever purposes pop into your imagination.
For example, spare rooms (once former offices) are getting sofa beds next to workspaces. We are also seeing the rise of hideaway desks, and even libraries combined with spa-like elements, like massage chairs.
Multipurpose rooms are also becoming more compartmentalized. Homeowners are separating them into multiple spaces with curtains to provide more options for enjoying them.
Dark Counters And Surfaces
Before 2023, bright and neutral countertops dominated interior design. Nobody wanted to play with a formula that worked.
However, as with most design trends, some individuals started to get bored. They wanted to see what it would be like to play around with counters and cabinets in a new and striking way.
That’s where darker counters come to the fore. These look fantastic in all sorts of kitchens, including contemporary and traditional.
If you’re feeling brave, you can opt for all-black. These help to add mood to a room in a way that regular white or pine cabinets simply can’t.
You can also try using a darker stone, such as natural marble, instead of brushed quartz. Marble tends to be deeper and richer, and it is a sustainable material as an added benefit.
Lastly, many homeowners are opting for matte surfaces. These absorb incoming light instead of reflecting it, giving rooms a simpler appearance. They are also a great way to give any room mood or atmosphere that would be impossible otherwise.
The Return Of Magenta
If you thought that the days of magenta indoor color schemes were behind us, then think again. According to Pantone, it is the shade of the year for 2023 because it encourages out-of-the-box thinking for a better world. It’s fearless, bold, and isn’t afraid to take risks.
Magenta is also an interior design trend this year because it draws inspiration from nature. The color comes from the red of cochineal, one of the most expensive and wondrous natural dyes.
Snuggly Materials
2023 will also witness the rise of snuggly materials, sometimes called hygge or “comfort core.” Celebrities are championing this approach, and the public is listening. Expect to see many thick, fur-like duvets, plump cushions, and animal skin-inspired throws in the year ahead.
Over the coming year, the popularity of circular and spherical shapes will also increase considerably. Homeowners will want to eliminate anything that could look harsh or unnatural.
Again, the goal will be to create more nature-themed interiors. These will offer the best ambiance for people who love being in more organic environments.
So, there you have it: our interior design trends for 2023. Which inspires you?