Top Interior Design Trends for 2023
If you’ve been searching for the right opportunity to add more style, vigor and comfort to your space, you’ll appreciate this list. We checked in with professional designers and industry players for their take on the top interior design trends for 2023.
Some of their picks confirm that certain things like: shades of blue, personality-packed rugs fit for maximalists, statement window treatments and high-style marble slabs in kitchens, stand the test of time. After all, a few of these were also highlighted in our feature on the leading design trends for 2022. But other trend predictions may surprise you: plaster walls, high-gloss wood finishes and full-on craft rooms are just a few examples to note.
1. Sustainable Design Choices
“Consumers are becoming more mindful of choosing environmentally-friendly options, and rightly so, as the conversation and importance of sustainable design will begin to take center stage. People are increasingly asking where and how items are made.” — Joshua Smith, Principal Designer and Founder, Joshua Smith Inc.
2. Indestructible Fabrics
“Everyone wants indestructible fabrics. There are so many options that mimic the look of natural linen, velvet and textural fabrics, but they are outdoor-rated, stain-resistant, high-performance materials. Couple that with stain-resistant, washable rugs, and we can now design homes that do not sacrifice function for aesthetic purposes. Many of these materials are made from recycled plastic and are part of the trend toward sustainability and repurposing.” — Brad Ramsey, Principal Designer and Founder, Brad Ramsey Interiors
3. Saturated Paint Colors
“We are seeing a huge amount of saturated wall colors, particularly in bathrooms. Clients realize that, especially in kids or guest bathrooms, like this one we recently renovated, taking a gorgeous shade of blue and enveloping the walls, ceiling and vanity is a really cool monochromatic look with a punch. Color is definitely king in 2023!” — Nicole Hirsch, Founder, Nicole Hirsch Interiors
4. Plaster
“Plaster is coming back big time. It has a distinction that sets it apart from hard metal finishes, and it adds a comforting quality to a space that clients are responding to these days. If it’s plaster, it’s all or mostly made by hand and clients are recognizing the value that adds. There’s an artistry involved and it creates a story to tell.” — Katie Paulsen, Lead Interior Designer, Maestri Studio
5. Micro Luxury
“Bringing to life a glamorous home in 2023 will be easier and more affordable than ever through the emerging micro-luxury trend, which focuses on decor made with plush, rich materials and texture.” — Ursula Carmona, Founder of Home Made by Carmona; HomeGoods Style Expert
6. Listening Rooms
“Listening rooms, or music rooms, have always been coveted by audiophiles, but they’re gaining popularity with the masses as vinyl record sales continue to climb. Essentially, a listening room is a dedicated space for music, whether it’s creating your own or playing your favorite tunes to unwind and enjoy, solo or with a group of people. Even if you don’t have an entire room to spare, a dedicated corner or nook of any room can be transformed into space to enjoy music.” — Molly Torres Portnof, Founder, DATE Interiors
7.Natural Stone Slabs
“Stone slabs are dominating backsplashes from countertop to ceiling. They are cascading to the floor in waterfall edges and wrapping around islands. It’s an exciting development, as these stones are so unique and beautiful, and truly enhance these spaces as the basic neutrals they replace never could. They’re complemented by renewed interest in colorful mosaics and textured stone tile with mixed finishes.” — Nancy Epstein, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Artistic Tile
8. Muted Colors
“The neutral, warm and cozy look is going to add some additions in 2023. I’m starting to see plums and mustards pop up in more calming and deeper tones that seem as though they were a color found in nature. People are starting to embrace colors, but not in the bold, vibrant hues. They are starting to value different shades other than green, brown and blues that are seen as more earthy and calming.” — Linda Hayslett, Founder, LH.Designs
9. Enclosed Kitchens
“I am seeing a lot of enclosed kitchen spaces as opposed to large family room/kitchen areas that are open to the rest of the home. But within that space, the designs tend to be more open plans with wall shelving and less built-in-looking cabinetry.” — Christopher Peacock, CEO and founder, Christopher Peacock (cabinetry brand)
10. Statement Lamps
“We predict seeing a lot more saturated colors, more glossy than matte finishes and more elaborate lamp shades. Traditionally-applied fabrics and patterns have become quite popular, so much so we are introducing new shades in pleated linen as a standard offering. We also foresee ceramic shades, for table, floor and even pendant or surface mounts, becoming trendy.” — Charlie Dumais, Ceramicist, Dumais Made (a handmade lamp and accessory studio)
11. Nostalgic Design
“Design with nostalgia in mind will continue. I don’t mean mid-century or retro. I think this idea of granny-chic is evolving to a less kitschy/more sophisticated style, which I really appreciate.” — Gideon Mendelson, Founder and Creative Director, Mendelson Group
12. Blue & Meaningful Decor Accents
“Overall, 2023 is going to be bold. Ultramarine blue will be the trending color for the upcoming year. It is a bright, super saturated, and luscious color. Going along with the bold theme, people will really embrace the use of family heirlooms, antiques and re-purposing and incorporating meaningful pieces into their home.” — Anne Hepfer, Interior Designer, Author of MOOD
13. Unique Window Treatments
“In 2023, I expect to see more embellishments on window treatments, from fringe trim on drapery leading edges to scalloped-edge Roman shades and shaped cornices. These details make window treatments more personalized and add punch to simpler, more streamlined alternatives.” — Davina Ogilvie, founder, Wovn Home , (custom window treatment company)
14. Warm Woods
“The use of warmer wood tones and an earthy color palette in furniture and fabric will continue to rise.” — Krisha Salud, Director of Interiors, StudioLAB
15. Stripes
“Stripes are going to come back in a big way. They’re the original high-contrast design element, whether used in wallpaper, textiles or paint and make an unmistakably bold statement unlike any other pattern.” — Carrie Livingston, Interior Designer
16. Statement Rugs
“There will always be neutral rugs, but I am loving the shift towards rugs being functioning floor art. These statement rugs will become a fixture in the home — a form of artwork that must also be curated to create the perfect space.” — Alex Alonso, Founder and Creative Principal, mr. alex TATE Design
17. Soft-Modern Design
“As a studio, we have seen a growing demand for modern kitchen design. There is, however, a gap in the market for a tempered design that offsets the cold, impersonal feeling that deters homeowners from taking the plunge. In response, we’ve refined what we dubbed soft-modern kitchen design — an approach that layers warm elements to soften that feeling. In our soft-modern kitchens, contrast is key. We might choose to use a very high-gloss finish for the cabinetry and offset it with a matte wood finish for open shelving or accent panels.” — Bob Bakes, Co-Founder, Bakes & Kropp
18. Going Gold
“Gold is back forever. We will, hopefully, never see brushed nickel again. This parallels the overarching trend of warm tones over cool tones.” — Susan Hayward, Founder, Susan Hayward Interiors
19. High-Gloss Wood Finishes
“Instead of matte wood finishes, there will be more high-gloss wood that brings a polished look and feel to the home.” — Dan Mazzarini, Principal and Creative Director, BHDM Design
20. Plaid
“Forget subtle tartans and pleasing neutrals. Right now, bold-toned plaid patterning lets people have it both ways: Tons of color tamed by a traditional look. It’s great for throws, pillows and even floor coverings.” – Sarah Fischer, Principal Designer, Sarah & Sons Interiors
21. Craft Rooms
“So many people have spent the past few years holed up in their home office. Dedicated adult craft and creation spaces support mental wellbeing and provide an escape from the hectic 24/7 digital lifestyle. Here, I converted a former carriage house into a jewelry making/art studio where creativity can blossom. Whether it’s an entire room or a small carved-out corner, craft areas support the serious mental benefits of having fun.” — Gail Jamentz, Principal, Soul Interiors Design
22. Biophilic Design
“As we continue to see the positive effects of being closer to nature, we look to the rising trend in biophilic design to help us bring some of the natural world into the comfort of our homes. The use of natural materials such as bamboo, cork, sisal and wood can add texture and character to a space.” — Gil Walsh, Founder, Gil Wash Interiors
23. Warm Browns
Brown-based colors — caramels, tomato reds, terra cottas, deep corals — are going to be big in 2023. After years of bright whites and cool grays dominating design, people are looking for a more soothing palette that invites warmth and coziness. — Sarah Cole, Founder, Sarah Cole Interiors
24. Jewel-Box Laundry Rooms
“Hard-working laundry rooms are going glam with shimmery finishes, richly patterned details and even whimsical accessories.” – Tiffani Baumgart, Founder, Tiffani Baumgart Interiors
25. Arches
“Rounded door frames, thresholds and ceilings are going to be big in 2023. Arches evoke an old-world architectural era and bring a sense of timelessness and softness to any space.” — Lynn Stone, Co-Founder, Hunter Carson Design
Article appeared in Good Housekeeping and was written by LISA ROMEREIN.