23 interior design trends to know for 2023
From limewash walls to chrome accents and Early Americana, five interior designers pick the interior design trends set to shape the year ahead.
Now more than ever, we’re going the extra mile to turn our houses into homes. The want for our homes to be a true reflection of our personal style, as interior designer Sarah Weichel of Swike Design reflects, has been one of the more prominent impacts of the pandemic.
“Since we’ve all been forced to spend more and more time in our spaces, I’ve found many of our clients have also spent the time learning and researching how to personalise their space and make it feel like their own,” Weichel notes. Not only has Weichel noticed an uptick in small-scale undertakings, like a fresh coat of paint or a redecoration, but full gut renovations: “The magnitude of the projects which clients are eager to lean into has expanded significantly.”
As we head into 2023, Weichel and her fellow experts single out a handful of overarching concepts that will inform how many of us will approach our interiors. Our desire to curate joyful, uplifting spaces is one such trend. Gillian Segal of Gillian Segal Design predicts that the use of bright colours, curvilinear decor and abstract patterns — an aesthetic the internet dubbed ‘avant basic’ in 2022 — will remain popular come January.
“Try avoid going all in on a single trend, or placing too many trends into a single project. Instead, start with a core design style and look for opportunities to place one or two trend-driven elements into a space”
It’s not all child’s play however. Other spaces, according to Jess Weeth of Weeth Home, will swing increasingly towards a matured, modern minimalism. “We’re departing from ‘white, light and airy’ to depth and sophistication through darker tones,” Weeth says. “It feels like we’re embracing a balance of contemporary silhouettes with traditional elements, such as trim, millwork and rich architectural details.” The rise of earthy, natural textures is an extension of this interest. Says Hilary Matt of Hilary Matt Interiors: “It’s all about organic design.”
Of course, the balance of timeliness and timelessness is difficult to strike. Putting together a trendy space is one thing, but how do you execute a design detail that’s fresh, but doesn’t date too quickly? “It’s hard to achieve when you’re excited about something new,” says Segal, “but avoid going all in on a single trend, or placing too many trends into a single project. Instead, start with a core design style and look for opportunities to place one or two trend-driven elements into a space.”
For Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors, the key is also to start small. “If you’re worried about trends, add them sparingly and with your less expensive items,” she advises. “Say you want to experiment with brass. Try it out with candlesticks or a frame. If you’re hesitant to incorporate black on the other hand, begin with a small side table or a throw pillow. Baby steps will help you determine if this trend is for you long-term, or just a passing fad.” Ultimately, a space that feels eclectic is harder to date, and more likely to remain timeless.
Here, the interior designers share their pick of the 23 interior design trends that will define 2023.
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1. Biomorphic shapes
All interior designers agreed that organic, curvilinear shapes will dominate spaces in 2023. For Weichel and Weeth, this trend takes the form of rounded, undulating furniture. “Mixing clean-lined pieces with curved silhouettes creates tension and drama,” says Weeth. Segal notes that this preference for biomorphic shapes may also take the form of whimsical elements, like warped chequerboard prints and wavy table decor.
2. Early Americana
Not that Mid Century Modern furniture is going anywhere, but Weichel predicts that Early Americana-style furniture — think amber-coloured wood and embroidered upholstery — will begin to share the spotlight.
3. Textured walls
For Weichel, plaster and limewash walls are set to be an interior design favourite. Matt agrees: “Textured walls and wallpaper are a favourite detail of mine to add warmth to a space”. “Currently,” adds Lester, “I’m also gravitating toward natural tones and textural materials like limestone and terracotta.”
4. Round accent pillows
The use of disc-shaped pillows as accents are one of the more subtle interior design trends on this list, but according to Weichel, it’s a must-try for the ease alone: “A small investment, but a lot of personality.”
5. Statement sofas
In 2023, statement sofas will assume their position as the focal point of a living room, with cult designs like the De Sede Terrazza, De Sede Non-Stop Snake, and the Mario Bellini Camaleonda sitting at the top of the pecking order. Weeth also notes that upholstery will be the subject of extra attention, naming stripes, hand-blocked prints and vintage-inspired toiles as patterns that “bring depth and interest”.
6. Natural stone
Expect to see natural stones like travertine and marble everywhere, says Weichel, especially in coffee-table and side-table form.
7. Chequerboard patterns
From tiled flooring to soft textiles, chequerboard has been the reigning print of 2022. In 2023, it continues its chokehold on our interiors. Weichel predicts that colourful flooring will make its way into foyers and powder bathrooms. “Unexpected tile arrangements can inject personality and colour, while leaving space to keep the rest of your colour story neutral.”
8. Chrome and mixed metals
We love our brass accessories as much as the next homeowner, but according to Segal, silver metal finishes, like chrome, white bronze and polished nickel, will be making a comeback. It doesn’t stop there though. Take care to mix your chrome accents with other textures and colours to let it stand out. “I love mixing stainless steel appliances and matte black hardware, or brass hardware and satin nickel plumbing for a more curated aesthetic,” says Lester. “Mixing metals is a trend that will never go out of style in my book.” “I am all about mixing metals and don’t think that all metals in a space need to perfectly match,” echoes Matt.
9. Bauhaus
Weichel says the influence of Bauhaus and the Space Age on our interiors — think block colours, tubular ’60s-style furniture and glass tables — will emerge as a key trend of 2023.
10. Eye-catching lampshades
Let there be light! Gone are the days of cylindrical drum lampshades; in 2023, lamps are getting dressed up, and wearing shades that are pleated, printed or empire. Weichel and Weeth pinpoint the Coolie lampshade as a particular design that will be favoured for its contemporary feel.
11. Vintage furniture
As Weichel notes, that homeowners are increasingly purchasing second-hand furniture may be a trend now, but in future, is a practice that she hopes will be the norm. “The supply chain and long lead times encouraged more vintage sourcing and upcycling within our own studio,” she shares. “The supply chain has encouraged more vintage hunting among designers as well to access readily available inventory. With the rise and success of online marketplaces like 1stDibs, Chairish and InCollect over the past few years, I know we will certainly continue to lean into vintage upcycling as a big focus.”
12. Reeded details
For Weeth, reeded details, like those set into wall panels, as well as reeded crown moulding and reeded drawer and cabinet door faces, will be one of the more notable micro trends taking over 2023.
13. Ceiling medallions
Ceiling medallions, especially when juxtaposed with more modern light fixtures, will provide a welcome focal point for interiors next year.
14. Café curtains
Café curtains, also called tier curtains, are designed to hang from the middle of the window to the windowsill, and let in light from the top half of the glass. “They’re a cute way to add privacy and interest to spaces like kitchens and baths,” says Weeth, “without totally blocking out light and views to the outside.”
15. Dark cabinetry
From kitchens to mud rooms to vanities, Weeth notes darker wood stains and painted finishes will characterise much of the palette for 2023. “Bring on the black!” exclaims Lester. “I’ve always been a fan of adding black for depth and contrast, but it’s become so much more mainstream lately. They help ground a space and make the lighter colours pop. Whenever a design I am working on feels a little flat, I step back to make sure I’ve got enough black. Contrast is key!”
16. Brass rails
Brass never goes out of fashion. For Weeth, the metal will come in the form of gallery rails and pot rails. “It creates a styling opportunity with vintage kitchenware,” she says, “especially brass and copper pots!”
17. Bold lighting choices
“I think people are becoming more adventurous with their lighting choices; really taking advantage of them as a statement design element in a room,” muses Lester. Recessed lighting might have been the default in the past, but expect statement lighting to rise in popularity. Weeth recommends a mini flush mount: “Take a ho-hum thing like recessed and turn it into a design moment by adding a memorable detail to spaces like hallways and laundry rooms.” If you’re feeling more adventurous, says Matt, go for an oversized island pendant: “It looks really unexpected in a kitchen — the size adds a graphic element to the space.”
18. French doors with Cremone bolts
Don’t overlook the importance of a metal finish like a lock or hinge. For Weeth, who names a Cremone-bolt French door as one of her nicher trends for 2023, “beautiful hardware in vintage-inspired finishes act as jewellery for cabinetry and passageways”.
19. Arches
Arches don’t need to be part of a wall or foundation. Just add the shape in a cased opening, or even in the form of cabinetry.
20. Cabinetry towers
Instead of upper cabinets, Weeth predicts, we’ll be deferring to cabinetry towers to frame a sink or range hood. “Plus, when using glass fronts. it creates a styling moment for your best stoneware pieces.”
21. Plaster
The magic of plaster, says Weeth, is that it can add depth to a space without extra millwork detail. “This is great for more minimalist spaces, or creating a point of contrast in an otherwise classic kitchen.” Matt agrees that plaster, especially for hoods and walls, is on the up. “I think it’s a nice element to use in a kitchen design, and really gives the space some personality!”
22. Earthy tones
Matt, Weeth and Lester highlight a brown, earthy palette as the dominant shade range for 2023. “Used appropriately, browns can add warmth and depth to the palette of a space, and pair well with other earthy tones like creams, olives, terracotta, and saturated blues,” says Weeth. If you’re looking for a cooler alternative, try out a taupe, beige or brown-grey, which remain in the same family, and can still ground a space and add dimension — especially with a specialty finish.
23. Vanity backsplashes
Backsplashes have been a key element of the retro revival taking over interior design. “When using a cut stone for backsplashes,” notes Weeth, “create a unique moment by incorporating an ogee edge profile or cut-outs to create an interesting shape.”