Interior Design Trends 2023
With 2023 well underway we thought it was time to share some of the interior design trends we’ve spotted in this first half of the year. As well as what interior trends to look out for in the coming months.
Colour Trends
When Pantone released its colour of the year, Vivid Magenta, there was an air of excitement around design – a joie de vivre attitude, a burst of optimism. According to Pantone it is “encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint.” The colour comes from the red family and has subtle notes of purple and is prominent in interior design trends 2023.
But what do designers think? Beth Travers, founder of maximalist design house Bobo1325 told us:
“There’s a great deal of force behind this colour powerhouse. Magenta is often a colour associated with romance, and its intensity evokes feelings of passion. Magenta is a free spirit, and this non-conforming magenta is the essence of originality.
“Which is why I think Viva Magenta makes a great accent colour. Its intensity and power can really draw the eye to where you want it, especially in botanical elements. It’s a little pop of passionate rebellion, standing out from the crowd in its individuality saying ‘I am here, I am me’ something that really resonates with me as a designer.”
More interior colour trends
If the punch of magenta is a little strong, don’t worry. There are plenty of other rich, deep, cocooning colours being seen throughout interior design. One of our favourites is the wonderful tones of terracotta. Is there anything nicer than the colours found on a sunbaked patio filled with terracotta pots?
It’s not just terracotta either, all shades and tones of brown are making a huge comeback. Deep chocolate leather armchairs, fluffy caramel coloured sofas and coffee stained wood effects have all been spotted in designs over the past few months. All shades of brown are most definitely worth considering on a well planned moodboard.
It isn’t just colour choice that’s changing either. The way we use colour has shifted too. We spoke to Joanne Thornhill, interiors stylist, writer, trend forecaster and consultant’ who told us:
“Tying into the post-pandemic shift for more playful and personal design approaches, we’ve rapidly moved away from the prevalent greys of the 2010’s and much more firmly towards warmer colourways. Warm biscuit, beige and putty tones have become the new neutrals, and even more vibrant colours such as yellow have been making a comeback (because who couldn’t use a little visual pick-me-up?)
Consumers are not only growing bolder with their colour choices but also in their application, with ‘colour drenching’ approaches (where walls, woodwork and ceilings are all painted the same tone) becoming more popular due to the immersive feel they can provide.”
Furniture Trends – Interior design trends 2023
Fluid, elegant, shapely, curving forms. Can you imagine anything more lovely? Interior designers up and down the country are loving it too.
With curved ‘hug’ shaped sofas not going anywhere soon we still feel there’s room to develop in this trend. Large, oversized chairs that encourage relaxation as they cocoon you, tables with soft edges and worktops that are falling rather than cutting away. Finding soft edges in design is no longer unusual.
Maybe it’s partly in reaction to the biophilic movement that encourages design to reflect nature? Or perhaps it’s that with materials being ever more advanced, designers are able to not only BE flexible, but use flexibility in their creations. We think back to the amazing table we saw at the Surface Design Show this year, created by Firth By Design. Almost a work of art in the way the glass was suspended over a curved – yet straight – concertina shape.
This fluidity can also be seen on fabric and wallpaper designs. Wavy lines, or vertical stripes with softer edges. Free flowing line drawings are being seen as are crashing waves, big blousy florals and oversized foliage. Square edges are so last year, instead designers are favouring artisanal crafts like imperfectly surfaced ceramics. We are loving this softness in design.
Maximalism as a new trend – part 2!
Talking of free flowing – Maximalism is still as popular as ever and when we saw the new Romo collection we knew it’s a trend that’s around for a while yet. Romo’s Temperley London x Romo collection is a collaboration with fashion favourite, Alice Temperley. An incredible mix of florals, animal prints, weaves and embroidery it is a collection that will speak to fans of maximalism everywhere.
We also have seen what we are calling Maximalism’s little sister – Cosy Maximalism. John Warburton, founder of homes & interiors PR specialists JWC explains this current trend a little more:
“… it is an expression of personality through interior design which uses a curated collection of meaningful items to decorate a room and help it feel cosy, comfy and inviting. It’s a feast for the eyes and the mind. And is a world apart from cookie cutter Scandi-stylings of sleek lines and mid-century minimalism.
These are rooms that tell stories of travel, passion and music. Of gastronomy and the search for self-fulfilment, using pictures, books, fabrics and wallpapers. It’s a place which encompasses you. Your own Sherlock mind palace.”
Well if that doesn’t make you want to create a whole new room, we don’t know what will!
Spathrooms are a thing
Wev’e talked about spathrooms before but we think it’s worth saying again. The desire to have a space in which you can truly relax and spoil yourself is getting more of a must-have rather than a would-like-to-have it would seem.
Brendon Haxby, co-founder of Naken.co.uk, told us: “The bathroom might be one of the most functional rooms in the home, but how we perceive it has changed. Instead of clinical, cold spaces, they are becoming rooms packed with opulence.
Abbas Youssefi, Founder of Porcelain Superstore, says:
“How homeowners perceive their bathroom has changed. The bathroom has always been one of the most functional rooms in the home, but in a post-pandemic world, homeowners are looking to create gorgeous-looking spaces where they can completely unwind.”
Abbas believes large format, natural-effect tiles that exude effortless luxury will be the ones to watch in Interior design trends 2023.
He said: “Large format tiles mean minimal joins, which improves flow and can help the bathroom feel more expansive. Combine with natural-effect tiles, such as stone, wood or marble for an opulent finish.”
THE MAJESTIC SHOWER COMPANY.
CGI by Oil Studios
Retro design – and this time it’s messy
You can’t have failed to have noticed that fashion is looking a bit dated – that is, flares and pussy bow blouses, shiny training suits (dare we say track suits?) and a hint of a shoulder pad. Whether it’s the 70’s, 80’s or a touch of the 90’s it is time to embrace all of the horrors you think you’d left behind.
Avocado bathroom suite? Yes, maybe.
Mustard sofa? Most definitely.
Graphic prints in bold colours, with a touch of neon. Ahem yes!
If that really isn’t for you, we are pleased to say there are alternatives – but it is all still firmly rooted in the past.
The Landscape
Vintage interior shopping
Upcycling, repurposing, second hand shopping. However you label it, buying new isn’t the only way forward for interior design now. There is a strong movement towards finding something that has already lived a life – be it a farmhouse table or a classic armchair – and reimagining it.
This could involve painting and recovering, or it could just be that furniture is used for a different purpose. We’ve seen scratched up, glass cabinets become fabulously decadent cocktail cabinets and sagging sofas transformed into showroom ready pieces. Sewing tables re-used as occasional tables in modern sitting rooms and rugs hung as artwork.
A mooch around a vintage market is now de rigueur for many new homeowners and charity shops are seeing an increase in traffic generally. This has got to be a good thing we feel.
Interior design trends 2023 – Finishes and accessories
Fluting as a finish is widely being found in many areas of design. Fluted bath panels, tiles, wall panels, or on furniture as well as glassware and more. Fluted décor, according to John Warburton PR, is characterised by concave, parallel, usually vertical channels which, as well as being incredibly tactile, create a wonderful play of light across the surface. Take a look when you are out and about next, you’ll see it creeping in everywhere.
The finishing touches
Here at Oil Studios we are all about the details in design – which is why our designers are delighted with our final interior design trends 2023 to watch.
Passementerie. This is the art of making elaborate trimmings or edgings of applied braid, gold or silver cord, embroidery, coloured silk, or beads for clothing or furnishings.
It’s a term not many will be familiar with, but it won’t be long and it’ll be a word that slips off the tongue. What we’re saying is trimmings are back in a big way. You will spot it in all the big fabric houses now and it is a great way to add some design elegance to a simple scheme. Pom pom edging, tassels, extra long fringing, tape trimming – the options are endless.
As specialists in marketing for property and interior decoration businesses, we keep ourselves up-to date with the latest interior design trends 2023. It’s not a chore, we simply love interiors and are addicted to discovering new trends and products. Need help with design or understanding what will sell? Talk to us about how we can help.