2023 design trends

In the year to come, we will be seeking to create interiors that are guided by self-expression and the mood or vibe we want to be surrounded by. Be it a desire to create a relaxing Zen-like oasis through the use of natural light and greenery, injecting colour to enhance a sense of joy and adventure or using timber and texture to add visual fluidity, making us feel grounded. In this report, we will explore the key 2023 design trends we predict will dominate the interior landscape.  

left image: sea salt doors and panels, american oak benchtops and pasto handles | right image: danish blue doors and panels, cali handles and santolina benchtops

bold living

Colour is being embraced in all aspects of our interiors and it’s being used in bold and brave ways, acting as a form of self-expression while also helping to set the tone for dedicated spaces. We are being encouraged to embrace colour and be unafraid of its vibrance.

Image source: woodtailorsclub, fireclaytile, firedearth

The last two years have taught us to be more creative, and this is an outcome we want to keep evolving. We will continue to see greens and blues dominate our interiors and not only as feature colours; we are seeing these shades direct the aesthetic of entire rooms. We will also be keeping an eye out for rich reds, terracotta tones and mustard hues as these encourage a warm, friendly and approachable mood, that allow us to look to the future with optimism.

left image: american oak benchtops | right image: paint your own doors, american oak benchtops and worn gold salento handles

forever new

Expect to see an emergence of Art Deco and Mid-Century inspired settings, shifting away from the minimal aesthetic that has been dominating our interiors over the past few years. This design trend feeds into our desire to look back in time and further amplifies our desire to create interiors that are idiosyncratic.

Our interiors will be a representation of ourselves, rather than being completely reliant on one trend alone. Exploring the deliberate tension between old and new adds dimension and provides longevity rather than seasonality, as it eliminates the need to change up an entire space as trends come and go. This direction is all about fusing styles and periods to create interiors that celebrate the past, present and future.

As we spread our wings and venture abroad once more, inspiration cultivated from international travel will also heavily influence the materials, colours and patterns used throughout our interiors. This comes as no surprise as our dreams of travel and adventure are now a present-day reality. Think vibrant reds, warm oranges and deep yellows inspired by a European summer – we will be gathering inspiration from far and wide so we can enjoy the wonders of the world at home! 

left image: molasses benchtop and porta timber contours | right image: biancoccino benchtops and timber contours

layered interiors

Linear contours and grooves are presently inspiring interior environments and it is no surprise as to why. Vertical lines will continue to adorn wall panels, furniture and even kitchen cabinetry as a means to add texture and warmth while also creating beautiful form and continuity. It is a simple and cost-effective way to bring tactile appeal into a space, making a once bland wall pop or creating a striking feature out of a kitchen island.

left image: ghost ash and wild garlic doors and panels, coconutty benchtops and cali handles | right image: sea salt doors and panels, american oak benchtops and pasto handles

modern living

The way we live, work and play has changed immensely and a post-pandemic lifestyle is something we cannot ignore. The expectation for flexible working conditions means that creating a dedicated work from home set-up will continue to be a priority. Rooms in the home need to play many roles - the kitchen might not simply be the place where meals are prepared, it could also be where they are enjoyed, it could act as an office when working from home and could also cleverly integrate a European laundry.

There will be a shift towards savvy design and making smart use of small spaces. The concept of The Urban Mindset (1) speaks to the fact that homes are getting smaller and that in times of uncertainty, people reflect on their place and question why they live the way they do. Because of this post-pandemic mindset, we will question why we need certain rooms in our home and the way we use them, taking on a less is more outlook. We will embrace essentials rather than excess (2). Further to this, living in the city is becoming more and more popular - this is mainly due to the irreversible trend of urbanization (3).

To support these lifestyle shifts and the desire to live more simply, our interiors will need to be carefully considered when designing different rooms in the house, continuing cabinetry solutions throughout the home in an effort to create a seamless flow between rooms. Personality can be injected through colour and unique, layered styling.  

heightened sense of self

It’s time to embrace positivity in all aspects of our life including our mindset and this can be heavily influenced by our environment. One positive that has emerged from the pandemic is our heightened sense of self and our adoption of self-care rituals. We have recognised that our surroundings have a profound impact on us and are in touch with the energy shifts within ourselves and our homes. Incorporating calming tones such as muted greens, blues and light timber textures can help to emulate a sense of Zen within the home.

With daily rituals shaping the way we live our lives, creating calming, tranquil and restorative home environments will be a high priority. We want to create spaces that elevate not only our physical health but also our mental wellbeing. We are seeing this come to light through the desire to create dedicated rooms or areas within the house for meditation, exercise, stretching and are even seeing homes incorporate infrared saunas. This desire for wellbeing can also be represented in interiors through materiality, light and form.

spiced oak and cremasala doors and panels

exploration and connection to nature

The concept of Biophilic Design and the desire to connect people and nature within built environments is still relevant and will continue to be a major design consideration moving into 2023. We can expect to see the indoors and outdoors blur, with households incorporating courtyards, green walls, floor to ceiling windows and an abundance of indoor plants in an attempt to connect with their renewed desire for adventure and the outdoors. Incorporating natural materials such as timber and bamboo and pairing them with earthy tones will help bring the visual qualities of nature into the home. This trend also ties in with the concept of Biomimicry, which is where patterns of manufactured items mimic those found in nature. Incorporating materials with a visual and physical quality will help achieve a connection to nature. Creating a biophilic space helps us gain the same physical, psychological and emotional benefits we experience when walking through a forest or along a river and brings those same feelings into the home. The kitchen is the heart of the home and will be a key location to explore this design concept.

For more inspiration and ideas to create your kitchen, your way™, visit our design blog or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest. 

References;

(1)   Kathryn Bishop, “Why Future Homes Mean Business for Wellbeing” LSN Global, 25 01 2021, accessed April 2022, https://www.lsnglobal.com/big-ideas/article/26471/why-future-homes-mean-business-for-wellbeing

(2)   “Big Idea’s” WGSN, https://www.wgsn.com/en/products/interiors 

(3)   Teresa Kaseder, “Living in the city” Shattdecor, https://www.schattdecor.com/en/insights-by-schattdecor/modern-living-designs-in-a-small-space