Looking for some inspiration to decorate your home this year?
We’re harking back to the past for 2023, with many of this year’s major interior trends putting a modern twist on much-loved classics in a bid to conjure up optimistic vibes in a time of uncertainty. You may be surprised, but 70s decor is back, infiltrating many of this year’s key trends.
But before you lay down the shag-pile rug and dust off your lava lamp, this modern take on the 70s style has a fresher, grown-up twist – sunset hues, groovy shapes and mushroom motifs are all big for 2023, with a fun nod to the decade of disco. Vintage elements are also being incorporated into bright, contemporary spaces to create characterful, personalised interiors now we’re spending more time at home post-pandemic.
Soho Home
Alongside these bright and bold interior trends sit calmer spaces, but still following the feel-good interiors theme, promoting wellbeing and escapism. Slow living, sustainability, “spathrooms” (think a bathroom with spa elements, like aromatherapy oil diffusers and ambient lighting) and biophilic design are central to this, as we desire relaxing spaces to retreat to and time to curate, collect, reuse and waste less, mindful of looking after ourselves and the planet.
Read on for the experts’ take on these top interior trends for 2023…
Incorporating antiques
Last year we saw a shift towards maximalism, experimenting with pattern clashes and rich colour schemes, but this year the focus is on introducing antique pieces into bold, contemporary interiors to create fresh, eclectic spaces that merge self-expression and nostalgia. Pinterest has made ‘Hipstoric homes’ one of its top trends for 2023, with searches for ‘eclectic interior design vintage’ up 850{ae4c731f0fa9ef51314dbd8cd1b5a49e21f1d642b228e620476f3e076dd7c050}.
What the experts say…
“Breathing new life into furniture is going to be extremely popular next year. People are looking at ways to allow antiques and modern touches to co-exist together in harmony. Whether that’s bringing in vintage elements such as Persian rugs into contemporary schemes, or upcycling furniture that has a story to tell. If you aren’t keen on any DIY yourself there are lots of independent businesses sourcing second-hand items and giving them a new lease of life.” Avalana Simpson of Avalana Design
The Rug Seller
“Nostalgic interiors will be moving away from the popular kitsch and retro designs of the 50s and going more chintzy; think granny-chic with lace details, soft florals and dark lacquered furniture. Incorporate items into your usual style that give a nod to times gone by – vintage photos in colourful picture frames on a gallery wall, or a studded leather sofa adorned with bright jewel-toned pillows.” Shanade McAllister-Fisher, award-winning interior designer
Carpetright
Sunset shades
This year it’s all warm and vibrant sunset shades, with WGSN’s Digital Lavender, Pantone’s Viva Magenta, Benjamin Moore’s Raspberry Blush and Sherwin-Williams’ Redend Point dominating 2023 colour of the year predictions. Inspired by the energy of the 70s, earthy hues like terracotta and paprika will take centre stage, while soft shades of pink and ochre tones will continue to feature as a neutral alternative to white.
What the experts say…
“Sunset hues are predicted to be a big interior trend in 2023, and it’s one that we are willing to embrace. Golden yellows, burnt oranges and earthy reds are calming yet uplifting tones, which create a welcome warmth to any home. We particularly encourage using sunset hues in living areas to breathe life and energy into these well used, sociable spaces.” Alex Keith, director at Otta Design
Lust Home
“In 2023 we’re continuing to see a huge spike in the popularity for these warming sunset shades, which encompass everything from reds and oranges to golden yellows and pale blues – all of which work to instil an equal measure of calmness and vibrancy into a space. For the ultimate on-trend look there is no better way of bringing the golden hour to life than opting for the 70s-inspired tones of earthy browns, terracotta reds and oranges symbolic of the decade.” Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore
Curves and wiggles
If 2022 was all about the scallop, this year it’s about the wave. Flowing curves, soft arches and wavy lines are all set to be popular for 2023. Look for more free-flowing squiggles and wiggles than structured scallops, with wavy and cylindrical lighting designs especially hot right now. Arched doorways are also big in the architecture world as a way of breaking up box-like spaces in a playful, creative way. The trend also taps into another buzzword – ‘comfortcore’ – with cocooning, oversized furniture and colour-drenched walls becoming popular this year as homeowners look to invest in spaces that promote comfort, security and togetherness.
What the experts say…
“In 2023 we’ll start to see a move away from sharp lines and edges and lean towards luxurious curves and waves. These impactful design choices will enhance interiors while presenting an elegant and playful feel – providing a softness without banishing luxury. The rise in the popularity of waves has taken over scalloped edges, as homeowners begin to favour more free-flowing shapes in the home, from fluid-form rugs to wave-edged tables, allowing for an incorporation of contemporary with traditional decadence. Curvaceous furniture, especially sofas and armchairs, will be popular this year, bringing a welcome softness to living spaces. These will be adorned in light colours and textured fabrics like shades of white and cream, with bouclé remaining a favourite.” Juliette Thomas, Founder and Director of Juliettes Interiors
Jonathan Adler
“Soft shapes not only tap into the 70s aesthetic but are ultra comfortable and have a cocooning effect, which ties into creating a happy and enjoyable interior. We are seeing customers buying sofas with deeper seats and plumped-up cushions for a real ‘sink-in’ experience.” Kelly Collins, interior designer at Swyft
Sofology
Y2K decor
Another good-vibes-only trend, the #y2kaesthetic has had a staggering 2 billion views on social media platform, TikTok. Taking its inspiration from late 90s/early 00s fashion, Y2K (which stands for Year 2000) decor is all about experimenting with psychedelic colours – think Myland’s colour of the year FTT-006, a hot Barbie pink, bright cobalt blue, aqua, yellow and lilac. While you can go the whole hog with crochet flowers, neon signs, cherry motifs and animal print, it might be better to inject one element of this dopamine decor trend into your existing scheme for longevity… as it’s not for the faint-hearted.
What the experts say…
“We love how pop culture is becoming more intertwined with the way we live in our homes, but we find it’s best to cherry pick your favourite elements from different trends and iconic cultural moments in order to create the best space to facilitate your lifestyle. Years ago we wrote about how much we avoided lilac and purple, but it is undoubtedly having a moment and we are totally here for it when paired with camel or on-trend shocking pink. Lilac with khaki or malachite green is also a win. Strong statements can last if they come from the heart, so be selective. The best parts of the dopamine hit are where creativity has been used to make statements and layers are built over time with meaning.” Russell Cluroe, TV presenter and co-founder of 2LG Studio (@2LGStudio)
Homesense
Slow living spaces
Wellness is huge for 2023, with a real focus on designing spaces that promote self-care and revelling in the simple things in life. ‘Spathrooms’ and biophilic design are key to this overarching trend as people are looking to draw the line between work and home life, upgrading self-care habits and indulging in more ‘me time’. Pinterest has had a 460{ae4c731f0fa9ef51314dbd8cd1b5a49e21f1d642b228e620476f3e076dd7c050} increase in searches for the perfect ‘shower routine aesthetic’ and the term ‘home spa bathroom’ is up 190{ae4c731f0fa9ef51314dbd8cd1b5a49e21f1d642b228e620476f3e076dd7c050} over the last two years.
What the experts say…
“The ‘slow living’ trend is about disconnecting from our hectic lifestyles and technology and taking the time to relax, so it’s no surprise we’ve seen a rise in biophilic designs and ‘spathrooms’. Biophilic design draws on our love of nature, and how immersing ourselves in greenery, organic shapes and natural textures such as wood, stone and linen is good for our wellbeing. The spathroom trend also focuses on creating soothing environments, with an emphasis on luxurious spa-like experiences at home through heated floors, soaking tubs, and rainfall showers. These growing trends reflect how we’re starting to prioritise our health and comfort, recognising that our interiors should serve to truly enrich us, not be purely aesthetics based.” Rudolph Diesel, founder of Rudolph Diesel London
Dobbies
“There’s an influx of green right now, which likely stems from us seeking to strengthen our connection with nature. It helps to channel a sense of wellbeing within our homes, welcoming the benefits of the great outdoors into our own personal sanctuaries to create a sense of calm and restfulness. In 2023 I think it will take on a bigger role; whether it’s royal green or Dulux’s colour of the year Wild Wonder, the 50 shades of green are here for the long haul.” Rachel Hall, head of Octagon Interiors
Prodoto Ltd
Sustainable design
Sustainability is still a hot topic, with the phrase ‘circularity’ on everyone’s lips. The design industry is focusing on products that are ‘made to be re-made’ endlessly, ranging from rugs made from old plastic bottles to baths made from recycled steel. It’s not just about buying new and better; there’s a real ‘make do and mend’ mentality, especially given the recent cost of living crisis, with upcycling set to remain a strong trend for yet another year. Adopting this approach means we’re injecting more character into homes, making them less ‘show-homey’ and more personal, especially now we’re spending time in our homes more than ever.
“In the interior industry’s bid to become more sustainable, designers and consumers are looking for ways to design against global waste, rather than add to it. We all want to be more mindful of our design choices and decorate our homes with materials that positively benefit our mental wellbeing, as well as our planet. From rattan and bamboo to cane and linen, there are plenty of materials that are considered sustainable. But it’s cork and aluminium that we predict will become increasingly popular in households in 2023 and beyond – not only for their eco credentials, but also for their aesthetic appeal.” Matilda Martin, trend specialist at Lick
Carpetright
“I think ‘legacy design’ is taking precedence – this idea that homeowners should pick items, colours and styles that they genuinely like and will work for their space in the long run. The future of interior design is shifting to make better products and not more, so trends for 2023 will be underpinned by a sense of value and longevity.” Saskia Taitt is Creative Director of Studio Taitt
Dulux
5 trends to incorporate easily
Aside from this year’s top themes, these are the five key buys for injecting a bit of ‘nowness’ into your home…
Statement hardware
With IKEA hacks and upcycled furniture all over Insta and TikTok, it’s no surprise there’s been an uptick in striking hardware to add the finishing touch to these mini makeovers. Bamboo handles are particularly hot right now – look at celeb interior designer Sophie Paterson’s new collection for Armac Martin and Matilda Goad’s latest hardware range for inspo. “I love the soft and organic silhouette of bamboo; it works so well at softening joinery such as wardrobes or kitchen cabinets,” says Sophie Paterson. “It’s a timeless shape too – since Princess Diana wore a Gucci bamboo handle bag in the 90s, I’ve loved its use in fashion and always wanted to bring that to my interiors.”
H&M
Portable lighting
“Rechargeable lights are steadily growing in popularity due to the combination of form and function. With many of us wanting to display our favourite trinkets and embracing shelf styling, portable lamps are a great way to illuminate and create a focal point in those areas. They are the perfect centrepiece for a dinner party or meal for two, easily creating restaurant romance at home.” Jo Plant, head of design at Pooky
Pooky
Checks, stripes and harlequin prints
“As we look to bring more joy into our everyday lives as an antidote to the news, pattern is a failsafe and fabulous way to achieve this. One of the biggest trends we’re predicting this year is the arrival of quirky stripe, check and harlequin patterns. Introducing a playful take on these classic, timeless prints, the trend will see graphic checkerboard patterns, playful harlequin prints and sexy stripes in bold colour combos, from black and white to hot hues and soft pastels. Expect to see them everywhere this year, from the kitchen to living spaces and even the garden.” Jane Rockett, founder of Rockett St George
H&M Home
Mushroom mania
“2023 it’s the year of the mushroom! The fungi is everywhere, from cushions and throws to mushroom-shaped lamps and vases. On TikTok, I’ve seen a rise in DIY crafters using mushroom motifs hand-painted onto walls and ceramics, as well as embroidered onto fabrics or appearing in art. This trend goes far deeper than quirky wallpaper or trippy mushroom art. The fungi’s influence can also be found in the earthy tones we’re using to bring the natural world into our homes, and there’s also sustainable ‘mushroom leather’ increasingly being used as a vegan alternative.” Maxine Brady, interior stylist, blogger and TV presenter
Oliver Bonas
Bold borders
The wallpaper border is having a resurgence right now – tastemakers Salvesen Graham, Susie Atkinson, Ottoline and Parker & Jules are all on board, creating modern interpretations of this decorative classic. “Wallpaper borders are often associated with the 80s and 90s, but they started making a comeback in 2022 and are definitely here to stay,” says Susie Atkinson of Studio Atkinson. “Traditionally they were used below cornices, however they’re now being used in a more experimental way, such as making panel frames, under the tread of a staircase, or on furniture for a contemporary twist. That’s the fun of borders – there are no rules, plus they’re a hassle-free way of adding a visual accent without committing to top-to-toe wallpaper.”
