Interior Design Trends of 2023
“There is such thing as ‘dopamine’ decorating… ”
Each new year welcomes an eruption of new design trends. We commonly see trends deriving from previous existing trends and further shaped by current world affairs and events. We see a lot of past trends doing a 360-degree rotation and returning to popularity and demand, with some adaptations determined by the general happenings of the time. As Interior Designers, we focus on “macro” trends that are bigger and long- lasting to stand the test of time; the opposite to “micro” trends, frequently used in fast fashion, recognising that it’s not realistic to change a home with the seasons.
Interior design trends for 2023 are broad and varied, bringing not only new colours and textures, but people are now more drawn to the mood element of a space. Most of the moods we can see forecasted for 2023 focus on spa- like senses of serenity and fun pops of colour to evoke feelings of joy and boost energy. Gone are the days of greys and whites, as people are becoming braver with their choice of colour. Perhaps a post-lockdown conclusion is that life is short, and the home is a happy space that should be injected with personality and positivity. For Jo Littlefair of Goddard Littlefair, brighter hues of colour are all about a deeper connection with emotion. 'There's a joyfulness when you see colour and pattern mixed together in a skilful way that makes your heart sing a little. It’s experiencing something refreshing and just a little bit different or unexpected that gives us all a mental lift,' she says. By surrounding yourself with things that make you feel happy, this conditions the brain to think more positively, and this is something that society values all the more after our experiences in lockdown.
Colourful and Uplifting Décor
There is such thing as ‘dopamine’ decorating and there’s a high probability you will have already seen it already last year. It looks like this trend is here to stay in 2023 and with much delight. Commonly, people have felt scared to go beyond the palettes of black, beiges and whites, but this trend shows that the power of colour is evident, evoking feelings of cheerfulness and happiness. This doesn’t mean you should fork out hundreds of pounds in pots of bold paint, but alternatively, use decorative items and really saturate your room with styling and make it pop.
A way that we can see colour come through is with white walls and individual pieces of decoration to add that colour. It gives a fresh, modern look which isn’t too dark or overbearing. This also allows an element of flexibility, whereby one can change the colour palettes accordingly, year after year by replacing the items in white room. We can also see this trend come through in which sofa colours people are predicted to go for in 2023, it’s all about bold shades and strong hues.
Grey sofas have long dominated, 'As of the last six months, however, we’re seeing pops of colour – bright orange and lipstick reds, bright blues and mustard yellow, but in smaller doses rather than full modular sets,' says Asa Hirst of design brand Ligne Roset.
Calm Spaces
This trend touches upon the much-desired interiors to nurture, relax and restore and create a sanctuary-like feel away from the busy world outside, a place where one can shut the door to the noise and recharge. The link between wellness and cosy materials such as fluffy wool and soft velvet creates a peaceful, organic environment. In this particular design style, colour palettes continue to stay more muted, to give a sense of a breath of fresh air and feature gentle textiles, soft curves and delicate colour palettes. A key element of this trend is also the grounding of natural materials such as woods, stone, hessian, linen and raw brick that give that organic, multi- layered feel. This embraces the concept of ‘wabi- sabi’, which means to accept and appreciate the imperfect and transient. In calm interiors, embracing these natural textures is to create an authentic home, a softened space which allows us to really relax and be our complete and imperfect selves.
In terms of choosing the right colour palette, neutral colour palettes are renowned for creating a calm effect, as they don’t distract the eye in the same way that pops of colour and maximalist designs do. However, there is such thing as being ‘too neutral’, which prevents the injection of any kind of personality, giving a sense of mundane and emptiness. That being said, there are many ways to create that perfect calming colour palette without being trapped within the boundaries of beige, greige and grey. Most importantly, one should choose harmonious colours that appeal to them and not be afraid to. An SBI tip is sticking to the tried and tested complimentary contrasting colours on the colour wheel. One of our favourite methods is decorating using various shades of the same single colour, which does a perfect job of tying everything together in a wholesome, cocooned way.
Wallpaper Borders
The outdated design statement of the 80’s and 90’s is making a comeback with a fresh twist, and we can see why. This is a perfect example of the cyclical nature of trends. The same way in which traditional wood wall panelling returned to popular demand, wallpaper borders are making a comeback, but with a modern twist. In a year that saw more bravery with colour and pattern than we’ve seen in the past ten years, it’s no surprise this trend is set to dominate our interiors in 2023.
Wallpaper borders are an easy way to either add a pop of colour or make a loud design statement to a space. It’s simple, inexpensive, and effective. They allow for greater creative freedom too, with a variety of positioning, colours, patterns and quantity.
Wallpaper borders are strips of wallpaper that can be used to elevate the simplest of rooms and the possibilities are endless.
Most people will associate borders with an old-fashioned, not-so-stylish addition to a room, with a history that leads back to the 1800s, primarily used to hide imperfections of a room or add to compliment a design. However, today there are many different creative ways to use them. With its new modern twist, borders can help create an impactful, hassle-free visual accent to a space, injecting the personality and character people desire now. We’ll be honest, we know that they don’t have the best reputation right now, but views are set to change in 2023.
They add a sense of fun or sophistication without being a huge investment, financially or emotionally. Would you try it?
Curves & Arches
As we move towards a more relaxed approach to interiors, straight lines are becoming less desired. People are moving more towards modernist curves that remain tasteful and not too bold. As well as furniture, this applies to architectural elements such as doorways to add interesting shapes and dimensions to a space. Rounded corners and soft edges are already popular at the moment but will continue to trend into the year ahead. This links to biophilic design, where organic curved edges are reflected from the natural world.
There is in fact scientific data to support the idea that people have an affinity for curves and their visual qualities. In 2010, neuroscientists at John Hopkins University conducted an experiment into what shapes are most pleasing, and the scientists found that people generally prefer shapes with gentle curves as opposed to sharp points. Curves also have a unique, effortless way of softening a room and cleverly give the eye a natural place to rest. That being said, curved interiors are proven to give off a relaxing, calming, and welcoming feel due to a softness and rounded organic appearance.
A good example of using curves in interiors are arches. Different factors such as furniture design, decorative elements and paint colours can be manipulated to mimic this theme. Indoor arches are making a comeback, particularly in the popular Scandi and Japandi trends that have emerged over recent years. One of our favourite ways to create this look at SBI is through the use of paint. An affordable, efficient way of adding some interest to a plain wall and creating that satisfying curvature, what’s not to love?
Arches can also be added into your interior design through furniture and styling pieces, such as curved coffee and side tables, arched mirrors, and arched cabinets and cupboards. the sleek, rounded shape can be found in a variety of furniture and accessories for a simple way to incorporate this design element in a way that suits your individual style and tastes.