While life has resumed in
some shape or form post-pandemic, we will be perpetually discussing its
influence on our homes and lifestyles, and 2023 is no different.
A desire to cocoon
ourselves in our homes is the driver in most of 2023's biggest interior trends,
whether that is in the creation of a self-care 'spathroom,' immersing ourselves in
joyful colour, or introducing sink-in soft
materials like bouclé for a more literal cocooning
effect.
1. Dopamine dressing
'Dopamine décor can be
interpreted as using colour, pattern and tactile furnishings in
your home as a way to make you feel happier,' says Suzy
Chiazzari, Colour and Design Consultant. 'You might start off small
– by introducing a print here and a coloured piece of
furniture there, or you might fully commit to vivid colours, such as zesty
yellows, punchy pinks, and brilliant blues to dress homes and evoke
feelings of happiness.'
Dopamine dressing was
identified in Wayfair's trend report for 2023 as part of
the broader 'comfortcore' trend – that is, turning to joyful decorating and
design frivolity as a form of escapism.
'As we head into 2023,
home lovers are craving a dose of frivolity that ups the fun factor and offers
escape from the uncertainty of the outside world,' reads the report. 'Give your
space a boost with bold colours, look-at-me art,
dreamlike wallpapers and mood-lifting accents.'
2. The 70s return
Influenced by the
never-ending popularity of mid-century modern, as well as the long-overdue
migration of vintage and antique stores online, interior design is looking back
to the seventies.
'The concept of vintage
has never been more en vogue,' says Ben White, design and trade expert at Swyft.
'Interior design trends, just like fashion, are proving to be cyclical and the
1970s is prevailing as a key influence in 2023 interior design. You can tap
into this key trend by using warm brown, gold and red tones such as clay, honey
or paprika as the base for your interior and layer with fun colours and shapes
to add interest to your home.
'Soft shapes, and relaxed
style seating designs not only tap into the 1970s aesthetic but are comfortable
and have a cocooning effect which tie into the creating a happy and enjoyable
interior. We are seeing customers buying into sofas with deeper seats and plumped
up cushions for a real “sink-in” experience.'
3. Comfortcore
'Cocooning furniture and
finishes, rounded forms, tantalising textures and
whisper-soft tones' were identified by Wayfair as defining aspects of
'comfortcore,' a design trend that offers reassurance and respite.
'Calming textures really
came into the limelight during the stressful years of lockdown uncertainty,'
says Kelly Collins, interior designer and head of creative at Swyft.
'Unsurprisingly, they’ve yet to fall out of favour. People want their home to
feel like a tranquil haven, particularly in the bedroom and living room – both designated for
relaxing and filled with plush, soft furnishings.'
In application this
translates to lots and lots of warm neutrals. 'Lovers of gold accents,
warm wood tones and cream sofas rejoice!' says Anne Haimes, interior designer
and founder of Anne Haimes Interiors. 'Warm hues will continue to dominate
over cooler colour palettes in 2023.
'We're also seeing the
return of minimalism, but in a more sophisticated and homelier manner than
we've seen previously. Warm wood tones and natural textures will become a
feature of themselves, without compromising the simplicity and cleanliness of
minimalist styles.'
4. Painted borders
Painted borders is an
inexpensive way to play with a room's structure and perspective, and adds
opportunity for interesting colour combinations. It covers a wide
range of painted techniques like colour blocking and stencilling, and can
highlight interesting alcoves, high ceilings, cornicing or even
disguise unsightly features like radiators.
'Painting the ceilings or
skirting boards in your home a unique shade is a great alternative to just
painting the walls,' says Kelly. 'Homeowners can either opt for the same shade
as their walls to create the illusion of more depth and space, or opt for a
contrasting colour for a cosier effect. It can also be a bold and interesting
way to introduce your favourite colour palette.'
5. Sunset hues
Many of the most popular
colours forecast for 2023 are reminiscent of therapeutic and nourishing sunset
hues – Benjamin Moore has selected a rosy Raspberry Blush, a
fresh Digital Lavender came from WGSN, whilst Dulux's Wild Wonder introduces undertones of
yellow and gold that add considerable warmth.
'Raspberry Blush 2008-30
embodies an infectious optimism, full of hope and joie de vivre,' say the
experts at Benjamin Moore. 'Our Colour and Design experts were drawn to the
transformative qualities this vivacious colour possesses. More subtle than
scarlet, with just the slightest hint of orange, Raspberry Blush 2008-30 is an
energising colour with the impressive ability to completely change the mood of
a room, injecting a positive, vibrant feel for a fresh new look with flair.'
6. Heritage
Heritage is a trend that
very much began in our kitchens – we've seen traditional design details like
farmhouse sinks, pantries, sweet ruffled curtains, and
classic shaker cabinetry come to the fore.
Fuelled too by the
migration of antique and vintage stores online, the heritage trend has made its
way into the rest of our homes in the form of traditional patterns like bold
stripes and ticking, herringbone flooring, wall panelling, reeded glass accessories,
ruffles and scalloped edges.
Heritage colour palettes
have a delightful vintage influence – mustard yellows, post-box red, black,
sage green and a bright Yves Klein-esque blue.
7. Spathrooms
The spathroom – a spa-inspired bathroom –
was a bit of an interior design inevitability, influenced by the increasing
popularity of small self-care spaces within the home.
'Bathrooms are arguably the most
ritualistic room in the home and we have seen a surge in demand for
spa-inspired spaces that can double-up as a private sanctuary,' says Rosie
Ward, Creative Director at Ward & Co. 'Bathrooms are naturally clinical spaces so we
like to balance this with materiality, using warmer textures and fabrics for a
luxe feel. Outdoor fabrics work particularly well as a pretty patterned shower
curtain or upholstered on a chaise longue, and on-trend scalloped blinds or artworks add softness to
the room.'
By
Rachel Edwards
House
Beautiful Magazine
6th
January 2023
https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/decorate/looks/a42393926/interior-design-trends/
Photo
credit: Walls painted in Fruit Fool by Farrow & Ball.
Photo
credit: Furniture at Swoon Editions