Home Design Trends to Watch in 2023
Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable more than ever. Some of us have adapted our dwellings in new ways, from creating functional home offices to upgrading the appliances we use most.
But while it’s important to make your home your own, it’s also smart to think about the long-term impact your renovations could have on its value. Choosing highly-personalized fixtures and finishes can make it harder for future homebuyers to envision themselves in the space. Even if you don’t plan to sell your home soon, investing in popular design choices that are likely to stand the test of time will make things easier down the road.
And if you’re in the market for a new home, it’s wise to keep an eye out for features that might need to be updated soon so you can factor renovation costs into your budget.
We’ve rounded up six trends that we think will influence interior design in 2023, as well as ideas for how you might incorporate them in your own home. Remember, before taking action, it’s always wise to consult with a real estate professional to understand how specific updates and upgrades will affect your property’s value in your local market.
Separate Kitchen, Dining and Living Areas
Home design trends have been dominated by open-concept floor plans, particularly for kitchen, dining, and living areas, for years. However, COVID-19 has forced families to work and study from home, making it difficult to find privacy and separation. As a result, designers have noticed a shift in preferences, with more families choosing to bring back kitchen and dining room walls to break up the space and create quieter areas. Nonetheless, this doesn’t imply a return to an era of dark and cramped spaces. Even with the reintroduction of walls, it’s important to maintain a sense of flow and openness within the home and prioritize natural light.
If you’re in the market for a new home, consider how you will use the space and determine if an open floor plan will be suitable for your needs. If you already have an open floor plan and it isn’t working for you, consider rearranging furniture and strategically placing pieces like bookshelves, room dividers, or rugs to create distinct areas within the home and reduce noise. By doing so, you can tailor your living space to match your needs without sacrificing style or functionality.
Nature-Inspired Design
Over the past few years, the trend of “biophilia” has gained immense popularity and it shows no signs of slowing down even in 2023. This trend emphasizes bringing nature indoors by incorporating natural elements into your living space. This year, experts in design predict that sustainable materials like bamboo, cork and live-edge wood will add a touch of character to your home without overwhelming it. Wooden kitchen cabinets and islands are expected to become more commonplace in 2023, with white oak and walnut being among the most popular choices. Wood will also make an appearance in bathroom vanities and shelving, as well as furniture throughout the home.
Colors inspired by nature, such as mossy greens and desert tones, will also feature prominently in this trend and blend seamlessly with wood tones. In addition, natural stone countertop materials such as quartzite, marble, dark leathered granite, and soapstone are making a comeback.
If you’re planning to update your kitchen or add new shelving, consider embracing the biophilic look by incorporating these materials. Alternatively, you can add elements of the trend to your living space by using nature-inspired paint colors and adding to your houseplant collection.
Lighting as a Design Feature
As we spend more time at home, we realize the importance of having appropriate lighting for different tasks and times of day. Homeowners are now reconsidering their lighting choices and using fixtures to modify the mood and functionality of their spaces.
Gone are the days of bright, flat overhead lighting. Instead, homeowners are opting for lamps and task-specific options. A layered approach to lighting, such as combining under-cabinet, task, and ambient lighting in a kitchen, allows for flexibility in adjusting light levels based on the time of day and activity.
In 2023, expect to see more statement chandeliers, pendants, and wall sconces in various shapes and materials. If you’re thinking of changing your home’s lighting, start with adding floor or table lamps and swapping out fixtures before rewiring. Observe how the light changes throughout the day and use that information to make more significant lighting decisions.
More Vibrant Color Palettes
Home design trends are shifting towards more lively and colorful options after a long period of whites and grays. Warm and earthy neutrals, jewel tones, and shades of red and pink are particularly popular this year. If you prefer subtle colors, consider light, calming greens, blues, and pastels.
Major paint brands are responding to these trends with their latest releases. Benjamin Moore’s color of the year is Raspberry Blush, a lively shade of pinkish coral. Sherwin William’s Redend Point is a blushing beige that embraces warm neutrals. Behr’s choice of the year is Blank Canvas, a creamy off-white that’s warmer than stark whites.
If you plan to sell your home soon, it’s better to avoid extremely bold or bright color choices for paint or fixed finishes. Instead, try adding pops of color through throw pillows, art, and accessories.
Curved Furniture and Architectural Accents
If you want to incorporate the trend into your new build or remodeling plans, curved kitchen islands and bars and arched alcoves are all good options—or you can take it a step further with arched windows and doorways. You can also carry this trend through to your light fixtures by incorporating a bubble chandelier or globe pendants.
It’s easy to embrace this look without renovations, too. Look for a softer feel in furniture, with sofas, chairs, and tables that showcase curved edges. Or, break up your space with an arched folding screen and a circular rug.
In 2023, sharp corners are out and arches and curves are in. This design trend draws on classical and retro styles while maintaining a modern look. Rounded edges provide a more relaxed and natural feel to living spaces, creating a sense of flow and comfort.
To incorporate this trend into your home, consider curved kitchen islands, arched alcoves, or arched windows and doorways. For lighting, try a bubble chandelier or globe pendants. No renovations? No problem. Soften your furniture with curved edges, or add an arched folding screen and circular rug to break up your space. Say goodbye to harsh angles and hello to a sleek, comfortable home with arches and curves.
Art Deco Revival
Art Deco, the architecture and design style that took hold in the 1920s and ’30s, is enjoying a resurgence.12
As a style, Art Deco is marked by bold geometry, textures, and colors, as well as an emphasis on art. But the 2023 interpretation of this style is likely to be a bit less splashy than its historical roots. Designers predict that instead of incorporating all of the elements of the style, which could feel overwhelming, homeowners will pick bursts of color or bold accessories to bring some whimsy to their space.
Keep an eye out for vintage mirrors, lamps, or vases that bring a touch of Art Deco glam to your home, or embrace bold colors and fabrics like velvet. Choose pillows and throw blankets in bright colors and geometric patterns to nod to the look without diving in all the way.
DESIGNED TO SELL
Are you thinking about remodeling or making significant design changes to your home? Wondering how those changes might impact your future resale value? Give us a call for a free consultation. What trend(s) are you leaning toward?
