Top 10 Interior Design Trends For 2023

2022 was a whirlwind and I can hardly believe we are already onto the next year! With a new year comes a fresh start and of course some new design trends. Keep reading for the top 10 interior design trends that 2023 has to offer.

1. Wellness-Focused Interior Design

There is a growing demand for homes to be designed in a spa-like style which emanate a feeling of serenity and relaxation. Clients are less interested in reserving space for rooms like formal dining, which don’t get much use, in favour of health-promoting spaces for meditation, exercise and even home spas. The latter can largely be credited to Gwyneth Paltrow who unveiled her home spa in early 2022 with a video from Architectural Digest. There has been a great surge in clients requesting spas since then as they seek to imbue a feeling of luxury and create a sanctuary in their homes.

2. Multi-Functional Spaces

The ability of a space to function in multiple ways has become a key requirement for homeowners. Since the pandemic, clients have been seeking to fulfil their needs without ever leaving the home. Perhaps we are all a little more reclusive due to the prolonged isolation, but also keenly aware of how easily the world as we know it can be thrown into chaos. From the wellness-focused spaces mentioned above to home offices and home theatres, clients are seeking to satisfy their desires from the comfort of their own home.

3. Holistic Design

Holistic design considers how the design of a space impacts one’s mind and body. The mood-altering effects of colour, shape, size and so many other design principals are being recognised as key factors when designing a home. The colour palette in a home is of particular significance. From bright colours in a study to stimulate the mind and promote productivity to soothing, greyed out colours to enhance relaxation in the bedroom, the importance of selecting the right wall finishes cannot be overstated.

Also key to holistic design is considering the design of every space in a home, including less-seen areas like laundries and mud rooms. These spaces are often overlooked and used to hide mess and clutter so it is important to integrate great storage solutions. Studies have found the emotional effects of clutter on peoples’ stress levels are the same as post-traumatic stress disorder so it is really important to craft storage solutions throughout the home.

4. Nostalgia revival

The “granny chic” or “grandmillenial” trend has risen steadily in the last few years and it is only going to continue gaining momentum. This is a great trend in terms of sustainability as there are a lot of vintage pieces incorporated in the design. There has also been a lot of renewed interest in cork flooring which is a great option for the environment while also giving that nostalgic look people are craving. The desire for a nostalgic design likely stems from people wanting comfortable familiarity following the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic. Also, trends are cyclical so it was only a matter of time before this style was revived.

5. Personality-Driven Design

Clients are seeking to differentiate their homes from everyone else. While people are generally afraid to be bold in their design choices, one big trend will be statement, irregular-shaped rugs which allow one’s personality to be expressed without making a permanent alteration to the home. Furthermore, clients are incorporating more interesting décor objects which have personal meaning to them and their journey. This might be an art piece of personal significance or a souvenir from one’s travels. The possibilities are endless and ensures that your home is customised to reflect what you love and your treasured experiences. I really find it a breath of fresh air to see more originality in home design and less of the same designer dupes.

6. Decorative Trims

This is a trend I have been seeing everywhere. People are adding interest to otherwise neutral spaces with an interesting trim on the curtains, baseboard, wall panels and more! People are getting really creative with their patterns and where they are placing them. It’s fun to see a more playful trend taking hold and I’m excited to watch it develop further.

7. Richer colour palettes

The dark academia trend has continued to grow in popularity as clients are showing more of a willingness to experiment with colours and desire a home which is classic, yet differentiates itself from the all-white and neutral schemes revisited over and over again.

For those looking for more of a bright look, ocean colours are going to have a big moment. They bring fun, saturated colours into the home while still feeling relaxing and welcoming.

8. Art Deco Encore

This resurgence seems to be a bit of a resistance against the ever-present minimalism movement. People are craving glamorous, luxury-filled spaces that scream opulence. This style tends to maintain a neutral colour scheme with lots of contrast and bold but classic patterns. Interest is created by integrating several textures with rugs, wallpaper, and heavily featuring glass in the form of mirrors and extravagant lighting. This style is well suited to hotels, but I find it can feel overly formal and cold for a home.

9. Elevated Lighting

Lighting truly is transformative. From the sterile feeling given off by several orderly down lights, to the seductiveness of a few dimly lit lamps or sconces, the same space can go from one extreme to the next within seconds. Good lighting is key to creating the desired ambiance in a space. Lighting can effectively be functional art, and people are only just starting to realise the potential they have been neglecting in their space.

10. Bold Marble

Marble with bold veining is making a big comeback this year as clients move away from safe, neutral options in favour of some more personality and flair. In particular, blue and white “galaxy” style marble is featuring heavily at the moment.

If you are interested in utilising any of these trends in your home and need some expert advice, reach out to Sunbeam Studio, Sydney’s leading interior design studio, to help you achieve your dream home design.