The 13 Biggest Home Decor Trends We’ve Seen So Far in 2023
This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.
With summer coming to a close, that means just one thing for design enthusiasts everywhere: It’s time to take stock of the trends interior designers have seen taking over their projects this year. That’s why I tapped seven different design experts to weigh in on the design trends and interior design styles clients seem to be doubling down, and why they appreciate each of these approaches.
Whether you’re into neutrals or all about bold colors, there’s guaranteed to be something on this list that’ll speak to you. And the best part? It’s not too late to work one or more of these ideas into your home decor, if you feel so inclined. The changing of the seasons is always a great time to show your home a little love, so start here with these designer picks.
1. Fringed Details
Fringe is playful and full of fun, and it’s been having a major moment this year, according to designer Alida Coury, the founder of Alida Coury Interiors. “I’m a texture girl, so this extra layer of design is a fun way to elevate a piece and even put a twist on something that was leaning toward modernity,” the Hinsdale, Illinois-based designer says.
2. Saturated Colors
This year has brought with it a greater use of saturated hues, according to Coury. “I have always loved color because it’s such a feast for the eyes,” she notes. “For my clients who are timid, I infuse color in less daring ways — hanging colorful artwork or adding a burst of color through pillows, accessories, a piece of furniture, or even an area rug.”
3. Restorative Touches
This year, designer Blanche Garcia has noticed an increased desire among clients looking to embrace what she calls a “high-vibe main character life” at home. “All indicators are pointing toward people working and spending more time at home and really wanting their space to feel as restorative as possible, while also creating the perfect backdrop to manifesting their very best life,” says the Montclair, New Jersey-based founder of B-garcia Designs.
When designing these spaces, Garcia looks to incorporate what she calls “a grounding and empowering color story” throughout the home (think: neutrals with pops of earthy reds, purples, and greens). In her opinion, crystals are key to accessorizing a restorative retreat. “We are seeing crystals implemented in so many different ways within a home, and we love the nontraditional applications that we are seeing, like creating multi-dimensional wall art,” she shares.
4. Custom Furniture
Isabella Patrick, a New York City designer and the founder of Isabella Patrick Interiors, has noticed an increased demand for custom touches throughout the home, particularly as they pertain to furniture. “Clients are understanding the benefits and value of investing in custom designed case goods in order to maximize storage and to have truly unique pieces,” she says. “When you custom design, you will never walk into a friend’s house and see the same coffee table or dresser.”
5. Performance Fabrics
Designer Margie Kaercher, the founder of Hearth and Honey Homes in Tampa, Florida, used to steer clients with kids and pets away from white sofas, but more advanced performance textiles have grown in popularity and look just as good as their more traditional (but often less durable) counterparts.
“The specially treated fabrics have endless color and material options and are completely resistant to spills and stains,” she says. “In the case of any accidents, the cleaning process is much easier and faster than your standard non-performance fabrics — which is great, because ain’t nobody got time for that!”
6. Bold Marbles
McCall Dulkys, the founder of Interiors by McCall in Palm Beach, Florida, says she’s witnessed bold marbles used in kitchens, bathrooms, and on many other surfaces throughout this year. “It’s such an exciting time, as I’ve noticed clients have started really stepping out of the box when it comes to their kitchen and bathroom countertops,” she says. “We’ve been taking risks and selecting bold natural stones, and our clients have been totally on board.”
Coury agrees, adding, “Clients are more savvy as to how stone elevates a space.” She’s seeing them begin to explore stone furniture and dialing up fireplaces, backsplashes, and more.
7. Sizable Kitchen Islands
Not only are kitchen islands becoming more stylish — fluting, major veining, contrast trim! — but they’re also getting bigger in many cases, too, with better solutions for actually sitting down there for an extended period of time, be it for dining or doing work. Designer Deborah Pianin, the founder of Deborah Pianin Interiors in Stamford, Connecticut, has found that her clients are investing more in their islands than before.
“Home entertaining has been at the forefront of homeowners’ minds since the pandemic,” she says. “The size and material used for an island was always a priority; however, more importance has been placed on island seating. Gone are the days when uncomfortable, backless counter stools were tucked under overhangs out of sight. Clients are now opting for stylish, cushy seating that appeals just as much to guests as their kitchen chair counterparts.”
8. Vintage Pieces
Coury is also excited that vintage pieces have been majorly en vogue this year. “It’s the best way to be earth-conscious, and I love that revamping a vintage piece can give a nod to a previous design period with a fresh approach,” she says.
9. Natural Touches
Kaercher has noticed a stronger pull toward natural materials and biophilic design this year. “Feeling connected to nature is important to most people in order to feel calm, grounded, and peaceful,” she says. “It’s not a trend that will be going anywhere anytime soon. Whether it’s wood, stone, plaster, wool, jute, plants, or other natural materials, incorporating these elements has a way of bringing the outdoors in and evoking a sense of tranquility and serenity.”
10. Floral Wallcoverings
On a somewhat related note, Coury has also noticed an influx of wallpaper with floral and botanical prints. “This pattern style is giving the design world some seriously gorgeous moments,” she says. “The modern take on this style mixed in with transitional or traditional elements creates more curated spaces.”
11. Organic Shapes
Organic shapes, too, are popping up all throughout the home. “Much like the use of natural materials, there’s something about organic shapes that feels perfectly imperfect and creates a sense of freedom and movement in your space,” Kaercher says. “We’re seeing a lot of this in furniture, lighting, mirrors, pillows, and decor.”
12. Funkier Choices
Kaercher appreciates that clients have been more willing to think outside the box and go bold lately. “Ever since the pandemic and spending more time in our homes, people have really stepped out of their neutral boxes and into the world of color and fun(k),” she notes. “Whether it’s pops of color, color blocks, or an entire colorful room, I love to see it.”
13. Barbicore
In the wake of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie, 2023 has been all about rethinking pink in fashion, beauty, and even the home. This shade had waned in popularity for a bit, with millennial pink giving way to shades like Gen Z yellow, pale terracottas, sage greens, and lavenders over the past few years. The interest in Barbiecore, however, reignited plenty of people’s passion for pink, and if you’ve been partial to this shade from the get-go, the design duo of Maria Brasil Arquitetura thinks now’s the time to embrace it in the home.
Hue and tone are key for longevity, though, when it comes to pink; that may mean selecting blush over, say, pepto pink or neon raspberry (unless bold, saturated colors truly speak to you). “One of the reasons this kitchen is timeless is the harmonious, pleasant, cozy, creative, and charming tone combined with the classic language of Ornare’s Paris line in shades of light pink that refers to past styles with contemporary reinterpretation,” says Maria Brasil Arquitetura of the cook space shown here.
Further Reading
The Only Labor Day Kitchen Deals Worth Shopping Right Now (So Many Incredible Prices!)
Sign up for Apartment Therapy’s Daily email newsletter to receive our favorite posts, tours, products, and shopping guides in your inbox.
link