A New Year means things change. Nothing stays the same, so the interior Design world is no different. For me, this comes with a big YES!! Seeing new trends and updated looks arriving is refreshing. Seeing others come to an end, usually makes me very happy, since they've been mainstreamed - to death!
As much as trends come and go some things stay the same. So, I'm quite happy to see that some of these trends are really officially done. There are reasons why certain ideals stand the test of time. Decorating trends don’t stay fresh forever. In the world of Interior Design the fundamental rules never change. (Oooooh, I feel another BLOG Topic coming on, but let me not get distracted by something shiny.... ;-))
While your home should reflect your personal style, it may also reflect the current trends, but it shouldn’t dominate the whole aesthetic. Trends, while a great way to glean inspiration, shouldn’t lead the look or dictate your home’s design. Choosing the latest trends and designing your whole home in this manner is a bad move in the long run. Trend forecasting is geared to motivate people to buy more stuff. Playing with trends in a smaller way, so that when it is over, you don’t feel the need to redecorate your entire home. Investing in pieces that have stood the test of time will be rewarding in the end by not emptying out your pocketbook.
So here it goes...
10 DISAPPEARING TRENDS OF 2023
1. Design Contrary to Location
A downtown L.A. loft isn’t an “English Cottage”, matter how much Liberty of London prints you throw into it. Doing “Modern Farmhouse” in a downtown Toronto Condo? “Coastal Grandma with Shiplap” in Metro Detroit? You get the picture. Let’s move past copying design that has no relation to where we live. Its tired, enough said.
2. Maximalism is Out
This had its moment. Like 2.3 seconds to be exact. Who has time to vacuum 3 layers of rugs, arrange multiple layers of comforters, or dust a million little chachkas? Visual chaos is distracting, disruptive and doesn’t let the eye settle. So relaxation never really happens.
3. Bid Adieu to Minimalism
The Minimalistic look is beginning to wane. Even, new home builds are adopting more texture in their interior design. People are drawn to spaces with more depth and definition. We are seeing more textures in hard finishes such as stone and tiles. As a result, people are craving more colour and energy. This explains why wallpaper is so prevalent now – it’s an easy way to bring interest into your space. Texture provides visual weight and mas. A healthy dose of it in your space provides value while making the room extra beautiful.
4. Open Concept Living is Officially Closed
After years of open concept being incredibly popular, people are wanting privacy. The “Pandemic” really changed how people utilized their homes and it has driven a strong desire for more privacy and quiet time. While an open plan provides ample space, the communal space is often shared by multiple family members for different reasons simultaneously. It can become noisy and hectic. This year, expect to see more intentional spaces mapped out for specific needs in each home.
5. Monochromatic White & Grey Colour Schemes
Neutral schemes have been a “safe choice” for so long (cue yawn here). The tendency to use white or grey to make a space appear breezy and open is over. More Interior Designers are incorporating creamier neutrals into their designs to bring warmth back to the home. White ceilings will be less prevalent and will change to enhanced the colour of a room. Splashes of colour within spaces will emerge.
This applies particularly to white kitchens and bathrooms, many Interior Designers, including myself, believe its time to incorporate colour into these spaces. I have been noticing that Homeowners are now tired of all-white. When renovation or making small changes and updates, they are gravitating to colour. Human beings live in a world full of diverse colours. Utilizing colour in our homes is only a natural extension of the world we live and love in.
6. Light Wood Tones
Light wood tones have become incredibly popular is recent years. In 2023 mixed tones and darker woods will fall into favour. As we move away from a more sterile look, warmer woods, which a lot of people love move back to the forefront. But don’t fret if you like lighter tones of wood, mixing different tones and species together creates a space that feels intentional and collected.
7. Fast Furniture
As a Luxury Interior Design Firm, we rarely work with “Fast Furniture”. Frankly, we guide clients in the opposite direction. The reason being is that it creates a negative impact on the environment. While it fills a need for some to save some money, it doesn’t last and generates excessive waste and creates a large environmental footprint. Buying vintage or custom pieces ensures, that we design in a more sustainable way. It has in fact, this has become a priority for our clients.
8. Rattan Everything
This style has gained popularity and may have finally reached its peak. Rattan has become ubiquitous. While its good to combine it with other contrasting elements, its now become more or an accent piece, rather than focal point. It lends itself to being a great textural element within a room.
9. Curved Sofas
We have seen a lot of this trend over the last several years. But now, we will see a lot less of it in 2023. Its very impractical for most residential spaces and has been very trendy for a few years now. So, unless we are designing a corporate or commercial space, this look will be passed over in favour of more practical pieces that will have a better life-cycle.
10. Acrylic Accent
Acrylic or Lucite furniture has been quite popular in recent years. The optical illusion it creates of additional space has been everywhere. However, furniture with more natural material, such as wood or caning is now taking on the transparent aesthetic. Wood is always a good option, as different species can be incorporated into emerging trends. Besides, furniture made of solid wood lasts a long time. Caned furniture is modern, yet traditional element that withstands the test of time.
These are all predictions that Interior Designers are talking about. It will be interesting to see how things transpire over the next year. Considering the last couple of years we have all been nesting in place, we will see what direction design, furniture and architecture will evolve as people head back in to the office, as some continue to work hybrid roles and many others move to permanent remote work. One thing is true, people love what they love. This will always and forever be expressed in our homes.
Now, let's get to 2023 and make it a good year!
Until next time! A.M.A.
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