Author: Janet Hoover

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If there is one thing being a child of the 2000s taught me, it was how to decorate a room. Between Barbie’s Dreamhouse and the online MyScene room makeover game (click here for a boost of nostalgia-induced dopamine), I was *basically* an interior designer by the time I turned eight. Hours spent rearranging furniture in Barbie’s three-story mega-mansion and playing virtual design games, prepared me for the most enjoyable part of adulthood: having money to spend freely in HomeGoods and rummaging through the decor section of thrift stores.

Now, despite trading my pinked-out plastic palace and digital digs for a one-bedroom apartment with major plumbing issues (talk about a downgrade), I still obsess over all things interior design and decor. Soft blankets, ambient lighting, plush throw pillows, vintage wall art—I could keep going—all these elements are what help me take the lil space I call home from bland to grand. Sadly, the plumbing problem can’t be fixed as easily. Le sigh…

Being that we are somehow at the beginning of a new year (!?!?), I wanted to know just what interior trends I should be keeping my eyes peeled for in 2023. Despite my unofficial degree in Interior Design from Barbie’s School of Architecture and Design, I thought it would be best to let some real professionals weigh in on the matter. Our experts are dishing on what we will be loving in 2023 and what we will be leaving in 2022 (which should include that whiny ex of yours, btw). Keep scrolling for all the decor deets!

WHAT’S IN FOR 2023

Embracing Curves

“We will see a departure from the modern lines of mid-century modern furniture. Curved furniture brings back feelings of softness and transitional design.” –Hana Sethi, Home Design and DIY Blogger of Hana’s Happy Home

“Steering more away from the squared and sharp edges, it looks like we’re going to a more soft and curved look once again. With arched doorways and round mirrors, softening up a space and its decor is something more people are looking at.” -Mike Semegen, Owner and Project Manager at Hello Home Studios

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Wood and Natural Elements

“The use of natural materials will continue to reign, as sustainability and eco awareness is only becoming more important. However, we are going to see less of the softer, washed-out woods, but rather more textured, darker species. -Kristina Phillips, Founder of Kristina Phillips Interior Design

“Incorporating natural elements throughout the home is becoming increasingly trendy. I love presenting my clients with the idea of an accent wall paneled with wood; Maybe your TV gets mounted on top, or maybe the wood accent is surrounding a fireplace. Wood is such a fun way of adding interest and depth, and since it’s neutral in color, you’ll never get tired of it!” -Michal Rubin, Principal Designer and Owner of MR Interiors

Moody Vibes

“There will be a lean towards warmer colors for moodier spaces that are emphasized through rich colors and textures.” -Lindye Galloway, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Lindye Galloway Design Studio + Shop

“Dark walls will continue to be popular, but not just in black that we’ve seen tending the last few years. Contrary to popular belief, dark walls do *not* make a room feel smaller. It invites more coziness and a moody vibe…Dark walls will be paired with oversized wallpaper patterns like dramatic flowers.” –Hana Sethi, Home Design and DIY Blogger of Hana’s Happy Home

“Dark and moody palettes have recently emerged and are here to stay. Though designers gravitate towards neutral palettes to bring serenity and calmness to a space, dark hues can have just as cozy of an effect. Particularly in spaces dedicated to lounging or living, moody colors can give a room a cocoon-like feeling.” –Leigh Spicher, Interior Designer and National Director of Design Studios for Ashton Woods

Prints and Patterns

“Our homes are going to be filled with color, but not in a Crayola/primary way. Instead, we will be using fabrics, paint and wallpaper to infuse our rooms with patterns and accents applied with sophistication and thoughtfulness. One room plays against the next, so each space should balance each other. We will continue to see traditional murals and scenic papers, but done in a more modern and colorful way.” -Kristina Phillips, Founder of Kristina Phillips Interior Design

Ceiling Moments

“Wallpaper is always a client favorite, but wallpapering a ceiling is going to be trending! This can be done in a bathroom, keeping the walls simple with paint, and then adding a graphic print on the ceiling to draw your eye up, and up the ‘cool’ factor… Wallpapering the ceiling in a gingham print, or a bold color in a beautiful texture like linen: This is such a fun idea, and more and more clients are incorporating it in their homes.” -Michal Rubin, Principal Designer and Owner of MR Interiors

“The ceiling is the 5th wall in a room. In 2023 you’re going to see a lot of designers making the ceiling a focal point. One way to make a room look larger is to paint the ceiling the same colours as the wall. It also gives a cozy vibe.” –Hana Sethi, Home Design and DIY Blogger of Hana’s Happy Home

Comfy, Cozy Lighting

“Ambient, comfortable lighting is in. We should see more indirect lighting coming from coves and eye-level fixtures, with wall sconces doubling down on form and function. More so, sconces are becoming sculptural as a statement piece or artwork.” -Marina Yu, Senior Designer at Whitehall Interiors

Extra Textures

“I think that moiré silk is making a huge comeback in interiors and fashion. It’s made prominent appearances in the most recent collections from some of my favorite designers like Christopher John Rogers and Oscar de la Renta, and I’ve also noticed several fabric and wallcovering lines have recently expanded their offerings. The texture adds so much depth and movement to any color—even black!” –Tara McCauley, Interior Designer

“Layering area rugs in a living room is also a trending design idea. The idea is to create layers with different sized rugs, with different textures; this adds so much comfort physically, and visually! Think: A large scale, traditional Persian rug, with a polka-dot, neutral, smaller rug layered on top. The look is super cool and unique!” -.” -Michal Rubin, Principal Designer and Owner of MR Interiors

“Decadent fabric treatments will help interiors stand out in 2023. The ongoing trend of elevated luxury will seek out timeless, classic patterns like damasks and large florals but with a twist, as seen in bespoke embroidery and imprinted patterns on mohair and velvets.” -Marina Yu, Senior Designer at Whitehall Interiors

Making the Old New

“Using recycled materials or incorporating more vintage and antique items can be an excellent way to reduce environmental impact. There is also an increased interest in home spaces that feel more storied, personal, and lived in. The individuality and history of these materials can contribute to a sense of place and personality.” -Sarah Barnard, WELL and LEED accredited Interior Designer at Sarah Barnard Design

“Upcycling will continue to be a hot trend. What’s old is new again, so going into consignment stores, using family heirlooms or even vintage shops will continue to rise in popularity. People love purchasing older items, refinishing them and then repurposing them in their modern homes. With the market the way it is right now, people are constantly looking for new ways to save money but still achieve the style they’re looking for. Upcycling is a great way to pull this off.” -Mike Semegen, Owner and Project Manager at Hello Home Studios

“I predict the big time increase in use of vintage and antiques, both from high end resources like 1^st Dibs, and from more DIY sources. Using vintage and antique pieces adds massive character and reduces a space’s carbon footprint. With growing awareness of the interior design equivalent of ‘fast fashion’ – ‘fast interiors,’ being green will continue to be the chicest option.” –Alexa d’Argencé, Associate, Senior Interior Designer at BAR Architects & Interiors

Jewel Tones on Jewel Tones

“I think we are going to see a lot of purple color in interiors. The hue is versatile and has a tremendous range of shade variation, from periwinkle to mauve to aubergine. We saw a lot of this shade, as well as jewel tones, on the runways of 2022, and now it’s making its way to the interior spaces.” -Marina Yu, Senior Designer at Whitehall Interiors

“Deep jewel tones in red, green, blue and violet feel rich yet cozy and are great for an accent wall (yes they’re back).” -Tracey Amadio, Paint Expert and Founder of home improvement blog Porch Daydreamer

Individual Style and Creativity

“We’ll start to see a focus on creating a unique space that speaks to personal styles. In the design industry we see a lot of ‘copy and paste’ but this often lacks inspiration and creativity. This is largely due to social media influences; it’s easy to get caught up in the repetitive nature of design, forgetting what really speaks to the homeowner. We anticipate people will spend their funds more cautiously on pieces that are worth the investment and capture to their personal reflection, this largely includes original artwork rather than prints. Each piece can be as simple as a local farmers market item, to a grand focal point but nonetheless the repeat prints are a thing of the past. While considering this more cautious approach to purchases we will see a great deal of focus on personal well being and mental health as the new year approaches.” -Courtney Turk, Lead Interior Decorator at Courtney Turk Interiors

“With homes becoming offices, gyms, entertainment centers and so much more, we’re all spending more time there and are looking for more interesting ways to decorate. With that, the definition of art has broadened and people are decorating with more unusual items like hats, plants, macrame, and even bikes. This is yet another way for people to show off their creativity and their hobbies in little ways that make them happy every time they enter the room.” –Mallory Micetich, Home Expert at Angi

Revamped Home Offices

“A return to work outside the home will change the use of “home offices” into dual purpose rooms instead — think: yoga + meditation spaces, home libraries, and more.” –Pat Del Gavio, Design Firm Principal at Del Gavio Group

“Rather than an abundance of focus on home offices that we saw over the last couple of years, we will see a shift toward meditation spaces and home retreats. A calm oasis to collect thoughts through meditation, yoga practices, fitness and reading will settle into homes in the upcoming months. We are seeing requests for intentional spaces to relax the mind and step away from the WFH lifestyle that so many of us have become accustomed to recently.” -Courtney Turk, Lead Interior Decorator at Courtney Turk Interiors

WHAT’S OUT FOR 2023

Goodbye, Gray

“Less gray tones, which have been the rage for quite some time now. What’s coming? Warmer colors will emerge — especially as we head into spring.” –Pat Del Gavio, Design Firm Principal at Del Gavio Group

“Say good-bye to gray and hello to warm shades of beige as the new go-to neutral.” -Tracey Amadio, Paint Expert and Founder of home improvement blog Porch Daydreamer

All White Everything

“Modern Farmhouse is a hellscape that will be making its way out. I think as so many new trends come up and are popularized with the help of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, etc. People are exposed to many more possibilities and don’t feel the need to fall into the boring, basic, “tried and true” white-on-white look.” -Paige Garland, Founder of Paige Garland Interiors

“It may not be the popular opinion but I think all-white kitchens will be phasing out more and more. I believe people will still take the essence of the lighter tones it offered but lean towards taupe and cream colors or a warmer wood to balance the room and create a cozier feel.” -Lindye Galloway, Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Lindye Galloway Design Studio + Shop

Recessed Lighting

“Recessed lighting is out. I know this one is hard to lose, but in truth, it is only needed in the kitchen where good light is essential for cooking.” -Marina Yu, Senior Designer at Whitehall Interiors

Open-Concept Floor Plans

“Because there are no inner walls to divide the room, open-concept floor plans have long been admired. However, because everyone was working, studying, or living at home during the pandemic, that very openness proved to be troublesome for many houses where privacy was at a premium. People are learning they actually prefer more privacy and specific places in their homes after realizing for years how popular open-concept floor plans really are. These spaces will be open and contained in a way that is both separate and still allows for a good flow and airiness.” -Jason Farr, CEO and Founder of Aviara Pavers

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