2023’s Top 8 Interior Design Trends Are Worth Investing In

Celebrate conscious design and staying true to your personal style.

Not everyone is a fan of trends. Many argue that they make us forget what makes us comfortable and who we are and increase our chances of being wasteful. Over the last few years, there has been a definite shift to decorating our homes to be comfortable and to our personal tastes rather than adhering to specific looks. This can be attributed to our increased awareness of the environmental impact of purchasing fast-fashion items, a need for a safe space, and a desire to purchase things that have meaning and will last.

"If anything, I’m actually seeing a trend of people consciously moving away from specific “styles” and selecting pieces for longevity, which highlight their unique personality," says interior design," says interior designer Sarah Shinners of Without Studios.

2023 is calling for a move towards embracing craftsmanship detailing, playful colours that allow us to express ourselves, and quality over quantity.

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1. Brilliant colour

Taking more chances with a broader variety of colours is set to be big in home design in 2023. Interior designer Jenn Bliss has noticed a shift towards being more experimental with our approach to colour in the home and believes we will see further use of brighter tones and oceanic hues that allow us to be more playful with our design choices. The minimalist look will make way for more cheerful hues even if just as accents.

"I can confidently say that I think the stark minimalist look is finally on the way out as people are creating spaces with more depth and dimension as they are craving more colour and texture," Jenn shares with Bed Threads Journal. "It’s so important to add this to white spaces so they do not feel clinical. 2023 is going to see people play around with more colour to make creative, individual statements. For those that may not lean towards bright colours, I feel that they will still be inclined to find a new way of working with colour. Think subtle, pale greens, and blues."

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2. Low-profile furniture

Shifting your roomscape down in elevation creates the illusion of a more expansive room, so this trend toward low-profile furniture is particularly great for small spaces. It's also a smart choice if you have a view outside that you don't want to obstruct. Interior designer Tim Neve also believes this pivot towards lower-set furniture is a reflection of our innate desire to communicate – think 1970s-style conversation pits.

"I can’t help but notice that some of our furniture pieces like sofas and lounges are getting lower in form. Whether that’s a classic Togo leather set, or taking it to the next level with built-in sunken lounge seating. It suggests that desire to be closer to the earth and having communal spaces set up around the need to communicate – almost like gathering around the campfire."

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3. Conscious design

Conscious design selections ahead of fast fashion isn't so much a trend but a cultural shift and one that interior designer Sarah Shinners believes we all need to embrace. "People are actively choosing environmentally sustainable options over throw away cheap thrills, buying once and buying well rather than opting for the latest must have," she shares.

Given how much time we've spent indoors over the last few years it makes sense that many of us have become more aware of our homes and want to invest in more thoughtfully made, timeless pieces.

"Investing in pieces that bring us joy for even the smallest of daily rituals has become more important - it may be a beautiful quality pillowcase that you love the feel of against your skin every night or a scent that you burn which reminds you of a trip away with friends."

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4. Lived-in vibes

2023 will see an increase in people incorporating unique pieces, heirlooms, or thrifted finds that they love into their spaces. "We will see more of warm coloured timber floorings and that lived-in look and feel especially when it comes to decor items. Sourcing more unique heirloom interior pieces from second-hand marketplaces and garage sales gives that worn-in saturated look that adds warmth and personality," shares Jenn. What's old is new again and this trend allows us to create unique spaces.

Sourcing furniture from Facebook Marketplace and secondhand vintage stores, as well as opting for more eco-friendly fabrics like linen and furniture made from recycled materials are becoming increasingly front of mind for designers and consumers.

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5. A cocooning environment

Leaning into the 'lived-in' trend, creating a cocooning environment is big in home design in 2023 as we want to create that warm, safe personal habitat to exist in. "It’s primitive in inspiration: warm neutrals, earthy textures, natural materials," says Tim. This is a particularly great concept for bedrooms where we want to feel secure and cosy. Turn toward long-lasting, soft bedding, a variety of textures, and timber furniture.

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6. '70s-inspired

Fifty years on and the unforgettable styles of the '70s will still be as relevant and popular as in 2023. Funky patterns, curved furniture, earth tones and fun multi-colour concepts create a cosy yet playful home with plenty of nostalgia. However, in 2023 it's more curated than in the ’70s and ditches the dated aspects.

Perhaps it's a result of the ups and downs of the last few years that are drawing us to this era which promoted a relaxed and social atmosphere at home with friendly tones and lush fabrics.

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7. Individuality

Similarly to the 'lived-in' trend, comfort and personal preference are taking precedence over adherence to minimalism. Homes designed to be comfortable and a reflection of one's personal tastes are prevailing over designs that feel as though they're gallery-like.

"I’ve felt a real shift away from social media this year, particularly Instagram and this movement has led to a new wave of design focused on individuality rather than the 'I’ll have what she’s having' all grey and white direction that dominated the twenty-tens. We’re firm believers that if you love a piece of furniture, artwork or object, mixing it in with your existing pieces will work because it is a true representation of you."

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8. Biophilic design

Biophilic design is all about bringing the outdoors in to enhance connectivity to the natural environment. The overall goal is to enhance well-being, health, and productivity by creating a relaxing environment with a visual link to nature. This can be both indirect e.g. with nature-inspired tones, statement wallpaper that replicates greenery, and natural materials, or direct with indoor plants, green walls, and water features.