A new year marks fresh starts, making it the ideal time to experiment and make alterations to your home!
The pandemic led to many of us appreciating our homes more and creating a sense of calm in all the chaos, with minimalist and neutral trends coming to the fore.
2022 saw bold patterns and colours, 3D art, multifunctional spaces, and many shades of green. But in 2023, we are expecting to see a big move towards sustainability at home, with a growing number of homeowners looking to buy locally, second hand or preloved items so they can make small changes to the environment.
So, here are some interior design trends we are expected to see in 2023…
Cork and Aluminium
Cork and aluminium has emerged as one of the top predictions for interior design trends of 2023, according to Matilda Martin, Lick's trend expert. To be as sustainable as possible, some interior design businesses utilise eco-friendly materials like cork and aluminium.
Cork, with its bark-like appearance, adds texture and warmth to any area in which it is used, giving your home an earthy, grounded vibe. When left exposed, it is also a well-liked material for interior and exterior walls because of how strong and biodegradable it is. For those colder days, cork can also be used for flooring as it is highly insulative which has become a very important priority for homeowners in 2023.
Additionally, metal finishes cycle in and out of fashion in interior design but the predicted trend for 2023 is aluminium, due to its extreme versatility. It was traditionally used in the framework of commercial buildings and offices but is quickly becoming very popular for domestic settings. With its variety of glossy, matte, textured, and polished components, aluminium can complement a wide range of architectural styles and interiors.
Bold Marble
Marble adds a unique focal point to whatever room you put it in, with its crisp, clean, natural look that is quickly becoming a popular trend in homes. The extremely durable material is a great addition to any room as it can withstand a lot of weight and is an ideal material for kitchens as countertops and island benches as it is very easy to look after.
Although Marble is a little costly, it ages very well, meaning it will last you a very long time and may be cost-effective in the future. If you are looking for more affordable pieces of marble and are willing to upcycle, you can purchase reclaimed marble to use in your home at a fraction of the price and it is also more environmentally friendly than most other surface materials!
There are many other options for incorporating marble into your home, for example, for a more subtle look, why not add marble accessories to your home, from kitchen accessories, lighting, shelving, art, ceramics, and bookends?
Or, for something a little different, you could use wallpaper to add a realistic marble wall mural to any walls in your home, instantly adding drama and luxury. Additionally, coloured marble, which comes in a variety of colours including red, pink, green, gold, black, and many more, is becoming increasingly popular for an even bolder look.
Sustainable Living
The increasing popularity of sustainable living is leading to more consumers being extra careful when it comes to their homes. Homeowners are beginning to turn away from fast furniture and instead are opting for used and vintage pieces, supporting the second-hand economy.
Additionally, by sourcing your homeware from local and second-hand shops, not only are you supporting small local businesses, but you are also helping the environment. It has become very important in recent years to understand where we are buying our materials from and how carbon-heavy they are, and how the products have been produced and transported.
Or, why not upcycle and reuse what you already have to give those unwanted fabrics, such as wallpaper, lights, and furniture, a new lease on life before they end up in landfill? There is a trend toward using natural materials and colours in your house to help create a calming and relaxing ambience. Green was a significant trend for homes in 2022, and it's anticipated that other natural-inspired colours will continue to be popular in 2023, making a perfect backdrop to enhance any space in your home.
Curved furniture
2023 is expected to welcome the revival of the 70’s Conversation Pit in a modern twist, to encourage conversation, dinner parties and closeness. The conversation pit that was popular in the 70s was an architectural feature that allowed people to sit within proximity to each other and engage in conversation, however, they were often disliked due to accidental falls.
In 2023, we are embracing curved furniture to recreate and encourage a natural flow of conversation. The shape of curved furniture allows for a way to soften a room and is proven to give off a relaxing, welcoming, and calm feel due to the rounded and soft nature of the furniture.
Additionally, as curved and circular shapes are linked to safety and calmness and are therefore inherently appealing to our brains, adding curved furniture to your home could help you achieve a calmer and less stressful environment. The furniture with its soothing curves should not, however, be pushed up against a wall. Instead, arrange it in the middle of the room so that you can view it from all angles. Curved furniture is perfect as a focal point of a room instead of the TV, so position your curved furniture inwards around a coffee table and enjoy a coffee and conversation with those you love!
Photo: Studio Atkinson
Wallpaper Borders
Wallpaper borders were first popular in the 18th and 19th centuries to hide imperfections on walls, but now they are making a return in 2023 as an interior trend to add colour, character and pattern to your rooms!
Borders are perfect for people who do not want to commit to a full wall of wallpaper in their rooms and are a quick and inexpensive method to change up the look of a whole space. Wallpaper borders offer countless design options as they can be placed at any height, in any room, and accordance with any existing architectural features in your home.
For a less conventional look, you can also install the borders just above the skirting or doorways to add a little interest. Wallpaper borders, however, are very adaptable and do not need to be restricted to just one space; they are not just for use on walls. To add dimension and creativity, borders can be placed on window frames, furniture, and even stairs.
