Trends to watch in 2023

by Hunter Harrell

IT’S TIME TO DITCH DATED DECOR. Even a beautiful design can feel anachronistic as trends come and go. And both homeowners and renters alike should consider incorporating a mixture of classic styles and new trends to help them reflect their personality and values in a space.

However, recognizing trends can be tricky. Professional interior designers typically have a few tools they use to identify popular looks and interesting designs. Dorothy Parker, owner of Dorothy Parker Design, said while broad styles offer a little something for everyone, trends often show up in sudden spurts.

“I read industry magazines every single day,” Parker said. “That’s how I start my day. I read for about 10 to 30 minutes every day just to see what is happening in my world.”

Since many consumers now browse online for inspiration ahead of making purchasing decisions, analytics also offer insight for designers.

“I love helping people express themselves through their home,” Parker said. “I think lots of people express themselves through how they dress and their hair, their accessories and whatnot. But for some people, there’s a little bit of a disconnect when it comes to their home.”

Forecasters can more easily identify up-andcoming trends, and even separate consumers by demographics, such as age and location.

“So, you actually see it in real life of what is trending and there’s hard evidence behind it,” Parker said.

As we settle into 2023, which trends are rising to the top?

Sustainable Designs

“My clients are really the center of the design and figuring out how to work within their space,” Parker said. “Beyond that, I always focus on sustainable design, which is something I’ve always been passionate about.”

Parker said her clients increasingly request designs that support brands with eco-friendly products and sustainable business practices.

“And there’s also just more and more products that are available that are sustainably made,” Parker added. “It used to be that you couldn’t buy a sofa without toxic materials in it, and now it is a lot more accessible to everybody.”

EARTHY TONES & TEXTURES

Natural-looking earth tones and textures are versatile, and pair seamlessly with just about any design or architectural style of home. Neutral tones, such as dark brown, caramel, tan and offwhite, can bring an inviting sense of comfort to any space as well.

“I’m seeing some more earthy feeling tiles happening for backsplash, and a similar look for the flooring as well. Something that has a little more texture than just plain ceramic,” Parker said. “Stone backsplashes are also something that I’m still seeing.”

Industry forecasters predicted more consumers will shun faux finishes and focus on those natural, sustainable elements for an authentic connection between the interior and exterior.

BOLD COLORS & PATTERNS

After spending an extended amount of time at home during the pandemic, many homeowners are more interested in adding saturated hues and fun patterns. Incorporating color in the right spaces can bring new energy to a stagnant room. However, these changes could also date the design.

“Bright colors are definitely a thing right now in those analytics,” Parker said. “But I don’t think that’s something that’s gonna last. I was in college in the 90s and I saw all these bright color trends, like the Apple products in different colors. And now we’re seeing that brightness again. But my guess is that is something that will trickle off over the next couple of years.”

Accessories, such as throw pillows, rugs and window coverings, yield accessible and affordable options to integrate color in living spaces and bedrooms. Yet, Parker said clients continue to ask for clever splashes of color in kitchens and bathrooms, too.

“We are still seeing the two-tone, picking one color for lower (cabinets) and another for upper (cabinets),” Parker said. “I recently did a kitchen that had this really beautiful dark green, lower cabinet, and lighter color upper cabinets.”