BOLD, VIBRANT & COZY

2023’s unapologetic and personality-driven home design trends

BY ALEXANDRA BOHANNON

As the careful tradeoff and balance between the practical and the artistic, the way you go about designing and styling a home can have as much to say about you as any personality test. And we don’t see that any more prominently than in 2023’s design trends, which can be summarized in two words: big personality.

In the most recent era of contemporary interior design, it was all about trimming down to artistic essentials to make a statement, such as the use of square shapes and a lighter neutral color palette.

2023 says that we’re done with that.

While it may be an exaggeration to call 2023’s design trends purely maximalist, they’re certainly not overly edited. Ornate ceilings, intricately patterned floors, bold colors and deep wood tones may grab the attention, but they invite you to relax and sink in, not overwhelm.

Considering the world as it has been since the start of the ’20s, it makes a lot of sense to shift the home to becoming a cozy and comforting paradise — a place of rest and full hearts — as we’ve been spending a large portion of the past few years centered here.

So whether you’re already a die-hard fan of the newest wave of vibrant design or you have a home interior that leans more contemporary, sleek and neutral — never fear. Explore our collection of advice and design wisdom from some of the top designers in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Trust us, if there’s anyone that can be relied upon to make a home reflect the real you, it’s them.

MARISSA ADLER: MARISSA ADLER DESIGNS

What are some colors and shapes that are popular in the homes you’re designing right now?

2023 is off to a refreshingly fun start. Clients are embracing the use of color much more.

The last several years, design trends had been much more color-neutral. We are definitely seeing our clients want to warm and brighten things up. Vibrant blues have been at the top of the list, with beautiful greens frequently blending in too.

For shapes and overall aesthetic, we are still seeing a preference for lots of clean lines; stacked tile, smooth furnishings and symmetry still reign. For expression and character, the use of textures has been a popular way to bring personality and warmth to these otherwise “clean” designs. The move to more sustainable furnishings is another emerging trend.

What questions should you ask a prospective interior designer or interior design firm to gauge if they’re a good fit for you and your home?

When you’re trying to find the right designer for your home, it’s important to know the the style of work and how they work.

I would start by asking what services they offer. Defining the scope of work is very important. Do you need full scale interior design for a new build or remodel? Are you looking for space planning and new furnishings? Do you just want to freshen your existing space with what you have?

This decision leads to [asking] the next question. How do you charge and what is the budget? Setting realistic expectations for time and money are an important first step to help your project finish with the same enthusiasm it starts with.

Consider how you would like to be involved. Some clients like things pared down to one or two options to choose from and some want to be involved by going to showrooms and seeing multiple options available. Ask how the design concepts might be presented.

Your house is one of the biggest investments you make and asking the right questions from the start will help you assemble a team to make it home!

NICOLE RICKEY: NICOLE RICKEY INTERIOR DESIGN

Describe what you’re seeing as prominent 2023 design trends. [We’re seeing] bold accent colors, dramatic natural stone countertops, warm earthy tones, mixed metals and soft rounded edges in architecture and in furniture.

Bold and thick-veined marble is big for 2023. But one thing that’s surprising about this marble is that it’s not just being used in countertops. What’s a way someone can incorporate marble that’s interesting and surprising?

We are thinking outside the box, using marble for custom dining tables, coffee tables, floating shelves and mitered tub surrounds; my husband Shane just had a custom conference table fabricated for his design office. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind masterpiece created entirely out of two slabs of marble.

You’ve just announced a lighting line. How do you incorporate interesting lighting choices into the homes you design?

I’ve spent many years seeking out unique brands and companies that offer exquisite lighting fixtures. When creating an interior design, the decorative lighting fixture is always the statement piece in the room. It definitely adds the wow factor when properly chosen! Proper scale is vital, as well as considering how the design elements in the room are tied together and enhanced by [its] crown jewel.

AMBER FOSTER: THROWN DESIGN & WINE

2023 is the year of the return of personality and boldness to homes. So if someone has already embraced all-neutral interiors, how can they incorporate these trends into their home without a complete redecoration?

Wallpaper, wallpaper, wallpaper! It is just such a fun way to incorporate color, pattern and texture all at the same time. There are so many amazing options out there now when it comes to deciding on a wallpaper. And for those that might not be in a home for that long, or are wary of wallpaper going out of style — which I don’t see happening anytime soon — there are great removable papers as well.

Another great way to incorporate color is by adding a beautiful piece of pottery with a lush green plant. I love finding pots for the plants for my clients that are unique, and always top them off with a fun colored moss or a mix of colored rocks.

What might be the easiest way would be to swap out those neutral pillows for some vibrant, colorful ones. Add some fringe or some cool trim to make them feel even more unique. I love to make my pillows reversible too, so you can always keep it feeling fresh and new.

How do you successfully style the bold color choices and big wallpaper patterns that are so prominent right now?

If I choose a wallpaper that has multiple colors, I stick to the same shades and tones of those colors to decorate the room around. A trick I use sometimes is finding the color on my paint deck and using one of the colors on the same strip as a guide because they typically are in the same color family. If a wallpaper has a light blue, I will select a darker shade of that color to accessorize with.

When styling using multiple patterns in a space, it’s important to keep scale in mind. If you start with a large-scale floral on the walls, then bring in smaller patterns in your textiles. Make sure all your colors and patterns go together by first creating a mood board so you can see it all together on the same page before committing.

KATELYNN HENRY: HENRY HOME INTERIORS

Vintage and antiques are big right now, not just as a response to supply-chain issues but as an eco-friendly solution. How does someone go about using vintage alongside new pieces?

I think it’s always interesting to mix antiques with contemporary pieces. But don’t just buy something old to buy it. Make sure it has special meaning to you.

It’s important for me to work with things that are special to clients, no matter the style.

Is there any trend for 2023 that you’re surprised about?

I’m really loving how warmer tones are making an appearance again. It’s more of the softer earth tones, but we’ve seen so many more fabrics and rugs with earth tones in them.

It makes sense since the past few years have been dominated by shades of green and bringing the outdoors in. Earthier, softer tones are a natural follow-up. It’s intriguing to see how these softer tones are elevating spaces while maintaining an all-around cozier ambiance.

HANNAH SUTTER: HANNAH SUTTER INTERIORS

How do you style bold patterned or mural wallpapers to ensure their longevity?

I always try to create a balance. If I’m using a really gorgeous chinoiserie wallpaper or mural, I keep the furniture layered in front of it a little more simple and classic with smaller prints or solids.

You have to be careful when selecting wallpaper, especially for large spaces. I always try to choose something that will remain classic. As for smaller areas like powder rooms, nurseries or office nooks, I would say choose whatever your heart desires. Wallpaper can easily be replaced.

What are tips on incorporating existing artwork into a redesign of a room or space?

I think art can be its own thing for just about any space. Especially good art that is well collected and curated. It never hurts to pull colors from the art itself. I try to avoid using the art as a “theme.” To be honest, I like laying art in last vs. first.

ASHFORD THOMSON: THOMSON + THOMSON

Interesting flooring is very popular for 2023. How do you guide a client to finding a floor that’s perfect for them? How would someone know if they’ll keep loving their dramatic floor for years to come?

It’s possible to select an impactful floor that is also timeless. We will always be a fan of black and white marble or terrazzo checkerboard flooring. It’s a nod to early 20th-century interiors, but the contrast can create a great backdrop to a modern aesthetic as well. It evokes a sense of elegance and grandeur and can shift to either traditional or modern design.

Arches have not gone out of style for 2023. What shapes of arches are in and which are out for 2023? Any tips on styling arches in a home?

We will always love arches! Arches are an ageless way of adding architectural interest. We expect to see a lot of simple, round arches in 2023, but we’re personally excited to incorporate more ornate arches, such as the ogee and cinquefoil arches.

KELSEY McGREGOR: KELSEY LEIGH DESIGN CO.

What’s the number one detail or interior design flourish you’re incorporating a lot in homes right now?

Natural stone is in every single one of our projects. We have been using a variety of styles in flooring, backsplashes, accent walls, countertops…anywhere it’s appropriate to be incorporated. A favorite of ours that lends to our high-end look is a Diana Royal marble tile floor. We’ve also used a sliced pebble as shower floor tile and wrapped a vent hood with natural stone detailing.

The Versailles pattern, mixing rectangular and square shaped stone in a variety of sizes, is back. We’ve been using this pattern in kitchen backsplashes and on shower walls. It’s a beautiful way to give tiling more texture and an organic feel alongside the natural stone. We’re also loving the variety of stone in slabs for kitchen or bathroom backsplashes. We’re moving toward unique cuts of earth and swapping in soap stones, quartzite, marble and granite in lieu of man-made quartz. The authentic movement and veining that those Earth-made slabs produce can’t be beat visually.

How do you incorporate more cozy textures and organic shapes (a couple of prominent 2023 trends) into a home?

We work from background to foreground layering texture into our room designs. We’ll start big picture with elements like plastered walls paired with reclaimed wood beams, then come in with a variety of textiles.

A few vignettes we are intentional in using to give texture to a space include wall paneling, stone walls, kitchen backsplashes and furniture. Textiles in linen, velvet and leather are a must, and our new favorite flooring for a major textural moment is wire-brushed French oak wood flooring with a matte finish.

JENNIFER WELCH: JENNIFER WELCH INTERIOR DESIGN

Since 2023 is all about a return to personality in homes, what are some straightforward ways to add drama and luxury without having to perform a large-scale remodel or redesign?

Hang fabulous art on your walls. Fabulous doesn’t mean expensive. Find unique pieces from local artists and let your walls make a statement.

I also recommend switching out any mediocre light fixtures to something more impactful. Light fixtures should be considered as pieces of art that are unique and add character, depth and definition to the space. I think a well-curated home with fantastic lighting is always in!

What’s the reason you entered into designing fabric collections? How do you guide clients into picking the fabrics and upholstery perfect for their spaces?

Link Outdoor fabrics invited me to collaborate with them on a collection, and I jumped at the chance. The beauty of outdoor fabrics is that they have become softer and better and now can be used indoors.

Outdoor fabrics are constructed to be stain-resistant and easily cleaned, plus the longevity is off the charts. Link is fantastic at creating outdoor fabrics that have the touch and feel of indoor fabrics. •

We asked our featured designers to describe the design trends developing for 2023 in five words. Here’s what they had to say.

“Colorful, polished, meaningful, sustainable, warm”

Marissa Adler, Marissa Adler Designs

“Less neutral, more color/patterns”

Hannah Sutter, Hannah Sutter Interiors

“Maximal, eclectic, warm, natural, sculptural”

Ashford Thomson, Thomson + Thomson

“Textural, bold, vibrant, unique, natural”

Amber Foster, Thrown Design & Wine

“Curved furniture, textured woods, bold”

Katelynn Henry, Henry Home Interiors

“Textural, vintage, organic, patterned, European-influenced”

Kelsey McGregor, Kelsey Leigh Design Co.

“Maximalism, minimalism, traditional and transitional”

Jennifer Welch, Jennifer Welch Interior Design