The 2023 Design Trend Report
The interior design world is never one to stay static. There’s constant innovation, creativity, and reinvention that offers a fresh perspective to our idea of home. Of course, the word “trend” often comes with a negative connotation in this industry, but we like to think of trends as less momentary and more defining movements—common threads that characterize a period of time. To embark on this year’s 2023 design trend report, we turned straight to the source. Leading studios Marie Flanigan Interiors, Light & Dwell, and Laura Hodges Studio all weighed in on the matter. If these predictions are any indication, it’s going to be a very, very good year for design.
Design by Jake Arnold, Photo by Michael P. H. Clifford
Design by Jessica Helgerson, Photo by Aaron Leitz
Design by Billy Cotton, Photo by Stephen Johnson
Continuous Trim-to-Ceiling Color
We saw contrast trim everywhere in recent years, but designers are beginning to take a more monochromatic approach. Not only are they matching the trim and wall color, but they’re taking it all the way up to the ceiling for a dramatic, albeit sophisticated, effect. This look is particularly stunning in rooms with architectural details, accentuating intricate millwork or crown moulding with a fresh perspective.
Design by Light & Dwell
Design by Jessica Helgerson, Photo by Aaron Leitz
Design by Sarah Sherman Samuel
Design by Jessica Helgerson, Photo by Aaron Leitz
Scalloped Edges in Unexpected Places
Admittedly, scallops are nothing new on the design scene. But this year, those curvy edges will be making an appearance in hard surface materials like wood, metal, and even marble.
“For us, scallops are an organic nod in spaces that need something eye-catching and playful,” said Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd of Light & Dwell. “We bet you can find a scallop accent in almost every room we’ve designed the past few years!” Word on the street is this design studio has a scalloped marble fireplace in the works, and we cannot wait to see the reveal.
Design by Marie Flanigan Interiors, Photo by Julie Soefer
Design by Yond Interiors, Photo by Amanda Birnie
Moody Tones in Many Forms
We’re happy to report that dark and moody interiors are here to stay for the foreseeable future. Luckily, there are so many different ways to achieve that cozy look—most of which don’t even involve a paint job.
“Moody doesn’t always mean dark paint colors, which seems like a common misconception in design,” Marie Flanigan of Marie Flanigan Interiors said. “Moody can be achieved by thoughtfully adding saturated colors in a variety of ways like accent pieces, millwork, surfaces, pillows, rugs and lighting.
Design by Heidi Caillier, Photo by Haris Kenjar
(L) Design by Yond Interiors, Photo by Amanda Birnie + (R) Design by Shannon Eddings, Photo by Molly Culver
Design by Light & Dwell, Photo by Amy Bartlam
Maximalist Wallpaper Moments
Gone are the days of designers playing it safe in the wallpaper department. In fact, subtle patterns might already be a thing of the past. Studios like Heidi Caillier Design and Shannon Eddings Interiors are ready to play by their own rules with eye-catching, botanical-inspired wall coverings applied in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, and really, pretty much anywhere.
(L) Design by Lindsey Brooke Design, Photo by Amy Bartlam | (R) Design by Jake Arnold, Photo by Michael P. H. Clifford
Bookshelves With a Slanted Twist
This trend is slightly more specific, but a fun styling feature nonetheless. In 2023, we expect to see bookcases designed for cover-facing book displays. Lindsey Brooke Design achieved this look with a custom-built bookcase with white oak framing and shelving for her client’s home office. Could it be that colored coordinated book spines might have finally seen their heyday? Time will tell.
Design by Mandy Cheng, Photo by Madeline Tolle
(L) Design by Mandy Cheng, Photo by Tramp Studio | (R) Design by Prospect Refuge Studio, Photo by Canary Grey
Design by Prospect Refuge Studio, Photo by Chris Mottalini
Wider Cultural References Through Art and Textiles
In season one of The Interior Collective podcast, we discussed the dismantling of “traditional design.” In an industry that’s long been dominated by Eurocentric influence, the heightened popularity of African and Asian design features is a much-welcomed breath of fresh air. Laura Hodges of Laura Hodges Studio agrees. “I love seeing wider cultural references combined with a modern aesthetic, such as abstracted patterns and prints on linen and velvet textiles.”
Design by Mandy Cheng, Photo by Yoshihiro Makino
Design by Laura Hodges Studio, Photo by Jenn Verrier
Design by Maison Trouvaille
Mix-and-Match Wood Tones
The ’70s are coming back in a serious way. This is due in large part to interior designers’ use of wood paneling and incorporating a variety of complementary tones. Of course, wood has long been a favorite material to deliver a sense of organic warmth, but you probably won’t be seeing a matchy-matchy look anytime soon.
Design by Katie LeClercq, Photo by Aaron Leitz
Design by Sarah Sherman Samuel, Photo by Nicole Franzen
(L) Design by Katie LeClercq, Photo by Aaron Leitz | (R) Design by Lindsey Brooke Design, Photo by Amy Bartlam
Design by Barlow & Barlow, Photo by Jonathan Bond
Design by Sarah Sherman Samuel, Photo by Nicole Franzen
Marble, Marble Everywhere
Now more than ever, designers are reaching for marble as their stone of choice. In 2023, you can expect to see slabs with lots of dark, dramatic veining, and it’s going everywhere from the backsplash to the bathtub.
“With its endless potential for mix-and-match styling, real marble is one of the most versatile and timeless stones,” said Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd of Light & Dwell. “One of our favorite places to use marble is the kitchen or bathroom, where its diverse tones, textures, and grains bring a unique, contemporary aesthetic with heirloom appeal.”
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY
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