10 Top Interior Design Trends for 2023

Let's talk design trends for North America, Europe and the UK

Are you curious to learn about the top 10 Interior Design Trends for this year and beyond with a focus on North America, Europe and the UK?

These are the foundational trends, I’m not talking about micro trends or those quick ‘fast’ trends that are like the whipped cream and cherry - in for a season - but the more enduring ones that I believe will guide us right into 2024 and beyond (and some of them should - see #4 and #5).

Growing your own, definitely a trend…. Photo by Annie Spratt

Let’s get started…

1. Earthy tones and natural materials: The use of earthy tones such as warm beige, terracotta, and olive green, as well as natural materials such as wood, stone, and rattan. Cream seems to have replaced pure white but I’ll always include white in any of my trend reports because there is nothing quite like a Paola Navone GHOST sofa. Earthy tones help to create a cozy and warm atmosphere in the home. There is also an interest in wall treatments - for instance, paint mixed with clay, for a very earthy look and feel.

2. Vintage and retro styles: Vintage and retro styles are making a comeback in interior design, with designers incorporating mid-century modern furniture, vintage-inspired lighting, and retro patterns. Shop vintage, go to flea markets, look on eBay. Lots of people are scouring eBay for pre-owned “Ligne Roset” chairs, for instance. I sell many pre-loved and vintage pieces on a private Instagram account that I’ve set up for locals to peruse. I snap a photo of something that I want to sell with the price and someone interested will stop by my home and buy directly from me. I get to meet my neighbors in the process, so it’s a wonderful exchange.

3. Patterns. Gone are the days of only solids blanketing an entire space. Patterns are emerging on beds, sofas, and throw pillows. Checks, stripes, florals, retro-inspired prints, it’s time to mix it up and have fun!

4. Sustainable and eco-friendly design: Sustainability and eco-friendliness are important considerations in interior design, with designers using recycled and up cycled materials, “green” paints, incorporating energy-efficient lighting, and adding more plants and greenery into the home but also in growing a small garden on your city balcony or in the backyard. Greenhouses are trending - everyone wants one. I think a lot of us as ashamed that we don’t know how to grow our own food (esp. during Corona - this feeling arose for many). There is also a move towards finding eco-friendly materials so instead of leather, faux varieties made from recycled products or plants, for instead.

5. Collaborative and community-oriented design: With an emphasis on inclusivity and social impact, collaborative design brings together designers, communities, and local stakeholders to co-create products and spaces and this could become more and more popular as the months and years progress. (This ties in closely with trend #8 below.) Brands and designers who work closely together is important to our communities locally but also helps us to focus more on sourcing products and services for our homes from the local market first before reaching out to a broader market. To break this down, this could mean that instead of sourcing a table from a mass market retailer, you could work with local craftsman to build your own kitchen or table, let’s say. My friend, Diana Baur, recently renovated part of her Fachwerkhaus turning a space into an events area for her wine business using mainly local products and craftsman - even her kitchen and tables were made by a local carpenter and she was able to employ many local tradesman for everything from the flooring to the window frames and stairs.

6. Maximalism and bold patterns: While minimalism has been popular for several years, there has been a recent trend towards maximalism, with bold patterns, bright colors, and eclectic decor becoming more prevalent.

7. Minimalism and simplicity: Don’t worry, for lovers of clean and minimalist aesthetics, this trend will continue to be popular into the future. Simple, functional designs that prioritize practicality and ease of use are important, particularly in urban life.

8. Biophilic design: Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements and organic patterns into the home, is also popular as people look to create a calming and restorative environment in their homes. It aims to deepen humans’ emotional attachment to the natural world by bringing more emotion to an environment. There are two big buzz words at the moment in design - SENSORY (design) - which essentially is bringing people more in touch with their senses through design - touch, feel, smell, taste and sight. Another that is buzzing is WELL-BEING, so design that impacts how we use the space and that serves our emotional needs.

9. Home office design: With more people working from home, creating functional and comfortable home office spaces is a huge trend with designers incorporating ergonomic furniture, soundproofing, and other elements to create a productive workspace. You can also find a lot of minimalism in these home office designs as well - no more chunky desks - the idea is on having flexible furniture that you can easily move around and seating that focuses on overall wellness.

10. Texture and layering: Texture and layering are important considerations in interior design, with designers incorporating multiple textures and layers to add depth and interest to a space. This can include textured fabrics, layered rugs, and decorative accessories. The way things feel matters more and more as we are so connected to digital spaces through our smartphone and laptops - the desire to interact with tactile surfaces is growing.

Which of these trends speaks to you most?