Two Key Interiors Movements for 2023

We feel more and more that a choice needs to be made, even in our homes... but can we?

Hello friends, let’s talk trends. My job as a trend forecaster is to keep an ear to the ground and constantly monitor what’s happening - the art world, politics, natural disasters, economic, fashion, interiors, even news that can be hard to read… Why? It ultimately influences what we see in trends - and what ends up on shelves at your favorite stores. I thought today I’d share two key movements in the world of interiors. I’m sure you’ll be interested in my analysis, so let’s begin.

Currently in Europe there’s lot of fashion shows and interiors fairs - I’ve watched them all and attended a few and clear trends have emerged.

For interiors, there was Formland in Denmark that ended last week - it’s a small (somewhat off the map) Danish fair that seems to be gaining some prominence and influence in this part of Europe, though the major hubs of Paris, Milan and Cologne truly take first place with the Maison+Objet, Salone del Mobile, and imm.

Before Formland, there was a very interesting niche fair - the largest rug and flooring trade show in the western world, Domotex (which I had a trend exhibition at) in Hannover. Maison+Objet in Paris followed that, and Ambiente in Frankfurt just ended, which seems to be a lot of everything to decorate with, but I saw mostly tabletop and kitchen in focus.

There are many other shows happening since 2023 kicked off too - smaller shows - like in the Netherlands (SHOW UP) and in Stockholm, Hamburg, the UK and beyond. And more are coming like this weekend is Object in Rotterdam. SO MANY SHOWS AND FAIRS AND PRESENTATIONS OF TRENDS, of ART, of DESIGN. SO. MANY.

I guess we can’t get enough. Yet, there is something glaringly obvious when it comes to interiors.

When I pull way back from the different micro and even macro trends, and hover above everything to make a broad sweep of what I see overall, I’d say there is a definite “taking of sides” right now in design just as in the political realm, also with our values and morals. It seems you’re either one or the other, left or right, “for” or “against”. We’re not asked to choose, we are told to take a side, take a stand, to no longer sit around and watch - no more passive onlookers allowed.

The “middle”, or the days of staying in a bubble, neutral, not making a definite decision, not voicing your inner beliefs, are truly over. Maybe people will clam up again in the next decade if all of the speaking out doesn’t accomplish what both sides hope, but for now - it’s a very loud world.

The same seems to be the case for interiors because even with our home design it comes down to choosing a side that is dominated by taking some kind of stand - our lifestyle choice at home - what does that look like? I’m not kidding.

I spent months researching for my online trend lecture for the international press conference last year on behalf of Domotex, and I felt this “taking sides” trend emerging more and more. And now, months later, it’s very clear: You’re either all in with COLOR or you’re completely toned down with NEUTRALS - beige, cream, brown, maybe a touch of soft honey, warm terracotta, some caramel tones, a little black…

You’re either a lover of STUFF or a lover of FEWER objects.

So you have the colorful and FUN decor of the moment - humorous, bonkers at times, playful, experimental even, custom, handmade but not crafted, more crafty (DIY projects, upcycling, recycling, hacks, etc.)…

These interiors can also be very upscale and expensive - fine materials, expertly made, or they can be not so well made with the attention being more on bringing some joy into the home after nearly three years of pandemic stress.

The focus is on COLOR and FUN or COLOR and MOOD.

Photos: Top Left: Jonathan Adler, Top Right: Sissy Boy Homeland, Bottom Left: Sissy Boy Homeland, Bottom Right: Luke Edward Hall

Photo: Montana

Photos: Top Left: Montana, Top Right: RICE, Bottom Left: Helle Mardahl Studio, Bottom Right: Luke Edward Hall

Photo: Montana

Think Jonathan Adler, HAY, Wendy Morrisson, OUT Berlin, Luke Edward Hall, ccTapis, Montana, Helle Mardahl Studio, Dimore Studio, and many big box brands too - HEMA, Sissy Boy Homeland and Anthropolgie.

or we have the Neutrals/very warm, muted tones….

Interiors are sophisticated, grown up, luxurious, sometimes edgy but not always (think Cottage Core in the states), sculptural, Mediterranean-inspired, well crafted (not crafty/DIY), expertly made, a little wabi sabi, muted and neutral tones. Antiques and vintage mixed with new.

Lots of built-ins, custom builds, a strong focus on materials, sensory design, and modern craft.

Photo: Kelly Wearstler

Photos: Top Left: Kristina Dam Studio, Top Right: Studio Pepe, Bottom Left: Studio McGee, Bottom Right: Athena Caldrone/Eye Swoon

Photo: Avenue Design Studio

Photos: Top Left: Sarah Sherman Samuel, Top Right: Studio McGee, Bottom Left: Athena Caldrone/Eye Swoon, Bottom Right: Sarah Sherman Samuel

Photo: Sania Pell

In this group we find the inspiring minds and brands of Kelly Wearstler, Zara Home, Sania Pell, Studio Pepe, Athena Caldrone, Ferm Living, Studio McGee, Sarah Sherman Samuel, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Avenue Design Studio, Kristina Dam Studio. All not the same in style but overall, some color but mostly rusty reds and terracottas, teal, but still…the similarities are there.

I’m curious - do you have a side of choice?

Team Color or Team Neutrals?

How do you see yourself - do you make some crossovers - like you do Color but minimalist style and well-made, hand-crafted?

Or you do neutrals but tons of DIY and big box items - nothing is well made or expensive - maybe you are a total IKEA and thrift shop upcycler - which is creative and lovely too.

But I am curious as to where you SEE YOUR STYLE so please tell me in the comments below.

Have a lovely Tuesday - and talk to me below - I am curious how you see your style and design and the two core trends I’ve talked about above.