Today Annie, Mary Ann, and I are joining some of our very savvy design friends for our annual post on design trends. It’s that time of year when Designers and Tastemakers predict design trends for the year ahead. As with fashion, trends come and go, and it is always fun to see which ones will last for more than a nanosecond. I personally favor trends that are more timeless and personal. I prefer spaces that tell one’s story highlighting personal collections with a mix of old and new, curated art, and layered textiles. Let’s take a look at what I consider the Best of the 2023 Design Trends.
FYI read my 2020 Design Trend Post Why the Collected Look is Here to Stay You will find many similarities. Many feel that it takes several years for trends to get a foothold. My friend Joni from Cote de Texas says she quit talking about design trends because she was repeating herself every year. Read on.
NOSTALGIA INFUSED DECOR
What the experts this year are calling “Nostalgia Infused Decor” (a collected look). If you have been reading this blog long you know I am a huge fan of a collected look. You can read my post How to Get the Collected Look here for more details. Perhaps “Nostalgia Infused Decor” is an offshoot of the Grand Millenial style but maybe less fussy. If your style is modern play off the clean architectural lines by mixing in a few antique pieces.
This is the living room from our fixer-upper. Most of our furniture is antique or more traditional, but I love the juxtaposition of the more contemporary coffee table with the antique and traditional pieces.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
A fancy word for bringing the outdoors in by incorporating plants, stones, and woods into interiors, and creating a sense of well-being within the home itself. (Creating a space to do yoga or a special corner to read?) Consider real stone countertops, natural wood finishes, and “areas of wellbeing”.
Steve Cordony (you can follow Steve on Instagram here) loves bringing nature in by creating massive single-species arrangements in his home. Incidentally green kitchens are in as well.
THE RETURN OF WARM NEUTRALS
They have been predicting the demise of gray for several years. Will this be the year it really goes away? I personally favor warmer neutrals. They are friendlier in my opinion.
Rose Tarlow’s living room in France from her book Three Houses, photographed by the wonderful Miguel Flores Vianna is filled with warm neutrals; the upholstery, the wood, the art. As I mentioned in my Sunday favorites, this book is absolutely one in a million.
ENTERTAINMENT-FOCUSED DECOR/RETREATS
Our homes became our sanctuaries during covid, and this continues to be apparent in our focus on design. We want our homes to feel like a boutique hotel.
We tried to create a retreat-like experience in the courtyard of our present home. The area around the fireplace in our courtyard is delightful except during the very hottest days of the Summer.
The seating area on the back patio overlooks the pool area. This is where we spend our time on the hottest summer days.
Sustainable Design
Consider repurposing outdated furniture with slipcovers (yes they are back) or upholstery instead of buying new. Upcycling thrifted and vintage pieces and giving them a fresh modern look instead of buying throw-away furniture.
Lauren Liess is a master at designing with repurposed furniture, and vintage art and accessories. Love this character-filled banquette that she featured on her Instagram account here. I have all of her books. For more inspiration, You can purchase Lauren’s books on Amazon here. You can see her design portfolio and follow her blog here.
COLOR AND PATTERN
If you love color and pattern and have been missing it of late, this is your year. According to the experts, color, pattern, and pretty details are back. I for one am loving the pretty lampshades in block prints (coming soon to my bedroom). I am a bit of a coward with too much pattern and color in my own home, I am afraid of tiring of it. I do love color on pillows and accessories, so welcome back color!
Who does pattern and color better than Mark D Sikes? I love this living space he featured on his Instagram account. You can see all of Mark’s beautiful work on his website here, and you can purchase his fabulous books on Amazon here.
PERFORMANCE FABRICS
Every piece of upholstered furniture in our house except for one wing chair in our bedroom wears a performance fabric. I can’t tell you how many times wine, chocolate, and who knows what else could have stained any one of those pieces.
TRENDS THAT ARE ON THEIR WAY OUT
ALL WHITE KITCHENS
This one will be interesting to follow. In our former home we originally painted our cabinets white, then the green that is so popular now, then back to white.
OPEN FLOOR PLANS
I happen to love our open floor plan. I think this is a trend that people our age will hold on to. I love being in the kitchen while still connected to what is going on in the great room.
GRAY AND MINIMALISM
A couple of trends I don’t understand:
Teeny tiny drinks tables that could get knocked over by a dog or small child.
Outdoor rugs-how do you keep them clean? Mine would be filthy all the time.
Lamps on Kitchen Counters & Islands-again am I the only one that would be splattering grease and gook all over the shades?
TAKEAWAYS
As is typical, one can always find humor in the expert’s predictions. I read in several publications that curvy furniture is out. I also read in several publications that curvy furniture is in. You be the judge. I try not to get swept up by too many trends, maybe it is my age. My suggestion would be to incorporate trends that appeal to you in decor that is less expensive rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I like to keep the main pieces of upholstered furniture in my home neutral and add color and pattern in pillows and accessories. I also like to keep my draperies neutral. Patterned drapes are easy to tire of and very expensive to replace. Texture always adds interest and never goes out of style. This year I am going to add a couple of patterned lampshades to the mix. Remember to own your own style. Keep it personal and uniquely you. Fill your home with things you love and you will never tire of them. Apparently that is in as well, who knew?
Here are some articles you might enjoy explaining the latest trends:
The Chicago Tribune 15 Major Design Trends of 2023
Good Housekeeping The Biggest Design Trends of 2023
Southern Living Outdated Design Trends for 2023
Veranda-Decorating Advice from Designers on 2023 Design Trends
Forbes-14 Design Trends That are Here to Stay
Thank you so much for reading Best of the 2023 Design Trends. How do you feel about trends? Do you take them with a grain of salt, or try to incorporate some of them into your decor? I would love for you to weigh in. Now let’s pop over and visit the real experts and see what they have to say. I wonder if we all will predict something different?
Cindy,
Love everything you mention in here – with one exception – I am a “lampaholic “ and I love to use them in the kitchen. I do cook a lot, as you know, so I usually choose lamps with tole or a wipeable type shade. So viola problem solved and lovely pools of light can stay on trend!
Xox
Amanda
Cindy
I look forward to each and every one of your posts, and love your sense of style and inspiration!
You have a lovely home, and I wondered if you would be willing to share some information about the striped throws on your sofas. I love them and wondered where you got them or where I might be able to find something similar.
Thank you
Hi Peggy
Of course they are from Libeco home and I purchased mine here
These are the best prices on these throws https://rstyle.me/+mwT7QZzm9HKWOK53T4Q45Q
They are extremely soft and durable. I can’t recommend any more highly. I would love to find some summer ones that would work
Thank you, Cindy. I just ordered one!
Great!!
This is a very informative post with great links to enjoy browsing. Your taste for a classic, collected look with a modern touch reflects my own, so I enjoy and appreciate everything you post. I love the dark green cabinets with brass hardware but I read somewhere the brass hardware/fixtures are out for 2023. I was planning a kitchen update/remodel prior to the pandemic so postponed it and now much of what I planned is changing since I don’t want to update with an outdated look, lol. Starting over now with new ideas and inspiration..
Hi PJ
Sometimes it is just best to wait and think…I am guilty of overthinking and researching. It takes me forever to make a decision in my own home. Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am so glad you enjoy the blog.
So funny….I am guilty of having a small drink table in our great room just so the two chairs on either side have a place to put a drink….yes, that table has gone crashing to the floor more than once but it only has unbreakables on it now! I personally dislike grey now bc of seeing it so much (walls, floors, upholstery) that it became boring.
Cindy you are really the best at collected design not just inside but outside as well. I am always copying your ideas! Thank you!
Hi Sharon
I have a small drinks table in between two chairs in my Great Room too but I think they need to be big enough that they aren’t tippable!
I am with you on the perils of tiny tables, outdoor rugs, and especially lamps on kitchen countertops. I just don’t get it.
Lamps eat up space, make cleaning harder, and as you said, are magnets for grease. Not at all tempting.
Hi E E
I am glad I am not the only one. I met a friend for lunch the other day and she told me she just loves her outdoor rug. She just hoses it off and it looks like new. I am such a messy project person (I constantly have a project going) so I just know I would be cleaning it constantly.
Yes! Warm neutrals ☺️ they just feel right!
Hi Sarah
And they look so beautiful on you!!
Hi Cindy,
I think I’ve always stuck to certain things in decor, but I try not to allow my house to become too aged in a style that began as a trend. Does anyone remember that trend of “French Country” that was so popular in the 80’s. It really wasn’t very French or country.
Nice topic and it’s always fun to read the “trends”
Karen B.
Hi Karen
Oh boy do I remember “french country”. You are so right, that is one I am glad has passed!
No trends for me! I buy and decorate with what I love and keep it forever! Don’t like matched furniture sets or new pieces. Mistake learned when got married. We bought new furniture for new house and I gave furniture away or sold to replace with old furniture. Mother tried to tell me but I wanted NEW…….Rooms to go furniture is exactly what it says…goes in a year to landfill.
Hi Nancy
We have a new coffee table. We were forced to buy “matching” nightstands for our bedroom because the bed sits in a niche. We do have new counter stools and that is about it. I couldn’t agree more.
Cindy you hit the nail on the head I swear… People that chase the trends and want to redecorate their house every couple of years are foolish! You should decorate your home with things that work for your family and support your lifestyle. I do love texture and warm colors… You do that, so well! And all of the people that you mentioned are experts! Great post my friend!
Hi Sherry
We always love having your expertise on this post. I admire so many things that you do. You always have a great balance of the old and new and your designs always look current.
Some very popular things just never made any sense to me. To each their own, of course. But stainless steel appliances and white cabinetry just looked cold, clinical dentist office to me. Won;t be sorry to see gray go for the same basic reason. Keeping big investments like window treatments and tile neutral leaves resources available for more interesting elements that can be refreshed whenever the urge hits. My knotty alder open kitchen with a 2 tier island may not tick any trend boxes but I find it to be warm, welcoming and gives me the option of hiding the counter clutter when it is unavoidable.
Hi Teresa
So well said… We all want to live with what we love…
What a beautiful post, I really hope the grey makes a departure for good. I still love it as an occasional color but I can’t stand how it got all pasted from floor to ceilings in the last few years.
Hi Liana
Years ago we had trim that was painted a light gray and the room always seemed cold to me. I guess everything in moderation, right?
Another great post! I will be so glad to see the gray trend come to an end, unless in small doses. I do love a lamp on the countertop, but not near where food prep is happening. And, since I have 2 golden retrievers, tiny drink tables would never work!
I love how your home is decorated, and also love the style of all of the bloggers linked in this post! This was a really fun read for me.
In the collage of photos featuring all of the names of the participating bloggers, can you help me with the photo on the bottom left? The fabrics would be perfect for cushions and pillows for my banquette, but I didn’t see anything about them on any of the posts.
Thanks for all the inspiration!
Hi Joan
That photo is from Sherry Hart. I would contact her through her website sherryhartdesign. She would love to help you I am sure.
We are currently building our dream home – the footings and foundation are being poured over the next few weeks. I just read somewhere that floating shelves are on their way “out” and wouldn’t you know, I have open shelves on two walls of my planned kitchen. I don’t care – I like the open feeling and I’m keeping them!!
Congrats Cynthia
I wouldn’t worry about the open shelves. Who cares as long as you love them!
Great post! I agree warm not cold colors last. I have to say I have always loved a small lamp on the counter..at night so soft also have a hutch with a lamp but this is our dining room ..not just a kitchen. Whatever works for your life style. Outside rugs for me are great! Everything is covered both back and front “Portals” Tan with black trim….no natural fabric (mice will eat) we have 1 in the small area in entry and 3 in back (under large table) Th floor is not tile..that is the reason this works!! Old good furniture makes a home interesting…and our own.
Hi Eileen
I think you are right. It is all about one’s lifestyle. I love the look of outdoor rugs. I just know myself too well. Good point about the concrete too rugs can really warm up concrete.
What an interesting and beautiful post! I always love warm colors in a house and am glad to know I have a collected look. We have never bought an item because it is on trend and were lucky to inherit a few antiques from our family. Part of why I love your posts is you put into words and pictures ideas that reinforce what I enjoy about my own home, but you take them to another, inspirational, level. Thank you.
Hi Mar
Thank you so much. You are so sweet to say that.
Great post! I always am in awe all over again when going to Mark Sikes Instagram! I don’t read trend predictions from publications anymore. I feel many are written by social media teams, and have no real value. Timeless is, er…timeless. To me what is out is all grey and places that look furnished from trendy HomeGoods, Overstock/Wayfair, etc. stuff that will be in a landfill in a few years. A big yes to slip covers, timeless shapes, and the collected look, lamps in the kitchen in nooks that don’t get splatters, and coziness.
Hi CC
Mar Sikes is an absolute genius. I always learn something from every space he creates. Timeless is timeless…well said…
I devour trend posts but stick to my true self. We have to love our homes. They should say something about ourselves, not just impersonal items we pick up at Home Sense. Although a few pieces do update a home.
Like you, I love my open concept home and would not trade for closed off rooms that are underutilizes.
I do think every room should have an antique/vintage piece. It adds character. I also like a whimsical item. It makes me smile and can be a great conversational piece.
As to those little drink tables – no. Outdoor rugs – no. One caveat: if they are under a porch they stay dry and add that feeling of a “room”. Kitchen lamps are another no. I prefer to keep my counters somewhat bare and clean looking. Other than my Keurig on the counter, I like to have flowers or an orchid on my island. I have a long bank of windows that look out onto my garden and need no other distraction.
Hi Joanna
I couldn’t agree with your thoughts more. I picked up a “bust of a man at Roundtop a few years back. Everyone hates him besides me and my granddaughter. She likes to dress him with sunglasses, hats and jewels! He makes me smile.
What a fabulous post! The collected look and why we love it and why it will never go out of style…embrace what you love and your home is your sanctuary! Isn’t that so true? I love your outdoor space Cindy! Every one of your homes have had enviable outdoor rooms, but this one is just magical! I love seeing how you use things from the past and bring in new things…trend or no trends… it’s perfect!
One thing though…lamps in the kitchen make it so cozy! I always have to have one. Mine does need a new shade though… you are right about that
Hi Annie
Thank you so much. We do love our outdoor space here. I will be glad to get some david austin roses planted in place of the modern roses but other than that it is perfect. I agree those little lamps look nice. Unfortunately, I know the way we live. Mine would be covered in food!
Outdoor rugs, we have one on our covered patio. It’s lasted about 5 years. This years we will replace it. We love the idea.
I agree with you regarding the drink tables.
Hi Karen
I know people love outdoor rugs. Maybe if I had a covered area that called out for one I would feel differently. I am just afraid I would decide to replant a pot and cover it in dirt or something like that!!
! What a fabulous post! Loved all the pics! Thank you for all the design info too!
Hi Elsa
i am so glad you enjoyed it. Those ladies know their stuff!
Cindy, I am so with you on the trends I don’t understand. Lamp on the kitchen counter? I’d rather have a cookie jar or more coffee stuff. Tiny drinks table? You just look at them and they would fall over. Those are all over Highpoint and I just don’t get them. Outdoor rugs? We have to pressure wash our patio to keep the mold off multiple times a season. I don’t need more work on that. 🙂 Love this post! So nice to link to you all this year once again. Thanks for including me.
Hi Carla
I am glad I am not the only one! Every time I see an outdoor rug, a lamp on the counter, or one of those teeny drinks tables I think is it only me? Maybe I am getting too practical in my old age!! Thanks for joining us. We love you Carla!
Absolutely loved this post. So many beautiful pictures and great information. Thank you so much.
Hi Penny
I am so glad you enjoyed the post.
What a lovely post!!! Your pillows are so pretty. I’m just embracing and trend that embraces me (meaning I like 🙂
Hi Mary Ann
That is an excellent way to put it!!