Today I’ve teamed up with five other lovely and talented home decor bloggers and designers to each give our take on 2023 design trends! I’ll be sharing my top trends below, and then at the end of the post, you’ll find links to go read insight from the others!
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Plaster, Limewash & Gesso
One trend that I’m really loving, and think will be more mainstream this year, is the use of plaster, limewash, and gesso. We’ll be seeing more plaster and limewash range hoods and fireplace surrounds, as well as white gesso finishes on light fixtures. It will be all about the texture it can add to an otherwise stark surface.
I’ve used this trend a few times now, and love it more each and every time I do. I was a little hesitant when I first bought this lamp last year at Target (currently sold out), but it quickly became a favorite! It was a subtle way to try the trend when I saw it emerging in January last year
POOL HOUSE LIVING ROOM SOURCES: Sofa | Tripod Floor Lamp | Rug | Plaid Pillow Covers | Corduroy Pillow Covers | Linen Throw Blanket | Basket Pendant Lights
Knowing how much I love the lamp, I went big on gesso with the addition of this chandelier in our bedroom in Florida!
SOURCES: Chandelier | Dresser | Art | Hamper Basket | Topiaries
Now that I know just how much I love this matte white finish (particularly in light fixtures), I’m planning to use quite a bit more of it in our new build!
The Return of Color & Pattern
As I mentioned in Tuesday’s post on colorful coastal Amazon decor, I think this is the year we’re really going to start seeing more color in decor. The past several years, neutrals have ruled supreme. And while I don’t think neutrals are going anywhere, I think we’re going to see more color added to those spaces.
I also think patterns will be back in a big way, in particular, florals! If your home is already very neutral, it’s easy to try new colors and patterns with a few simple throw pillow swaps. A neutral foundation with the addition of color or pattern will be so beautiful! And while there’s always predicted “it” colors, I think you can really go any direction here with a color or pattern that suits you and you would love to see in your home on a daily basis! And don’t be afraid to mix a few patterns, as I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of that, as well!
This example below from Serena & Lily is the perfect mix of neutrals and bold color and pattern!
Wallpaper
Wallpaper has been trending for the past several years, and I don’t think that will be going anywhere. In fact, I think we’re going to see much more bold wallpaper (and more murals) in spaces over the coming year. Tying in to the color and pattern trend above, we’ll begin seeing this in wallpaper, as well. If you’re hesitant to try it out, a spot like a powder bath or laundry room is the perfect place to start!
I also love the use of wallpaper above moulding! It’s a simple way to slightly limit some of the pattern in the space, if you’re fearful of it being too overwhelming. If you’re also afraid of commitment, look into the some of the peel and stick options that are now available! I’d just look for as many reviews as possible to make sure it can easily peel off without damaging your walls.
Warm Colors & Deeper Neutrals
Like I mentioned above, neutrals aren’t going anywhere (and likely never will). However, I do think the monochromatic light neutral spaces will start to evolve by getting deeper and richer. We’ll start seeing more mid- to dark-toned wood, brown walls, and less and less gray. This will help add coziness and depth to these spaces. The living room below from Studio McGee actually shows several of the trends in this post, like the lime wash range hood, marble slab backsplash, natural wood (discussed below), and warm neutrals.
Natural Wood
Wood tones will be back in a big way, and I think will see an increase in even darker tones. The last few years, lighter wood tones have been very popular (and I think they still will be). But we’re also going to start seeing an increase in darker wood tones more and more the next few years. I think we’re also going to be seeing the use of natural wood on walls and ceilings, in any shade. In our new build, I still plan to stick with white oak floors. But if you prefer darker tones, don’t let that stop you! They’re going to be circling back and being more mainstream again this year and the coming years!
Now that we’re in Florida, I’m really loving the use of pecky cypress on walls and ceiling, like shown below in this gorgeous coffered ceiling!
Dramatic Stones
The trend in kitchens for many years now has been to go with a lighter marble like Carrara, or a quartz/granite with a similar look. I think we’re going to start seeing the use of much more dramatic veining and color in stones. Not only that, full slabs as backsplash, particularly with lots of veining is trending now. The cabinets below are painted Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze (one of my favorites!) and complement the Calacatta Arabescato Vagli marble beautifully!
Collected Spaces
With Pinterest, Instagram, and other social media channels having been around for many years now, I think we’re going to see a change soon. The past few years (and especially in 2022), it became very easy to replicate spaces we loved. Additionally, with designer lines popping up in spots like Target and Walmart, stylish pieces are even more accessible. Which is great! But I’ve seen a lot of copying and pasting an entire room. It turns out beautifully, but with no personal touches or items more than a few years old, spaces start to feel monotonous and almost indistinguishable from one to the other. I’ve been guilty of this in the past! I think we’re going to start seeing more collected spaces with vintage or personal items that add personality to all the designer items that are now so accessible. It’s a win-win all around! Buy the one or two pieces that you love from the Studio McGee line at Target, and then find a way to mix them with family heirlooms or other pieces you’ve collected and loved over the years to make it all your own!
I visited multiple local stores this week, as I’m on a mission to add local art and decor in our new build. I purchased this piece from Susie Bettenhausen, a local 30A artist, and can’t wait to add more to our future home! Buy art that speaks to you or reminds you of your favorite places. Sorry for the quick iPhone snap, but I just bought it and haven’t hung it yet 😉
Additional 2023 Design Trend Outlooks
That wraps up my thoughts on the 2023 design trends we’ll be seeing this year. I think the overall theme here is, use what makes you happy! Don’t let trends dictate what you should or shouldn’t do. Create spaces in your home that reflect your lifestyle and personal preferences and loves. Use pieces that you’ll be excited to see every time you come home!
Now you can check out thoughts from all of the talented ladies below. Simply tap each blog name an you’ll see what they have to say – and which ones we’re all in agreement on!
Classic Casual Home | Cindy Hattersley Design | Most Lovely Things | Carla Aston Designed | Design Indulgence | Life On Virginia Street
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Hi Sarah
It is always so interesting to read what trends caught the eye of each of us. You were spot on with the trends that I think will last as well. Always so fun having you join us. You always bring so much to the table!
Cindy
Absolutely…buy what you love! What a great post to see the trends through your expert eyes, Sarah!!!
Thanks for doing this with us.
Mary Ann
Love what I see here and happy with what I did last year in my complete renovation along these lines. Your blog definitely caught my eye along the way. I love your style, but I agree about mixing in treasured furniture pieces and art, etc. with all the new to make it less “copied” looking, and certainly more personal. I love the addition to neutrals of colorful abstract art, so I’ll be looking for a bit of that! Thanks for the inspiration!
Beautiful post and all trends I’m loving too. Plaster and gesso are so great to add freshness to an interior. I love the warmer color palettes I’m seeing out there too with wood as well. Nice to connect with you with this lovely group of bloggers. 🙂
Sarah, love seeing your trends! Warms woods and neutrals, but florals and color too. Using what you love is always on trend!
Annie
I agree with all of this! Love wallpaper, plaster and the collected look.😍
You are spot on with al of those! I see so much plaster here is Atlanta and I really love the soft look of it! Yes to wallpaper….it is here to stay now that people realize it is much easier to remove that ever before:) Collected spaces….I adore!
The 2023 trends look really good. I was planning to completely change my house, your post will help.