Interior Design Trends for 2023 and every year after
Every year, the industry puts its great minds together and comes up with the latest trends that dictate in which direction interior design will go in that year. Much like in fashion, colours, fabrics and materials are selected. Usually, it’s a colour of the year, a few materials or finishes that will be used more than others and different styles or elements if you will, like rounded arches, or using more woods, terrazzo, etc.
This year, some experts say that all things in earthy tones are in (or favoured). Some say it's all about creating grey interiors and floating shelves, using silver accents, open plans, and fabric-coordinated rooms.
While other experts say the colour of the year is Viva Magenta, others claim Techno Blue is 2023’s colour to have. It is confusing even for me, and I am an interior designer. So I can only imagine how confusing it must be for you when you just want to have a beautiful home, that makes your heart sing every time you see it.
That is why I don't care much for trends or follow them in my work. They create confusion and in the end, they are just a way to promote consumerism and fast interiors for those who cannot afford or choose not to invest in expensive items for their homes.
So what can you do instead?
I am not one to leave you hanging. Here is what you can do instead of listening to “interior design trends” of the year.
1. Always do you
No matter what the exterior world says, what the industry claims as the “things” to have in 2023 so that your home is deemed beautiful in the eyes of society, don’t listen to it. Always turn within and listen to your own desires. What is it that you truly want to have in your home? What would make you happy every time you walk into a certain room? What will simply bring you joy?
Listen to those answers and curate your interior with items that speak of who you are, and what you love. It is as simple as that. It will last longer than any trend could. Plus you’ll save a bit of money in the process by not buying things that you’ll then have to dispose of.
This brings me to number 2 below.
2. Quality over Quantity
Choosing to invest in pieces that will last you for years and will bring you joy every time you see them is better than any trend out there. Surrounding yourself with items that are made from higher quality materials will not only make your home feel and look more beautiful but they will last longer.
For example, think of a dining chair that costs £60 versus one that costs £450.
They may both look beautiful but the one costing £60 is very likely made from lower-quality materials such as chipboard and wood veneers. Whereas the £450 dining chair could be made from solid wood. The £60 chair can hold up to 80 - 90 kg weight before it starts to break. The £450 chair can probably hold up to 150 kg because it is made out of solid wood and can take the weight.
Investing in something of quality, be it furniture, accessories, or finishes, will last you longer. They won’t break after a couple of months or years and you won’t have to spend extra money to replace them. As the saying goes, “Buy it cheap, buy it twice”.
Now, this is 100% dependent on your budget. By all means, I am not saying to go into debt to get high-quality items for your home, not at all. You don’t have to buy a £3000 dining chair (yes, those exist too). I am saying don’t chase the inexpensive ones thinking you’ll save some money. That is often not the case.
What can you do then?
If you don’t have the budget for a certain item, you don’t have to buy it yet, especially if it’s not urgent. Work out ways in which you can save a bit of money every month to put towards that item that you truly desire. Saving up for a piece of furniture or an item that you truly desire, will bring much more joy in the long run, than buying a 2nd or a 3rd best and keep thinking of that item that you truly desired. Besides, the points I made above.
There is also a hidden benefit of owning fewer items. Regardless of what trends often push us to believe (by promoting consumerism and sales for certain brands), you don’t need X amount of things in order to feel happy or for your home to look beautiful, according to absurd standards set by society.
The benefit is that it helps your space feel less cluttered, which in turn will regulate your nervous system and contribute to feeling calmer. Have you ever noticed how happy, at ease and calm you feel after you’ve cleaned your home? It’s a very cathartic process. So owning fewer, more significant items or items that have special meaning to you, will improve your well-being. And in the end, that is what we are all after, are we not? To have and live a good and happy life.
Well my friend, whether you are aware of it or not, a huge percentage of that perception is influenced by our homes, about how they look, how they feel and how we can live, grow and ultimately thrive in them.
3. Buy Locally / from Small Business
Another way in which you can save up a few quid is by turning to your community. Look for small brands or emerging young businesses who not only care about the planet and are more sustainable than the big names on the high street, but they are often of a better quality. Their products are made with love by people who care a lot about the environment and have such a deep love for their craft that it shows in their products. If you were to just ask, I bet every product would have a personal story behind it. And I don’t know about you but I love to know that I own something that was made with passion and love, instead of something that is mass-produced to drive up sales and can potentially harm our planet.
If there is anything you take away from this point, remember that we don't always have to go for high-street brand names, because big names don't always = quality.
4. Repurpose, Reuse, Repair
Just because an item is no longer "fit" for your bedroom or a study, it does not mean it cannot work in a guest bedroom or a living room. Items can often be repaired or repurposed to be reused. Let’s take an armchair for example. Perhaps this is an armchair that your grandmother used to own and it was passed down to you through your parents. Perhaps you even share a special connection to it and it is very dear to you because of the fond memories you had with your grandmother when you were young. However, it does not fit at all in your current home, in this day and age. You don’t have to throw it away. You can reupholster it in a fabric that you adore and prolong the life of an otherwise perfect armchair.
And to further drive this point home, a good interior designer will work with your needs in mind. She/he will integrate the armchair (or any other item that has special meaning to you) into the overall design. They should not push it out of the way on the idea that it does not work with the design pieces that are out there at the moment. Items can always be repurposed. You just have to keep an open mind about it.
Interior design is all about the play after all, and there are no rules to it, really. So don’t worry about it, about any silly trends, and have fun with it.
Your home is your own. And it should reflect who you want to be!
Now you know! Xx
All images that are credited as '©Detail Movement', are done by Raluca Vaduva for Detail Movement. All rights reserved. All pictures that are not my own, I credit them to the best of my knowledge & research, to their offline/online sources. I do not claim ownership over them in any way. If you see your picture on this site and do not wish for it to be displayed, please get in touch and I will remove it or add additional notes at your request.
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