There’s a little bit of designer in all of us, albeit buried a little deeper in some compared with others. Many of us may make it into our 30s or 40s before we have the chance to discover these skills. When we do, we often surprise ourselves.
Design, much like beauty, gleams in the eye of the beholder. There are of course certain trends of interior design style that come and go, others that shine bright and die away, and some that are forever timeless. In the end, it really comes down to your personal taste. The world is your oyster so to speak and so too is your home.
The year 2023 is already here. Maybe this year your ‘new you’ will be a budding new interior designer. Why not explore the latest trends and work out how you want to express yourself this year?
As usual, the experts are starting to predict the trends that will peak in popularity in the upcoming year. We have an exciting collection of styles, some of which gained popularity in recent years and others that are making a striking reappearance. The beauty of the interior design is the freedom of creativity. There’s really no hard and fast rule about maintaining a single trend throughout your home. Why not pick and choose from the favourites below, find your own design style and make your home your own?
Biophilic design
This nature-based design style was exceedingly popular throughout 2022 and is expected to continue to flourish into 2023. Characterised by its human-centric ideals that aim to connect homeowners to the natural world, this design style is thought to be very modern and beneficial to our health and well-being. Examples of biophilic design include the total utilisation of natural lighting and ventilation capabilities, sustainable and natural materials used, and plenty of greenery incorporated into the décor. Other examples include large windows and skylights, green walls/live walls (walls that are covered in living greenery, think Parisian) and the incorporation of water such as with fountains or water features. Homes designed in this style will tend towards renewable energy sources and naturally occurring materials such as wood and stone over plastic/vinyl. When thinking of colour schemes, this style pairs well with oranges and greens. Incorporating a little bit of nature into your day-to-day life is guaranteed to lift your mood and promote your sense of Zen.
Maximalism
You’ve no doubt heard of the design style known as Minimalism, but have you heard of its cousin, Maximalism? Doing exactly what it says on the label, Maximalism focuses on the bold and busy. We’re scratching out the saying ‘less is more’ and replacing it with ‘more is more’. It’s the ideal trend to display your individuality and quirky personality traits. It’s characterised by lots of bold and bright colours and patterns, quirky design styles and chunky, loud décor – this style is nostalgic heaven for those who idolise the interior design styles of the 60s and 70s. Ways to incorporate this style into your home include quirky wallpaper, sturdy, bold-coloured pieces of furniture (and plenty of it), along with plenty of knickknacks and other seemingly mismatched decorative accessories. Despite how it sounds, this style can be tricky to pull off. It’s easy to fall into the trap of clutter rather than class, but when executed correctly it’s a great addition to any space.
Coastal
This title used to cover the beachy design that soared in popularity throughout the 90s. These days it encompasses a far more contemporary style of interior design. This style is predicted to come back around in 2023 –with just a little twist. While it still takes its colour pallet from the ocean, the final product is much more subtle than the layers of sandy yellow meeting a varied shade of blue. Any cliché pieces such as anchors and netting have been replaced with sophisticated photography and paintings. Décor will still see lots of linens and raw wooden furniture. The floors will still be covered with things like jute rugs, and you can expect to see wicker incorporated throughout. Decking is an ideal addition to a Coastal design in the home. Just take care to pick out the right deck sealer. Products such as Merbau decking stain are ideal for a city design but opting for a clear or natural finish will perfect your coastal vibe.
Industrial
In 2019, we saw the beginnings of a rise in Industrial interior design trends – particularly for businesses in our metropolitan areas. Most of the interior designers Sydney has to offer will tell you that this trend is migrating to our homes. This style is characterised by its raw and edgy aesthetic. Exposed structures and large heavy beams are common décor additions. Furnishings are generally quite minimal or the skeletons of usual products. It boasts very muted colour pallets made up of greys and browns. This style is a modern twist on a factory that meets minimalism. It’s also ideal for a home office if you’re looking to incorporate it on a smaller scale. Start by ditching the oversized, chunky meeting room chairs for a simpler mesh back office chair. An office that follows an Industrial design style will look sophisticated and clean – ideal for productivity.
Boho
Lastly, we have the Boho style. Another example of a style that’s never really gone out of fashion but is constantly evolving. Despite the obstacles of Covid 19, travelling is still a great love by many people worldwide. The Boho trend is thought to celebrate travel and culture, so it’s no surprise that it is one of the most popular design styles as we enter 2023. This is another style that is characterised by neutral or muted tones and natural materials. Décor includes items with similar materials as the Coastal design style – think jute, woven and raw cotton – however, in this instance, you’ll see more hanging chairs, floor cushions, ceramic ornaments paired with sophisticated pieces such as statement chandeliers and marble feature furnishings. Modern-day Boho often sports more accenting and contrasting tones with darker features than ever before. This design style is the perfect way to combine a casual and comfortable aesthetic with the sophistication of a modern home.
This is your chance to bring out your own designer style and express yourself in a new way for the new year.