Every year, we challenge ourselves (and each other) to predict design trends for the year ahead. For us, rolling out the annual trend forecast is purely done for fun. But there’s a certain level of uncertainty in making educated guesses about what will be in and out when all you really have to go off is a gut feeling—it’s sort of like making a bingo card with your eyes closed while an audience watches your every move. I’m still convinced that 2022 was the Year of the Shower, but maybe 2023 will be the year of the sunken bathtub? Will our interiors be infected with a paisley print resurgence? Circle back and find out in the next ten days.
So this time around, I thought it would be more interesting to propose a list of design trends that we want to see shine in 2023. The Year of the (Water) Rabbit is all about longevity, peace, prosperity, and hope. Based on that vague information, I’m under the impression that the vibe will be shifting in our favor. Scroll down to find out our design trends forecast for 2023.
Kitschy kitchens
There’s always a new kitchen trend ready to make its mark, but have you ever considered playing into a theme that ties it all together? Those of us that grew up during the real Y2K era will recall how the Tuscan kitchen style had suburban homes in a chokehold. (Contrary to what our mothers believed, their take on the aesthetic was 100% giving “Welcome to Olive Garden. When you’re here, you’re family” vibes.) The kitchen is the ideal space to really lean into kitsch because it’s a hub for creativity—and having a sense of humour feeds the soul. The heart of the home shouldn’t be so sterile.
From animal sculptures to food-themed serve-ware, tacky eye candy is officially on the menu. Something as simple as a spice village collection taking up counter space, rooster tiles on the floor, or a bread lamp mounted on the wall will make this zone feel contemporary and modern.
Dressed up decor
The concept of homewares is taking on a whole new meaning with wearable pieces for your furniture and home decor. The designer Camella Ehlke reminded us that slipcovers don’t have to make you cringe. All it takes is a little imagination, and a bunch of overstock fabrics and recycled garments, for your furniture to pull off the look. I can’t be the only one who thinks there’s something sexy about a skirted sink—it brings an air of mystery to any vanity tucked into a space that begs for discretion.
Don’t dismiss the doily
I’m fully convinced that doilies are going to make a comeback, especially with the coquette aesthetic on the rise. Those of you that don’t identify as grandmillennials—or zillennials—are probably writing this off with a big eye roll, but hear me out: We’re all craving more intimacy these days, and with that desire comes the natural attraction to elements of femininity.
The doily is a lost art form, and what I appreciate about this traditional textile is how it adds a layer of delicateness to any surface.
An unhinged fantasy of medieval times
As we recently informed you, Middle Ages Modern is about to take center stage. Personally speaking, I enjoyed the #Renaissancecore trend in 2019, so I’m very down to revive artisanal aesthetics from the medieval era like metalwork, darker woods, jewel tones, stone fixtures, immersive tapestries, ornate detailing, and some serious shadow play. This emergence speaks to our universal longing for “rawness and permanence, protection, and perhaps a bit of escapism.” (I live for a period piece theme!) If brutalism is too rigid for you and mid-century modern feels too masculine, then MAM might be the aesthetic you’ve been waiting for. In the words of A History of Frogs, we’re being called to spread “more magic, more emotion, more imagination.”
Quieter interiors with a subtle touch of intensity
Before you get worked up, maximalism isn’t going anywhere—we’re just toning down the noise in favor of softer aesthetics that exclaim “Serenity now!” in the face of overstimulation. (Hopefully, you understand this Seinfeld reference.) The 2022 color palette was dominated by earthy neutrals: Shades of brown, green, and burnt orange were given a new lease on life through the lens of ’70s inspired decor. Our response to these “deeply disturbing times” was retreating to a cozy environment where lounging in style is the top priority.
The colors of the year for 2023 have been all over the place from the warmer hues of Pantone’s Viva Magenta and Benjamin Moore’s Raspberry Blush to the more muted tones of Behr’s Blank Canvas and Sherwin-Williams’s Redened Point.
Miniature furniture, big impact
Maybe you can’t afford the full-size version for your apartment, but don’t let that stop you from having a piece of design history on a smaller scale. Though miniatures have been trendy for quite some time, now you can lean into the dollhouse experience without going full Barbiecore.
Welcome to the (modern) farmhouse
Whatever feelings you have about #cottagecore, there’s no denying the appeal of the modern farmhouse. Instead of fantasizing about a country chic lifestyle that you might never have, why not be more intentional about how you’re bringing those rustic elements into your space and make the aesthetic your own?
Of course, there’s a full spectrum of farmhouse styles from Beverly Kerzner’s upstate compound to Demi Lovato’s trippy house in Los Angeles at your service for interior design inspiration–another recent favorite is the Georgian Colonial home of John Carlyle.
Talk is… sheep
Speaking of farms, something we’ve been noticing lately at AD is the appearance of sheep in home tours. I can’t explain why this is happening, but it just is. Of course, their presence isn’t necessarily a new phenomenon—interior designers have been flocking toward the work of François-Xavier Lalanne and his surreal sheep sculptures since the 1960s—but these days the domesticated mammal seems to have found new appeal amongst a different demographic. Perhaps we can blame it on the pandemic-induced bouclé boom?
Eggs without the basket
Egg cups, egg chandeliers, egg trinkets, egg dresses…. The egg is having a moment! (As I was writing this, I found out that hard-boiled egg girls are apparently trending now? No comment.) Considering the popularity of chicken coops during the pandemic, all those eggs have to go somewhere, so why not proudly put them on display?
Folklore figures
This is the part where I make a case for gnomes, mushrooms, and all the other mythical motifs of this genre. Main character energy is still very much in the air, which calls for controlling your narrative—in the design world this translates to curating a dream space where all your fantasies come true.
Life is a journey full of adventures, plot twists, and detours. As we continue to find new escapes into nature as a coping strategy to endure, we often turn to imagery from fables and fairy tales that came long before us.
Written by Sydney Gore
This article originally appeared on AD Clever and has been condensed.
