10 interior design trends to look out for in 2023
With self-care and sustainability at the forefront of our consciousness, we are being challenged to make interior choices that not only consider aesthetics, but also the health of our mind and our planet. Just as our 2023 colour palette is all about encouraging you to slow down and be more mindful of your surroundings, the trends we are seeing in the design world nod to an increased desire for stability, connection, and healing. From a focus on sustainable materials to a lean towards waves and curves over linear decor, these are our top interior design trends to look out for in 2023.
1. Sustainable materials
We are seeing a positive shift in the interiors industry towards slow and circular design. What does this mean? Well, instead of creating products fast and cheap out of materials that can’t be recycled (and inevitably end up in landfills), designers are adopting a sustainable, “made to be remade” approach. This involves designing everything from furniture to lighting out of sustainable materials that have a longer life cycle and lower carbon footprint.
There are plenty of sustainable materials to choose from when it comes to decorating your home. But it’s cork & aluminium that we predict will become increasingly popular in households in 2023 and beyond - not only for their eco-credentials, but also for their aesthetic appeal. Tash, our Director of Interior Design, explains why;
“You’ll notice that the natural colours found in sustainable materials are very grounding. Just like our 2023 colour palette, these hues have the ability to physically ground you and give you a sense of stability - something we are going to be craving in 2023.
From coffee tables to lamp bases, cork is being used in a variety of creative ways in the home. Unlike its polished counterparts, cork feels approachable and relaxed. Its rugged bark appearance will add texture to your space, whilst its earthy brown tones will bring warmth and cosiness to your colour scheme. And thanks to its insulating properties, it can also be used to create both energy-saving and stylish wall panels, as you can see below.
Entirely different aesthetically, aluminum boasts some equally impressive sustainable attributes, namely that it can be recycled infinitely to produce the same product. For minimalist lovers, aluminum will add a sleek, shiny, contemporary twist to your home, and will fit right in when used in an industrial-style kitchen. When incorporating it into your decor, Tash recommends "mixing the aluminum with warmer tones, such as those found in wood and cork, to ensure your space doesn't look sterile".
2. Marble
A desire for a sense of permanence and groundedness has also inspired more and more people to use enduring materials in their homes. We predict marble to be a popular material in 2023 thanks to its organic yet elegant appearance, natural colour palette, and grounding presence. As Charlotte Cropper explains, "marble is not only beautiful and functional, but it also acts like a piece of artwork. Being a natural stone, each piece is unique and has a story to tell". Its very nature—weighty, solid, and earthy—makes it a dependable material, giving us a feeling of physical security when we are around it, whilst also creating a focal design feature in your home.
2. Wavy stripes
From Bethan Gray's iconic Inky Dhow designs to Henry Holland Studio's striped ceramics, wavy stripes are -quite literally- making waves in the design world. And this is only going to continue. As the importance of the home and its role as a place of comfort, sanctuary and protection continues to grow, so will a lean towards colours and patterns that provide people with a sense of emotional refuge. At Lick, we know that certain colours have the ability to make you feel calm and nurtured, that’s why we teamed up with CALM to curate our calming colour palette. But did you know that incorporating wavy stripes into your home decor can also positively impact your mood?
As Charlotte Cropper, our International Colour Consultant, explains:
Waves are instantly recognisable. We associate these shapes with water and the ocean, which are known to evoke feelings of calm and relaxation. Patterns with wavy stripes are the perfect recipe, therefore, for encouraging moments of mindfulness in the home.
On the walls, wavy striped wallpapers can bring height, softness and fluidity to a space, whilst also offering a contemporary take on the traditional stripe. Take our wavy wallpapers from our Joyful range, for example. Hand-painted by Charlotte herself, Mindful 02 and Mindful 03’s undulating waves will wash away any cobwebs and give your space the good vibrations you are looking for.
Explore our wavy wallpapers
4. Wallpaper borders
It’s official - wallpaper borders are back and here to stay. Not only are they a great tool for highlighting architectural elements in your home, but according to Tash, “bringing in wallpaper borders is also a clever way to add detailing and visual interest to a room, without overwhelming it”. So if you're someone who doesn't want to go wall-to-wall in wallpaper, but still wants to add pattern and texture to your walls, then wallpaper borders are for you.
5. Layered lighting
Layered lighting involves using multiple lighting types - such as pendants, floor lamps and wall lights - to create an ambient, well-balanced space. Not only does layering allow you to have fun with different lighting designs, but (functionally) it also helps you to demarcate zones and create pockets of warmth throughout your home. And when it comes to layering, no wall should be left unlit, according to our Lead Colour Consultant, Sam Bramley;
Lighting is the second most important design element in your home, after colour.
Sam Bramley
In light of Shy Tech and technological advancements, "lighting has taken on many new forms - different materials, sculptural shapes, and colours. What we are noticing is a rise in decorators layering their lighting and becoming more adventurous when choosing the designs. When it comes to lighting - go for the more-is-more approach!"
6. Conversational seating
Humans are inherently sociable creatures, and after years of not being allowed to gather at home, we predict that curved, conversational seating will continue to rise in popularity in 2023. Convivial furniture arrangements encourage us to embrace 'shy tech' living, turn off the TV, gather around to play a board game, and engage in conversation with loved ones. Just like wavy stripes, the fluid organic forms of curved seating bring softness to a room, making us feel physically secure. As Charlotte explains;
We feel safer and more protected in curves. They wrap around us like a hug.
Charlotte Cropper
7. Celebration of craftmanship and DIY
We’ve seen an increased demand for design that is bespoke, authentic, and hand-crafted. Why? Because unlike 'fast furnishings', fine craftsmanship stands the test of time. More and more, our community of decorators are looking towards vintage or upcycled furniture, rather than buying brand new.
It's great to see decorators investing in quality products because in doing so they are making long-term, sustainable lifestyle choices that positively impact our planet.
Charlotte Cropper
An emergence of ‘makers and doers’ has also occurred in the last decade, with decorators hooked to the creativity, sustainability, and affordability of DIY. Whether it’s a table that has been made responsibly and built to last or an antique find that can be repurposed for a new scheme, a product’s eco-credentials and quality is now a high priority, and we look forward to seeing sustainable style take precedence in 2023 and beyond.
8. Manipulation of materials
As the interiors world puts the artisan at the forefront, "we are witnessing a real dialogue between the designer and artisan— a sharing of knowledge, experience, and cultures to create new homeware products", says Charlotte. New life is being breathed into ancient artisanal techniques such as wood carving, rattan work, and in particular weaving, giving them a contemporary and creative twist. Using an array of often unexpected materials, we've noticed designers creating furniture, wallpapers, textiles, textured 3D surfaces, lighting, and accessories using the ancient weaving method, or at least giving a nod to its design.
9. Classics revisited
Ancient symbolism and references to classical architecture are rising in popularity, and we predict this to continue into 2023. From columns and vases to hand-painted designs, there is a sense of nostalgia that comes with looking back at the past, wonderfully demonstrated by Sarah Balineum’s Egyptomania tiles and the vase stand in Soho Farmhouse below.
This is nothing new, according to Sam; “drawing inspiration from heritage and history is a staple within design, but with the influence of classic Greek revival still going strong, we’re seeing a fabulous mix of symbols and embellishments within all mixed media. In 2023, expect to see a distinct echo of the fluted ridges and ionic scrolls of Greek columns popping up in people's homes”.
10. Pops of primary colours
More than ever, our interiors are being recognised as extensions of our personal identities, and spaces in which we can use colour as a tool for communication. In 2023, expect to see an increase in primary colours being introduced as accents and accessories throughout the home. In an interior scheme, “Any object in a primary colour creates a focal talking point in a room, sparking conversation”, explains Tash.
Any object in a primary colour creates a focal talking point in a room, sparking conversation.
Tash Bradley
From a colour psychology perspective, "the three primary colours—red, blue, and yellow—relate to the body, mind, and our emotions, respectfully. Primary red attracts the most physical attention. Primary blue is mentally stimulating. And primary yellow gives us a boost of energy and optimism”, explains Tash. In short - they demand to be noticed and have visceral effects on our emotions. So whilst you might not want to paint your entire bedroom in wall-to-wall red, you could opt for a splash of colour in your accessories, or even paint your ceiling.
Like the look of our 2023 interior design trends predictions? Why not start incorporating some of them into your home, or get inspired by our 2023 colour palette below.