It’s been an incredibly exciting year for design devotees. We kicked off 2023 with the return of Maison&Objet and Paris Déco Off, and by spring, we were back in Milan for Salone. Of course, we sprinkled in two trips to High Point Market to keep us inspired stateside too.
The trends that defined the past 12 months were equally exhilarating. Some designers reimagined the retro motifs of decades past to infuse their projects with fresh energy, while others started thinking creatively about crafting more purposeful—and environmentally conscious—interiors.
No matter what styles you gravitated toward, one theme was crystal clear: Sustainably made pieces composed of long-lasting, natural materials stand the test of time. From amethyst-hued jewel tones to psychedelic 1970s-inspired designs, Business of Home revisits nine looks that were all the rage in 2023 with the help of interior designers who created shining examples.
DEEP PURPLE
Dark purple hues—including eggplant, plum and aubergine—took center stage this year, as seen in designs by Bradley Odom, Kate Taylor and Alissa Johnson, among others. “These colors were popular in 2023 because the industry in general is still leaning toward warm, rich tones,” says Taylor. “They are also quite versatile and complement a wide range of palettes.”
STATEMENT STONE
Eye-catching marbles were all around, bringing a dash of all-natural drama to projects by designers like Nina Magon, Mimi & Hill and JZ Interiors. “Characterized by vibrant and intense veining or patterns, marble creates a visually striking impact,” says Magon. “In 2023, there is a growing appreciation for designs that make a statement, and these marbles deliver a powerful aesthetic presence in various interior applications.”
THAT SEVENTIES STYLE
The eco-driven designs of the 1970s made a big comeback, supplying designers such as Brigitta Spinocchia Freund, Anna Burles of Run for the Hills and Jen Samson with a toolbox of tactile natural weaves, rich mineral tones and trippy graphic patterns. “Velvet, rattan and an overall earthy color palette are signatures of this era’s style,” says Samson. “It is a great way to add warmth to a home while still being design-forward.”
METAL MANIA
Ultrashiny metal finishes such as gold, silver and chrome shined everywhere from the fashion runways to interiors by Lauren Czarniecki, Kendall Wilkinson and Jessica Jubelirer. “Metallics capture light and make an otherwise unassuming space feel more lively,” says Czarniecki. “Plus, they’re fun!”
UPCYCLED FURNITURE
Though refurbishing salvaged furniture is hardly a fresh concept, designers like Rodney Lawrence, Lisa Schwert of Innate Studio and Kristina Phillips elevated upcycling to a whole new standard this year. “When an ancient ash tree died on our client’s ancestral property, there was no question that it would be used in their new home,” says Lawrence. “So, it became a pair of twin tables in the dining room.”
WILD WOODS
Designers went wild for naturally unruly solid wood grains in 2023, most notably Brittney Ferguson, Kelly Wearstler and Heather Hilliard. “Not only do beautiful woods bring an organic feel to a room, but they act as a focal point no matter what style space,” says Hilliard.
THE NEW OLD PALM BEACH
The sprightly styles of Old Palm Beach made a triumphant return this spring, with spaces designed by the likes of Paloma Contreras, Caitlin Kah and Ellen Hamilton, punctuated by pink-and-green palettes filled with rattan furniture and lush palm-leaf motifs. “Similar to the golden age of Hollywood, I don’t think we will ever tire of the romance and allure of the glamorous fantasyland that is Palm Beach,” says Contreras.
ARTS AND CRAFTS
Arts and Crafts–style furnishings had a major moment in 2023, thanks to designers such as Regan Baker, Anne Hulcher Tollett of Hanover Avenue and Becca Galbraith. Born in response to the first-ever wave of mass-produced furniture that dominated the Victorian era, the late 19th-century movement emphasized sustainable materials and honesty in craftsmanship, with a mission to raise the standards for the decorative arts. “What makes this trend unique is its versatility,” says Tollett. “Arts and Crafts furniture is unfussy yet interesting, and it looks just as chic next to a Federal sideboard as it does a modern Lucite coffee table.”
BOUCLE FOREVER
Make no mistake: Boucle is here to stay. This year, designers including Nadia Watts, Christine Carney of Blackberry Farm Design and Naomi Astley Clarke employed the beloved nubby fabric in a plethora of fresh, statement-making ways. “Boucle has gotten a lot of flack for being an outdated trend, but it perseveres because it’s a classic material that adds a lovely texture to any piece of furniture,” says Watts.
Homepage photo: A shiny metallic coffee table in a room by Kendall Wilkinson | Trevor Tondo
