Trend report: top 5 interior trends for 2023

Suddenly spending more time indoors, mid-2020 and into 2021 saw an increase in homeowners wanting to be comfortable in their environment.

While the biophilic trends from this time were then superseded by a much bolder and brighter approach in 2022, next year there will be a return to design that takes wellbeing – both on an individual level and environmental level – into account.

“A pleasing trend I see becoming even more important in 2023 is sustainability with a ‘reduce, reuse, recycle attitude’,” shares interior designer Bridget Foley. “This fits with my ‘buy well, buy once’ principle – it is much better to invest in a few well-made, timeless pieces of furniture that you will love forever, rather than buying lots of cheaper furniture that needs to be replaced often and ends up in the world's growing rubbish piles.”

With global shortages, increased freight costs and longer lead times, locally made products are now becoming the ‘norm’, says Bridget: “We are lucky to have some great makers and suppliers. With people spending more time at home in the last few years, and many continuing to work from home, our homes as a sanctuary are more important than ever.”

Effective in emulating a feeling of serenity is biophilic design. Although a buzzword when the trend first took hold, many are now familiar with using the principles of biophilic design and the benefits it can have.

Whether it’s bringing the outdoors in with living plant walls, finding a nature-inspired artwork or simply introducing patterns found in nature through wall coverings and textiles, this is a trend that certainly goes a step beyond contributing to the aesthetic of a space.

“After the chaos of the past few years I am loving natural tactile and calming palettes that enable clients to have a restful home with the busy and often stressful lifestyles they lead,” says Andrea Marshall from Lily & Forbes Interior Design.

Bridget Foley adds: “Colour wise, greens – which I have always loved – are staying popular.”

It’s no surprise, then, that greens and other colours from nature are top picks for Resene’s 2023 colour trends. From rich tones including Resene Black Forest and Resene Olive Green, through to lighter shades such as Resene Woodland, all can help to bring a sense of relaxation and revitalisation – like that experienced in nature – into the home.

Influenced by the philosophy of biophilic design, curves and the layering of texture has been popular in the world of interiors this year – and this is only expected to continue.

The exaggerated curves and playful elements of neotenic design are influencing the silhouettes of sofas, armchairs and ottomans – often upholstered in equally playful textures such as bouclé.

Other products used in architectural projects are also being influenced by the design movement. “I am loving the curves and textural elements that are on trend in wall panels, vanities, furniture and fabrics,” says Siobhan Nolan of Lily & Forbes Interior Design.

Based on neoteny – the scientific term used to describe the retention of juvenile features in adults – neotenic design speaks to the ‘inner child’.

Read now: Neotenic design: the playful new design philosophy

Interior designer Rachel Barthow of One Something Studio reminds us that it’s not just about subdued and calming colours if it’s a brighter palette that meets a client’s design brief.

“I believe we are going to continue to see a bit of an anti-neutral renaissance within interior design with more bold choices – from fluid forms and textured materials, to richer saturated hues and bolder patterns,” she says.

“This approach also encourages more self-expression in the choices selected for a space; whether this is sourcing a locally-crafted piece or incorporating more nods to traditional design eras, these personalised touches can create lots of meaning for homeowners.”

Equally rejuvenating as colours of the ocean and forest, citrus shades like Resene Canary and Clockwork Orange can bring colour into the home without feeling overwhelming if used considerately or specified for projects by an interior designer or architect.

Colour can also be introduced through the use of wallpaper.

“I also expect to see a growing awareness around a wellness-focused approach, which is also very individualised to the user and so can dovetail really well with some of these design trends,” shares Rachel.

“During the pandemic, the role our home played in sustaining our wellbeing became even more crucial and it really emphasised the importance of self-care.

“Our homes have had to evolve in a short amount of time to become more versatile, too. They have not only become our office, but our gym, our café, etcetera, and this has a huge impact on our wellbeing.”

Read now: Designer Rachel Barthow creates spaces focused on making us feel good

Words by Cassie Birrer