2023 is ushering in a year of resurgence for many of us. From the feeling of safety we were trying to create after the pandemic with neutrals, to building confidence to take more design chances, we explore the top predictions for design trends to inspire you in 2023.

What Are the Colour Trends to Watch Out For?

Heading into the new year, we are moving away from muted tones and embracing bolder shades that speak to positivity. A long-awaited announcement was the Pantone Colour of the Year 2023, ‘Viva Magenta’, a red-derived colour that is a playful mix of crimson, purple, and pink. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute, says, “Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating colour whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration, writing a new narrative.”

How is the colour trend of the year chosen, exactly? The most popular of the industry, the Pantone Colour of the Year is selected through an analyst committee that studies trends across various industries. Described by Pantone as a ‘pop culture phenomenon’, the yearly colour trend announcement is revered by fashion designers, interior designers, and colour enthusiasts worldwide.

Do you shy away from bold colours? The Dulux Colour of the Year 2023 is one to consider for an instant glow-up of your space. ‘Wild Wonder’ is a soft yellow tone and a tribute to the ongoing desire to remain connected to nature. If you’re looking for a milder approach to your interiors that is on-trend for 2023, ‘Wild Wonder’ blends seamlessly with a neutral palette.

For a bridge between your physical and digital reality, ‘Digital Lavender’ was the colour of 2023 for Coloro + WSGN. This purple tone reflects society’s recent, more vigorous focus on mental wellness, a soothing softness designed to set you up for a positive day ahead, and the ideal way to destress after a long day.

What Do the Industry Experts Have to Say?

Lachlan McArdle from Lande Architects spoke to us about his thoughts on what homes are moving towards in 2023. Post-pandemic, he said of this as an ‘era of investing in optimism’. ‘Rich, bold, evocative colours’ are what people are after, yet this only sometimes means bright colours, pointing to the release of Dulux’s Colour of the Year 2023.

Melissa Lunardon, Interior Designer, says, “There is a growing anti-neutral renaissance! People are no longer immediately defaulting to white, departing from ‘white, light, and airy’ to depth and sophistication with darker tones such as rust and green. We’re embracing a balance of contemporary silhouettes with traditional elements. The rise of earthy, natural textures is an extension of this interest. It’s all about organic design, and colour is back.”

Finally, Rita Bourtsev of Kaolin Tiles mentions pastel colours, “We’ll start to see a bolder palette in 2023, moving away from the all-things-neutral look that has dominated Australian design for the last decade. Pastel colours, particularly, will trend in 2023, including tiles too. Pastel colours add mood to an environment; if you think of a 5-star hotel, they always have a full combination of colours and materials, creating a sense of warmth and cosiness.”

On-trend kitchen colours are moving towards a bolder colour palette. One of the easiest ways to refresh your kitchen is to replace your cabinetry or give them a fresh coat of paint. The colour trend for kitchen cabinets welcomes many bright, warm hues. For an aesthetic contrast, consider brushed nickel cabinetry handles. For a deeper exploration of how to use yellow in your interior design, see ‘Welcome the Sun with a Yellow Aesthetic’.

Traditional interior design is also coming back, so you’ll find that natural textures and rustic cabinetry will feature heavily in 2023. Dark stained wood provides a look reminiscent of elegant yet comforting yesteryear. For a seamless pairing, ensure to update your cabinetry handles in brushed brass or brushed copper.

Though neutrals and whites have long been a mainstay for bathroom aesthetics, this year we encourage you to explore ways to revitalise your space with colour. Achieving an on-trend bathroom for 2023 may involve pastel colours, even ‘Digital Lavender’, according to Rita Bourtsev’s findings from the Cersaie International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings in Italy.

Animal prints, and florals were prominent at this year’s Paris Design Week. If you’re looking for interior decorating ideas, you’ll find that unique shapes and patterns are making a comeback. Maison&Objet during Paris Design Week featured several vendors displaying interesting animal-shaped or animal print decor, as well as entire ‘flower frenzy’ themed displays.

Rita Bourtsev backs up this notion with florals and botanicals set to take the show for bathroom trends, “From tropical jungle prints, traveller’s palms, to florals and botanicals. Patterned tiles that took their inspiration from nature and were created as a form of artistic expression will be trending in 2023. Expect to see them in the form of wallpaper, floor tiles, sinks, and murals in large format.”

The wave of playful energy isn’t just for homes; commercial spaces are embracing it too, as this Hermès store proudly showcases.

With bold colours and patterns moving in, it is easy to see that we are over minimalism. Most of our experts agree that people crave more character now; we aren’t shy about creating a unique space that genuinely feels homely. Melissa Lunardon observes, “Call it an after-effect of being cooped up indoors the past few years, or just the design pendulum swinging to the opposite extreme, but maximalism — or shades of it — is making a comeback.”

This positive approach also extends to shapes. For interior decorating ideas, consider softness found through round shapes, curves, and arches. Whether it’s a new round coffee table, a mushroom lamp, or an arched mirror, you’ll enjoy the mood-boosting benefits of soft edges.

If you want to make a stronger commitment, consider creating real arches in your home! 

The focus on nature and sustainability continues, with textures, colours, and other raw elements that foster a sense of calm and well-being.

Use of stone:

Melissa Lundaron comments, “From travertine sinks to marble splashbacks, stone has proven itself as a hot commodity — with extra emphasis on using the raw material in unexpected tones and unexpected ways. Look out for tonnes of beautiful pinks and deep blues. You can start with something as simple as a stone serving platter. Think of them as art pieces!”

A stone basin sink can help you achieve an on-trend bathroom in 2023. In terms of bathroom tiles, textured tiles that replicate the look of stone, such as limestone beige, are gaining popularity, as are those replicating the look of leather.

If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen in line with the latest kitchen trends, consider soapstone benchtops, sinks, and even flooring.

A sustainable approach:

Sustainability continues to gain strength in popularity as we become more conscious of the world around us. A ‘made to be remade‘ approach is a key focus for 2023. Bamboo, hemp, linen, and cotton are popular for decor, but cork and aluminium may be gaining ground as the new ‘in’ choices due to their aesthetic appeal.

As a natural stone, marble continues to be a popular choice for kitchen trends and on-trend bathrooms. With its solid, earthy appearance and grounding effect, marble is the epitome of luxury style.

Crystal finishes are popular for an up-market feel to your space, as are endless vein tiles.

As we begin to find our feet again after a time of global stress, many of us want to find ways to showcase our personalities truly. Lachlan McArdle’s overarching opinion is that personalisation is in, and trends are out. He exemplifies this through ‘Malvern House’, a Melbourne abode designed for a retiring couple who wished to downsize. Lande Architects successfully personified history in a modern light, by honouring the original house’s heritage, while adapting the look and function to the couple’s tastes. Being entertainers, the visual impact of the kitchen was paramount, with the ‘green renaissance’ on full display to delight their guests as they first enter the home.

What interior home design ideas are you excited to explore in 2023? Head to our Instagram to share your latest creations.

Curious about what trends came to fruition in 2022? Enjoy our 2022 recap article here.

For a broad range of interior design guides, explore the rest of our home inspiration articles.