7 design trends for 2023

You may not think it from the weather, but spring is coming, and with it comes the urge to refresh our homes.

We’ve scoured the pages of style bibles such as Vogue, Forbes and Good Housekeeping to see what designers are predicting will be the looks for this year.

As we move on from the pandemic, more people are working from home and increasingly desire more stylish, calm and comfortable interiors. Grey paint is out of favour, and so are fussy beds with multiple throws and day cushions, and the “modern farmhouse” look is deemed to be past it.

So what are the styles, colours and themes most in fashion now?

1. Rich and romantic colours

Paints and accessories are the cheapest and easiest ways to style up your home and it’s always fun to choose colours and items.

Top trends are for warm, cosy shades which can range from the dramatic to the earthy. Pinks in many hues are everywhere, along with rich reds, burgundy, rust, plum and mauve.

There are also soft greens, especially sage which continues its run of popularity and can look good with pink tones – think of the colours in a garden.

Natural, earthy tints are also having a moment, with soft browns, caramel and taupe still in favour.

2. Matching fabrics

The latest idea is to match patterned furnishing fabrics with wallcoverings, rugs, and carpets too if the budget allows.

It’s a pulled-together look which may sound busy, but in practice works surprisingly well and feels serene, cosy and chic.

3. Matching paints

All the rage now is to have skirting boards, doors and cornices matching the paint on your walls. It’s a great tip if whoever is doing the painting is not very good at cutting colour neatly at edges – you won’t have to!

This can look especially dramatic with deep, vibrant colours such as aquamarine, popular last year and still trending.

4. Silver, not brass

Gold and brass have been featured for a few years now, but designers are now favouring silver and iron accents, especially in lighting and accessories.

Try it with candlesticks, mirrors, decorative bowls and even side tables. Polished aluminium, stainless steel and nickel work too. In a nod to Seventies glam, glass light fittings and chandeliers are also selling well.

5. Natural materials

This is a clean, calming concept, incorporating elements such as wood, stone, and plants. Think marble, quartz or stone slabs for backsplashes in the kitchen and bathroom; knotty wood for tables; and glass-fronted shelving, which is making a comeback.

Wood and wicker generally are on trend, and even the natural tones of concrete flooring so popular with fans of Brutalism, but given an update - softened by polishing, painting, or adding rugs. Try to go for sustainable materials.

6. Micro-luxury

Think Neoclassicism on a budget, adding elegance and formality to a room. Plump for curtains, cushions, throws, and rugs in luxurious fabrics like satin, velvet, silk or taffeta which can really add impact.

Textured wallpaper and textured tiles contribute to this look.

7. Lighting

Switch off those ceiling spots and overhead lighting. Opt for lamps with texture scattered around the room. There’s now a vast range of fabric designs to choose from, or you could pick pleated linen shades, or ceramics for base and shade – and don’t forget the options of glass and silver.

Lightbulbs are available in soft tones, and of course now they’re all low-energy.

These tips are great for an up-to-date look, whether to add to the feel of your home or to attract buyers or tenants to your property.

Here at ludlowthompson we are only too happy to help with the process of selling your property or looking after your rental, and are always on hand for advice on how best to present your property to attract the best buyers and tenants. Contact your local office today to speak to our friendly team.