Seven interior design trends to follow in 2023

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From wellbeing related trends to the return of brown, red and pink - 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for interior design.

Rebecca Snowden, interior style advisor at Furniture And Choice shares 9 stylish trends for the year ahead and how you can get the look at home.

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1. Biophilic design

“Biophilic design, is all about incorporating nature into our homes through design. Bringing a soothing touch to our homes with interior design has shown that it can make us healthier and more productive.

“Opt for calming elements such as letting more natural light in, prioritising natural materials and greenery into your spaces. Biophilic design blurs the boundary between the indoors and outdoors and connects us to our surroundings.

“And in addition to the core elements of biophilic design, why not get inspired by natural shapes and forms such as curves or circles. Soften the room with curved furniture like round tables or sofas for a cosy and comforting appearance.”

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2. The return of ‘The Room’

“With people spending more time at home, whether it’s for work or relaxation, we’re seeing a rise in broken plan living. Loosely based around open plan design, broken plan living is all about creating distinct zones to give our spaces more purpose. While an open plan room brings people closer it can also lacks privacy and warmth if the open areas aren’t styled properly.

“There are many options to divide your space. Open shelving units create a stylish and modern zone perfect for a home office or reading nook.Or consider using a bookshelf as a room divider and fill it with a variety of greenery for a fresh and open look. Even a couple of tall, leafy potted plants can help zone an area and give it some privacy without closing off the space completely.”

3. Wellbeing-led design

Your home should be a place that makes you feel calm and at peace. Interior design is a superb way to create your own sanctuary from the stresses of the outside world.

Rebecca says: “Start by paying attention to what makes you feel good at home such as by choosing a calming colour palette for each room and incorporating natural materials into your decor.

“Make your space feel more inviting with curved accents such as a round dining table or curved sofa as it will make it easier for people to gather round and conversation to flow. Complete the look with indoor plants and personal touches like artwork or a unique souvenir from your travels. The more at peace we feel in our homes, the more we will thrive in our indoor spaces.

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4. Japandi design

“Combining Scandinavian functionality with Japanese rustic minimalism, Japandi uses natural materials and soothing neutral tones to create a zen-like retreat from daily stresses. Begin with a calming colour scheme of whites, greys and browns, with black accents for contrast.

“Use a mix of light and dark wood to bring warmth and organic texture to your home – for example, pair a natural oak dining table with dark wooden chairs for a rich, contrasting effect. You can also introduce fluted panels or wood slats on a feature wall (or a piece of furniture) to add texture and detail.

“Japandi furniture is all about clean lines and simplicity in design. Look for modern styles in low profiles – like a low bed and side tables – to create that sense of openness found in Japanese design. Combine this with cosy Hygge touches like soft organic cotton or linen textiles.

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5. The power of brown!

“Tied to other soothing interior design trends like biophilic design and Japandi, the colour brown can be used as a modern neutral to ground the room and let other colours stand out.

“In furniture, 2023 will see browns ranging from light caramel tones to dark and rich woods across a variety of décor styles. For example, a tan leather sofa or a walnut dining set with black legs could form a modern industrial look. If you prefer a classic, formal style then look at a dark brown leather Chesterfield sofa or a grand pedestal dining table in dark wood paired with elegant fabric chairs.

“On your walls, try a light brown paint that’s similar to taupe for a cosiness that would bring warmth and comfort to any bedroom or living room. Or favour a brown with a gold or orange undertone so the overall effect isn’t too dark. Then finish your room with contemporary, light-coloured furniture for a fresh and chic look."

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6. Green as a neutral

“Green’s association with peace, nature and relaxation serves as a refreshing replacement for muted neutral shades at home. For example, a light green shade such as sage on the walls will help set the mood for resting whether it’s in the bedroom or living room. On the other hand, opting for a deep forest green shade invites the outdoors in and anchors the room with its vibrancy.

“If you’re going for a green sofa in your living room, it’s best to decide what shade of green you’re going for and what upholstery works best. Dark shades of green work well with leather or velvet while softer greens are a better match with lighter fabrics.

"You can also introduce green through smaller pieces in the home such as a sideboard or footstool. Green also provides a solid base for accessorising - aside from natural textures such as wood or clay, it is a grounding contrast for luxe finishes such as gold or brass.

7. Escapism

"After the chaos and confusion of uncertain times, escapist decor is all about creating spaces in our homes to retreat, heal and be experimental with our interiors. Creating a staycation element in your home is one popular way to make it feel like an escape from your daily life.

"Start by dedicating a corner in your home for relaxation and wellbeing. Choose a calming wall colour to set the mood and add a personal touch by showcasing items from your travels for that holiday feeling. You can even create this space outdoors with a patio area in the garden decorated with natural materials such as rattan and lots of greenery.

"Instead of clean lines, choose bold curves such as a sculptural coffee table or pedestal inspired by the round shapes we often find in nature. Aside from that, texture is another key escapist decor element. Jazz up your space with textured wallpaper or matt stone flooring finishes to add an imaginative touch to the home."

For more home design inspiration and advice visit Furniture And Choice.

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