What is a trend forecast? It’s like a weather forecast but for design. Trend forecasters try to predict what trends are coming next in interior design styles.
After hours upon hours of research (Youtube and magazine articles) I have compiled a list of what I think are the most interesting trends that are being forecasted for the year ahead.
Trend Forecast #1: Colour
Architectural Digest predicts we are going to be seeing a lot more colour.
To this I say duh.
Who isn’t sick of all white and grey spaces, zero contrast, and zero personality? And honestly, the people that are living in these homes are sick of them even if they don’t know it yet. The design police aren’t going to show up at your door and demand you turn your entire home into a rainbow. The most they are going to do is suggest people stop being afraid of colour.
We will see the rise of more variety when it comes to colour and the way colour is being used.
Trend Forecast #2: Dark Academia (and Gothic)
I’m going to put these two together because they both involve dark and moody spaces, vintage features, and unique objet d’art. I am a big fan of the concepts of aesthetics.
If you search Dark Academia you will find oodles of photos of rooms like this:
You are also going to find tons of photo inspirations for fashion, makeup, books, and hobbies. Yes, you will literally find advice telling you to listen to podcasts on philosophy, cook meals from scratch, and wear tweed jackets.
It’s not an interior design aesthetic, it’s a lifestyle. I love homes that reflect the people who live in them. I also love the idea that your space can actually inspire your lifestyle.
Trend Forecast #3: Wood
Several different sources claim we are going to be seeing a lot more wood. There is a movement towards warmer and darker wood tones. Jonathan Adler has commented that he expects pine to make a comeback. I know, I was surprised too! But let’s just say I have some very exciting surprises coming this year and I am going to be glad pine is cool again.
Trend Forecast #4: Lime-wash and Plaster (Texture!)
More texture! We are going to see more lime-washing and plaster in 2023.
This is surprising because it feels like every surface on earth was already lime washed this year, but as it turns out, the world supply of lime wash paint has yet to be depleted.
I know, I sound a little bit mean about lime washing. I love almost anything Old World or European but I personally feel like lime-washing is already a bit played out. If it is done well and it feels authentic to the home it is a 10/10. If not, it just reminds me of that time in the 90s when everyone was sponge painting their walls. Or that time when every McMansion had a dark Tuscan kitchen.
I think we will regret this one, and it’s going to be really sad for all the places that are really rocking it. And for the record, I never said it wasn’t tempting.
Is that all?
No! There are several more trends that are going to be big this year and I am excited to talk about them in part 2.
I do not believe it is necessary or even important to follow trends. I would rather lean into styles that are timeless, true to myself, and easier on the planet. However, trends are also a lot of fun to talk about.
Let me know what you think about these trends!
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