In the dynamic world of design, 2023 unveiled a captivating tapestry of innovation and style, ushering in an era of creativity and expression. From the revival of ancient techniques to the embrace of cutting-edge materials, this year witnessed a fusion of tradition and modernity that shaped design trends as we know them today. This year we saw organic warmth meeting contemporary chic, defined spaces telling unique stories, and every detail, from custom tile installations to bespoke wallpaper prints.
As we look back on 2023, we reached out to design experts from Boston, MA, to San Francisco, CA, to share 23 of their favorite and not-so-favorite design trends of the year. So sit back, relax, and enjoy Redfin’s 2023 design trends wrapped.
1. Different shades of colors
In 2023, the trend of exploring different shades of color was at the forefront, with designers embracing some colors and leaving others behind.
Black
Black is back, becoming once again a dominant and sophisticated color, setting a trend that epitomizes timeless elegance and modern minimalism.
“Using black as an accent color was a popular trend in 2023 due to its timeless elegance and edginess,” shares Stephanie at Rumble Interiors. “Its ability to add depth and drama to any space or design made it a sought-after choice. Additionally, black accents can create a sense of sophistication, making them an appealing choice for many interior designers and homeowners.”
“The color black exudes a rich, luxurious feeling and elevates any space. We saw black being used in many parts of the home, from accessories to dining tables to the exterior side of the front door,” adds Alisha Rylander, Owner and Designer at Styled Interiors.
Photo courtesy of Rumble Interiors
Colors inspired by nature
This year also embraced the soothing and organic allure of nature-inspired colors, with palettes drawing inspiration from earthy tones.
“Colors inspired by nature, such as earthy browns, warm terracottas, and muted greens, created a cozy and grounding atmosphere. We saw spaces opting for warm terracotta accents, textured plaster walls, and earthy brown furniture,” shares Salt Design Co.
“One of the newest trends we saw is Sage Green to Emerald Green for wall paint and cabinetry in kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. Colors that occur in nature are easy to incorporate with almost any color scheme and will be popular for many years,” remarks Cheryl Hucks Interior Design.
She also shares that Benjamin Moore Regent Green 2136-20, Antique Pewter 1560, Sage Wisdom CSP-775, and Misted Green 2138-50 are a few green colors to look out for.
A stray away from whites and grays
In a departure from the ubiquitous white and gray palettes of previous years, 2023 witnesses a bold shift toward vibrant and expressive colors.
Cheryl Draa Interior Designs notes, “Designers are happy to exclaim that gray is no longer a trending color. We are on to ‘feel good blues’ of all shades, from earthy greens to luscious yellows. At the recent markets, we saw an uprise in gold/brass accents and hardware and a mix of metal tones. Making a big comeback is dark tones on all walls, not just accent walls.”
“I saw more clients across the board leaving behind the millennial all-gray aesthetic that now feels a bit depressing, in favor of warmed-up palettes with more positive vibes,” adds Kaitlyn Loos. “They’re injecting more color and visual interest into their homes with more emphasis on natural textures and playful patterns.”
“We’ve seen more jewel-toned colors come into play instead of the white and gray farmhouse look, such as beautiful earthy green painted cabinets with gold hardware. To complement this, we’ve seen bone-white walls and lighter hardwood floors to really lighten the space, but still, provide more warmth to the overall color palette,” shares John Houston Homes.
“We saw 2023 embrace warmth and color in interiors, kitchens, and baths. People are tired of cold, sterile spaces and are instead opting for homes that feel inviting and cozy. This trend is evident in the use of rich colors, natural materials, and personal touches,” adds April Spagnolo of Evalia Design.
2. Incorporating scale
In 2023, designers embraced the trend of incorporating scale, experimenting with varied proportions and dimensions to create visually dynamic and engaging spaces.
“Scale is a huge part of design trends now,” notes Lori Wiles Design. “Large-scale wall murals come in many different forms and are stunning backdrops for both traditional and contemporary rooms. Large-scale furnishings and light fixtures create impact and make spaces feel complete without needing smaller accessories.”
Photo courtesy of Lori Wiles
3. Brutalist design
2023 saw a resurgence of brutalist design with architects and designers embracing raw, industrial aesthetics, exposed materials, and bold, minimalist forms to create structures and interiors that exude power, strength, and authenticity.
Spaces By Juliana shares, “Brutalist design stands out as a captivating trend, with the renewed popularity of concrete in interior decor reflecting a desire for tranquil and minimalist environments. The modern brutalist style seamlessly incorporates natural elements like wood, stone, plants, and sustainable materials, resulting in a more welcoming and calming aesthetic than its harsher predecessors.”
4. Bold, statement marble
Bold, statement marble brought dramatic veining and unconventional color choices gracing interiors, furnishings, and countertops.
“Bold, statement marble took center stage in 2023, marrying the design trends of high drama with an organic, timeless material. Strong veining, high contrast, and rich colors replaced minimally veined and light-colored marble, creating stunning focal points everywhere, from backsplashes to kitchen islands to furniture pieces,” raves Marion Interior Design.
5. Employing single hues across various elements
2023 also employed single hues across various elements, creating a harmonious visual experience that seamlessly connected furniture, walls, and accessories.
“One design trend that I particularly admire is the concept of employing a single hue across various room elements,” notes Becky Shea Design. “This entails painting the ceiling, walls, windows, trim, and base molding in identical shades. This approach offers a unique way to incorporate darker colors without them appearing overpowering; instead, they exude a welcoming and comforting ambiance.”
6. Archways and detailing
In 2023, archways and detailing imparted a timeless elegance and architectural charm to interiors, as designers embraced the classic form to create graceful transitions and add a touch of sophistication to modern spaces.
“The trend we saw and loved most in 2023 was the arch,” states Tara Lenney Design. “This architectural superstar was everywhere, from arched doorways, ceilings, and cabinets to fluting on the fronts of cabinets and furniture. After so many years of 90° angles dominating, it’s refreshing to see this classic, curvy silhouette having a moment.”
“Archways and arch detailing were a popular design trend this year, adding architectural interest and high-end design impact to doorways, window frames, wall niches, and mirrors, with a trendy yet timeless shape,” adds Basil + Tate.
7. Large format tiles
Large format tiles made a bold statement with their expansive surfaces that not only streamlined spaces but also added a sense of modernity and sophistication to interiors.
“With minimal grout lines, they create a smooth look that gives the feeling of spaciousness, and relief to the eyes from distracting grout lines. Large format tiles can be installed on both walls and floors and are available in a wide variety of materials, including natural stone, glass, and porcelain,” remarks Lori K Design Studio, based in Chico, CA.
8. Sustainable, eco-friendly, outdoor design
Sustainable and eco-friendly outdoor design took the forefront, as conscientious designers embraced environmentally responsible materials and practices.
“Minimizing carbon footprints is catching on, fueled by a growing desire to help the planet. Socially-tuned consumers demanded products crafted with sustainability in mind. A lot of people chose vintage furniture, where understanding the manufacturing allowed individuals to make choices that harmonize with values of sustainability and eco-friendliness,” remarks Cayetana San Segundo, Principal Designer and Founder of Cayetana Designs.
“We’re continuing to see an affinity for connecting to nature or the outdoors, even in New York, NY, where the climate isn’t conducive to that year-round. A thoughtful layout for your home would have an alignment between room doors and windows, to maximize natural light in the space and the overall airiness. Having outdoor space, with easy access to it, continues to be a priority for urban homeowners,” adds Batliboi Studio.
“Botanical wall coverings are a particularly attractive trend for those who wish to bring nature into their homes. Flowers pulled from local climates are a beautiful inspiration, creating a personal super bloom that can be experienced daily. In California, we’re enjoying prints with poppies and mallows on our pillows and drapes to celebrate some of our favorite local plant life, says Kale Tree.
Leaving behind unhealthy materials
“In 2023, designers embraced natural materials and finishes as much as possible, being cautious of toxic ‘forever chemicals’, flame retardants and other concerning chemicals commonly found in home finishes and decor,” notes Heidi O’Brien of Holistic With Heidi and Lifelong Podcast.
9. Workstation sinks
“Workstation sinks have been around for 9 or 10 years, but are trending this year. They only came in stainless steel back then, but in the last 3 or 4, they have really gained in popularity. Now, many companies make them, including big names like Kohler, Elkay, and Kraus. They come in several different materials and styles so that you can get a porcelain farmhouse workstation sink as well as a simple under-mount stainless one,” shares McManus Kitchen and Bath.
10. Kitchens with functionality
In 2023, kitchens prioritized functionality as a key trend, with innovative storage solutions, multi-purpose surfaces, and smart appliances.
“Kitchen designs focus on nutrition and healthy eating,” shares Harty Interiors. “Cooking appliances with integrated cooking functions like air frying and steam cooking have been very popular.”
“Floating kitchen shelves are falling out of favor. They have no practicality for storage, the contents on the shelf always look like a magazine shoot, and dust gathers on them,” says Jeane Dole of a la carte DESIGN.
11. Organic and curved shapes
Organic and curved shapes were a prevailing design trend, ushering in a departure from sharp angles and clean lines, with furniture and decor embracing flowing contours.
Kim Colwell Design notes, “We enjoyed the organic shapes of furniture and decorative objects that mimic nature. We hope to extend our use of biophilic design strategies used in 2023 into projects in the new year, such as designing the lighting design to support healthy sleep or finding ways to maximize natural light.”
“We loved seeing everything curved in 2023, from curved furniture to continuous archways, fluted glass, and reeded fronts on cabinetry,” notes S. Flynn Designs.
“The return to a tailored and softly curved furniture aesthetic helped balance louder elements such as active, colorful stone tables and countertops and large-scale, organic statement pieces,” adds GGLO.
12. Cozy, textural, and calming spaces
The design landscape of 2023 focused on creating cozy, textural, and calming spaces, where warm materials, tactile fabrics, and soothing color palettes came together to foster a sense of tranquility and comfort.
“I’ve noticed an increased appreciation for cozy, textural, calming spaces over the past year. I think this is largely a response to the enormous effect interiors can have on your well-being. Finding pieces that are not only functional and beautiful but put you at ease, whether a textural sheepskin lounge chair or an oversized heavyweight linen throw, can be transformative in how you move throughout your daily life,” states Kasey Smith Interiors.
“This year’s shift toward wellness in the home has allowed us to design in a way that supports our mission of creating calm, peaceful spaces that offer a sense of stability for our clients. In addition to muted color palettes, soft fabrics, warm lighting, and natural elements, we often incorporate designated areas for personal practice in any form that adds to their overall well-being,” says San Diego, CA based Humble Design.
“Achieve a calm and stylish vibe by using one color for furniture and walls, opting for soft bouclé textures, and choosing matte finishes over glossy ones. Consistency in this simplicity enhances the overall soothing atmosphere,” adds Interiors by Tanisha Bansal.
13. Contemporary Trompe l’oeil
Contemporary Trompe l’oeil made waves in design circles, captivating observers with its modern twist on illusionistic techniques. Trompe l’oeil means to deceive the eye. It is an artistic device and an interesting paint technique for walls that have been used for centuries.
Maxine Brady states, “In the past, you would paint a scene like an Italian landscape, cityscape, or cherubs. But now, this trend is more about using your walls as a canvas – painting an abstract design or mural, adding a bit of unexpected humor to the home. It makes a talking point that will amuse both you and your guests. Lenny Kravis had done this trend in his ranch house in Brazil. He has huge black palm prints on his walls. So, if it’s good enough for Lenny, then it’s good enough for us.”
14. The return of wood and stone
Wood and stone were big in 2023, with their natural textures and earthy tones infusing interiors with a timeless elegance, seamlessly blending the warmth of wood and the rugged sophistication of stone to create spaces that exude both comfort and a sense of organic luxury.
“One of the trends I loved seeing this year is the return of wood,” states Rebecca Langman of Revision Custom Home Design. After years of white and gray dominating kitchen cabinets, we’re seeing more wood brought in, either in butcher block island tops, or a mix of wood base cabinets and white uppers. In homes trying to add architectural interest, we’re seeing a lot more wood-wrapped beams. And in remodeling projects, we’re seeing more people ask how they can work with or modify existing wood trim instead of painting it.”
“The top interior design trends for 2023 are open layout spaces incorporating natural materials such as wood, stone, and plants,” shares Shani Ayzencot of Design by SA. “Harmonizing 3 to 4 different materials combined with a neutral color palette, for a cohesive modern theme that is effortlessly inviting and functional.”
15. More balanced homes
Homeowners embraced a more balanced approach in their interior spaces, harmonizing elements of style, function, and personal expression to create homes that reflect a thoughtful equilibrium.
“A popular design trend for 2023 has been striking a balance between minimalism and maximalism. While we all strive to simplify our lives and declutter our spaces, we also yearn for homes that exude warmth and character. This delicate balance was achieved by incorporating a few statement pieces that reflect our personalities and add visual interest, without overwhelming the space with excessive clutter,” shares Interiors by Ahuva.
16. Limewash
Limewash emerged as a distinctive trend, gracing walls with its timeless, chalky finish.
“You know all of those gorgeous walls you see on Pinterest, Instagram, and in the background of many popular furniture bands these days, it’s limewash,” remarks Nicolette Atelier. “This finish offers a rich yet subtle weathered patina with subtle movement and natural color variation that softens and streaks with age.”
Photo courtesy of Stacey Zarin Goldberg, Interior Design by Zoe Feldman
17. A move away from shearling seating
There was a discernible shift away from shearling seating as a design trend, with interiors opting for alternatives that prioritize sleeker and more streamlined aesthetics.
“One trend I’m looking forward to putting behind us is shearling seating. A hallmark of 1950s Scandinavian design, shearling chairs have made quite the comeback in recent years, adding a touch of cozy-chic to people’s interiors. When used in combination with neutral hues or warm wood tones, it really does liven up the space and adds a wonderful new texture to the mix. But since it was hyped up so much in recent years, we’ve seen many spaces adopting the trend in a way that clashed with the rest of the decor,” says Georgie Mihaila, founder and editor of Fancy Pants Homes
18. Mismatched furniture sets
In 2023, the design ethos embraced the charm of eclecticism, making mismatched furniture sets a trend that celebrated individuality and creativity.
“Mismatched furniture sets created a sense of class and style by opting for individual furniture pieces that harmonize with each other, allowing owners to form their own personalized aesthetic,” remarks Morphe Home Staging. “Mixing styles, textures, and finishes added a layer of sophistication, allowing your home to tell a unique and stylish story that resonates with your personal taste.”
19. Wallpaper prints
Wallpaper prints experienced a renaissance in 2023, with a surge in popularity as a dynamic design trend. Homes and spaces were adorned with bold, vibrant, and intricate wallpaper prints.
“People are embracing color and individuality. A great way to infuse personality into homes has been through the use of wallpaper, whether it’s a playful pattern, a sophisticated mural, or a calming texture,” notes MAKS Design Studio.
“Wallpaper design trends lean towards bold and vibrant patterns, with a resurgence of maximalism. Nature-inspired motifs, such as botanical prints and organic textures, continue to dominate, bringing a sense of tranquility and connection to the outdoors. Additionally, the innovative use of metallic accents and holographic elements added a touch of modern sophistication to interior spaces,” remarks Wallpapers by T.
Sarah Elizabeth Design adds, “While in past years we saw a resurgence of floral wallpapers and prints, now we see and use many jungle-theme designs on wallpapers and fabrics. Something about lush vegetation and exotic animals is really appealing to people right now and bringing joy. Maybe it’s part wanderlust mixed with wanting a surprising wow factor, when entering a room or space.”
Photo courtesy of Carly Jara Photography for Sarah Elizabeth Design
20. Metal detailing and millwork
Metal detailing and millwork rose to prominence with interiors showcasing the elegance of metallic accents and precision craftsmanship.
Metal detailing can be done in any color, silver, brass, or bronze tones. We mainly saw this in rugs. It adds depth, interest, and light into a rug, which creates a piece of art,” shares Cigal Kaplan of Cigal Kaplan Interiors.
“The addition of a simple backband to both new and existing flat millwork elevates interior finishes, providing depth in character through the little details. Mid-Century Modern, transitional, and modern styles are back, and honor such an important point in modern design history,” notes Interior Dimensions
21. Defined rooms and spaces
In 2023, design trends leaned towards clearly defined rooms, emphasizing distinct zones within interiors. From delineated living areas to purposeful nooks, this trend encouraged intentional organization, promoting functionality and allowing each area to tell its unique story within the home.
“The pandemic changed the way we live at home, especially with more people embracing working from home and not returning to the office. The open concept lifestyle everyone craved has given way to putting walls back up and creating defined rooms for privacy. And rooms have become multipurpose so, for example, a dining room may serve not only as a dining room but also as a home office,” remarks Todd Howard Ezrin, Principal designer at TOBE DesignGroup.
22. Custom tile installations
From intricate mosaics to bespoke arrangements, custom tile installations elevated spaces with artistic expression.
“Creative custom tile installations are my favorite 2023 trend,” shares Larisa McShane. “They never fail to amaze and surprise. We’ve seen some incredible work from artists creating big and bold statement pieces that add color and cheerfulness to any sort of space. If you intend to boost the energy in a room, a custom glass or tile installation will exhilarate your space and add a unique and special touch.”
Photo courtesy of Larisa McShane & Associates
23. Terrazzo
Terrazzo graced floors, countertops, and decor elements with its playful yet sophisticated confetti of colors.
“Terrazzo is still going strong in 2023, particularly with chunky, colorful aggregates,” shares Liz Dalton, NCIDQ, Senior Designer of Arcsine Architecture. “No longer reserved for just lobby flooring; we see it used as bar tops, tabletops, and dimensional tiles. It’s even been converted to a print pattern showing up everywhere, from clocks to wallpaper to area rugs.”
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