2023 Design Trends: What’s In, and What’s Out
1stdibs, a leading online marketplace connecting design lovers with highly coveted sellers and makers of vintage goods, released its Annual Designer Survey this month. Culled from responses by 880 interior designers around the world, the findings are meant to highlight the interior trends that are in and out.
While we aren’t big on subscribing to home trends at Fenimore Lane, “If there’s one constant about the design industry, it is that it’s always changing,” says Anthony Barzilay Freund, Editorial Director and Trends Expert at 1stDibs. “What we consider ‘good design’ is reliably influenced by a range of sources, from fashion to environmental concerns, pop culture to social media, and more.”
The below findings were not only interesting, but also helpful in thinking about sourcing leading into 2023. We hope you enjoy!
What’s IN
Color Trends: Emerald & Sage
If there’s one thing we’ve been noticing, it’s that people are craving color…but not TOO much color. This is why we’re not surprised that Emerald and Sage have taken the top color spot for 2023! These colors, used by the AOI team in almost every project, give spaces a freshness that’s not too overwhelming. Other colors that gained popularity were burnt orange, mustard yellow, cobalt blue, lavender, and mauve. 1stdibs says, “this supports the idea that 1980s-era colors are making their way back into style.”
Take a Seat
Along with the 1950s Mid-Centry Modern trend, the most popular seating products of 2023 will remain in that time period. The survey asked about 16 iconic seating products, and the winners include: Eames Chairs (16%), Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa (14%), Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair (11%), Ligne Roset “Togo” Seating (7%) and the Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair (6%).
Resurgence In: 1980s Pastels & Chintz
It’s no secret that good trends repeat themselves. The last few years were taken over by the 1970s and even the 1950 Mid-Century Modern trend, but this year it’s all about the 1980s. The survey saw 28% of the vote for Pastels & Chintz—Grandmillenials, rejoice!
Sculptures Are In
When asked about art mediums, 44% of designers answered with sculptures! A close second was paintings, followed by drawings, photographs, and prints.
Don’t Sleep on Sustainability
It’s no secret that the topic of sustainability has only increased, which is why it’s no surprise that it will continue to be a trend in 2023 (with 94% of responses!)
What’s OUT
Say Goodbye to Gray
For the past few years gray has been a top color to use in interiors, especially with walls, flooring, and furniture. When asked about the most on-trend hues for 2023, light gray received the lowest vote with 5%.
Less Animal Prints
The survey asked the 880 designers about popular prints, and animal prints came in at the very bottom of the list. At the top were large-scale prints (21%), organic prints (18%) and florals (16%).
Gold Finishes are Out
To many designers, materials and finishes are just as important as color. Rose gold (3%) and gold (4%) were cited as the least popular options for 2023. In contrast, the higher-ranking metals included bronze (20%), brass (19%), copper (12%), and nickel (11%).
The Home Office Loses Steam
From 2020-2021, the home office was the most important room because of the pandemic. People really invested in this space but now that offices are in-person again, it’s no surprise that requests for a home office makeover have declined. The study found that designers anticipate that design requests for home offices will decline from a very high 66% that had been predicted for 2021 to 32% in 2023, a drop of -34 percentage points.