Ten Interesting, Fun Design Trends To Inspire You for 2023!

As in most cases….design trends come and design trends go. And now with all things social media inspired – this tends to be all the more widespread. As is the recent case with all things white, all things gray and all things farmhouse. These have had their heyday the last few years….and to some extent some of these things are still somewhat envogue. I mean, afterall, most of us can’t just switch everything around the minute a design trend changes. Who can afford that!? And it certainly doesn’t mean that white, gray and farmhouse are suddenly ugly. It just means that things are ever evolving and when a look becomes over-saturated……the universe wants a change. If you know what I mean.

Today I’m here to share with you what those interior design changes and trends for 2023 look like.

And, I think you’ll find some comfort here, because the widespread enveloping of “all things cozy” seem to be the bedrock of the design trends for 2023. I would even go so far as to liken it to a rather European flair for bringing tradition, color and charm to everyday living. The ability to bring a somewhat warm, but eclectic vibe to a space using old and new, patterns and color, traditional elements mixed with modern. Below are ten of the trends we are seeing for 2023 that speak volumes regarding what I’m calling “American hospitality meets European tradition”.

1. Simple Traditional Style

I find it comforting to know that basic traditional style is in and going strong for 2023. It’s okay to simply be “traditional” now! You don’t have to lock in farmouse, Boho, modern, etc, to be relevant this year. You can simply be little old traditional you and still be in style! What….whaaaaaat???? Yes, and how refreshing is that!?

2) Multifunctional Spaces Get The Thumbs Up

Let’s face it – most of us who live in older homes and even some newer homes need a space that can serve as a multifunctional space. A space that serves a dual purpose such as the case here with my guest room turned craft room. With a family that tends to stay overnight at Thanksgiving and Christmas (and occassional Staycations) I need fully functional guest rooms in order to comfortably accommodate everyone. I have four guest rooms that serve them well. However, as a DIY-er/crafter I also need a space for small projects as well. My grandkids room allows me the space to function as both. Ninety-five percent of the time this room is unoccupied so it stands to reason I can re-purpose it for my crafting needs. On a personal note it’s nice to know such things as multifunctonal spaces are actually trending!

Shown in the photos above you can see the transition from dresser to craft table. This top actually comes completely off and can be stored in the closet. And this becomes a functioning dresser. Since I’m currently in the middle of a couple of projects I just left it in place for this blog post. But, when the grandkids or other guests stay overnight all of this is neatly tucked away out of sight and it reverts back to a fully functinoal guest room.

As you can see here this multifunctional space meets both of these needs and I’m happy to note both serve me well.

3) Timeless Style With A Twist

Sleek timeless styles, traditional and otherwise, with a bit of a twist are in for 2023. Classic styles like the traditional wingback chair – with a unique, fun twist – such as these fun chairs by Uttermost are trending for 2023. They give you the classic lines of old with a fresh, new current look that creates interest and character for your space.

4) Quirky, Colorful Window Treatments

Gone are the days when understated white or gray panels are required throughout your home to be relevant. You can have fun with color and with style! These treatments are actually authentic coffee bean bags from Columbia. I found them at a flea market for $1.50 apiece. Unique, colorful and fun. Not to mention inexpensive! It’s okay to get creative and think outside the box.

5) Bold, Rich Color

Guess what???? Color is back! Yup….bold, rich, warm colors are back in full force. Have fun giving your home the warmth and coziness it deserves by considering a multitude of colors. Especially jewel tones.

6) Bold and Busy Patterns

Isn’t it refreshing to know that bold patterns are making a come back? Patterned window treatments, patterned rugs, patterned pillows…..it’s all back in again. Thank you universe!

7) Separate Dining Rooms Are Making A Comeback!

The separate dining room of old has gotten the shaft in recent years….where it’s been pushed aside and incorporated as more of an extension of the kitchen or main living area. You know what I mean…..the open concept. But, now the return of an actual designated room……a separate space entirely dedicated soley to dining is making a comeback in 2023. Who knew? So if you live in an older home (like me) that was built before the extreme “open concept” was really a thing you’re back envogue my friend. Let’s celebrate and embrace the return of the dining room!

8) Warm Browns Are All The Rage

This one especially excites me. I can’t tell you how many times I considered changing the walls in here over the last few years to stay “current”. But, my family loves this dark cozy room just as it is. My son told me explicitly, “Do not change these walls!” Now I’m more than glad I left them like they are. I think we’ll enjoy this room for years to come.

9) Bring On The Stripes

Stripes are big in 2023! Fun bold stripes. I’ve always been a stripe lover and think of this wide stripe pattern as a classic one that really stands the test of time. I’m especially a fan of black and white stripes as shown here on my screened in porch. I carry this look out to my pool area in the spring as well. I’m happy to learn that it’s a trending pattern and colorway for 2023. I don’t see wide stripes making their exit from design trends anytime soon.

10) White Kitchens Remain Timeless, Classic and More Relevant Than Ever

Hooray for the white kitchen! I tend to think of a white kitchen as classic and timeless as well, but with the talk of late being “no more white” I wasn’t sure if 2023 would welcome the look as a trending design. But, low and behold it has stood the test of time as well as the “over-saturation” of late and looks like it is an accepted and relevant design trend of 2023. Considering my kitchen was painted white a couple of years ago this news makes me very happy!

I hope these design trends are encouraging to you. They are to me! It kind of leaves us feeling like there are so many acceptable options now – some that many of us have in our homes already. We’re allowed color, we’re allowed eclecticism, we’re allowed a mix of things we love. Old and new….like the Europeans. Not just the cookie cutter Farmhouse design in gray and white that seemed to have taken over social media…..and the world. LOL.

But, here’s the thing…..we can only take annual “Design Trends” to heart to a certain point. Afterall who decides what these trends are? And, like I said earlier….who of us can just stop and change everything in our homes to suit the latest so called trends? We can have fun with some of the trends, but the most important thing for us to remember is to stay true to who we are. We won’t be happy if we are inauthentic and try too hard to keep up with every new trend that comes along. They’re fun to track – yes. And, I have to admit that its fun to see that so many of these trends are right on point with my own personal home shown on this blog post today. But, guess what? These were already in my home before I knew they were trending because it’s what I enjoy having in my home. I enjoy a soft palette in some rooms, bold color in another. I enjoy traditional lines with a little modern twist thrown in here and there. And, even if they didn’t seem to jive with the current trends of 2023 I would still love them and still want them in my home. I have one guest room that’s got the white walls and the typical gray bedding and gray drapes that I still love. I call it my “French Farmhouse” guest room. Just because the universe has decided it’s time to move on from all things Farmhouse doesn’t mean I’m changing a thing in this room. I still like the way it looks and it tends to be the favorite guest room. Therefore French Farmhouse it shall stay!

If it’s what you love and makes you happy then by all means keep it! Have fun with these trends, but take them with a grain of salt and stay true to you. That’s when you’ll be the happiest and your home will shout with warmth and joy.

I promise.

By the way, here’s some exciting news! I’m partnering up with three other designers once a month to share all things design!

Starting tomorrow with the theme “Design Trends of 2023”, each month we will be sharing something fun related to interior design, gardening, outdoor living, etc. You will recieve all four perspectives and thoughts regarding various subjects as well as photos and details of projects, DIY’s, etc. Please check out the bio’s of each of these talented ladies below and tune into their blogs to see their take on the design trends of 2023.

Here’s our group! Meet Crystal, Lynn and Kristy:

First up is Crystal Ratzlaff. See her bio below and click the link to see her beautiful blog:

Next up is Lynn Vogeler:

And, last but not least is Kristy Mastrandonas:

And, since I’m sharing a little about each of these talented ladies I thought I’d share a little about me for those who don’t know me: After owning and operating a successful interior design business for most of my adult life I’m now enjoying fluffing my own nest, spending time with my family – three married children and five grandchildren, and growing in my relationship with the Lord. As I joyfully enter the last season of my life I relish family time and believe in the old adage: God first, family second, all else third. I am enjoying the opportunity to share this truth as well as my years of design expertise and love of all things home.

Thanks for stopping by and I do hope you’ll check in the second Tuesday of each month to see what the “Designing Women Tell All” have to discuss and share with you. Until then…..

Happy Decorating and Happy Life by Design!