The thing about trends is they come and go. So, while it’s nice to see what’s new in home décor and design, we like to focus on ideas that have some staying power. We attended several home shows and scouted the long list of interior design trends for 2023 and culled out the following ideas because they’re easy to adopt and should stand the test of time. Think of them as idea-starters that can give you a fresh perspective, rather than complete makeovers.

#1. Farmhouse gets refined.

Modern farmhouse décor is still very popular, and shows no sign of going away. However, the style is becoming more refined, borrowing looks from modern European and Scandinavian designs, making it less rustic and more sophisticated. To get the look, start with comfortable, relaxed farmhouse style, but replace the rustic with contemporary elements such as stainless-steel appliances, granite or quartz countertops, and sleek lighting. The overall look is clean, simple, and welcoming.

Image by David Fish
Add contemporary elements to more rustic farmhouse style for a modern look.

#2. Color makes a comeback.

You can never go wrong with a neutral palette, but color is enhancing furniture, paint, and bedding in 2023. From rich jewel tones, to relaxing greens and blues, expect to see more pops of color throughout the home. This is an easy trend to incorporate without blowing your budget or doing a complete redesign. Try painting one wall a bold color, putting up peel and stick wallpaper in a powder room, or simply adding colorful throw pillows and accents. The trending colors for 2023 range from the bold (Viva Magenta by Pantone) to the shy (Redend by Sherwin-Williams), along with earthy tones. Stark white kitchen and bath cabinets are being replaced with warm wood tones, sage green, and navy.

Source: Sherwin-Williams (Redend)
Try painting one wall an accent color and adding decorative pillows.

#3. Lighting is the modern accessory.

Lighting can be utilitarian – it serves an important purpose – but you can also think of lighting as jewelry for your room. It gives you an opportunity to add some bling to an otherwise understated space and completely transform the look. You’ll find unique lighting options everywhere this year, from funky oversized chandeliers to hanging rattan basket shades. Try replacing one or two prominent fixtures to accessorize your room and add some pizzazz.

Source: Desiree Burns Interiors
Rattan shades add texture and interest to a room.

#4. Natural stone adds texture and warmth.

Some might say that natural finishes like stone and wood have never gone out of style, but these materials are surging in popularity right now. When it comes to stone, look for travertine, marble, soapstone, and unique slabs of granite. The more interesting the pattern and/or texture, the better. In addition to stone, durable materials like cement, butcher block, and composite materials are also popular for countertops. Other than the obvious use in countertops, try incorporating stone with coffee tables or end tables, pottery, and stoneware. Don’t shy away from scratches, dings, and imperfections in natural stone surfaces – that’s what gives it character.

Source: West Elm (Monti Lava Sone Coffee Table)
Natural stone furniture adds warmth and character.

#5. Organization is in.

For those of you who get excited about organizing things, this is your year! Look for drawers that light up when opened, specialty cabinets for storing specific items (i.e., step stools, spices, sheet pans), and customizable drawer and cabinet inserts, especially for the kitchen and bath. New storage solutions are making it easy to find things and reduce clutter in every room. While custom closets have been growing in popularity over recent years, new products are taking organization to the next level. Fire up those label makers!

Image: Trevor Tondro
Customizable drawer inserts can help you get organized.

#6. Black is the new accent.

A touch of black can bring a modern touch to any decorating style. Black accent pieces and hardware are becoming a popular way to add contrast and sophistication to any room, especially paired with neutrals. Switching moldings and window frames from traditional white or cream to black can also add drama to a space. If you’re not in the market for new furniture or large projects, try adding touches of black with framed photos, a black lampshade, kitchen hardware, or decorative pieces.

Image: The Life Styled Co.
Adding touches of black can add contrast and drama.

#7. Vintage furniture is here to stay.

Used and vintage furniture has been trending for several years, but instead of falling out of favor, it’s increasing in popularity. From vintage or antique furniture to inexpensive used items, repurposing adds character to your home, and it’s environmentally friendly. (Did you know that 9 million tons of furniture are added to landfills every year?) If you don’t mind the “hunt,” you can find affordable pieces for any room in your home. Look for furniture that has classic lines and is structurally sound. You can easily change finishes, paint, or upholstery, but major repairs can be difficult or expensive.

Image: Walker Edison Mid Century Console
A refinished mid-century modern console can work with both contemporary and traditional décor.

#8. Nature comes inside.

Bringing nature indoors has a calming effect, which we could all use right now. This trend began during the height of the pandemic but looks to be growing (pun intended). We continue to see live-edge tables and other natural elements like wood stumps for end tables. If new furniture is not in your budget, you can bring nature into your home with potted plants, artwork, botanical prints on bedding and pillows, and displays of stones, rocks, and shells you’ve collected.

Source
Live-edge tables add an organic, natural feel to your home

#9. Outdoor living is in.

Not only are we bringing nature inside, but we’re also spending more time outside in nature. The biggest trend here is maximizing outdoor areas to create additional living space (think outdoor living rooms). Covered porches and patios with fireplaces, decks with fire pits and lush seating, outdoor kitchens and pizza ovens, and hot tubs and saunas are turning outdoor spaces into relaxing retreats. Creative landscaping and hardscaping, which include waterfalls and ponds, and native plantings that support bees and butterflies are also growing in popularity.

Source
Outdoor rooms create a relaxing retreat at home and extend living space.

#10. Sustainable and recycled materials are smart choices.

Sustainable and eco-friendly products for the home continue to grow in popularity. In addition to repurposing furniture (see #7), there are more sustainable materials or recycled options available than ever before. One of the biggest eco-friendly design trends is using sustainable materials such as bamboo and cork for flooring. Repurposed wood from pallets is also showing up in furniture and décor. Look for sustainable fabrics such as wool, hemp, jute and sisal for area rugs, and recycled glass or plastic used for sinks, flooring and more. Finally, upgrading energy efficiency with smart home technology (i.e., smart thermostats, appliances, and lighting) is a great idea. (Check out these eco trends in home design.)

Source: The Spruce/Margot Cavin
Sustainable cork flooring is an attractive and eco-friendly option.

Of course, the most important home design element is your own personal taste! If you’re looking for ways to freshen things up, try incorporating one or more of these trends this year. But make sure it works within your own style. After all, a home should reflect the people who live there.