Our 2023 Interior Design Trend Forecast

Limewash Walls

A trend that started to emerge in 2022 and looks to solidify its trendy status in 2023 is limewash walls. With Google searches for limewash paint up 79% the resurgence of this old technique is undeniable.

We see this as a popular choice for large flat walls needing some texture and depth. For homes with tall ceilings this can be a way to make a large space feel cosier and more interesting. A way to amp up the effect of limewash is to get creative with the colour — while we mostly associate limewash with natural milky tones it can be used in all sorts of hues.

We love the use of dark moody tones in a bedroom for a relaxed cocoon-like feeling. 

Biophilic Design 

Spaces inspired by and intertwined with nature are here to stay. Biophilia is the idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature. The term translates to ‘the love of living things’ in Ancient Greek.

There are many ways we can incorporate nature into our homes — through the obvious like houseplants, natural materials, and natural light. There are also wider design principles inspired by nature we can incorporate into our spaces such as organic shapes, the flow of fresh air and textural richness. 

Moody and Dramatic Spaces

We think there are 3 key ingredients to an on-trend moody space for 2023.

1. Monochrome — keeping the wall colour, furniture and drapes all of the same hue makes a dramatic statement.

2. Add texture and depth — to keep our monochrome from falling flat, it’s important to create visual interest and depth by layering different textures of the same hue such as different fabrics, wall finishes and decor.

3. Take a trip to the dark side — nothing says moody like a darker colour palette, and deep blues, purples and greens

are at the top of our list.

Spaces like living rooms and bedrooms are best suited for this trend. 

Bold Marble 

When you think marble you probably think white Calcutta marble with grey veins, which has earned its classic status. However, bold and unexpected marbles are going to be the rage in the coming years.

For those of us committed to black and white, consider selecting a highly variegated white marble for a statement benchtop in your next kitchen renovation. Or black marble with white veining for a modern bathroom makeover.

For the bold there is a whole rainbow of coloured marble out there! We are seeing the likes of pink, burgundy or green marble with white veining rising in popularity. These expressive stones pair well with the maximalism style also on the rise.

Of course, marble isn’t accessible for everyone, but brands like Formica offer marble look finishes that can serve the same visual effect. Or alternatively, consider incorporating marble accessories such as book ends to create a luxe look without the scary price tag. 

Statement Tiling 

Another rising star is statement tiles. Typically featured in bathrooms or kitchen backsplashes, the possibilities with tiles are endless. Here are some of our favourite styles:

Penny round tiles — these look great in a monotone colour with a contrasting or complimenting grout colour. Or get creative with a black and white mosaic design as often seen in mid-century design.

Geometric tiles — either in shape or print. For a shaped tile we recommend keeping your tiles all one colour or colour family - let the tile shape create the pattern and visual interest. For printed tiles a simple or large tile shape will be the best canvas for your groovy geometric design.

Delft tiles — Delft tiles and Delftware in general go as far back as the 1500's but look to make a comeback in the coming years with many interior designers jumping onto this micro trend. These charming white and blue tiles often tell a story and capture a moment in time. These tiles work beautifully in the bathroom as shower or bath surrounds, in the kitchen as a backsplash or more traditionally as chimney surround for your fireplace.