Let’s Look Ahead To Design Trends For 2023
Let’s look ahead to design trends for 2023! I’m thrilled to be joining Cindy, Mary Ann, and a few friends to discuss design trends that are on the rise for the coming year. I had a few words or concepts in mind when I started and then came up with five categories.
It’s funny because many trends I saw in a single photo included more than one, like a bouclé chair next to a wicker lamp.
The categories for 2023 design trends
First, I started saving images, listening to podcasts, and looking through magazines, blogs, websites, and Pinterest. Then, after weeks of doing this, I went back to see what jumped out at me and what (if any) patterns seemed to emerge. Of course, I also like it, so keep that in mind. These are the trend categories that I came up with from some of my favorite designers.
Color: Brown
Pattern: checks and gingham
Texture: boucle
Something old that’s new again: wicker
Object: the mushroom
Color: Brown
Brown in every shade is everywhere. Brown is more subtle than black and white, and it’s earthy and works well with black and brown, but it’s also great with color. Brown is gorgeous in linen, velvet, leather, and suede, woven into rugs and every other textile!
I always think of two designers when it comes to brown: Carol Estes and Caitlin Fleming.
Carol Estes
Caitlin Fleming
Julie Goebel
Caitlin Flemming and Julie Goebel are the mother-daughter authors of Travel Home and are at work on their new book.
Country Style Magazine
Pattern: checks & gingham
Checks and gingham have been slowly returning in things like sheets, rugs, and even lampshades.
Caitlin Fleming
Texture: bouclé
Diane Karmen Interiors
Regarding bouclé, I always think of my friend and designer, Diane Karmen. Diane has been using bouclé in creamy white for several years on projects.
Sarah Lyon
Nesting with Grace
Something old that’s new again: wicker
Remember when wicker was mostly seen in outdoor rooms like sunrooms and screened porches? Maybe even covered in the off-season. Now wicker is year-round, and it’s everywhere. Even a little, like in a lampshade, can soften a room or a surface. Its natural warm color is what’s most inviting. I can’t say I’ve seen wicker in white or color lately, but maybe it’s not what I’m looking for in wicker. I love how a lampshade on a more modern base can add that perfect touch to a room. Or a wicker pendant can add a nice element to any room.
Serena & Lily
Amber Interiors
Object: the mushroom
I love that mushrooms are popping up everywhere in design. They can be whimsical but also very earthy. When I added paper maché mushroom ornaments in my shop before Christmas, they sold out in a day! They were handmade by my friend Sandy of The Collected Garden.
I think the handmade element with mushrooms and sort of the wabi-sabi of the objects is part of the appeal. The wooden mushroom sculptures from Beck & Cap stop me in my tracks every time I see them! Even though no two are exactly alike, I love spotting them on bookshelves in the wild. My friend, Elizabeth of EDB Designs, has a pair in her Santa Barbara home.
EDB Designs
Beck & Cap – Organic Modern Furniture & Objects
Leanne Ford for Crate & Barrel
Let’s see what trends Carla, Cindy, Mary Ann, Sherry & Sarah came up with for this post!
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I’ve always loved wicker and I’m happy it’s back. Brown, too…except I’ve switched out brown micro-fiber sofas for clients in the last few years (but they were always worn out anyway). Great post and obaservations, Annie!!
I love all of your picks. You are spot on with the boucle. I see it everywhere. Somehow I think it is tricky in CA with our weather. I guess you could have slips for Summer! I completely agree about brown and I love Caitlin Flemming’s home! You introduced me to Diane Karmen. I love her style. So clever to pick five things and run with them.
Hi Annie! Love all these trends. Brown is definitely a winner this year and I am all in for that. Your examples are gorgeous. Love the mushroom motif too, that cute lamp! I’m so happy to connect with you all again this year and looking forward to next time already.
where can i locate boucle fabric for upholstery. I am going to re do a chair for a friend and that is what is on it, and he wants something like it. Any source would be appreciated.
Hi Susan,
I would look at fabric places that specialize in upholstery. There are many types, including performance fabrics. What part of the country do you live in?
Holy smokes it seems like every picture you posted was my style… You nailed it! All of the whites, but adding the browns and the taupes, and the dark creams really help make those rooms come together! And darn mushrooms! I didn’t even know they were a thing but now I’m in love ha ha😜 loved hanging out with you guys in cyberspace and I’m so glad you included me on this design trend post❤️
I know, right? Mushrooms, especially the carved ones from Beck & Cap, are very you, Sherry!
Annie, I so enjoyed this post. You found some beautiful inspiration and how great does brown look now? Love it all. xo
Such an informative post with lovely inspiration!