While it’s impossible to exactly predict what interior design trends will boom in the future, we can look to global moments to get an idea.
Lockdowns, for instance, which saw us spending more time at home than usual, no doubt played a major role in interior design trends — with its effect still lasting. The movie franchise that is Barbie also contributed to our home aesthetic, with many of us more appreciative of pink and pastels.
These worldwide phenomena can help to inform us of what may lie ahead. And while it’s never wise to jump on trends just for the sake of them – particularly, when we consider sustainability – trends can help you keep your home current. And, if you’re looking to update a piece of furniture or space, they’re good to keep in mind.
So, ahead, celebrity interior stylist and Luxo Living ambassador, Megan Morton, shares what she thinks will be in our homes come end of spring and all of summer.
Bye Bye, Open Plan
2023 is seeing the reinstating of physical barriers in our personal spaces. Many Australians had previously enjoyed open-concept homes, but coming out of lockdown, Morton predicts we’re going to start leaning towards a more European mentality. This means we’ll use clever planning to create multi-functioning rooms that are inviting, yet intimate.
“Open plan loves modern materials that don’t often offer any noise sensitivity,” says Morton. “With this trend, look to add soft furnishings and a plush curtain wherever you can to decrease noise echo.”
Morton also suggests evaluating what needs to be seen and what can be put away and then styling your room accordingly. For example, if you want to hide some unnecessary clutter, look for an entertainment unit with sliding doors. Though they’re stylish and allow for storage, they can also create separation in a room.
Colour Bombing
Next trend? Colour bombing. For too long, we have opted for layered neutrals, only adding subtle hints of pops of colour as an afterthought, says Morton. Now, however, we’re seeing colour becoming extremely prominent on fashion runaways, starting two seasons ago with Valentino pink, likely inspired by Barbie. This is bleeding into our interiors, as well.
If you’re nervous about trying out this trend, Morton suggests you choose a colour that really resonates with you so that way you will always love it in your home. Are you green-obsessed? Grab bar stools in dark green. Or does Barbie-core still have you in a chokehold? Pick up a pink accent chair.
“Doubling down on a colour superpower always comes across as passionate, inspiring, and very unexpected,” says Morton. “Try to think: are there more shades or hues of the one colour you love that you can use more of? Are there other textures where this colour can be achieved in throws, cushions, and art?”
Refined Comfort
Now more globally aware of our surroundings than ever, we all have a new bar for home comfort, says Morton. Our interiors were once the simple domain of a few after-work hours relaxing, but after a couple of years of chaos, what is important to us as WFH-ers and domestic-obsessed humans is balance.
“Living areas should wrap around us, bedrooms should envelop us, and workspaces should be practical and delightful,” says Morton. “It’s important to do a comfort audit, of every room and assess what is comfortable to you. Throw everything into question from your bed to your lighting; even look at how objects sit comfortably next to each other.”
Responsible Decorating
We’re becoming more aware of the need for our effect on the planet and the need for conscious shopping, and for interior design trends, investing in pieces we love.
“Choosing wisely means thoughtful consideration, not necessarily endless budgets,” says Morton. “I have three crucial steps to decorating more responsibly.”
“First, start with investing in the big basics, like a bed, sofa, dining tables and patio sets as they will take up the most space and need to be well thought out. Next, ask yourself: do you really need this, and will this last me a long time? Finally, invest in fabrics, lighting and art. These are the things people notice and will last the test of time.”
DIFY – Do it For Yourself
Finally, Morton says she thinks the interior trend ‘do it for yourself’, in other words, giving in to your home wants and splurging on yourself, will soon take off. Morton suggests finding a corner of a busy room that you can allocate just for you and letting your wildest dreams run wild.
“Want a sauna in your en-suite? Go get it,” she says. “Want a wine fridge in your pantry? Splurge on it.”
“Overall, no decorator can help you with this. It is up to you to carve out your own love bubble as best you can with what you have. Let down your decorative guard and let it all go. Satisfying fanciful whimsy and delight only yourself. “
Related: 4 Kitchen Trends We’re Spotting Everywhere and How To Make Them Work in Your Home
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