With the new year I’m excited to re-launch Fab Everyday’s interior design series in partnership with Living Spaces! If you’re not familiar with the #FabLiving collaboration, we’ve been working with Living Spaces interior designers to bring you tips and trends for home design and decorating your space (click here to see more articles in our #FabLiving collaboration). Now that most major paint and design brands have announced their color forecasts and colors for the year, Living Spaces Interior Designer Brynna Joy Evans is back sharing more about these colors and how the 2023 color trends can be incorporated into our homes, along with some key interior design trends 2023 has in store. I’ve learned a lot from Brynna’s professional insights over the last few years, and I’m so grateful that she’s back sharing all this great info on color trends 2023. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some shopping to do…
2023 Color Trends and Interior Design Trends
By Brynna Evans, Interior Designer, Living Spaces
In the past few years, the color and design trends have changed dramatically from the basic grey and white color palettes. I was all for those, don’t get me wrong, but with all the change that has happened in my life (and I’m sure yours) it’s time for something new! My life flipped upside-down last year, but little did I know it was all for the better. It taught me to appreciate the little things in life. Something I took for granted the last few years focusing on the bigger picture. In design it is always important to focus on the littlest details, as they are what bring a room together. This inspired me to focus on adding a bold color to compliment earth tones somewhere in my designs, whether that be a statement piece or accents.
The 2023 color palette of the year is still based on earthy tones but has added some nostalgia and history. These colors teach us that you can’t move forward until you learn from the past. These trends are inspired by our past, helping newer generations make their homes their own while still adding cultural references that coordinate with their design taste. I think design has a way of showing us little things about ourselves that we didn’t know before. Moving back to the Bay Area has taught me to ask more questions when learning about a client’s culture and what specific things help influence their spaces. Making your space your own is what design is all about; if you can’t do that yourself, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Color trends 2023: Pantone’s Color of the Year – Viva Magenta
These nostalgic colors in the 2023 color trends will be seen throughout design trends in the coming year through pops of color. The main focus is on magenta/red tones. Pantone has selected Viva Magenta as the primary color for interior design trends 2023. This color is a perfect accent to any room, bringing joy and happiness to anyone who looks at it. Although it isn’t a common color you’d see amongst design, I think that is just what this new year needs. After all of the gloom seen throughout the world, we need a positive and fun attitude to bring us out of the darkness.
Interior design trends 2023: Curved furniture
Along with color, there are many new design trends in store. One of the main changes for interior design trends 2023 is the transition from rustic to modern art deco-inspired designs. There has been a shift from squared-off furniture to organic curved lines. If you feel that your room is basic or needs something else, it could be missing curves. When most people come in to select furniture, they stick to a sofa, loveseat, and a rectangle coffee table. While this is functional, it takes away from the overall design. I always recommend adding round or odd-shaped occasional tables so everything doesn’t seem so linear. A great example of adding curves to enhance a room is the Getty Sectional. This piece combines mid-century modern with our latest 2023 trend, art deco.
Interior design trends 2023: Defining spaces
One of the biggest structural design changes for interior design trends 2023 will be losing the open-concept living spaces and transitioning to defined areas. If you love open concepts, don’t worry – you don’t have to start adding walls. One way to create defined areas is by adding room dividers or bookcases to divide the spaces, while still keeping an open feel. This concept is perfect for those of you that have studios. Enclosing these areas will help create a cozy place to relax. You can also use curved sectionals or large-area rugs to help define a space if you don’t have room for shelving.
Interior design trends 2023: Machine washable rugs
Speaking of area rugs, there has been a huge leap in the market for machine-washable rugs. I don’t know why this concept isn’t talked about more! As a dog owner, I have always wanted something that is easy and low-maintenance while still adding to my design aesthetic. These area rugs have made such a difference for families I have designed for. They no longer have to worry about spot cleaning and messes; just remove it and throw it in the washing machine, and you are done. If you are looking for something shaggy and thick these are not for you, however. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, but most of them are thinner pile heights.
Color trends 2023: Dark, moody, monochromatic color palettes
There has been a rise in monochromatic rooms for 2023 color trends and interior design trends. Monochromatic design is the use of a single color, while adding different saturations of that color for accents. These spaces have shown up a lot lately on Pinterest in dark greens, dark teals, and black hues. However, you can focus on any color that makes you happy. These spaces work because there is cohesion from the walls to the flooring and everything in between. When creating these looks, however, it is best to not over use them, as they are meant to be modern and minimal. The best way to play around with the color is by adding different textures and patterns throughout.
2023 color trends: Warm browns and cozy neutrals
This year I got the opportunity to design a whole new bedroom for myself and start from scratch. The only challenge was the wall color – or so I thought. It turns out the warm beige/brown my brother had painted the whole room was just the color I needed. I started with a painting I found at a thrift store: a waterfall composed of beige, brown, and rust colors. I always start with art when designing a space; it is fun pulling out colors and using them as accents throughout. When it came to selecting a bed, the Dean Sand Bed was the only thing that came to mind for relaxation and comfort. The upholstered frame is perfect to lie back and relax with giant comfy pillows. The warmer cream hues paired perfectly with the reddish rust color of a fun leather accent ottoman I found while thrifting. Even though the space is small, the lighter colors help create an airy feeling that I can’t live without.
Color trends 2023: Pastel
If you are scared of bold vibrant jewel tones from color trends 2023, adding white to them allows you to get to use those same fun colors, just in pastel forms. They are a great foundation for wall colors and furniture. Then, use those vibrant colors in the accents in the same shade for a monochromatic look. Remember, it is all about the details! Conversely, you can add pastel accents to a bold room. One of my favorite ways to add pastels into the bedroom is with pillows and a settee or bench if you have the space. The Rose Settee is one of my favorites, as it keeps the classic minimal shape while adding fun detailing in the bolster pillows.
Interior design trends 2023: Gold and brass finishes
Throughout the last few years, black and white accents were the most popular when it came to choosing the finishes. I know I will always be a fan of black accents no matter the trend. With the new design trend leaning towards iconic art-deco, there will be a rise in gold and brass accents for interior design trends 2023. It’s the perfect complement to the darker wood tones we will be seeing in the new year as well. The Palladium Collection by Drew & Jonathan is the perfect example of how to accent darker wood pieces. They combined dark wood, crisp white fabric, and curved brass detailing to create a unique luxurious look. There is also going to be a rise in warmer-toned metal for the kitchen and bathroom hardware.
I hope you found some inspiration in these 2023 color and design trends – I know I have! A last pro tip for today: Keep in mind that trends change all the time, so pick some basic pieces and accent with these colors. This way you don’t end up changing everything once a year to follow the newest trends. If you are happy with what you have, then fabulous! Create a space that is perfect for you and your family. But if you are like me and feel the need for a huge change in your life, do it! Make the changes that will bring you joy and happiness this year! Happy New Year!
About the Author
Brynna Evans
Interior Designer
My name is Brynna Joy Evans, I am originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, where I completed my Interior Design degree. I have lived in Los Angeles for the last 7 years, but have recently moved back to the Bay Area with my two dogs, Milo and Mazie. I have worked at Living Spaces Furniture for the last 7 years as an Interior Designer. In my off time, you will find me either exploring towns nearby or in Tahoe amongst the forest. The forest is where I always find my new ideas for design.
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