Design Trends 2023

Between January and February, we’re in the throes of finishing up our print publication: the annual, DesignNY Home & Resource Guide. Doing so gives us a chance to reflect on where design has trended over the past 12 months while considering what exciting new developments are in store for the upcoming year. 

Here’s what we see shaping up for 2023:

Japandi

Take Japan’s simple, elegant aesthetic and combine it with Scandinavia’s clean lines and hygge comforts. Japandi delights in natural imperfections in soul-cleansing spaces that feel slow and peaceful. 

Brutalism

Concrete has emerged as a gorgeous and practical design element. Couple it with industrial materials and the warmth from biophilic elements such as plants, curved lines, wood and other sustainable materials for a new interpretation of this raw, unadorned style. 

Surrealism

It’s a voyage into the unexpected and flirtations with the irrational. Think of surprise, out-of-scale pairings, quirky fabrics, and bold details that turn spaces into portals to new dimensions. 

Artisan Pieces 

From glass to iron, supporting local artists and bringing authenticity to a space that reflects your unique style is key. One expression is the resurgence of folk art (check out “tramp art”) that celebrates the stories and craftsmanship in pieces hidden in vintage and antique shops.  It’s the antithesis of fast furniture and ubiquitous social media design trends.

1970s Glam

Bold colors, chunky sofas, rattan furniture and velvet fabrics — after years of graywashing our interiors the cheerful colors and unapologetic prints of the 70s offer a reprieve. Not ready to go all in a trend that borders on maximalism?  Take a statement element and blend it with your minimalism-leaning décor. 

Conscious Consumerism 

There’s a reason this has become an annual entry. Our awareness of the environmental impacts of our purchases grows every year. Bringing beauty and creativity to design for energy efficiency, smaller footprints, reduced consumerism, and local, sustainably sourced materials continue to be celebrated as the correct way to implement design across all styles.