2023 Interior Design Trends

Trend or Classic?

As many of you know, MMI does not do trendy interiors, our spaces are rooted in classic design, however, just like in fashion, adding in trends in small doses and understanding them helps keep us looking fresh, current, and adds a modern spin to classic design. This month we look at what’s trending for 2023 and I think many of you will be pleasantly surprised. Here are my top five favorites.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is one of my favourite ways to add drama and excitement to a room. Wallpaper has been around for ages and has definitely gone in and out over the decades. The new way to use wallpaper however is so exciting yet for the most part, very classic. My favorite ways to use wallpapers are choosing ones that are more about texture than pattern, think silk or linen, faux or real. Another trend that has been around for a few years is over-scaled florals used especially in powder rooms. One area many people forget about is the ceiling and using wallpaper here brings in an incredible dynamic and interest that no other treatment can replicate. And the biggest trend in wallpaper is one that has been used for centuries; murals, soft and muted is my preferred palette for this look which adds not only beauty to your walls but also depth and dimension. 

Color Shift

We are moving away from all white or grey interiors and adding in warmth. Here at MMI, we are known for our greige color palette which is a very warm based grey, but the move now is to all beige rooms. For many of you who love your all white rooms or can’t change your mostly grey rooms the solution is simple…..for all white rooms, bring in warm wood tones and some natural stone materials in the forms of table or accessories, add a beige throw and some natural linen pillows. For those of you with grey rooms, do the same, travertine stone is a beautiful mix of beige and grey and beige mixes so easily with grey you’ll be surprised how easy it is to update your room.

Dark Moody Rooms

This one I love. Darker rooms are cozy and warm and envelope you in a way an all-white room can’t. The difference this year is we’re going all out dark; ceilings, trim, doors and cabinetry. To lighten up the look, for those of you who can’t envision committing to an all-dark room, add lighter toned furniture; for example light wood cabinets or tables in warmer tones, lighter palettes of upholstery and bedding, smoky or antiqued mirror accents to bounce the light around, and statement light fixtures to create real drama. Adding to the drama of this trend is the addition of our next trend……

Academia

If you’ve been watching Netflix’s Wednesday, you know the look I’m talking about. Academia brings in the warmer woods mentioned above and incorporates my favorite pastime: antiquing.  Warmer woods, distressed and pre-loved furniture, oil paintings, one of a kind accessories with history that help personalize the space, glass cloches highlighting an interesting collection of objects, vintage and recycled objects. A great way to incorporate this is to bring in some antique objects to mix with your more contemporary spaces. Mix clean lines with curves and carvings which are really hot. And this now leads to our next trend….. 

Built-In Cabinetry

If you follow me, you know this one is a staple for me and always has been. Built-ins are not an inexpensive option, however, they are a beautiful way of bringing luxury to a space while adding storage and display to a room, they also add character and weight to a space, making it feel like the space has history and permanence, that’s a lot of return for your initial investment. What makes this feel special is the introduction to a room of details, carvings, beautiful hardware, and a place to display your treasures and collections which further help to personalize your space and make it feel warm and welcoming.

Overall, the trends for 2023 is a move away from the more generic, contemporary open spaces we’ve been seeing to a more traditional feel and look. French country and English country elements are once again being seen in interiors and a look to the past is the new look for the future. For more trends, including the design feature I have always used in my projects, take a look at our You Tube channel. And remember, home is what makes you feel comfortable and just like in fashion, you need to pick and choose and incorporate only what works for you.

Watch our YouTube video on 2023 Interior Design Trends.