Our recent post on outdoor living area trends showed that the ‘anything goes’ vibe in interior design will continue to be a dominant theme in home design in the coming year. After the restrictions of COVID, we’ve granted ourselves permission to self-express in whichever way we want, and even if the age of a home dictates its style to a certain degree, an owner's priority should be to make it provide the sense of security that the pandemic stole from them. 

Property owners are curating treasure troves of pieces that mean something to them

Individualism was the buzzword of interior design in 2022 and it looks like that approach is here to stay for 2023. In other words, do whatever you fancy – buy the pink velvet sofa, hang some pop art, or create a spa if that's what makes you truly happy - unless, of course, you are planning to sell, in which case certain rules apply.

There are several new looks, but some 2022 trends have grown up

According to the experts, 'minimalism' will remain popular in some homes, but with a more mature approach, using darker timbers and a palette of richer colours. However, the main component of 2023 interior design will be a return to classic influences, achieved by taking time to source sustainable, recycled or vintage pieces, or those that mean something to the owner. Some homeowners are aspiring to create schemes that resemble what interior designer Shona McElroy describes in Vogue Living as “a very wealthy, jet-setting grandmother’s house.”

It may be tricky right now for property experts to predict what will happen in 2023, but top interior designers are predicting which interior decorating trends will stick around and which new trends will evolve. And to help our buyers find a style that works for their new property and lifestyle, we’ve done some research as well.

Below are the 9 trends we think will stick around in 2023:

1. Avant Basic is a new flavour of 'maximalism' that incorporates pastels, patterns, and general busyness. It has been described as a backlash to Marie Kondo and is the epitome of eclecticism, individualism and that 'anything goes,' approach.
2. Biophilia is about bringing nature into your interior design. “In design, we bring characteristics of the natural world into built spaces, such as water, greenery, and natural light, or elements like wood and stone. Encouraging the use of natural systems and processes in design allows for exposure to nature, and in turn, these design approaches improve health and wellbeing,” writes Eric Baldwin for ArchDaily.
3. Curvilinear shapes – “Using curvilinear shapes in a room create a sense of positivity and are a good choice for comfortable spaces where you spend a lot of time, such as living rooms and bedrooms,” according to Beautiful Home Décor, and it makes sense that as we recover from the impact of COVID, many of us are searching for ways to be kinder to ourselves. Rounded sofas and furniture, archways and curvy images will create a safe, relaxed space.
4. Texture – When you limewash, plaster, or use a paint effect or timber on your walls, you add warmth and texture to the traditionally safe, neutral walls of rental properties. Layer different textures for greater effect, such as marble for your bench tops, tabletops, and splashbacks; contrasting, woven fabrics on your furniture, and patterned lamp shades on metallic bases that reflect the light. With this trend, you create depth and what designers call ‘visual weight’.
5. Vintage – Think Art deco furniture for those curvy shapes, Early American furniture with its carved motifs and rich timbers for texture, and the timelessness and versatility of mid-century furniture for a statement.
6. Painted finishes – Colour is here to stay, whether that’s using the popular earth tone palette of terracotta, browns, ochre and green on your kitchen cabinets or for upcycling an old piece of furniture. Colourful, painted finishes add warmth to a space and these colours complement parts of our harsh Australian landscape.
7. Sustainability – Our increasing concerns about climate change are pushing us to avoid wastage and to use energy-efficient appliances and recycled materials. Sourcing locally, repurposing, and the modularity and longevity of furniture should also be considered to help save our planet.
8. Global design influences – This trend fits in nicely with our curation of a sustainable, colourful, vibrant space. French and ‘tropical’ interior decoration styles have been popular for some time in Australia, but we are now embracing a full-on Mediterranean style, particularly in our courtyards, and a move towards South-East-Asian design with its employment of lively colours, bamboo, dark timbers and screening.
9. Designing ‘mindfully’ - We want to create a haven in our homes. After the chaos of COVID, we are seeking a safe, relaxing environment in which to recuperate. Vogue Living notes that there has recently been more demand for plunge pools, spas, steam rooms and gyms because owners are making their health a priority.

Above all, 2023 interior design is about being more 'mindful' in your approach 

The danger with any interior design trend is that overkill can make your property look contrived, so it is important to exert some self-control and not get too bogged down in the detail. The success of Zoe and Hamish Blake’s recent Sydney renovation was that their new home looks like it has evolved over a long period of time, even though it took only nine months to create. This leads us to the best advice we can offer, that you live in your new property for a while to feel how the energy flows before you make any major design decisions.

As Interior Designer, Brahman Perera, tells Vogue Living: “The important thing is to find the sweet spot or balance, without tipping over into something contrived or insincere. I think it’s true for anyone, whether they’re a client, a designer, or a person sourcing for their own home, to stay true to their own sensibilities and preferences.”

Listing Loop has a stunning portfolio of off-market properties just waiting for new owners to make their own. Buying a property with us is a quicker, more cost-effective way to purchase in a challenging market - just ask our buyers! - so to access our latest listings and be inspired, sign up with us TODAY for free or download our app.