A new year often brings a fresh slew of design trends, from styles that take inspiration from bygone eras to those that are decidedly more forward-thinking.
This year is no different.
We chatted to our Project manager Georgia Anderson-Sparkes about the trends that’ll emerge in 2023, as well as how best to implement these in your own home or investment property.
Smooth curves
Towards the end of 2022, curves were practically everywhere: in home design, in furniture and in decor. The trend looks to be a mainstay in 2023, with organic shapes continuing to reign.
Georgia thinks there will be a particular emphasis on arches, which can be incorporated into the home through architecture, renovation or subtle internal details like shower niches and screens, and doorways. They can also be added through furniture and decor, like mirrors.
Bringing the outside (colours) in
Following several years spent mostly indoors, it makes perfect sense we’d be craving the outdoors. For those undertaking a renovation or build, that could even mean taking inspiration from nature to inform their colour choices.
“This is a trend that has become extremely popular off the back of the COVID-19 pandemic, as there is an imminent need to bring the outside inside,” says Georgia.
She believes earthy tones like green and terracotta will remain popular throughout 2023, as well as ocean hues: “I particularly see bluey-green colours being used heavily in bathrooms through the use of textured tiles and layering of towels and decor items.”
Doing things differently
Georgia reckons some may also look inwards for interior inspiration.
“As we look away from neutral all-white interiors, we turn towards hyper-personalised interiors,” she says. “This is the idea of embracing the things you love and celebrating your personality through your home.”
This means bold colours, rich textures, and loud materials and patterns that are tied together simply by the fact that they’re unique to the occupant.
What’s old is new
Reclaimed materials and pre-owned furniture have been popular for a while, but Georgia says there’s a noticeable surge in demand happening right now. She puts it down to a Gen Z mentality.
“Gen Z are prioritising the reuse and recycling of old materials as they move into their own homes,” she says. “Gen Z are pushing away from more minimalist and modern design styles that Millennials have previously absorbed over the past decade, and embracing items and design that bring a sense of nostalgia and tradition.”
Perfectly imperfect
Georgia thinks we’ll also be embracing imperfection, mostly when it comes to materials. Examples include microcement, exposed bricks and unfinished timber beams, which tend to bear sought-after irregularities. On a smaller scale, handmade ceramics and fabrics like linen can help create the unpolished look.
The trend is inspired by Japandi, a blend of Japanese aesthetics and Scandinavian practicality, as well as wabi sabi, a Japanese concept that seeks beauty in imperfection.
Choose your trends wisely
Got an investment property that needs an update ahead of renting it out or selling? While it’s always fun to adopt a design trend, you don’t necessarily have to paint the whole thing forest green to appeal to today’s market.
Instead, Georgia encourages Milk Chocolate clients to play with trends in more subtle ways. This could mean experimenting with paint colours or adding finishing touches like curtains, which are easily reversible.
She also says it’s worth understanding the specific market the property is targeting, as this can inform design decisions.
“For investment properties that we renovate, we have spent a lot of time researching what buyers and renters are looking for in each micro and macro market and have developed specifications for properties in varying areas that are specific to this,” she says. “For example, we have found black fittings and fixtures more popular in particular states and chrome/brushed nickel more popular in others.”
Alternatively, there are several design elements that never go out of style and will almost certainly boost a property’s value – such as the use of natural woods, marbles and organic accents.
Ultimately, though, Georgia recommends engaging a professional to ensure the renovation delivers.
“A home is often a person’s largest asset, so improvements and enhancements to the design are not only an aesthetic decision but a financial one. Engaging a professional interior designer is a guaranteed way to make sure you are getting the most bang for buck,” she says. “In the same way you can cut your own hair and Google your own medical diagnosis, you could come up with a design for a house, but without professional help it’s very hard to get it right.”
If you’re looking to renovate or build, we can help. Get in touch today.
Image Credits
Interior Designers: @vgliving
Photographer: @palomapachecoturnes and @fhe.es
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