My take on the interior trends of 2023 for colour, kitchens, furniture and lighting
The home interior combines many other meaningful objects, organic materials, shapes, colours, furniture, fabric and light, to make an overall impact. Although the life trends report by Accenture is hinting at artificial intelligence (AI) overpowering art, I strongly believe that human creativity in home interiors will go hand-in-hand with technology. Here are some interior trends of 2023 that I feel will define the overall mood board.
Colour Trends in General
We all know that light, shadows, hues and pigments are the source of every colour. There are somewhere around 18 decillion varieties of colour available for our viewing enjoyment. That’s an 18 followed by 33 zeros!
It is very hard to choose a colour or a small number of colours as a palette to determine a particular colour of the year. But since 2000, the Pantone Color Institute has been declaring a specific colour as ‘Color of the Year’. Viva Magenta is their colour of the year 2023.
Interestingly, several other interior houses like Nordroom, Benjamin Moore and Graham and Brown also announce their colours. Notwithstanding the important role they play in highlighting the role colours in our lives, it is obvious that the whole world cannot be defined by a few colour tones or trends; particularly in a country like India which probably has more colours than any other country and culture. I believe it is time for our own design houses to bring out some encouraging moods and colours as per the seasons and cultural diversity of India.
When it comes down to personal preference, these are the eight colours that will be huge in 2023:
- Viva Magenta by Pantone
- Spanish Moss by Krylon
- Raspberry Blush by Benjamin Moore
- Terra Rosa by Dunn-Edwards
- Redend Point by Sherwin-Williams
- Canyon Ridge by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart
- Blank Canvas by Behr
- Vining Ivy by Glidden
Other than Colours
Sustainable living is a new trend, or should I say reality, in home interiors. Customers are seeking designers and makers who can create beautiful pieces from sustainable sources, in their quest for eco-friendly lifestyles. There is a growing acceptance of a lifestyle based on the principle of reduce, reuse, recycle (RRR).
As for shape, organic forms and curves are trending nowadays and will remain on top of the chart as the shape of the year for the overall interior sketch board.
Look out for the 1970s-inspired curved graphics on wallpaper and flooring too. Another easy way to embrace curves is to invest in a circular rug. The use of fluted surface and curvilinear patterns are gaining love from design houses and users, of course also inspired by social media. The sharp edgy look is not so in nowadays, and smooth and round designs are getting more traction.
About Kitchens, Furniture & Lighting
For kitchens, the trends are moving towards sleek appliances and island extensions. Post-pandemic, more people are looking at the kitchen as a space that opens up to a conversation room and is accessible at all times. More gadgets, automation, and the possibility of being in touch with others while cooking is an all-time need now.
Metallic borders and stencilling trends are cyclical, and we’re currently enjoying a lot of the 1930s references in interiors. Classical printed murals and stamping used during the Art Nouveau periods are back in trend, and using them with modern surfaces and finishes is giving them an entirely new look and feel. Big handles or no handles is the contrast trend; designers are not going with traditionally-used average-size furniture handles.
Lights are the most demanded trend, and acceptance of warm light is making the whole interior experience cosy and bright. The use of light in all areas of the home, starting from the false ceiling to under cabinets, to the hallway and the walk-in area, is very trendy.
It seems as if the pandemic has had a big impact on the new trends, and every user is demanding more from the home and its interior. Indeed, the coming time is going to be challenging for interior designers and experts, in terms of getting more out of the same.
But isn’t this the most fun part too of design?
