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Maybe you’ve sensed a shift in the world of interior design back toward more traditional, ornate spaces — your social media feeds and favorite magazine pages flooded with homes featuring crown and picture frame molding, classic plaid upholstery, board-and-batten walls, and stately Persian rugs. Homes with original character have long been coveted, but a renewed reverence for traditional details seems to be playing out in the housing market and many of home renovations I’m seeing right now on Instagram and TikTok. Renters are getting in on the action in reversible ways, and those that have moved into more modern homes are also emulating these intricate details to add character to otherwise bland spaces.
So far, a lot of the DIYing in this mini-design movement has centered on adding some classic architectural features. But what if I told you though that the latest (and maybe most-budget friendly?) iteration of the adding vintage character trend has people reaching for paint cans and brushes versus their tool boxes? That’s right, trompe-l’oeil (French for “to fool the eye”) architectural charm is trendy, old-meets-new paint application. Translation: Instead of hanging moldings or picture frame trim, people are starting to paint them instead.
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Take this 500-square-foot studio rented by Calvin Hrezik, for example. The apartment itself is fairly standard for New York City living: plain white walls, wood floors, and not a whole lot of living space. In spite of that, Hrezik has created an opulent, Parisian-feeling home — not only with furnishings and decor, but also the clever use of paint. An interior designer by trade, he thought outside the box to add character into a “blank canvas of a box” apartment. “I brought in my oh-so-talented muralist friend Colton Ackerman to collaborate on trompe-l’œil paintings throughout but in a cartoonish, campy, ‘Mary Poppins’ way,” he says.
The entry hallway is home to a row of closets painted entirely in Benjamin Moore’s San Antonio Rose (027) for a cohesive, enveloping look. On top of that peachy-orange base, the duo created whimsical, almost doodle-like renderings of picture frame molding in a contrasting red color. Benjamin Moore’s Coastal Cottage (1164) rules the living space, where painted garlands and curtains extend down from the apartment’s ceiling line. “The tassels dance on the tops of the Benjamin Moore Coastal Cottage walls around the main area,” Hrezik adds, “tying off a faux curtain into the entrance and closet hallway, complete with a painting of my cat, Disco Stardust, participating in her favorite pastime of pawing at pigeons.”
In the bathroom, you’ll find even more fool-the-eye fodder, this time in the form of “wallpaper.” Here, Hrezik commissioned Ackerman to paint “frames filled with a few of my favorite things, inspired by the idea of flooding all of the bathroom walls with my queer art collection.” The color used for these whimsical outlines was Benjamin Moore’s Gentleman’s Gray (2062-20), and the design sits above the bath’s tall blue tiled wainscoting in the shower surround.
Sure, these painted features may be a little more stylized than your typical crown molding or box panels, but there’s no denying that the painted mural trend could be headed from abstract geometric shapes and arches into this trompe-l’oeil territory.
While this trend requires some skill and time, it’s a super-budget friendly way to add character and charm to your home. You can freehand these designs if you’re comfortable with that or team up with a pro like Hrezik did. When it comes to picture frame molding in particular though, the look can be really achieved with just a few colors and some strategic measuring, painting, and taping to create the shadows that pieces of real molding would cast. I can’t wait to see more of this in 2023 because the year is young for paint ideas!
Ready to give your home a bit of a revamp now that we’re almost halfway through January? Maybe it’s time to take a look down at your floors. If they could use a bit of love, you’ve come to the right place. Below pro designers have weighed in on the top flooring trends reigning supreme this year. Whether you’re a renter in search of a new rug — or you’re ready and willing to undertake a more permanent flooring project — these styles are all on the rise and worth considering if you like to jump on home decor trends before they truly take off.
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“In 2023, the trend for hardwood is moving away from grainy, rustic wide plank options towards a more subtle grain with clean looks. Color is moving away from gray and into light natural oak territory, which offers natural, neutral floor colors versatile enough to fit with a variety of living spaces.” —Designer Sarah St. Amand
Budget-friendly checkerboard floors
“I’ve noticed a lot of checkered patterned flooring that’s been creeping up in spaces. This trend will become bigger in 2023. People are liking the traditional look of creating this look with contrasting marbles, but consumers are also using paint to create a similar effect on wood floorings since tiling can be more expensive to install. Whether diamond or the standard checkered board pattern, this look will become more prevalent in the upcoming new year.” —Designer Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs
Restaining or (re)painting > replacing
“Try to work with what you have! Keeping your existing floor is a smart way to save costs. We recently kept a client’s existing orange Saltillo tile kitchen floor and stained it a darker milk chocolate color. It looks gorgeous mixed with our watery-blue cabinetry!” —Designer Laura Pankonien of The Pankonien Group
Tiled floors FTW (especially flagstone)
“Ahead you will be seeing large scale, natural tile flooring. This larger format tile trend will be perfect for using throughout kitchens and even in some open concept spaces. Flagstone, limestone, and sandstone are just a couple materials that will be spotted in 2023.” — DesignerLisa Kooista
“Flagstone flooring will be making a comeback in a big way in 2023. It’s versatile, durable, natural, and cool.” —DesignerMolly Torres Portnof of DATE Interiors
“Though wood flooring has been the dominant force for homes, people are starting to look at having their main flooring be tile instead. This is because wood flooring, though warmer, gets scratched, dented, and fades in the sunlight easier than tile [does]. Cleaning tile floors is easier as well because you don’t have to worry as much about chemicals or food falling on it and staining the tile.” —DesignerLinda Hayslett
“The chevron flooring pattern has always been around, but it’s starting to really push its way to the forefront in making flooring look and feel more interesting and textural. 2023 will see more people installing their wood flooring in a chevron design to invoke a more luxe look in their homes.” —Designer Linda Hayslett
“Herringbone or chevron pattern is always a favorite and never goes out of style and creates more visual interest than a typical wood floor. Innovative layouts are gaining popularity.” —Designer Sarah St. Amand
Credit: Claire Esparros
Uniquely-shaped and bold, oversized rugs
“Lately, there’s been a trend toward rugs with bold patterns and unique shapes. Larger rugs that anchor a room have also become popular in the open concept homes that are now common.” —Designer Kyra Schulhof of Fayette Studio
There’s something about decorating a bedroom that feels so much more significant (and satisfying!) than any other area of the house. For starters, if you live with roommates or family, it’s the one room where you may have full creative carte blanche to make it uniquely yours. More than that, bedrooms considering are the do-it-all, personalized space you spend so much of your time in, both night and day.
It’s no surprise bedroom functionalities have rapidly evolved over the past few years thanks to the pandemic but so, too, have bedroom trends. And a new year means even more new styles are projected to hit the home scene. So, what’s slated to define design in 2023? I polled a handful of designers on their biggest up-and-coming bedroom trend predictions, based on industry know-how and real client requests. From popular new bedroom furnishings to smart space-saving styling ideas, these are the seven trends you can expect to see more of this year.
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Somewhat reminiscent of matching bedroom sets — albeit a more cool, contemporary take — low-slung headboards with built-in nightstands will likely be a “sought-after trend for 2023,” according to Sabra Ballon, founder and principal designer of ballonSTUDIO. This double-duty furniture features extended rectangular and even arch-shaped headboard designs that sometimes span the full bed wall, paired with compact, floating shelf-style tables that bookend the mattress. The attached nightstands specifically add “instant elevation to a tranquil bedroom space,” Ballon says of the architectural look of this feature. Even better, these pieces also can maximize a small space layout.
If you’ve ever seen Slim Aaron’s 1964 “Monocled Miss” photo, you’ve gotten a feel for the bedroom trend that Sarah Storms, principal designer and founder of Styled by Storms, deems “opulent maximalism.” As a more lavish, curated take on the ever-evolving more-is-more look, this trend translates to “rich, saturated colors like crimson reds, berry, deep royal, and regal purple,” combined with “layers and layers of pattern and texture,” according to Storms. Essentially, think along the lines of making your bedroom “feel like luxury after coming home from being out in the world,” she adds.
As bedrooms have progressed past solely sleeping spaces (hello, home gym, office, etc.), there’s continued emphasis on establishing a calm, restful environment within your bedroom’s four walls. Kalina Todorova, a visual merchandising manager at BoConcept, explains that, because “the bedroom is a place to relax, rest and recharge… in 2023, materials, shapes, and colors are mindfully chosen to elevate the space to a spa-like sanctuary.” To pull off your own thoughtful at-home oasis, she suggests prioritizing decorative elements that are “honest, soft, and natural, like linen, wool, cotton, wood, natural stone, and marble.” A cozy bouclé cushion or chair wouldn’t hurt either.
In a similar vein, Amy Forshew, owner and principal designer of Proximity Interiors, expects hotel-quality touches to majorly define 2023 bedroom decor, in part thanks to pop culture influences. “‘The White Lotus’ craze has inspired upholstered beds, crisp white layered bedding, and luxurious amenities like beverage fridges and sitting areas,” she says. “As constant travel is on trend, this aesthetic is a way to satisfy wanderlust without ever leaving your home.”
Over-the-Nightstand Lighting
No nightstand room? No problem: Designer Nicole Hurd of Florida-based Hurd Homes actually expects hanging pendants to take over table lamps and sconces as the bedside lighting of choice. “Pendants, instead of traditional nightstand lamps, are a sleek and space-saving alternative to the traditional clunky lamp on a nightstand,” she says. On top of easy install (yes, even renters can partake — no hardwiring needed!), this trend instantly de-clutters nightstand tabletops while adding sophistication to a space, says Hurd.
When it comes to adding more decorative layers in the bedroom, think beyond just top-of-bed bolster or throw pillows. In fact, designer Amber Guyton of Blessed Little Bungalowhas recently been noticing more dimension and styling opportunities via “bedding, layered rugs, and collected sitting areas to unwind.” Even playing with prints can introduce more depth. Guyton recommends two approaches here: either layering patterns with other complementary patterns or using the same pattern across walls, curtains, and textiles for decorative emphasis.
Elegant-looking canopy and four-poster beds arguably never went out of style, but they’re now officially back in full force, says designer Amanda Barnes. Beyond just the traditional boxy silhouettes though, she notes that, “There are options with arched and rectangular framing in all different metal and wood finishes, and some are even wrapped in upholstery.” Yes, these pieces do take up more square footage and visual space than your average bed frame, but paired with curtains, canopy beds can actually help lock in warmth on cold nights and establish a more secluded sleeping zone — especially so in studio apartments.
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When an Italian rendition of the coastal grandmother aesthetic began hitting my social feeds this summer, I found it to be a comforting reminder of a world I already understood, given my family heritage. The Lisa Say Gah “Italian Summer” clothing collection, The Pasta Tarot’s release of the wind-swept Pasta Scarf, @pastagirlfriend’s rise to Insta fame, “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy”on CNN, and “The White Lotus” season two — all wonderful, gorgeous examples of how the Italians celebrate good food, good wine, and good times. Truly, though, none of these could ever fully replicate the experience of living with my Italian grandparents. While far from the Amalfi coastline, I would watch my grandmother handpick juicy, summer tomatoes from her backyard garden in the Bronx for marinara she would then ladle onto blue-and-white Spode plates at dinner. My grandfather, in his slip-on loafers and breast-pocket polo shirts, would quietly speak about the “old country” while dipping bread into freshly-served sauce.
I watched meal after meal offered with love on those blue, ornate plates — and what I loved the most was how no matter the occasion or time of day, it always felt special. This bold-looking tableware transformed a simple pasta into something magical. Quick pennes and thrown-together salads felt modern and Instagram-worthy, even though the plates were passed down from my great-great-grandmother in Pompeii, my great-grandmother in Naples, and to my grandmother when she got married here in the states.
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Beyond my sunny memories, this dinnerware trend has recently been dominating TikTok and Instagram, leaving its mark on modern kitchenware and leaning into the #italiansummer aesthetic. More than their signature ocean-blue markings and ceramic craftsmanship, these plates are a reminder to slow down, dine well, and bask in beauty like the Italians do. In fact, when visiting Italy this fall, I happened to take a cooking class with Stefanie Celio, owner of The Blue Kitchen Capri cooking school, who describes this distinct shade of blue as an ode to Italian summers. “Blue for Italians is truly the feeling of a summer beach day embracing la dolce vita at a very slow pace, living in the moment surrounded by natural beauty,” Celio says. Even though we grew up an ocean apart, the dinnerware styles between Capri and my grandmother’s kitchen were enchantingly parallel.
While the warm months in the Bronx listening to opera music and nursing a blue bowl full of ravioli are long gone, I can always see the ocean peeking up at me from my own dinner set, reminding me of the allure of an Italian summer. Ready to channel that wanderlust for yourself and serve up a big plate of ravioli (or any entree, really) on luxe-looking Italian-inspired dinnerware? Still reeling from a Monica Vitti-impersonating Jennifer Coolidge slurping down linguine vongole, as well? Then say hello to these eight blue-and-white plates below, which add a celebratory, summery touch to any dinner table, year-round.
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It’s a new year, and I’m most excited to see what’s on the horizon for living rooms, arguably one of the most used spaces in the home. “In general, people want a home aesthetic that is simple and easy but still beautiful,” says designer Meredith Goforth, founder of House of Prim, a design and organizing firm. In other words, form and function are both “in” for living areas, and you just have to figure out what that means for you. Need a little inspiration? I chatted with a few of my favorite designers to get their take on what a stylish living room will look like in 2023, and here’s what they had to say.
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Color, color, and more color
Almost all of the designers I spoke to agreed that a more adventurous approach to color was coming to a living room near you. Designer Anastasia Casey of IDCO Studio definitely sees bold hues in the forecast for 2023. “Colored sofas are definitely going to be having a major moment,” she says. “I also think we’ll see a lot of living room furniture with contrast piping details along the edges — likely natural linen pieces with chartreuse or terracotta detailing.” The latter example is perfect for those who are vibrant color curious but want to keep their larger pieces as a neutral foundation on the whole.
Goforth singled out a special shade that she thinks is really going to take off: cobalt blue. “Cobalt blue has been prominent in fashion, which home design trends tend to follow,” she says. “It’s a vibrant, rich, and happy color that feels so good to be around. It’s a great alternative to white, black, and neutrals, which have been dominating living rooms forever.” Goforth says she’s also noticed clients gravitating towards similarly saturated, deeper hues in the purple and green families, too, and she expects that trend to continue as well.
Designer Christina Lehman of C Lehman Home predicts more color in terms of decorative accessories, and designer Samantha Struck of StruckSured Interiors agrees, at least when it comes to what she considers happy, zingy hues. “Color after a dreary season can brighten the mood!” says Struck.
Sculptural wooden focal walls
Think of this wall covering trend as wood paneling, version 2.0. “Although I don’t see the reemerged nostalgic charm of wooden slat walls going anywhere anytime soon, introducing carved or sculptural wooden panels is something I’m starting to see more of,” says designer and Small/Cool alum David Quarles IV. “Whether geometrical or more organic in shape, these sculptural panels bring another element of depth, focus, and care into any living space.” If you don’t have the budget for a full wall, think about incorporating this trend into a piece of furniture like a media console. Plenty of pieces out there have beautiful carvings and feature interesting inset designs (a shown above) that can make a similar decorative impact.
Eco-conscious furnishings
Goforth says shoppers are increasingly concerned about the environment, which will affect what furnishings they’re buying for the living room and beyond. “We’ll see this carry through to home design choices, as people opt for eco-friendly pieces made from renewable and recyclable materials,” she says. “A lot of living room furniture pieces — tables, consoles, chairs — are starting to incorporate sustainable materials like rattan, which is sturdy, beautiful, and will stand the test of time. I love rattan because in addition to being a more eco-friendly choice, it’s minimalistic and adds depth and texture, making your space more interesting. Plus, rattan doesn’t shed!”
You can expect the squiggles and wiggles of 2020 through 2022 to be a little more refined this year, turning into slightly more elegant scalloped shapes. “Scalloped edges will continue to have a major impact in design this year, especially in colored marble,” says Casey. We love the scallop trend and hope it doesn’t go away anytime soon! We’ve seen it done successfully on throw pillows, sofas, baskets — even lampshades.”
Double-duty furniture (especially the sleeper sofa)
“I think living rooms are going to be used more as multi-functional spaces,” Lehman says. “Console tables that can be used as a desk, desk/shelf units, or sofa beds will be used. With more people working from home, spaces are working harder and doing double-duty.” Struck also thinks multi-tasking furniture will be big. “Sofa sleepers are making a come back with people hosting and wanting to entertain more,” she says.
When it comes to fabric, 2023’s living room is going to be all about textural, touchable materials, albeit likely in bolder colorways. “I definitely think we will continue to see our favorite velvets and bouclé but now, in more colors,” Quarles IV says. “For a recent project, I just sourced a mustard-colored bouclé swivel chair, and I love it. And as for our beloved velvets, from the muted to the jewel tones, colorful velvets are here to stay.”
