by Furnishly | Jan 11, 2023 | Design Inspiration, Style
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 Bungalow has 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.
by Furnishly | Jan 6, 2023 | Design Inspiration, Lighting, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Every weeknight, once the dishes have been washed and I’ve taken a shower, I do the same thing: I make a cup of tea, grab my favorite throw, and indulge in some kind of entertainment. Sometimes it’s a podcast, sometimes it’s a book, and sometimes it’s TikTok. Yes, dear reader, if you haven’t caught on by now, I’m a little bit TikTok obsessed. And if you’ve read any of my previous TikTok-themed pieces, you’ll know I’m particularly fond of the home and decor sides of the app. A couple of months back I wrote about candle warmer lamps and how they were taking over #DesignTok (it felt like I couldn’t go a day without seeing a video of someone decorating their space with one of these lamps.) After researching that piece and fawning after each subsequent lamp I wrote about, I decided to put one to the test for myself. So, I picked up the one that started it all: the luzdiosa Glass Candle Warmer Lamp. Let’s just say, I wasn’t disappointed.
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Before I get to my review, a little refresher on these lamps and why they’re so popular. One quick look and it’s easy to see why decor aficionados love them: They’re chic, they’re stylish, and they come in a variety of different designs that’ll go with any aesthetic. But the thing that’s really special about these lamps is how expertly they marry style and function. Aside from pulling double-duty as a lamp and candle warmer (which can help extend the life of your candles!), they are also made with safety in mind. No open flame means no fires, which is a major plus for parents and pet owners. Top that off with the fact that many feature timers, and you’ll never have to fret about falling asleep with a candle on again. What’s not to love?
Okay, on to my review. Now, I knew in theory why these lamps should be lauded, but part of me couldn’t help but wonder if it was all just social media hype that would lead me to an inevitable letdown. Oh, how I love to be proven wrong. As I mentioned above, I went with this luzdiosa pick as it was the one that immediately caught my eye (and had the fastest shipping time; they are truly selling like hotcakes). First green flag: It came wonderfully packaged with two lightbulbs. Score. Next was the design — With its gold neck, neutral oak-colored base, and a glass shade that glimmered even before turning it on, I couldn’t help but let out an Owen Wilson-esque “Wow” as I unpacked it. Last but not least: showtime. I cleared off the perfect spot for it, plugged it in, and marveled both at how stunning it looked lit up and how quickly it began melting my candle; The scent was immediately dispersed throughout my apartment and I, well, was in love. Take a look for yourself below.
Yeah, suffice it to say, this lamp was everything I wanted it to be and more. Ready to try one of them out for yourself? You can get your hands on the very same pick for $55 today, with your choice of either a clear glass shade or a golden glass shade. Now if you don’t mind, I’ve got a TikTok rabbit hole to fall through — I’m on the hunt for my next find.
by Furnishly | Jan 6, 2023 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
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.”
by Furnishly | Jan 6, 2023 | Design Inspiration, Style
Alexandra Frost
Alexandra Frost is a Cincinnati-based freelance journalist, content marketing writer, copywriter, and editor focusing on health and wellness, parenting, real estate, business, education, and lifestyle. Away from the keyboard, Alex is also mom to her four sons under age 7, who keep things chaotic, fun, and interesting. For over a decade she has been helping publications and companies connect with readers and bring high-quality information and research to them in a relatable voice. She has been published in the Washington Post,
Huffington Post, Glamour, Shape, Today’s Parent, Reader’s Digest, Parents, Women’s Health, and Insider. Alex has a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications/Journalism, both from
Miami University. She has also taught high school for 10 years, specializing in media education.
by Furnishly | Jan 2, 2023 | Design Inspiration, Style
For many design pros and homeowners alike, indoor-outdoor living has become a tentpole of design over the past few years, with priority given to ways people can seamlessly incorporate outdoor living opportunities into the architecture and design of their homes.
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This ethos only became more emphasized during the pandemic years when suddenly the only means of escape or vacation was in your own backyard (or a balcony or front stoop). Details like floor-to-ceiling windows that take advantage of the views and moving glass wall systems that eliminate any barrier to the backyard were commonplace, especially in new builds.
However, in 2023, designers predict a swap — from indoor-outdoor living to outdoor-indoor living. While the two may sound super similar, the application is totally different. Think of outdoor-indoor living as inviting nature indoors regardless of whether you’re surrounded by towering pine trees or towering skyscrapers. Designers and architects are looking more to traditional outdoor finishes (like stone, slate, and untreated wood) to breathe life into interiors and create a connection between daily life and the nature that surrounds us.
“Instead of indoor-outdoor living, we’re noticing a big swing towards outdoor-indoor living,” says architect and designer Anand Sheth of Studio Anand Sheth. “Pros are using traditionally ‘exterior’ materials in refined ways on the interior of homes. In my residential project in Pacifica, I’m experimenting with mirroring the stacked stone wall we are building outside with a stacked stone backsplash in the dining room/bar area.”
In accordance with this vibe, natural stones of all types will reign supreme in the coming years, with patina-forward finishes like textured walls and unlacquered metals following close behind. “We’re going to see an explosion of exciting stone being used in all sorts of spaces,” says designer Victoria Sass of Project Refuge. “Great colorful slabs in kitchens, bathrooms dipped in breccia, furniture composed of a collage of stones — the list goes on. We are currently designing a space with a stone mosaic floor that is completely reclaimed from the remnants of other projects.”
Delyse Berry, the designer and real estate agent behind Upstate Down, adds, “We’re going to see textured walls and lots of stone in 2023! Applications like limewash are a beautiful way to create natural texture and depth in a space. And while we’ve seen a lot of stone recently, it’s definitely going to stick around — I think travertine and green marble will be very prevalent in the coming year.”
If you’re hoping to bring the outdoor-indoor trend to your own home, you need not look any further than your own backyard or local park for inspiration. Reflecting the natural elements of where you live — like using rustic pine in the Northeast or rich adobe in the Southwest — will automatically give your home depth and a sense of place. Look for opportunities to work natural, imperfect materials and objects into your home, avoiding anything that feels too precious or delicate. The biggest perk of nature-derived materials is their ability to wear beautifully over time, changing with your home in a way that reflects a life well-lived.
