top design trends of 2023

The same topic comes up every year, and in the past, we’ve been really careful not to get spicy on the topic of trends. I think because it’s usually centered around proclaiming what’s “out” and that’s not really how we roll. As a designer, I want to guide people to make smart decisions to last them for the long haul. I also want them to do what they love. I’m not here to make snarky commentary regarding people’s choices in their own homes. We just want to help others. You’ll really see me become adamant about one topic only {below}. So, I’m covering a little of what we’re seeing more of, with our own clients and in the design trends of 2023. From biophilia to color choices and more… here are the top design trends of 2023. {The Handmade Home’s version, anyway.}

1. Top Design Trends of 2023: Biophilia

Say what? This word literally means a love of living things. In personal spaces, we’re seeing an evolution in design. People are really showcasing it in ways like displaying their plants and installing large windows. We’re seeing more natural elements within the home from wood, to real stones in the kitchen. {I’m kind of passionate about that one.} It’s an emphasis on what makes a home, feel like a real home. So biophilia as a trend, is anything that helps in being closely associated with nature. Within that, we’re also seeing a desire for sustainability. There is no better way to steer to the classics and traditional choices by choosing things that already exist in nature anyway. We say if you love it, add all the plants. Add those big windows. There’s a mental calm that helps people being closer to nature.

2. Top Design Trends of 2023: Wallpaper

Wallpaper. It’s everywhere. It’s been around for a while. It’s hitting even harder now. I’m sure we’ll all rip it down in a few years per the generation before us, but that’s the beauty of wallpaper in the home. you can always switch it out for something different. For now. I’m really enjoying this view. 

This photo doesn’t do it justice, but it’s metallic. the gold gleams in sunlight. Yes, please. 

And our clients are enjoying it, too. 

3. Top Design Trends of 2023: Interesting Doors

Doors are a powerful thing. They’re often a forgotten design element, when it comes to considering everything that goes into a space. 

So, accent doors or anything to add interest and character, are even in higher demand this year for our clients and their spaces. 

Check out our post here on the power of doors and how much we love adding them to various areas. You can even paint a regular door a fun color, and add so much interest that way.
They make such a huge impact in a small area.  

We simply adore a good door and are seeing a surge in all our designs to lean that way. 

4. Top Design Trends of 2023: Built-ins {and Pieces that Organize}

Built-ins and clever organization within the home, will always be classics. We certainly don’t see them going anywhere any time soon. It’s this time of year that everyone is looking at how to better organize their homes, so it’s even more so, now. Sure, people are out and about more now, but all that time at home still left an impact. They want to see their spaces utilized in smart ways for the long term. So from locker systems to built-in desks and new spaces that are creatively used… well-built accents like this throughout the home are still a big deal.

These built-in bookshelves brought in so much valuable real estate for our family. We love the way it changed the room. {I mean it couldn’t go anywhere but up.} 

We built this locker system/ drop zone years ago for our own basement. I can’t tell you how many of these similar systems we’ve designed since. It’s the hardest working area of the house, hands down. 

5. Top Design Trends of 2023: Postmodernism

If you haven’t noticed it in fashion already, there’s definitely a resurgence of that 80’s style coming back in more subtle ways, and it’s also true for all things home. Think a sway towards postmodernism, and those bolder shapes of the past. Honestly, I tend to think PeeWee’s Playhouse and Andy Warhol, {we prefer the latter} so we want to tread lightly. But we also think you can do it in fun, subtle ways. Because of that, we’re seeing smaller design touches like more curves on furniture that are creeping in, and are sure to evolve into bolder colors as well. Keep an eye out this year, if you haven’t noticed already. The furniture below is a subtle example and definitely leans toward a quieter, Danish vibe, {combined with Biophilia – these clients have great taste} but we do see it as the beginning of more.

See it combined in bolder colors in the sofa below? Curves ahead. It’s coming. 

6. Top Design Trends of 2023: Diverse Lighting in Smart ways

Kichler is always our go-to for amazing finds in statement lighting. But when planning their spaces, clients want options. From the backlit mirror in a bathroom, to under the cabinets, shelving and more… diverse lighting is coming in hot. It’s a look at the over all design within a home, and its true functionality. 

7. Top Design Trends of 2023: Flex Spaces

Whether it’s adding doors to make an office, or a fully redone basement… they’re still a big deal. Home offices are still on the rise and flex spaces where the family can gather will never go out of style. Everyone wants to make the most out of their homes, and sometimes it takes a fresh eye to make sense of the space for you. 

Changing over this basement for a family of five made a huge difference in the entire feel of their home. It definitely reclaimed some of that forgotten garage space. 

Adding a wall with a large opening and double doors gave this home another room, without shutting off the space completely. It remains multifunctional for all the things it can do. 

8. Top Design Trends of 2023: Kitchens, Living Rooms + Baths

Kitchens and living rooms are the biggest spaces we see requested, with bathrooms filing in at a close second. (It’s a close tie for us.) From a real estate perspective, it’s always smart to put in those updates. As mentioned above, offices are right behind that. Even though clients are traveling again, they still want those workspaces and the availability to choose when it’s needed.  

9. Top Design Trends of 2023: Bolder Color

We’re seeing it, but it doesn’t mean we ever stopped using it… I think this is the only “trend” you’ll see us get a little spicy about, because it’s funny that society proclaims colors as “trendy”. We see in color, guys. Rainbows exist. Life is IN color. It’s essential. We try not to paint ourselves into a single corner when it comes to the world of design, because it’s fun to stay diversified. But honestly, my designs are nothing if we don’t have some color.

Proclaiming color as trendy, is the same to me as when an influencer on Insta last year tried to proclaim accent walls as “out”. Adorable.

It all comes down to the execution and smart, classic design choices that create a collected look over time. I think it’s all about balance, no matter what you choose. We do what we want. Which brings me to…

10. Top Design Trends of 2023: Personality Driven Design

Like I said above, ultimately, design trends are silly. We’re sharing what we’re seeing more of, but that also doesn’t mean anyone has to do it. There are design elements that exist for a reason, and as long as consideration is given to those, you really can’t go wrong pursuing your passions. Is stained glass for everyone? No it’s not. It should be, but it’s not. I adore it. I will always have it in my home. The irony of this last point, is that we’ll definitely see more personality-driven design in those personal spaces. So no matter what anyone else says, enjoy your home for yours, and choose wisely for design that will last for years to come. The cream always rises to the top, and you can’t go wrong with that.

Do what you want. {But also make smart choices. That’s what I’m here for. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.}

We hope this gives you a little insight as to what’s headed your way this year. Regardless of trends, I think we can all agree… here’s to a brighter 2023.

What are some design trends you see headed our way? We’d love to hear!

Have an inspired day!