As we predicted, 2023 has proven to be a year of significant change in terms of what people want from their homes. Gone are the days of drab all-white or all-gray rooms that lacked character and warmth. Instead, homeowners prefer more interesting spaces with elevated colors and neutrals to bring vibrancy to the places they want to live.
Today's most popular decorating trends show that over time, Southerners still hold onto beloved design staples. Truly, this year showed us that the classics aren't going away anytime soon. However, while some of 2023's most popular decorating styles are rooted in age-old design principles, others have exploded in popularity this year. From the tried-and-true to the new and noteworthy, here are the year's biggest home decor styles.
- Marian Louise “Mimi” Meacham I am the Principal Interior Designer at Marian Louise Design in Houston, Texas.
- Rachel Cannon I am the founder, creative director, and principal interior designer of Rachel Cannon Limited in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- brian johnson He is the CEO of Shades of Light, a home decor retailer specializing in on-trend styles with a showroom in Richmond, Virginia.
fresh traditional
marian louise design
Traditionally decorated living spaces and dining rooms have long been popular in Southern interiors. But in recent years, interior designer Mimi Meacham has seen a shift in homeowners' adaptation of traditional décor, which has been refined and refined into today's style, which she calls “fresh traditional.” I noticed that The 2023 version of Traditional Her style combines old and new, enlivening classic color palettes and introducing different textures.
“It's not completely traditional, nor is it modern. It's a fresh update on a traditional style,” she says. “Pops of soft, colorful hues, fresh whites, new prints and bright, warm woods dominate these spaces, while layers of classic antique pieces combine with newly lacquered occasion tables. It has been.”
dark and moody
Haley Smith. Designed by Rachel Cannon Limited
“The all-white look permeates every level of design, right down to new builds, so I think the natural response to it is to introduce its opposite,” says interior designer Rachel Cannon . Cannon says rich, dark colors like maroon and navy blue are all the rage this year, rather than white or bright shades.
“We love the drama that deep, dark paint colors bring to a space,” she says. “This helps create a very intimate room feel, which is a necessary contrast to the bright white trend that has been dominant for the past few years.”
a quiet room
Kim Meadowlark; Design by Rachel Cannon Limited
While so many rooms in the home are bursting with new, bold and exciting colors, Cannon says some spaces are also being reserved for more subtle tones in 2023. But Cannon explains that the idea here is not to be uninterested, but rather to embrace a comfortable lifestyle. Instead, the foundation is warm whites, deep, rich tones, comfortable upholstery, natural materials, and rich textures. She calls these dedicated, comfortable spaces “quiet rooms.”
“We're seeing a return to warmer, more inviting design elements that we call quiet rooms,” Cannon explains. “In a post-pandemic world, I think everyone has recognized the need for spaces better suited for quiet contemplation than group activities. We have proven that they are not designed to be lived in for long.”
coastal cowgirl
shade of light
A culmination of two popular styles, “Coastal Cowgirl'' is a fusion of coastal and Western decor. Plus, it's perfect for the South, explains Shades of Light CEO Brian Johnson.
“Coastal has been around in the U.S. for a very long time and had a lot of very distinctive areas,” he says. “There's a New England vibe on the coast, there's a Florida vibe on the coast, there's a California Coast vibe. But Coastal Cowgirl really leans towards the Gulf Coast. It's got that Gulf Coast style, It’s a fusion of what you think of when you think of Texas.”
When you combine these two styles and decorate like a Coastal Cowgirl, you can create a very light and airy space that also includes rustic elements. That means a mix of linens and reclaimed wood, Johnson says, and finished with “classic Americana accents and accessories” like horseshoes, spurs and Route 66 signs.
nostalgic inspiration
Haley Smith.Design by Rachel Cannon Interiors
“We're seeing a lot of references to the late '70s and early '80s this year,” Cannon says. This means patterned wallpaper, natural materials and old-fashioned colors are all back in style. Rather than go for retro vibes or mid-century style decor, homeowners are elegantly incorporating objects from yesteryear into modern decor. These throwbacks are sure to complement any heirlooms or vintage finds proudly displayed in your home.
beauty of nature
marian louise design
Materials, textures and colors rooted in nature are taking the home by storm in 2023. One of Cannon's favorite ways to jump into this style is by choosing grasscloth and wicker furniture and “gorgeous stained wood rather than painted wood.” Natural stones, such as marble and soapstone, are also becoming more popular as countertop materials than man-made options. Additionally, embrace this style and incorporate natural elements into your home, such as houseplants, flowers, and branches. Earth tones like terracotta and sage green, which evoke earth, sky, and water, also bring natural beauty to any room.
modern farmhouse
Modern farmhouse designs will still be popular in Southern homes in 2023, according to an Encino study conducted earlier this year. This most-searched style, popularized by husband and wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, is characterized by country themes, simple finishes, and attractive details. It's a more sophisticated, shiny cousin of authentic farmhouse decor. If your home features shiplap, apron-front sinks, shed doors, and a sophisticated color palette, you're probably already on the modern farmhouse bandwagon.
modern
marian louise design
One of the best decorating styles reigns in 2023 on social media. It's modern. A new Magnet study reveals modernist rooms are topping social media algorithms across the US and UK. The style is trending on Twitter and the subject of many Pinterest boards and countless posts on Instagram, saved for later inspiration.
Among industrial materials, glass and steel are often found in houses with modern decoration, in contrast to stone, brick and wooden decorations. Clean lines, wide open spaces, and geometric decorations are all key characteristics of this style, which is becoming increasingly popular in 2023. Rather than going completely modern, Southerners are more likely to embrace this style with small touches, adding modern elements here and there. .
high eclecticism
marian louise design
Maximalism is already a trend we've been eyeing for 2023, and designers report that it's proven to be a popular style so far this year. But in many cases, maximalism manifests itself in interesting ways, which Meacham says are unexpected but welcome changes. More than just a “more is better” attitude, the expression of maximalism in 2023 includes an unexpected moodiness. Meacham calls this a “maximalist approach with an edgy vibe.”
“Elevated Eclectic has grown in popularity and is still growing in popularity. It appeals to playful and bold clients with a good eye,” she says. This style includes “non-traditional color combinations, warm antique wood in the same room as chic modern pieces, and straight lines combined with funky prints and bold textures.”
hyper feminine
Carmel Brantley
This year, maximalism also presented another unexpected, but much-appreciated twist. That's girly. This decoration is fun, bold, and incorporates sugar, spice, and all things nice.
“It includes vibrant colors with a playful aesthetic,” says Johnson. “Think in terms of fun shapes, big bold colors, and a very strong feminine angle to it all.”
The popularity of this style is very likely influenced by pop culture. In 2023, “Barbie” is a name on everyone's lips, and with it comes lots of pink and girl power. However, while covering your entire home in bubblegum pink paint may not be a very long-lasting decorating choice, a high-impact punch of feminine features, such as colorful, ruffled accessories and finishes, will quickly go out of style. It is not.
