Because Timeless Design is Always in Style
If you’ve stumbled upon my blog for the first time, it might seem odd for a designer to stand against design trends. However, those of you who have followed our Austin interior design firm for a while know that we like to avoid passing fads and focus on timeless design. In order to sidestep trends, I have to stay aware of them. In this blog, I share my 2023 design trend observations with you, reviewing “what’s on the way in and what’s heading out.” Additionally, I revisit my nine most important tips for bypassing trends in the pursuit of timeless design tailored to you. Let’s dive in!
Design Trends on Their Way Out in 2023…
The thing about trends is that they don’t stick around for long. Here’s what’s going out of style in 2023.
1. All-white Everything
Stark all-white spaces are on the way out, especially white cabinets and white and gray color palettes.
2. Gray-washed Wood tones
Cold gray-washed wood tones on hardwood floors have seen their day.
3. Faux Marble
I’ve never been a fan of faux, so I have avoided this trend from the start. If a client prefers man-made quartz for durability in high-use areas, we opt for no patterning, or as subtle as possible. Gorgeous exotic natural stone is being imported from many wonderful quarries. I will always opt for this versus a man-made product.
4. Sharp, Angular Lines
Hard, angular lines from the mid-century modern revival give way to a softer, curvier side.
Design Trends Making Waves in 2023…
As the most popular trends of the last decade fade, a new group of home trends is already making waves this year (ironic side note about the images below - while they illustrate some incoming trends, most of these spaces were completed by our firm several years ago! An appropriate example of the benefits of timeless design):
1. Warm Neutrals
Warm neutrals, like off-white and beige, are replacing stark whites and cold grays for a cozier feel.
2. Bronze Finishes
Brass is still hanging around, but darker bronze finishes are coming back as well.
Pro-tip: Mix Your Metals
Don’t make every metal finish in your home one color. Instead, pick coordinating primary and secondary colors. It will add visual interest and save you when one of the finishes inevitably goes out of style. Learn the strategies for mixing metals in my blog: Metal Finish Finesse.
3. Natural Stone
Gorgeous Exotic stone (Quartzite, Marble, and new types of Granite) will show up as art on more surfaces. We’ve been using it on walls just as often as countertops…
4. Natural Wood Tones
Following the warm-neutral trend, white- and gray-washed woods are out, and natural and rich wood tones are back.
5. Bursts of Color
Deep colors, especially dark blues, greens, and purples, are trending across paints, finishes, furniture pieces, and decor.
6. Curvy Lines
Curvy lines replace rigid, straight lines for a more organic and dynamic feel.
7. Unique Furniture Pieces
We love working with custom furniture makers, and we’re seeing interesting materials coming back. In particular: vein-cut travertine and burled wood.
An Interior Designer’s Guide to Timeless Design
Trends are cyclical. Someone embraces an element they love, it picks up steam, and, soon, everyone is hopping on board right before it falls out of favor. Rather than jumping on the bandwagon, I urge you to join me in “The Pursuit of Timeless Design.” As you’re bombarded with new trends this year, keep these tips in mind to stay authentic to your own style:
1. Take Your Time
Instead of buying a whole room all at once, take time to curate your style with meaningful design elements. Rushing into a design is a surefire way to end up with a one-dimensional, trendy space you’ll tire of fast.
2. Incorporate One or Two Unique Pieces
Make it a point to include something special that speaks to you, whether it's an old family chair or an antique rug. And yes, these even have a place in contemporary spaces. Personal pieces are direct expressions of you, and no one else will have your exact style.
3. Selectively Splurge
Because trends are fleeting, followers have a hard time investing in expensive items. However, I believe it’s essential to choose an area of your home to stretch your budget and include a high-end element. Remember to keep it personal to you and select an item that resonates and sparks a bit of joy.
4. Learn from History
Rather than reading up on current trends, I like to look back to classic interiors from interior design icons and legendary architects. These designs are tried and true, and the strategies used to create them are still relevant to today’s spaces.
5. Faux is Just That: False
Is a fake ever as good as the original? Good design is real. Avoid artificial materials and designer knockoffs pretending to be something they’re not. Instead, invest in quality materials and original pieces that speak to you.
6. Nature Never Goes Out of Style
Nature is timeless. Natural elements, like wood and stone, add a sense of connectivity to a space. Bring in natural elements and establish an indoor-outdoor flow for an elevated feel that never goes out of style.
7. If Everyone Has It, Maybe You Shouldn't
That’s all. (To be said with a Meryl Streep intonation from Devil Wears Prada).
8. When It Comes to Color, a Little Goes a Long Way
If you flip through my portfolio, you’ll see an affinity towards neutrals. I’m not afraid of color, but I know the color fad cycle is fast, which can lead to buyer’s remorse for high-ticket items like tiles, cabinets, and furnishings. For the big things, pick a timeless palette. Add color splashes through pillows, art, and accessories you can easily update.
9. Choose What You Love
Above all else, choose what you love, not what’s on trend. Creating a timeless design means designing a space you will enjoy for years to come. Stay true to your own style and personality. Ignore the noise of what everyone else is doing.
The Bottom Line: Trends Come and Go
Trends come and go, but your personal preferences will stand the test of time. While it can be fun for some to explore the latest trends, do so sparingly. After all, the trends won’t be here for long! Remember to always put quality and personal style first for a space you’ll love for years to come.