10 Interior Design Trends of 2023: Embracing Simplicity and Individuality

Rude House / STUDIOTAMAT. Image © Serena Eller Vainicher

As we approach the end of 2023, a year defined by significant shifts, it's a perfect time to reflect on how global events and trends have influenced interior design. This year, interior design took a more reserved and subtle approach compared to previous years. People sought simplicity and individuality while expressing their uniqueness through subtle design interventions.

Climate change and global geopolitical events were central themes that impacted architectural and interior design choices. Amidst these challenges, architects and designers explored alternative ways of designing and building, questioning colonialism, consumer culture, waste, tradition, and authenticity. The focus shifted towards the global south, embracing local narratives and thriving amidst scarcity.

Senses House / UP3 Arquitetura. Image © Denilson Machado - MCA Estúdio

These global events inevitably influenced interior design trends. The design landscape in 2023 was marked by calmness and a slower pace. Avant-garde movements took a backseat, and there was a re-evaluation of wealth and extravagance. Structure, both in its literal and symbolic sense, regained attention, shifting the focus from curved outlines. Earth-inspired color palettes drew inspiration from landscapes, flora, fauna, and everything in between. Pastel mint green emerged as a popular choice among architects and designers.

Terra Restaurant Al Qana / BONE. Image © Oculis Project

Let's delve into the 10 interior design trends that shaped spaces in 2023.

Earth-Inspired Color Palettes

Oasi House / MARBÄ Artquitectura + Diseño iluminación Cálida Lighting. Image © Alejandro Gómez Vives

Nature's hues played a significant role in interior design. Architects and designers drew inspiration from the Earth's landscapes, incorporating calming tones and organic shades into their projects. These earth-inspired color palettes created a harmonious and grounded atmosphere within interior spaces.

Neo-Brutalism

Off The Grid Apartment / DOT. Image © Ishita Sitwala

Neo-brutalism made a strong impression in 2023. Architects embraced raw and honest materials, showcasing exposed concrete, rough textures, and industrial elements. This trend celebrated simplicity and functionality, providing a refreshing departure from more ornate design styles.

Metallic Surfaces

diagonal Store / oftn studio. Image © Choi Young Joon

Metallic surfaces added a touch of glamour and sophistication to interior spaces in 2023. Architects and designers incorporated metallic finishes, such as brass, copper, and gold, to create eye-catching accents. These shimmering elements added a sense of luxury and elegance to various design styles.

Grid Framework

ICÔNE Collaborative Office Complex / Foster + Partners. Image © Nigel Young

Grid frameworks became a prominent design element in 2023. Architects utilized grids to structure interior spaces efficiently and create a sense of order. These grids provided a versatile framework for organizing furniture, displays, and circulation paths, resulting in visually appealing and functional spaces.

Accent Geometric Tiles

Cafe good & goody / design by 83. Image © Dong-gyu Kim

Geometric tiles took center stage as accent features in 2023. Architects and designers embraced vibrant and eye-catching tiles to create focal points within interior spaces. These tiles adorned accent walls and fit-outs, adding a playful and artistic touch to various design schemes.

Color of the Year: Pastel Mint Green

La Cuadra Extension / Un Estudio Propio. Image © Alex Lafuente

Pastel mint green emerged as the color of the year in 2023. This soothing and refreshing hue found its way into numerous interior projects. Architects and designers embraced its calming qualities to create tranquil and harmonious environments.

Wood Everywhere

Light Box House / NatureHumaine. Image © Ronan Mézière

The warmth and natural beauty of wood took center stage in 2023. Architects and designers incorporated wood into their projects, creating inviting and cozy atmospheres. Wood surfaces, from flooring to wall paneling and furniture, added a touch of natural elegance to interior spaces.

Offset Plan with a Central Element

Gastro Circuit / one-aftr. Image © Jang Mi

The offset plan with a central element gained popularity in 2023. Architects and designers reimagined spatial configurations by organizing floor layouts, circulation paths, and displays around a central feature within a space. This design approach created visually engaging and functional interiors.

Redefined Open Spaces: Modularity and Levels

East West House / Bloot Architecture. Image © Jeroen Musch

Open spaces underwent a redefinition in 2023, prioritizing privacy and modularity. Architects and designers created flexible spaces that could adapt to different needs and activities. The inclusion of multiple levels within open spaces added visual interest and allowed for a seamless flow between areas.

The Revival of Midcentury Modern

Juno Restaurant / Rawan Muqaddas + Selma Akkari. Image © Oculis Project

The timeless appeal of Midcentury Modern design made a comeback in 2023. Architects and designers drew inspiration from this iconic design era, reinterpreting its aesthetic to fit contemporary contexts. The revival of Midcentury Modern brought a touch of nostalgia and sophistication to interior spaces.

Honorable Mention: Skylights and Playful Shadows

Nhà Voi 7 Gardens House / DA VÀNG studio. Image © Minq Bui

Skylights and playful shadows added an ethereal touch to interior spaces in 2023. Architects and designers embraced natural light and its interplay with the built environment to create mesmerizing effects. These features brought a sense of connection to the outdoors and added a dynamic element to interior design.

These 10 interior design trends defined the aesthetic choices of 2023. From earth-inspired color palettes to playful shadows, architects and designers pushed boundaries and embraced simplicity while allowing individuality to shine. As we look forward to the future, these trends will continue to shape the way we inhabit and experience interior spaces.

This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review, presented by Randers Tegl. At Randers Tegl, we add a unique touch to exceptional brickworks by bringing premium bricks to life. Making the impossible possible since 1911.

All images sourced from source article and are credited to their respective photographers and architects.