Interior Design in 2023
Indoor trees that are NOT fiddle leafs, art that is NOT a painting and decorative wood pieces. Bring on 2023 predictions!
Three Dimensional Artworks
We are seeing so much variety when it comes to artwork in interiors. I predict that we will see more interiors with artwork that isn’t a painting such as a tapestry, wall rug, metal mobile sculpture or ceramic plaques hung on the wall.
A 3 dimensional piece can give a space an element of the unexpected. Studio Shamshiri demonstrate with this incredible project just how many types of artwork are incorporated in interiors. When we search for artwork for the home, a painting is what usually comes to mind first. However this is just the tip of the iceberg and we’re seeing a whole range of media when it comes to artwork adorning the home.
3D Artworks: This living room features a vintage furniture pieces and various artworks that are NOT paintings, including this artwork, a Fay Ray hanging sculpture alongside a large-scale painting by Enrique Martínez Celaya. Interior design by Studio Shamshiri, photo by by Stephen Kent Johnson Styled by Michael Reynolds via Architectural Digest.
Sarah Sherman Samuel released a collection of 3D artworks. This piece in plaster with slaked lime paint finish is called When Time Creates the Deepest Furrow, 2022
Abstract steel and brass sculpture by Sydney artist Clementine Stoney Maconachie
Cassie Hansen has released a collection of ceramic wall plaques that reflect her successful career within architecture media.
Anti-Glam
It doesn’t feel right to be surrounding ourselves in our homes with synthetic and factory made things. We want to see unlacqured brass rather than polished. Soft mohair velvet rather than shiny velvets. Raw clay rather than molded acrylic. 100% natural linen, not shiny polyester.
We’re looking for a down to earth feeling.
‘Bling’ doesn’t appeal, instead luxury means handmade and natural materials. Pieces made locally by actual humans. Hand-carved wood framed mirrors and furniture, ceramic kitchenware, locally printed custom wallpaper and artwork. There’s a time investment when it comes to creating a thoughtful space and many hours trawling auction houses, online marketplaces and vintage stores, but it is immensely satisfying.
This anti-glam look redefines luxury. It’s not shiny and ‘bling’ rather luxury means natural materials, vintage pieces and handcrafted finishes that comes together for a thoughtful, considered space. ARCHITECTURE Thomas Melhorn INTERIOR DESIGN Betsy Brown PHOTOGRAPHY Nicole Franzen
A built-in sofa is set against large windows with views of the Moroccan landscape. Pure luxury is defined as living with custom made pieces and locally sourced materials. The space is pared-back in a luxurious, handmade way that Studio KO are known for. Also, this project is nearly 9 years old, perhaps its quite timeless. PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Glasser
Super relaxed yet luxurious. The natural materials are the hero in this Californian house with interiors by Nicole Hollis. Photos by Laure Joliet.
Archival Designs
We love the way vintage pieces add a layer of meaning and imbue a certain spirit into a space. However it can be a long search to find the perfect piece and they are not always in good condition.
We welcome furniture re-editions with open arms. Sometimes when these designs emerge from an archive, they are able to be fabricated with superior materials than what was available in the time they were first produced and more sustainably too.
We’ve seen an explosion of re-editions coming from Gubi, Menu, B&B Italia, Tacchini, Cassina, to name just a few and we are here for it.
The Basket Collection was designed by Joe Columbo in the 1970s and has recently been reissued by Gubi from In Good Company.
The sculpted armrests combined with the leather low seat and sleigh-like back make the Elizabeth Lounge Chair a prime example of Danish Modern. Designed by Ib Kofod Larsen it is now back in production by Menu, of which sisalla is a proud stockist.
Le Mura modular sofa was designed by Mario Bellini in 1972 and was revived by Tacchini in 2022. It encapsulates everything about Italian design in the 1970s; soft chunky aesthetics, low and loungey proportions with ergonomics that encourage some serious relaxing. This is speaking to us loudly in 2023.
Decorative Wood
In 2023 I predict that we will be seeing more carved wood patterns and decorative wool finishes applied to furniture.
Barley twist, bobbin furniture, carvings and inlay. We’ve stayed true to clean lines for too long, it’s time to dip into the archives and rediscover the beauty of intricate woodwork.
We love decorative pieces in the home that have character and show off craftsmanship. A cabinet that features traditional techniques but in a contemporary way by the likes of Italian designer Chiara Andreatti or the two-toned ash and walnut pieces by Sarah Ellison.
Burl timber veneer has also been emerging on furniture pieces such as side tables and drawers. Its swirl patterning creates textural interest in an interior, especially in a neutral scheme where texture is the feature.
A bedroom in warm timber tones is a masterclass in layering texture. The sideboard in burl veneer builds on interesting texture. Interior by Meghan Eisenberg
Patterned Upholstery
I’ve noticed pattern emerging in interiors, specifically for large furniture pieces, and I for one am here for it.
I included Reath Design in a story I wrote for The Design Files in 2018 because the way that Frances uses colour and pattern in mid-century houses was so fresh. Since then, I’ve noticed that pattern has been used by designers in America and well, it’s exciting.
It could be a bold floral or a more subtle check, the key with using pattern is to make sure that the scale of the pattern is contrasted.
A check upholstery is the perfect compliment to the textured wood attic space by Love is Enough.
It takes courage to apply a bold floral to a large piece like a sofa however it really pays off. This voluminous room by Meghan Eisenberg can handle a pattern and it makes the space lively with a touch of whimsy.
A patterned Togo fireside sofa in an interior by Reath Design.
There are so many looks happening in interiors right now. It’s a time for the individual to make their space ‘theirs’.
Be it a pared-back calm space or an expressive cosy one, the choice is yours. My suggestion to take some time to think about how you want your space to feel and make it happen. Have fun!