A Look Back at the Top 2023 Interior Design Trends

As 2023 draws to a close, we wanted to take a trip back through the interior trends the year has brought us and how our incredible design community really leaned into them. From bold character to a blend of modern minimalism and a shift within the iconic coastal trend, 2023 was the year of self-expression. Our 2023 Interior Trends to Watch article highlighted an emphasis on individualism, which we really saw play out. So, let's dive into the styles and trends both our design community and the industry loved this year.

Image credit: Sage & Cove | Villa Styling  

Image credit: Sage & Cove | Villa Styling  

Natural Connection

Biophilic design is the concept of connecting with nature through design and built environments. This year both the industry and our design community really harnessed this trend by creating a natural connection within their mood board projects and homes. Functional products, such as the Bon Coffee Table from James Lane and the Portsea Coffee Table from Oz Design, empowered this trend through modern touches that also kept spaces feeling organic. Natural materials and earthy palettes, like the Capri Line Slip Cover from Style My Home, worked to ground the space. We also saw products, like the Olive Tree and String of Potted Pearls from Elme Living, being utilised as a way of bringing the outdoors in, minus the fuss of watering plants.   

As Featured In:

Mood board created by Hatti Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by House of Hali Designs on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

“Our design community certainly love the use of natural textures and finishes, and this is something we’ve seen stronger than ever in 2023. The use of natural materials such as rattan, travertine, marble and linen were amongst some of the most loved interior finishes for the past year. And it’s no surprise that indoor greenery and foliage were the top product of choice when it came to our most loved décor and styling item”.

- Emilee McHugh | Marketing Manager, Style Sourcebook

Image credit: SMUB Studio | Rex Whiticker 

Bold, Vibrant Character

We didn’t see maximalism in the way we originally thought we would. While it was still the talk of the town, the trend took shape in various other ways. Maximalism is the art of expression, which we definitely did see a rise in popularity. It wasn’t all contrasting colours and vibrant spaces, but there was a bigger push for pieces with character and layering. Take the Wavee Groovy Armchair from L3 Home and the Beat Metal Floor Lamp from Lighting Illusions, for example. Both products are classic and simplistic, but work to bring character into any space. The same goes for the Telbix Marsten Pendant Light from The Blue Space, the Milani Assembly Tap in Brushed Brass from ABI Interiors, and the Lago Green Gloss Tile from Tile Republic, statement pieces such as these truly set the tone for 2023. 

As Featured In:

Mood board created by The Blue Space on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by Studio Rae Interior Designs on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

“This year we’ve definitely see a rise in the use of bold and maximal style interiors. While a neutral palette is still very much a trend, we’re seeing a lot of our design community get a bit more daring when it comes to the clashing and mixing of various colours and textures in their interior projects. The juxtaposition between pairing bolder coloured accent pieces with soft, light decorative furnishings is something we’re seeing more and more of”.

- Emilee McHugh | Marketing Manager, Style Sourcebook

Image credit: Nick Bell Architects | Tom Ferguson Photography 

Image credit: Nick Bell Architects | Tom Ferguson Photography 

Modern Minimalism

Moving over to the contrast of maximalism is the ever-so-popular minimalism. This trend became even more popular throughout 2023 as we watched it integrate with the rise of modernism. Minimalism focuses on functionality, clean aesthetics, and a neutral palette, gaining its character through textures. Perfectly illustrating this trend's success are products like the Orli Alabaster Wall Lamp from Hardware Concepts, Minimalist Woman from Boho Art & Styling, and Melange Bianco from Amber. And of course, 2023 was the year to focus on including pieces that combined style and functionality. Take the Henley Single Fluted Farmhouse Sink from ABI Interiors, the Hudson Modular Sofa from Granite Lane or the 50’s Style Toaster from Smeg. Each piece serves a practical purpose but also adds to the overall décor of the home, contributing to the key elements of modern minimalism.

As Featured In:

Mood board created by Urban Road on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by Project Four Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Image Credit: Lumière Collective | Nat Spada

Coastal Trends

Coastal interior design remained strong in 2023 but took a more refined approach. We still saw natural influences, fresh linens, and the style's iconic neutral palette, but there was definitely a shift in the air. Instead of bright whites, there was a more organic approach, like Natural White™ from Dulux, and pieces became more minimal like the Tovia Coastal Side Table from Lounge Lovers and the Handwoven Pendant Light from Her Hands. Plus, touches of colour were added to contrast those neutrals, such as the green found in products like the Wash & Lotion Duo - Green Pepper & Lotus from al.ive body. We’re excited to see what lies ahead for the renowned coastal style. 

Mood board created by AngieJaneBruton on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by Layered Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Image credit: @houseonesixtwo | @the.palm.co 

Image credit: @houseonesixtwo | @the.palm.co 

Texture

There is no denying that texture became a much-loved element of 2023. From an emphasis on specific fabrics, such as boucle, to curved designs and textured finishes across many different products and styles. Pieces, such as the Alden Sofa from Urban Road, Twilight from CDK Stone, and the La Paloma - Miro from Austral Bricks (Brickworks Building Products), illustrated that texture could be found in many exciting places. Texture’s moment has continued to influence the industry throughout 2023 and there is no doubt that it will continue to lead trends in 2024. 

Mood board created by Flawless Interiors Melbourne on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Mood board created by Yuzu Interiors on Style Sourcebook. View mood board here.

Image credit: Alison Lewis Interiors | BuildHer Collective | Dylan James  

We loved seeing this year's trends come to life in our design community’s mood board projects and within the industry. We can’t wait to see what next year holds. Stay tuned for more exciting 2024 trends.