Interior Design Trends – What Are the Newest Trends?

Interior design trends are constantly evolving to reflect changing lifestyles, technologies, environmental concerns, and aesthetic preferences. While classic styles will always remain popular, there are a number of emerging trends that are expected to gain traction in the coming years. This article explores some of the newest and most influential interior design trends that will help inspire contemporary, on-trend spaces.

Sustainability

Sustainable design has become a major priority for many homeowners and designers alike. This trend focuses on selecting eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and designs that stand the test of time. Here are some ways sustainable principles are influencing interiors:

Natural materials: Natural and responsibly-sourced materials like wood, stone, bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood are growing in popularity. These renewable resources add organic warmth and texture to a space.
Energy efficiency: Strategic insulation, air sealing, ENERGY STAR appliances, LED lighting, and smart home tech help reduce a home’s carbon footprint.
Water conservation: Low-flow plumbing fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping, and rainwater harvesting systems minimize water waste.
Improved indoor air quality: Air purifying plants, natural ventilation, radon mitigation, and low-VOC paints promote healthier indoor air.
Adaptive reuse: Converting existing buildings for new uses preserves embodied energy and reduces waste. Vintage and antique furnishings also prolong the lifecycle of materials.
Multifunctional furniture: Furniture with multiple configurations, concealed storage, and moveable components adapt to changing needs over time.

The goal of sustainability is to reduce environmental impact through intentional design choices. When applied creatively, these principles can also create homes with character, quality, and an inviting atmosphere.

Biophilia

Biophilic design connects people to nature through interior spaces, improving mood, focus, and general wellbeing. Since we spend 90% of our time indoors, bringing the outdoors in is more important than ever. Biophilic elements include:

Natural materials: Natural materials like stone, wood, plants, water and daylight filter in organic textures, patterns and colors.
Direct nature: Windows, skylights, and doors providing views of nature and ample daylight. Outdoor living spaces also connect interiors with the outdoors.
Representational nature: Natural imagery like photographs, paintings, stone, and wood depict aspects of nature. Patterned fabrics, textiles and wallpapers also bring nature motifs into a space.
Indirect nature: Warm, natural lighting, ventilation, curves, and naturalistic shapes and forms evoke qualities of nature. The soothing sounds of water features or nature playlists also connect interiors with nature.
Plants: Houseplants clean indoor air while providing natural beauty. Vertical greenery, moss walls, and green roofs further integrate plant life.

These biophilic elements work together to create calming, life-affirming spaces that satisfy our innate human affinity for nature.

Warm, Organic Color Palettes

Vibrant, saturated hues have been popular in recent years, but softer, more muted color palettes are coming to the forefront. Organic tones derived from nature promote balance and wellbeing:

Earth tones: Hues of clay, stone, wood, and soil in warm neutrals, rich browns, and terra cotta.
Greens: Leafy greens, lichen, sage, and mosses provide a fresh yet soothing ambiance. Especially popular in bedrooms.
Blues: Hazy sky blue, serene aqua, mineral blue-grays create a relaxing retreat.
Pastels: Soft chalky hues like blush, sage, sky blue, buttermilk and pale gray create an airy, ethereal aesthetic.
Warm metals: Muted metallics and mineral tones such as rust, bronze, pewter and copper add natural warmth.

These colors work beautifully together in both Analogous and Complementary color schemes. Keep walls, large furniture and fixtures neutral, then layer in organic hues through textiles, accessories and artwork. The result is a tailored, curated look perfect for comfortable yet stylish spaces.

Natural Textures & Materials

In addition to warmer color palettes, natural materials and textures are rising in popularity. Layering tactile, organic surfaces creates depth and visual interest while promoting biophilia. Popular choices include:

Wood: Reclaimed wood, oak, walnut, teak and bamboo add warmth and versatility. Use it for floors, furniture, paneling, ceilings and more.
Stone: Natural stone like marble, travertine, slate, limestone and quartzite lend organic pattern and texture. Feature it on walls, backsplashes, tiles, countertops or accessories.
Plaster: Honed plaster in natural earth tones offers a smooth yet textural backdrop. Works on walls, molding, furniture and objets d’art.
Jute & sisal: Natural fibers like jute, sisal, seagrass and coir bring dimensional texture to rugs, baskets and wall hangings.
Rattan & wicker: Made from natural vine, rattan and wicker finishes provide casual texture for furnishings and decorative accents.
Terrazzo: Composed of bits of marble or other stones in a binder, terrazzo lends unique pattern and veining. Use it for surfaces like floors, walls or countertops.

The goal is to incorporate raw, tactile surfaces that celebrate the imperfections and variations of natural materials. This creates a cohesive, grounded look and feel.

Morphing Spaces

Today’s open floor plans are evolving further through morphing spaces that can change function on demand. Hybrid rooms allow homes to better support flexible lifestyles and remote work needs:

Multifunctional furniture like Murphy beds, tables with drop-down leaves, and storage ottomans conserve space while serving multiple needs.
Moveable room dividers like pocket doors, curtains, sliding panels and furniture arrangements allow quick modifications.
Performance fabrics stand up to everyday wear-and-tear in highly-used spaces while also looking stylish.
Multipurpose rooms support both daily activities and special events. For example, an open dining area can double as a homework station or craft zone.
Transformative layouts allow complete room transformations. A living room may convert into a guest bedroom with a sleeper sofa, then back again as needed.
Adaptive storage solutions like built-in cubbies, concealed cabinets, and modular shelving systems accommodate changing storage needs.

This versatility allows rooms to support remote work, distance learning, exercise, hobbies, and entertainment as needed – all within the same thoughtfully designed spaces.

Authentic, Personalized Style

In contrast to mass-produced style, people are seeking unique spaces reflecting their own personal story. This means moving beyond generic trends to express authentic, individual style:

Mix old and new: Blend antique, vintage and modern pieces that hold personal significance. The patina of worn items adds character.
Handcrafted and custom elements designed specifically for you and your home provide personalized details. Think custom millwork, window valances, art and specialty lighting.
Display collectibles and memorabilia: Collections, souvenirs, family photos and heirlooms add sentimental value and give a home character.
Choose furniture with character: Seek out pieces with charming accents like carved wood details or chippy paint. Imperfections add charm.
Warm metals: Brass, copper and bronze finishes add handcrafted personality compared to cool stainless steel and chrome.
Playful patterns: Incorporate patterns and designs that bring personal joy, like cheerful florals, bold geometrics or whimsical motifs.

Your home should tell your unique story. Work with interior designers to customize spaces speaking to your lifestyle, loves and passions.

Elevated Minimalism

After years of over-the-top decor, minimalism is making a comeback. But the new minimalism focuses more on simplicity and function than stark, empty spaces. Key traits include:

Thoughtful editing: Carefully curate furnishings and accessories to only items you use and love. Avoid clutter and generic filler pieces that lack purpose.
Multifunctional furniture saves space while serving various needs for different users, from remote workstations to kid-friendly surfaces.
Creative storage: Conceal everyday mess in clever ways, like barn doors hiding a media zone or benches with hidden toy storage. This maintains order.
Soothing color palettes of light neutrals open up smaller spaces. Then use texture, patterns and greenery to add natural interest without visual clutter.
Handcrafted accents like art, ceramics, woven wall hangings and unique light fixtures add personality to minimalist spaces.

The new minimalism enhances wellbeing by eliminating visual noise in favor of purpose, utility and beauty. You have the tranquility of simple spaces as well as the joy of meaningful belongings.

Statement Lighting

Lighting is transitioning from a purely functional element to an artistic feature that enhances decor and architecture. Statement light fixtures lend drama and sophistication to both classic and contemporary spaces:

Sculptural pendants in fluid shapes like bubbles, arcs and spirals become artistic focal points, especially over dining tables, kitchen islands and living room seating.
Marquee lighting emits soft ambient glow from behind decorative enclosures in materials like wood, metal, acrylic or fabric. Works well over beds, vanities and linear surfaces.
Edgy geometrics like intersecting wedge pendants, crystalline chandeliers and faceted sconces add sculptural dimension with light and shadow. Provides an element of modern edge.
Warm metals like brass, aged bronze and copper lend a polished, luxe look. Feels elevated yet still naturally textured and inviting.
Bold proportions like oversized lantern pendants for high ceilings make a dramatic design statement.
Sleek profiles like linear fixtures and track lighting provide streamlined elegance even in minimalist spaces.

Make lighting a focal point rather than an afterthought. The right fixtures can transform a space from basic to brilliant.

Nature-Inspired Wallpaper

After years out of favor, wallpaper is resurging as a transformative design element. But today’s wallpaper offers much more than Victorian florals. Modern patterns draw inspiration from nature’s landscapes:

Tropical motifs with exotic foliage, palm prints, jungle scenes or avocado graphics lend a sense of escapism with sunny colors and warm natural tones.
Mural landscapes depicting stunning vistas, forests, deserts, waterfalls or mountain peaks bring the outdoors in with sweeping panoramic views.
Woodland themes feature elegant birch trees, painterly leaves, regenerative woods or abstract bark textures for an organic but refined look.
Pastoral patterns of rolling hills, plowed fields, barns, tractors and crops capture the beauty of rural countryside living.
Aquatic prints with kinetic waves, kinetic bubbles or abstract watercolors add soothing oceanic colors.
Mineral patterns reflecting the earth’s strata, crystals, gemstones and other rock textures bring dimensional elegance.

Wallpaper offers endless possibilities for infusing interiors with the vitality and wonder of the natural world. These lush, immersive prints are perfect for making a subtle statement or bold declaration.

Sophisticated Japandi Style

Japandi style blends Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese zen influences to create serene, harmonious spaces. This sophisticated look incorporates natural, tactile elements from both aesthetics:

Neutral color palette centered around calming whites, creams and earth tones allows the textures and materials to take the spotlight.
Natural materials like light wood, bamboo, linen, jute, cotton, rattan and stone add organic warmth. Textural ceramics also add interest.
Tactile layers created with bedding, pillows, throws and rugs balance sleek furnishings with cozy softness.
Subtle patterns or decorative accents connect to nature with motifs drawn from landscapes, seasons, flora/fauna or organic shapes.
Minimal clutter and multipurpose furnishings allow the eye to focus on beautiful attributes of each piece.
Asymmetrical balance creates a sense of order and harmony without rigid matching.

Japandi’s clean lines and earthy elements have a centering, tranquilizing effect on mind, body and spirit. The look works beautifully in urban lofts, country cottages and everything between.

Interior Design Trends – What Are the Newest Trends? Key Takeaways:

Sustainability, including the use of eco-friendly materials and efficiency-focused designs, is becoming a priority for environmentally-conscious homeowners.
Biophilic elements that connect interiors with nature, like plants, natural light, and wood accents, promote improved health, mood, and focus.
Soothing, organic color palettes with earthy neutrals and oceanic blues create relaxing, livable spaces.
Tactile natural materials like stone, wood, and jute add cozy textures as smooth metals lend subtle shine.
Transforming, multi-functional spaces allow homeowners flexibility in uses for dining, working, learning, exercising, and more.
Personal style with handed-down furniture cherished for its memories, or custom-crafted pieces, makes a home unique.
The new minimalism focuses on purpose, simplicity, and beauty through considered editing and functional design.
Standout lighting makes a dramatic design statement with sculptural, artistic fixtures in bold shapes and metallic finishes.
Wallpaper, especially patterns inspired by nature’s landscapes, provides an artistic, transformative design element.
Japandi style blends Japanese minimalism and zen with Scandinavian practicality and coziness for soothing spaces.

Interior Design Trends – Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most popular colors for 2023 interior design?

Earth tones, oceanic blues, warm neutrals, and organic greens are very on-trend. Soft pastels and muted metallic accents are also widely popular for a relaxed look.

What natural and sustainable materials are trending?

Wood, especially reclaimed, stone, jute, seagrass, cork, bamboo, concrete, and terrazzo are all popular eco-friendly materials right now. Using renewable, responsibly-sourced materials reduces environmental impact.

How can you incorporate biophilic design elements into your home?

Add plenty of natural light through windows, skylights, and Solatubes. Bring in living plants, greenery on walls, natural materials, and images of nature. Let fresh air and natural sounds in. Create outdoor living spaces. Use natural tones and textures.

How do you create multifunctional spaces?

Use moveable room dividers and furniture that can change configurations. Select performance fabrics that can withstand everyday wear-and-tear. Build in adaptable storage solutions and convertible pieces like murphy beds.

What are some key ways to express personal style?

Display cherished collections and family heirlooms. Choose furniture with charm and imperfections, like chippy paint. Select patterns and color palettes that spark joy. Add handcrafted, custom-made, or curated vintage elements.

What should you focus on for elevated minimalism?

Carefully edit your belongings to only pieces you need and love. Invest in multifunctional, space-saving furniture. Conceal clutter with brilliant storage solutions. Use soothing neutral palettes punctuated by textural accents and handcrafted items.

How do you create an authentic Japandi interior?

Use a calming neutral palette of whites, creams and wood tones. Choose natural materials like linen, rattan, wood and stone. Incorporate subtle nature-inspired patterns and ceramics. Layer in textiles for cozy texture. Allow asymmetry and empty space between furnishings.

Conclusion

Interior design is an exciting, constantly evolving industry. While clean lines and neutral tones will always have their place, the latest trends move away from strict minimalism towards a more collected, eclectic look with personality. Warm natural materials, tactile textures, curated vintage finds, and unconventional multifunctional spaces allow people to create homes that truly reflect the owner’s lifestyle and loves. These design directions ultimately make for interiors that feel authentic, artistic, and profoundly livable.

Although trends come and go, innovative solutions focused on environmental impact, health, and flexibility will only become more pressing needs. By taking inspiration from both emerging and time-tested trends, interior designers can continue crafting personalized, holistic spaces that support ever-changing needs and make residents happy for decades to come. The possibilities for creativity are boundless.