We’re officially in 2023 and that means we’re looking at everything with a fresh perspective – including our interiors.

After all, the rug you may have purchased or the vase placed on your shelf may not reflect your current interior style or the vibe you’re trying to achieve this year.

Luckily, we’ve got some insight on the home decor trends to look out for in 2023 – and these trends are placing sustainability at the core of it all.

From crafted ceramics to wallpaper borders, these 2023 decor trends will give your space the ultimate update.

1. Sustainable materials (cork and aluminium)

According to Lick trend specialist Matilda Martin, the interior industry’s bid to become more sustainable means that designers and consumers alike are looking for ways to design against global waste, rather than add to it. 

From rattan and bamboo to cane and linen, there are plenty of materials that are considered environmentally friendly, and its cork and aluminium that Lick predicts will become increasingly popular in households in 2023 and beyond.

“Unlike its polished counterparts, cork is an approachable material,” says Tash Bradley, Lick’s director of interior design. “Its natural brown colour gives it a grounding, earthy feel, instantly making you feel more relaxed, while its rugged bark appearance adds texture, warmth and cosiness.”

Aluminium can be recycled endlessly, making it one of the most environmentally-friendly metals you can use in your home.

“The key to ensuring your space doesn’t look sterile is by mixing the aluminium with warmer tones, such as those found in wood and cork,” says Bradley. 

2. Wavy stripes

From Bethan Gray’s iconic Inky Dhow designs and Henry Holland Studio’s striped ceramics to House Of Hackney’s Songs of the Sea collection, wavy stripes are, quite literally, making waves in the design world – and Matilda Martin explains that there is a good reason behind it.

“As the importance of the home and its role as a place of comfort, sanctuary and protection continues to grow, so will a lean towards colours, patterns, materials and shapes that provide people with a sense of emotional refuge,” she says.

Charlotte Cropper, Lick’s international colour consultant, adds that waves are often associated with water and the ocean, which are known to “evoke feelings of calm and relaxation”.

“Patterns with wavy stripes are the perfect recipe, therefore, for encouraging moments of mindfulness in the home.”

3. Flawsome designs

“As we move into 2023, we expect that the desire to decorate with sustainability in mind will continue to be prevalent,” says Maryanne Cartwright, head of design at Graham and Brown.

“We’ll see interiors that embrace the flawsome trend, a design quality that celebrates the imperfections in previously hidden objects or artworks by restoring their beauty and giving them a new life. This idea that we can curate a unique identity by marrying the old with the new and re-working preloved materials, is something that we predict to see in modern interior design.”

4. Layered lighting

According to Sam Bramley, Lick’s lead colour consultant: “Lighting is the second most important design element in your home, after colour.” 

And with its ability to take on new forms from different materials to sculptural shapes, we are beginning to see an increase in layering.

“Layering your lighting adds warmth and cosiness to a space, and it also gives you an opportunity to have fun with different lighting designs,” says Bramley. “Layer your lighting with illuminated pockets on the walls, striking linear lines in your floor lamps to zone areas for their function and style, and oversized pendants hanging from the ceiling for added drama.”

5. Wallpaper borders

First popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, wallpaper borders used to be a way of hiding imperfections on walls – but now, they are being used to add a splash of colour, pattern, and character to your home.

“Wallpaper borders are a great way to highlight architectural elements and make the features you love sing,” says Bramley.

With the rise of dopamine decor and more people getting crafty and playful with their room designs, wall borders could be the perfect way to inject some subtle patterns and colour into your spaces.

6. Artisanal wares

We’ve seen the revival of the artisan and a growing interest in locally crafted homeware, which highlight an increased demand for design that is bespoke, authentic, and hand-made.

“As we move away from fast fashion as a society, we too are moving away from ‘fast design’,” says Cropper. “More and more, we’ve seen our community of decorators looking for vintage or upcycled furniture, rather than buying brand new. With this comes quality products, and making long-term sustainable and conscious lifestyle choices when it comes to our homes”.

7. Primary colours

With the tumultuous times we’re living in, finding moments to be playful and have fun is key – and this is reflected in our homes, as bold colours become increasingly prominent.

“In 2023, watch out for pops of primary colours as accessories and accents in the home,” says Bradley. “From a colour psychology perspective, the three primary colours of red, blue, and yellow represent the body, mind and emotions respectfully. Loud and unapologetic, primary colours are high saturation and will add a playful charm to a space, bringing with them unmistakable energy.” 

8. French country

Jonathan Warren, director and bed specialist at Time4Sleep says for 2023, we’re expecting to see bedroom style move towards a “softer, neutral decor palette.” 

“As part of creating this relaxed sleep space, french country-style decor will be a key feature in bedrooms.”

For those who want to embrace this trend, Warren suggests avoiding “bold colours and prints with bright pops of colour, instead, opt for decor that falls into the categories of light and airy, as a french-style bedroom needs to avoid being stuffy and distracting and instead warm and inviting.”

9. Crafted-look ceramics 

Kate Salmon, homeware buyer at Oliver Bonas says crafted-looked ceramics is another trend we should look out for next year.

“Carved, thrown and pinched-hand-sculpted wares are on the agenda for 2023 and beyond,” she says. “As conscious shopping becomes a priority, sturdy mugs, plates and kitchenware that are sculpted for longevity will be taking centre stage in your home. One of the great pleasures of crafted-look wares is the unique textures that tell the story of the hands that made them which makes each individual item feel and look more special.”

Images: Lick; Graham & Brown; Time4Sleep; Oliver Bonas