6 Design Trend Predictions for 2023

From luxe looks to automated appliances, we run through our 6 design trend predictions for 2023

Whether it’s different colourways and textures, innovative appliances or the next best way to update the layout of a property, each year the industry must ensure it’s one step ahead of customer demand to capitalise on the opportunities to upsell and keep designs up to date. 

To support manufacturers, designers and studios, we’ve pulled together our predictions for 2023 trends – including the accessories that are set to surge in demand, how lighting design will evolve, why bespoke designs don’t have to cost the earth, and how people’s buying habits will change considering the cost-of-living crisis. 

1.    Luxe looks

Strong yet warm tones, including corals, reds, purples, pinks and yellows are set to dominate colour palettes in 2023. 

Pantone’s colour of the year was announced as ‘Viva Magenta’, while yellow-gold shade ‘Wild Wonder’ is Dulux’s top choice for the year ahead. 

Each of these shades can be teamed with bold accessories and hardware to create a feel of ‘modern luxe’. Door handles, hinges and taps in rich gold, for example, work with warm palettes to achieve a regal aesthetic, while those who want to go a step further can utilise gold sinks in their kitchens or bathrooms to create a real opulent look. 

2.    Functional lighting

Of course, equally important to how a space looks is how a space functions for the user.

As homeowner awareness about the importance of lighting design grows, demand for functional lighting will continue to grow. 

Key will be bringing different lighting elements – like spotlights, LED strips and pendant lighting – together to create the perfect balance of performance and aesthetic. 

Designers need to consider how a user moves around their living space, and provide them with a design to enhance their journey; the lighting in the right places – fitted to furniture, for example – to achieve their needs. 

Getting this right will demonstrate to customers that you both understand their priorities in the home, and acknowledge their desire for their completed space to stand out. 
 

3.    Appliances that automate 

Homeowners are time precious and energy conscious. 

With many looking to make savings in both of these areas, appliances which tick both boxes will be high in demand. 

The latest products in Smeg’s range, for example, enhance the cooking experience while tapping into customer needs, with 26 cooking functions and 150 automatic recipes that improve time-saving, energy-efficiency and overall food quality. 

 

4.    Bespoke and ‘off the shelf’ combine

Teaming bespoke designs with ‘off the shelf’ ranges will be key to helping homeowners balance unique results with a reasonable overall price point. 

For example, in the kitchen – where functionality and aesthetic are equally important – bespoke timber drawers can be crafted for clever storage solutions which work as well as they look. 

These can them be teamed with cabinet doors, like those in our Aspekt range – which are perfect for retrofitting projects – to help manage the budget, while creating an entirely individual outcome. 

 

5.    Say it with a statement piece

Interior design has the power to add more vibrancy and energy to people’s lives – even when it might feel like there’s little to celebrate. 

As such, in 2023, statement pieces in bold shades like pinks, mustard yellows, teals and oranges will top the list for many who want to update their appliances, fixtures and fittings. 

For example, Smeg’s candy pink American-style fridge would make a huge difference in a kitchen decked out in more muted tones; splashbacks can be easily updated in the many shades available from AluSplash to add an instant pop of colour to a space, while small touches like coloured sinks and gold taps can bring a bathroom to life quickly and easily. 
 

6.    Handleless style

Handleless cabinetry has been popular for some time and will continue to be in 2023 as more people look to make the best use of every inch within their kitchens. 

However, solutions such as Gola Profiles mean even handleless cabinets can still make an impact, with profiles now available in brushed copper, anodised brass and matt black. 

Added to slab cabinet doors, this subtle addition to a space will provide the perfect finishing touch, balancing understated with something to shout about.