Decorating and Staging Trends 2023

Zen is Fundamental in 2023

We don’t need designers and decorating experts to convince us. We need our homes to do double and even triple duty. Our office, our school, and our restaurant, and our gym have all come home…our homes have come to mean much more than before. More and more, people crave a less cluttered home life, as they have had to multi-task more than ever. Zen design is both minimalist and elegant. Everything in the room is meant to calm the spirit and the eye. These are the hallmarks of Zen style:

• Uncluttered spaces with less ornamentation and more organization. It is relaxing to have everything in its place. People who practice making their homes more organized tend to get rid of what they don’t really need. Less is more.
• Neutral spaces are very Zen. Softer colors of nature are relaxing and induce calm.
• Natural, comfortable fabrics. Linen, Cotton, and Silk comes to mind.
• Furniture with simple, low lines works well with the minimalism that invokes Zen.
• Let in as much natural light as possible. Window coverings should be a simple as possible. Plain white or natural sheers with no ornamentation are perfect.
• Artwork and accessories are often large and minimal. Think: one large painting or piece of artwork that fills the entire wall, or one large floral arrangement in the center of the console or dining table.
• Soothing environment, with natural elements like plants. The sound of a water feature is very soothing.

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5. Greening the Inside

Natural elements are a growing part of design and decorating as people are focused on better health and wellness in their living spaces.  Experts say staying connected with nature affects our overall psyche.

There is a growing belief that biophilic design has health benefits. Including plants, wood, stained wood, bone and horns, leather, baskets and natural stone,  granite, and marble in décor is a trend that crosses all styles, from modern, to traditional, and everything in-between.

• We are seeing more plants in design plans. The addition of live greenery, with indoor gardens, living walls and even hanging plants (macrame is back!) are everywhere on Pinterest.
• Cane and rattan are showing up not only in furniture but also in light fixtures, planters, shelves, and etageres. In the right doses, it’s the perfect balance to the more simple, streamlined furniture we love.
• Live edge tables are everywhere…Etsy, YouTube and on Facebook. They are stunning! A lovely way to bring nature inside.
• An easy addition of greenery is a “biomantage”. Yes, it’s a thing! It can be a framed vertical plant, or an entire vertical planter wall, or it can be a room divider with planters, the options are many.

6. Natural Materials

Natural products have been popular for a long time, but lately they seem to have hit a high point. Natural wood cabinets, marble and stone countertops with some modern elements added have led to a modern rustic style.

Along with the love nature, for several years sustainable products have been making their way into every aspect of decorating, from hard surfaces, flooring, and products, as well as furniture. Recycled elements are making their way into kitchen countertops and cabinets. The recent shortage in lumber and building materials alone has forced many manufacturers to look to other resources.

Look for more glass in products, more natural wood and travertine. Cork walls, hemp, and bamboo. As the revolution against “fast fashion” grows, it is more and more having an affect on decorating and home products. People are seeking a more responsible approach to their living spaces.

Sustainable and natural are the buzzwords for home décor in 2023. As the major paint companies release their own “color of the year” they are harkening to our need for basic hues that make the raw materials at home. Colors are muted and subdued.

Realtors® and home stagers recommend that the majority of wall paints and decorating be neutral colors, to appeal to the widest variety of people. Gray has been the most popular neutral color for a decade. You may have noticed the obsession with gray is declining, at least we’re not seeing so much gray on gray. We’ll be seeing a different shade of gray, and probably not so much of it. Here are the color trends to watch for in 2023:

7. Colors of the Year 2023

Spoiler Alert … Color is back in 2023!

The good news:  We’ve been seeing color and pattern come back to decorating, instead of just the neutrals we’ve seen for a decade. It’s a welcome look, although it is toned down to reflect our desire for comfort. Pantone’s color of the year is Viva Magenta. Pantone often sets the stage for fashion as well as home décor.

Every fall many paint manufacturers and decorating gurus announce the Color of the Year for the coming year. More and more, manufacturers put together a palette of colors to go with the color of the year.

But, who cares? Do you need to repaint your space every year?! No, I certainly hope not! Painting is a lot of work. These so-called “colors of the year” tend to show up in the products you will see at the stores, though.

If a color fits your style and taste, then there are several ways to incorporate it without painting your house. Adding a pop of the latest color to your accents is a great way to update. Updating pillows, throws and curtains are an inexpensive but impactful tip.

• Benjamin Moore’s color is Raspberry Blush. Following Pantone’s lead, Raspberry Blush is described as a “vivacious shade of coral tinged with pink.” vibrant, organic and quite striking.
• Behr’s color of the year takes the opposite direction. Blank Canvas is a warm white, keeping with the calm neutral palette that many people love. It is paired with a neutral blueish gray called Adirondack Blue.
• Sherwin Williams has Redend Point as their color of the year. It’s a redish/brown earthy color designed to fit well into a neutral color scheme. In several of their pictures, they’ve paired this greens, grays and copper.
• PPG’s paint colors of the year are the Vining Ivy, another a soothing green, “a deep, shaded, Caribbean aqua with a turquoise undertone.”
• Glidden has the same color, Vining Ivy.
• Dutch Boy’s color of the year for 2023 is sticking to the past success with Rustic Greige.
• Valspar’s color palette again includes 12 soft, cozy pastel colors, without naming a single color of the year.

I have to say, I love the way these paint manufacturers put palettes together. I find them so helpful in creating an over all cohesive look. And yes, if you don’t like magenta, then look to the other colors in the palettes. I’m sure you’ll find something you love.

Even though the experts are doing their best to lead us to vibrant reds, we are still seeing a lot of blues and greens in kitchen cabinets. We are still seeing greige everywhere we look. If you are a neutrals fan…carry on!

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8. Mixed Metal Finishes

Metals are going to be all over the place in 2023. We’re talking silver, gold, tin, and copper…anything goes, just be careful to stick with warm, matte finishes. The ultra-shiny metals of the 80’s look dated today.

Mixed metals are popular, although they can be tricky. Designers suggest using no more than two or three together. Some metals mix well with others, and some patinas work well with others. Silver and brown metals will work well together, like iron and gold or bronze. Copper is especially popular lately. It’s always best to try them together in the store before you spend money.

Most designers suggest sticking with a matte silver finish for attached fixtures, like sink faucets and lighting. These never go out of style, and suit every décor style. Then you can play with other metals in the items that aren’t permanent…lamps, knobs, and accessories.

Black metals are a great choice. Black trims and accents are a way to ground the neutrals we love so much. They add balance, contrast and interest. In small doses, black accents are punchy and powerful. Black accents range from window frames and door frames, to entire doors, to accent furniture, to chair legs or entire chairs, and picture frames, as well as décor accessories.

9. Eclectic Art is On Trend

Wall art is often a very personal part of decorating. I admit, I am not an expert on the subject. The items on our walls are all very personal in meaning, and reflect our travels more than anything else. Unfortunately, nothing matches or has a particular style. And that’s ok with us!

Luckily, eclectic mixes of art and accessories is on trend. Abstract and modern art is very popular right now. Here’s what is trending in the art world:

• Large, bold abstracts are trending. Retro prints, color blocking, cubism, geometry, space race references, and large contemporary pieces are in.
• Line art is popular. If you’re a minimalist, this is for you. Inspired by the drawings of Picasso and Matisse, it uses only simple black lines on the white background. This is truly a DIY opportunity for your inner artist. Face Line Art is everywhere!
• Photography is popular and fits with any style.
• Botanicals fit with any décor trend above.
• Motif art. This type of art is perfect for those who need to collect. Whatever you love can be a motif:  animals…especially dogs and horses, famous people, artists, musicians, favorite flowers or birds, travels or places…you name it. This is a great way to use antiques or flea market finds.
• Bold, colorful abstract art. Bright and bold colors are great to add with your wall art. When you’re ready for a change, just replace without breaking the bank. Shop Contemporary Art

10. Maximalist Design

The New Modern. As more people become digital nomads, that trend is influencing our tastes, whether we even travel or not. We are exposed to the world in a way that was never possible before. Can you have a maximalist design that incorporates Zen, minimalism, and neutrals? Yes, you can…you can have it all.

New Modern décor includes a fusion of styles, including ethnic patterns, mixed metals, rustic and natural elements, organic and eco-friendly touches, and the addition of hand-made items, especially items from different cultures. Eclectic and layered is the New Modern.

Large florals are still growing in popularity with wall coverings and fabrics. Mixing design styles and incorporating trends is the secret to maximalist design. For Instance Large leaf patterns, murals and wicker fixtures, mixed with simple mid-century modern furniture. Add textured fabric pillows.

This is truly the way we all live, isn’t it? We have treasures from our travels, heirlooms that we dare not part with, and our favorite items that have no natural fit with our overall decorating tastes. After reading the trends above, you’re probably wondering how to make it all work. I’m relieved to hear that it’s all good! Mix and match at will.

What About Farmhouse Décor?

Move over Farmhouse décor and make way for Modern Rustic.

Farmhouse has been huge for most of the last decade. Farmhouse is still having a moment, but like all good things, its end is inevitable. What is likely to happen is that Farmhouse is evolving into something else…something a little more sophisticated. We’re already seeing “modern farmhouse” in our region of the country. Amazon is calling the trend Modern Rustic.

This is a good example of the fact that home decorating and style are always changing. That’s why it’s always best to invest in classic pieces that will not go out of style. Then you can always change out your less expensive décor with more trendy pieces and colors.

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Outdated Décor:

I thought it would be a good idea to consult the experts on this topic. If you have some dated features in your home and want to focus in on making the most important changes first to update your look, these are the places to start:

• Signage art is oversaturated. It’s time to go. We all know the kitchen is for eating.
• tile countertops,
• 70’s shag carpet,
• wood paneling, linoleum flooring, high gloss floors
• futons and other dorm room looks,
• nautical motifs, themed décor
• Tuscan kitchens, including the color palette
• damask (instead, large statement blooms),
• wallpaper borders,
• matching window valances or any valances, vertical blinds
• mason jar mania,
• dusty pastels,
• Hollywood mirror lights,
• sponge-painted walls, faux finishes
• ruffled bed skirts, fussy curtains, chintz fabrics,
• faux and silk plants and fake fruit,
• lace tablecloths and doilies,
• popcorn ceilings,
• colored or frosted glass light fixtures,
• ornate wrought iron

That was a lot! Hopefully you only have a minimal number of these, and maybe you’re lucky and you have none.

According to design experts, there are trends and there are fads. What is trending that will last?

• Marble. You can never have too much.
• Subway tiles have been a classic since 1908! Read about it on HGTV website.
• Hardwood floors. Even if the color goes out of style, they can be refinished.
• Large windows and high ceilings, where possible
• Matte finished silver-toned fixtures, appliances and faucets…they go with everything.
• Classic furniture with simple lines.
• Black and white, Earthy palettes, and nearly every palette always includes a dark blue of some type.
• Transitional design.
• Modern minimalism, Scandi and Japandi design.

The Difference Between Home Staging and Decorating

Whether you are thinking of selling your home in the near future and are looking for ways to update your home, or whether you just bought a home, you’ll want to know what’s the latest news in home decorating trends. When selling a home, you don’t want it too look too dated.

Getting your home ready for the market includes some very practical steps, like repairs and replacement of broken items and systems, lots of cleaning and certainly de-cluttering. But part of the process involves some psychology, the psychology of using décor to appeal to buyers. Preparing your home to appeal to the largest number of buyers includes some smart and careful staging.

Home staging is different from home decorating. Although decorating and home staging are different, they both focus on what is trending in décor. In very simple terms, decorating is about making your home suit your own style and tastes. It is all about expressing who you are. Home staging is the total opposite.

In a nutshell, home staging is about neutralizing your personal home décor tastes and creating a look that appeals to the most likely buyers. Your spaces must be painted in neutral shades, and have a minimal amount of furnishings and décor. The goal is to allow buyers to imagine their belongings in your home.

If you are thinking of selling your home, consider a fresh coat of paint in some contemporary neutral shade from a contemporary color palette. A few touches of the new color palettes in the pillows, towels, window coverings or occasional pieces, some touches of wood or trendy metals, and you can have a great new look that appeals to today’s buyers.

Recommended Reading:

Alex Capozzolo has a helpful article about several hidden hazards in homes that can seriously affect your health. It’s always a good idea to inspect your spaces for pests and mold, as well as other things that may lead to an unhealthy environment.

Paul Sian has a great article with tips to set up the perfect home office that will boost productivity and increase the value of your home.

Bill Gassett’s thorough article on home staging explains how home staging is a helpful part of marketing a home for sale, but it isn’t a miracle worker. Professionally staging a home, although valuable, won’t make up for other deficits.

Fall Decor Trends for 2023

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Pin for later reading: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4292562137422988/

Karen’s Home Décor Recommendations:

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More Trends to Explore in 2023

Kitchen Design Trends 2023 – “The kitchen is the heart of the home.”
Bathroom Design Trends for 2023 – Zen is In.
Virtual Remodeling and Redecorating – There’s an app for that!

Chris Highland, Associate Broker eXp Realty Maryland

Cell:  301-401-5119,  Broker:  888-860-7369

The 2023 decorating trends forecast was written by Karen Highland, blogger and licensed real estate agent in Central Maryland. Happy Decorating!