Before you start any project in the new year, take a look at what trends are slipping out of style and which ones are taking their places
(Image credit: COAT)
It may be hard to come to terms with, but not all trends are timeless — find out which ones won't be welcome in interior designs for 2023.
Now, obviously we're not suggesting to rip out perfectly good fixtures and fittings — that would contradict one of the best interior design trends for 2023: sustainability. However, there are simply some styles that have had their time in the sun and are quickly being replaced with more modern takes.
We encourage homeowners to be inspired by style trends, but not to take them too literally. Always consider longevity when designing your home and how to incorporate trends in a flexible way so no time, money or materials are wasted.
The list below has been collected as a result of a decline in products, and expert advice related to the styles. We've also included ways that these trends can be updated to bring interiors more in line and newer design ideas that are taking their spots.
1. Say so-long to completely open plan homes
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Don't get us wrong, we love the idea of open plan living and for well over a decade this interior layout reigned supreme in modern homes.
However, the feasibility of completely open plan spaces came into question during the 2020 lockdowns and interior design trends have been gradually steering away from this design in recent years.
We've experienced homeowners complaining about cooking smells penetrating their living room spaces, and loud noises from the TV disrupting other family members' quiet time.
We believe the open plan layout can work on a smaller scale, where there are other rooms to retreat to for some privacy and quiet, like a separate home office, snug or playroom.
Alternative: Welcome the rise of broken plan
This home uses a full-width pocket doors to 'close down' the living room from the kitchen area. (Image credit: Emmaluelis Stasaitis c/o Edgley Design)
Broken plan is open plan's very similar-looking cousin. While the principles are essentially the same – a focus on togetherness and connection – some key design elements are included to create flexible and versatile spaces that can be closed off or opened up as required.
"The term 'broken plan' refers to layouts that make use of features such as glazed partition walls and sliding, bifold and pocket doors to create a more flexible approach to open plan living," explains Associate Editor Natasha Brinsmead. "The advantage of this type of layout is that spaces can be closed off or opened up depending on what you need."
2. Wave goodbye to completely white kitchens
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Clean, sleek lines and minimal fuss — it's no wonder white handless kitchen designs were so appealing to so many. The perception that neutral colours are timeless is an interesting one as this style has progressed in the last few years from white worktops on white units with white sinks to incorporating texture and added depth in complementary neutral colours.
"White lacquers and laminates are out of favour because they are harder to keep clean and more prone to damage," explains Robert Burnett, sales and design director from Kitchens by Holloway.
New trend: Take a look at neutral mix kitchens
Introducing texture underneath the peninsular kitchen island with tongue-and-groove wall panelling ideas is a simple way to retain a pared-back look while adding more visual interest. (Image credit: Getty Images)
"Monochrome no longer means just using black and white, so remove the harshness which can be associated with these tones, and add softness with blushes, greys and patterns," advises a representative from Dwell.
To stay on track with kitchen trends of 2023, bring new textures with high gloss or patterned white tiles, opt for metallic statement lighting or fixtures (like taps or handles), or experiment with warm-neutral wall paints.
"Durable and authentic materials, such as solid woods, ceramics, stainless steel and stone are the preferred choices for doors and worktops," adds Kitchens by Holloway's Robert Burnett. "If your kitchen is in need of an update, then consider replacing the door fronts with birch ply panels and brass handles. Worktops can usually be easily replaced with wood, or a composite stone."
3. Get rid of feature walls
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Painting or wallpapering one wall as a living room or bedroom 'feature' was perhaps the pre-cursor to homeowners becoming braver with colours or patterns elsewhere in the home.
But now, this dipped toe into more experimental interiors with a single line of interest has been usurped by full rooms bursting with colour and personality.
Style for 2023: Get ready to paint it all!
This kitchen matching the walls, skirting board and ceiling to the lighting and kitchen door fronts for an effortlessly stylish look. (Image credit: COAT)
Walls, ceilings, window frames, skirting boards and doors are all being considered within the interior design on a room-by-room basis. Colour drenching, whereby everything is painted one colour or within a colour family, is one of the most interesting trends of late.
4. We're over cooker hoods above islands
(Image credit: Getty Images)
With the move towards islands and more social kitchens, cooker and hobs were no longer limited to being situated along walls. This makes absolute sense, until you consider having extractors fans above these conversational work spaces.
Bulky and often inconsistent with the rest of the kitchen design, extractor cooker hoods above islands can interrupt eye-lines. This is not to mention that they may result in the occasional banged head for taller members of the household.
Solution: Try out modern extractor solutions
A downdraft extractor like this one can also come with lighting for added visibility while cooking. (Image credit: Quiet Mark (UK))
Be it integrating new slim extractor fans within the ceiling (or possibly a false ceiling), or looking downwards with downdraft extractors which can be built-in into hobs or positioned within the island itself, there is a solution to invasive island cooker hoods out there for every kitchen.
5. Let's see the back of baths in bedrooms
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Inspired by luxury hotels and spas, including baths in bedrooms of all shapes and sizes might look stylish to some, but can cause all kinds of issues and costs that homeowner might not anticipate.
"They're a particular pet peeve of mine," admits Homebuilding & Renovating's Editor-in-Chief Claire Lloyd. "From dealing with humidity to creating a splash zone around your tub, there are some very real practical considerations to be made before introducing this feature. And more often than not they become an expensive clothes horse."
From structural support and the right flooring to adequate ventilation and plumbing, including a freestanding bath in a bedroom might sound relaxing but can be anything but if not well planned!
Consider: Zoning a master suite
A tall wall partition in this bathroom creates visual division while also providing a wall for the shower — something the eaves space doesn't otherwise have. (Image credit: John Cullen Lighting)
Bathrooms are specifically designed for humidity with extractor fans, sealants to prevent moisture in unwanted places and the correct paint to withstand mould and mildew. Let's keep the baths in there and leave bedrooms alone!
As homeowners might still not want to take a bath in full view of the loo, sink and shower, try to create a bath zone using partitions to give a similar luxurious effect.
For more inspiration, check out our list of bathroom trends for 2023.
6. Phase out grey wood-effect flooring
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Wood isn't grey. There, I said it. For flooring which isn't wood but has a grain effect, like LVT, laminate and vinyl, a grey or white colouring doesn't help but to remind us that the material is actually a plastic look-alike.
Try to: Keep it real (looking)
Natural-looking flooring can stand the test of time as it can be paired with pretty much any paint trend. (Image credit: Tile Mountain)
We would never suggest ripping up perfectly good flooring for the sake of flooring trends going out of style — it's a wasteful and an expensive way to live.
However, for those considering new floor coverings, natural wood effects will better stand the aesthetic test of time, just like the real thing.
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Amy is an interiors and renovation journalist. She is the former Assistant Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating, where she worked between 2018 and 2023. She has also been an editor for Independent Advisor, where she looked after homes content, including topics such as solar panels.
She has an interest in sustainable building methods and always has her eye on the latest design ideas. Amy has also interviewed countless self builders, renovators and extenders about their experiences.
She has renovated a mid-century home, together with her partner, on a DIY basis, undertaking tasks from fitting a kitchen to laying flooring. She is currently embarking on an energy-efficient overhaul of a 1800s cottage in Somerset.
