Design Trends 2023

It’s a new year and that means a fresh start. It’s been a while since we have done consistent blogs and we decided it was time to shake things up and share more of what we love with you. These blogs will cover a wide range of information including helpful guidance, project reveals, behind the scenes, tips for planning, and more. We are excited about our growth over the past few years and we are looking forward to a strong 2023 as your go-to design inspiration source.

To kick things off, we are using our industry knowledge and predicting what trends are coming in hot. As leaders in the industry, we always have a pulse on new products, market trends, and pieces that are not available to the public yet. We love following other designers that push boundaries, manufacturers that create beautiful products and materials, and mix that with our design intuition for a round-up of what’s next.

As you begin to plan a style update, renovation, or new construction project, we thought it would be a great time to recap our 2023 Design Trends Forecast.

Here are our top 8 Trend Predictions for 2023

1. Natural Wood Cabinets & Furnishings

For years, white kitchens were all the rage. And while we adore a classic white palette, wood is making a comeback in a big way! This time around, lighter European Oak tones have taken center stage.

For a more contemporary and clean take, try a rift cut oak with a linear grain. For a more timeless and classic look, try an oak or alder. If you’re not ready to take the plunge with a fully wood kitchen, swap out the cabinets in the island for a contrast that warms up the space and adds character.

When done right, wood cabinets will stand the test of time and always be a classic look.

2. Bold Countertops

Don’t be afraid to go with your heart! Slabs of natural stone have always been a love-language here at HBI, and it’s generally love at first sight. Whether selecting a natural stone or going with a manufactured quartz we believe in the mantra…. Go big or go home! We are seeing larger veins, more color, and mixing countertops. Taking your counter material and running it up the backsplash is a high design and high function way to change up your kitchen. We love going really dramatic on the backsplash slab and complimenting that with a more subtle veined or textured stone on the counters. Mixing stones might sound scary, but undertones and complimentary patterns are key.

3. Handmade & Artisan Crafted Pieces

Don’t fall prey to “fast fashion” and throw away design pieces. Instead, select items that have a handmade quality and artisan finish. These always feel collected and create a story throughout the home. Ceramic bowls and vessels, rich metals, stone objects, and warm woods layer with one another to create fool proof combinations. We source accessories from a wide variety of manufacturers and unique does not have to be synonymous with expensive. Remember to vary the heights and create small groups to create interest and keep the eye moving around the space. In addition to accessories, these handmade pieces are also popular with tiles, lighting, and lamps. They create a mood and are a great conversation starter when the items in your home look like they have a story to tell and aren’t mass produced.

4. Mixed Metals

We are a big fan of mixing metal, which you can tell in our work if you have followed us for any length of time. We believe that mixing finishes adds layers of interest that make a space feel thought out and designed, rather than purchasing the matching collection that falls flat. Mixing metals can be tricky, but here are a few tricks of the trade for the right combinations:

For kitchens and baths, keep plumbing fixtures consistent and compliment with another tone in your lighting & hardware. Each finish isn’t a stand-alone, but feels balanced.
In living spaces, we like to have a variety of finishes as well through lighting and accessories, but 2-3 at most. Mixing more than 2-3 finishes can start to look messy.
In larger areas, try using one piece that incorporates both finishes to bridge the gap and become your connecting piece.

This bathroom from our Award-Winning basement design is a tried and true combination of black and brass. From traditional historic homes to modern interpretations, this always strikes the right balance.

5. Textured Fabrics & Materials

Our next prediction is focused on the softer materials in a space, fabrics. We have seen a big upswing in velvets, bouclé’s, rich leathers, chunky knits, and tight textured performance fabrics. Gone are the days of all matching sets and in are complimentary styles that play well together without matching. Balancing smooth textures like leathers and velvets with the more tactile and nubby bouclé’s and knits are winning combinations.

Another easy way to incorporate these items are in bedding and accent pillows. Swap out a duvet, throw blankets, and accent pillows for an easy update that is not a large financial investment, but gives a fresh look to your home.

For inspiration on how to successfully mix textures in a space, check out our Alpine Reno. This vacation rental in the heart of Leavenworth feels like a refined mountain lodge. We incorporated stone, leather, and mixed wood stains to provide a bespoke retreat full of texture and warmth.

6. Warm & Saturated Tones

In all areas of design, we are seeing warm tones take over. Gray is no longer the dominating color and, instead, we are seeing more browns, beiges, taupes, and earth tones. The saturation level is also much deeper than we have seen in years past, giving us all the moody vibes we love! Don’t be afraid to go bold in base cabinets, islands, butler’s pantries, and powder rooms. These small spaces can handle a big dose of color and create a jewel box effect that envelopes you and are truly special.

Some of our favorite rich tones are deep blues, greens, and charcoals. Our Victor Falls Kitchen Reno is a prime example of adding in hits of saturated color and deep wood butcher block for a high contrast and rich look

7. Arches, Fluting & Soft Curves

Remember those arched openings that everyone took out of their homes? Well, they’re back! Not exactly, but the updated version is. Soft sweeping arches don’t have to overtake your home and are often more special when used in moderation to highlight a key feature and make an area feel special. We are also seeing arches show up in pill shaped islands and arched mirrors, cabinets, and built ins.

Fluting and other soft curves such as scallops are also making their way into furniture, cabinets, vanities, and more. We love the dainty details that bring craftsmanship to a space and bring a unique and custom spin to our client’s homes.

For a sneak peek of a fluted detail that hides a secret…. Check out our reel from the Westwood Estate. Can you say dreamy???

Westwood Estate Reel

8. Statement Lighting

We like big lights and we cannot lie! This is no secret and we don’t see it changing any time soon. From entries and living areas to the perfect bathroom sconces, lighting can dramatically change a space and is a relatively easy change. With so many options, you can change the personality of the space based on a more traditional or more contemporary light fixture. We love aged brasses and black tones for lighting that can be mixed throughout a home and bring warmth. Keep in mind that scale is important and you don’t want to skimp out on lighting. Too often, we see small lights that are not proportionate to the space and the impact is completely lost.

We love this chandelier in a primary suite that gives us the perfect coastal touch. We had the pleasure of helping this client with the main floor and they invited us back to tackle their primary suite and home office. We have the best clients!

We can’t wait to share more and show you how we incorporated these design trends into client’s dream homes. What spaces are on your to-do list this year and what trend are you most excited for? Are there any that just can’t get on board with? Let us know in the comments!

If you are overwhelmed or don’t know where to start, we would love to know more and see if we are a good fit.

Reach out today to get started!