Furniture Trends West in 2023
Homeowners continue to embrace bold color, layered patterns and a mix of furniture styles. But, along with those more daring designs, many pros are seeing a return to traditional elements that reflect the enduring nature of classic design.
In 2023, this trend is manifesting in everything from wood-paneled bedrooms and living rooms to honed marble kitchens and travertine bathroom vanities. It also can be found in decorative accessories like trays, candlesticks and lamp bases.
While a bit more casual than traditional, this furniture style has a more laid-back vibe that’s perfect for contemporary and transitional homes. A softer color palette and a focus on natural materials help this look stand out from more structured, formal pieces.
Curves have been a popular furniture style for several years, but this year’s trends are turning to streamlined silhouettes and natural finishes. From stately mahogany dining tables to intricate walnut sideboards, this furniture trend honors the inherent warmth and beauty of real wood. Dark wooden pieces can anchor a room and complement nearly any design aesthetic, from rustic farmhouse to classic elegance.
The cottagecore movement has given rise to a number of small furniture and decor items, from wooden table lamps (see a 65% increase in searches on Etsy for the term) to vintage wooden clocks, both of which have seen a significant rise in popularity on Pinterest. This glitzy trend is also finding its way into kitchens in the form of plaster or styrofoam-look range hoods, a design element that’s grown in popularity in part due to Instagrammers swapping out upper cabinets for open shelving.
While white remains the top choice for most homeowners, warmed-up gray and greige are making a strong comeback this year. Whether as an all-over wall color or introduced through furnishings and accents, these shades are a fresh take on neutrals that add warmth and sophistication. Designer Debra Garvin of 1st Impressions Design used a warm greige in this Chanhassen, Minnesota, living room, layering different shades throughout the space for a cohesive feel.
As the demands of modern life become increasingly complex, many people are seeking comfort in the past, with nostalgia as a driving force behind this furniture and color trend. Expect to see more traditional, curvy furniture that’s reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s as well as colors such as mauve, burnt orange and forest green.
With pet owners seeking to make their spaces more comfortable and enjoyable for their four-legged family members, this trend has a growing presence in both residential and commercial interiors. From incorporating pet bathing and grooming stations in laundry rooms and mudrooms to building luxury cat homes in living spaces, this design approach takes comfort and functionality into account.
With the challenges of a remote workforce continuing to grow, more and more businesses are offering flexible working options to encourage employees to work from home. This is also reflected in the furniture and workspaces that are being designed for corporate offices, from mobile desks with wheels to adjustable height seating.