2023 Trend Forecast
5 min 30 sec listen or read
This past year we’ve seen major trends emerge, micro trends come and go, and have been asked many times about what we think will look good in five or ten years.
Trends can be tricky to identify because people can become a little blind to them. They’re like that bad boyfriend you had in college; It was love at first sight, you were obsessed for a year, and now, looking back, you can’t figure out what the hell you were thinking. As they say, hindsight is 20/20!
In this Trend Forecast, we are going to look at what came in hot in 2022 and what we think will stick around for a while (and why), as well as look to the year ahead to make some predictions.
Checkered Floors
Checkered floors are, in a word, stunning. We’ve seen them come onto the scene in a major way this past year and I predict that the trend will carry forward in to 2023 (and beyond).
This is a classic and timeless pattern that has come in and out of vogue many times throughout the years, and it is really hard to go wrong with a classic. Even if checkered floors aren’t the “it” pattern in two years, they won’t be out of style. This has my stamp of approval if you’re wavering on the decision.
Get the Look
The Classic Look
Marbles and tiles with movement, along with laying the tile on the diagonal to achieve a diamond pattern, are what make this the classic that we all know and love.
The Modern Look
Contrary to the Classic look, I’d go for a tile with less movement. I’d also lay it as a square check, rather than a diamond.
On a Dime
Not ready to install new tile, but love the look?
Consider painting you hardwood or existing tile/vinyl/linoleum floors. If that’s too much, consider a diamond-pattern checked rug to add to your space.
Gold Fixtures
Another classic, this one has gone awry in recent years. Don’t get me wrong, I love a gold fixture… but the one I love is an unlacquered brass that patinas and gets better with age.
The gold tones that we’re seeing en masse are imitations that, unless you’re buying everything from the same vendor, will not match one another and will create some subtle chaos. The room with too many gold elements, none quite the same, will never feel quite right.
If you are set on gold tones, do it right and do it over time. Unlacquered (or “unfinished”) brass is the finish to choose, but know that it won’t be super glossy and shiny unless you really care for it. Good things don’t come free.
Get the Look
The Classic Look
Select shapes that nod to traditional design. They will be more detailed in their styling and are unlikely to feature straight lines.
The Modern Look
Choose more streamlined shapes that don’t have traditional detailing. Clean arches and lines, nothing flared or stepped.
On a Dime
If you have to have gold and can’t shell out for expensive brass, make sure that all of your gold tones match. Some can be more yellow or orange than others, some shiny and some dull.
Vintage and Up-Cycling
Gen Z has been bringing vintage back in a big way when it comes to clothing, and I think we’re going to see the same happen with home items, too. It has always been true that “curb finds” or shopping places like Kijiji and Marketplace is an affordable way to find furniture, but in the past it has typically been done for affordability and not much else.
The shift that we’ll see will be rooted in vintage and antique pieces that carry designer labels, feature iconic profiles, or have the je ne sais quoi that can be challenging to find when buying new. It won’t be about what is available, but rather the hunt for finding the perfect piece.
Get the Look
How to Shop Vintage/Antique
Do some research on vintage and antique furniture styles to learn what you love. This will help you learn some keywords for searching, and to wade through the seemingly endless supply of second-hand pieces.
It helps to look at various platforms to get a sense of what’s out there and what you might want to bring home.
On a Dime
Value Village, Goodwill, Mission Thrift… these are all great places to scour the shelves and find the piece that will have you rushing to the check out lane. There are also a fair number of local Instagram accounts (no matter where you are) sharing their more curated vintage finds, which is still more affordable than shopping at the high-end stores that have vetted the furniture and decor. In other words, you want to find the stuff when the people selling it don’t really know what they’ve got.
I’ll be following up on this blog post with another that will share proven ways to help avoid trends and to help you feel confident in knowing that you’re making the right decision. I know that purchasing for a new home, big renovation, or even just in general can be intimidating and, let’s face it, expensive. I can help you ensure that the pieces you buy are the right pieces, keeping you from a bad case of buyer’s remorse.
Until next time,
Laura