10 of the best interior design trends you should know about in 2023

Take a cue from the standout looks at this year’s Best of Awards, showcasing the work of New Zealand’s top design talent.

There are some trends that stand the test of time; Trends that are always there and sometimes play a starring role. Stripes are currently having a moment
In the spotlight and we are all the best for it. Patterns can make a room sing, but the thought of adding them to a space can sometimes feel overwhelming. If you’re concerned about hitting a wrong note, fonts look good with just about anything—even wild patterns and colorful prints. In her signature confident style, Christchurch-based designer Alex Fulton added both checks and stripes to this project (her own home). Best Awards judges called its concept refreshingly brave and daring, as well as clever, terrifying, and unapologetic.

2. BLOBBY BATHS, BLOBBY SOFAS, BLOBBY ANYTHING

Organic shapes remain very popular. The last time we saw these many designer curves was during the first half of the last century when the Art Deco movement spawned smooth, choppy lines in everything from the visual arts to architecture, interiors, and product design. The graceful pieces started making a comeback a few years ago and can now be found on a wide range of items, from mirrors to round sofas and sculptural tables. The popularity of curves is undoubtedly due to the fact that organic shapes give a room a calming feel. The flowing lines instantly change the energy of the space, creating a feel-good factor and making the space more inviting and relaxing.

When it comes to living the beautiful life, the French have persisted, so it’s no surprise that they invented parquet floors in the 16th century. Craftsmen create elaborate designs by fitting blocks of small wood into geometric patterns, evoking a look that adds style to any interior, as here in this Oakland townhouse designed by Oli Booth Architecture.

One of the reasons color rooms are preferred is that they feel calm and harmonious. What is harmony and why does it work? Achromatic colors consist of a group of hues that are lighter or darker than the same colour. This cream-colored bathroom by Alex Fulton Design is a perfect example. Sand-coloured tiles, a glossy white bathroom, and off-white painted surfaces, with a whisper of green, are a soothing combination that’s easy on the eye.

With a show like this, all that is required is a high level of organization. This vacation home is the essence of what a cabin should be in a stunning location. The design and décor are stripped back, highlighting the beautiful framed moments captured by the large windows.

Getting the right lighting for the right space can create a special atmosphere in your home. This dining nook by Alex Fulton Design features a Hotaru Double Bubble light, which is the perfect harmony of traditional craftsmanship with a timeless aesthetic that’s as modern as it is timeless. What we love about this trend is that there are paper lantern pendants for all budgets. If you don’t have several hundred dollars to shell out for a Double Bubble, you can get a paper necklace at Wah Lee for under $20. Hotaru is part of a group of designers that draws on the heritage of Japanese lantern making. Created in collaboration with Twentytwentyone by leading British design studio Barber Osgerby. Named after the Japanese word for “firefly,” the set is manufactured by Ozeki & Co Ltd, a famous Japanese company dedicated to making washi paper lanterns since 1891. Ozeki has previously collaborated with several Japanese artists and designers and worked with Isamu Noguchi In producing his iconic Akari light sculptures.

The design team at Fabric took a planet-friendly approach by choosing an interior design in sustainably produced wood. Finely finished wood walls and ceilings look right at home in a bush setting. Externally, the cabin sits in its environment without any landscaping to minimize the building’s impact on its surroundings.

Some of the best interior design trends are filtered from commercial projects, and this office is a case in point. The lighting, materials, and design details will look equally good in any home setting—and that’s intentional. Forward-thinking Tax Traders wanted to create an inspiring environment that brings happiness. The design team at Material Creative took the opportunity to show off their creativity, creating this stunning kitchen design that showcases the beautiful choice of materials and thoughtful use of color. A monolithic marble bar serves form and function, while a neon light hanging above displays the word “boom.” This is a space designed for that.

The gable roof, forever associated with the pieces of the Monopoly board game, never goes out of style. It gets better with age. The sculptural architecture of this alpine cabin is a fresh take on a classic design, with strikingly simple wood cladding giving the profile a cool modernity.

Ollie Booth He was named Emerging Designer at this year’s Best of the Best Awards, and we can see why. His design philosophy is directional and forward-thinking. His lightweight home has a restrained but interesting facade. The architecture, interior and landscaping have all been given the utmost consideration. Often hidden from view on approach, the double storey home showcases how compact living can be combined with quality design. The awards’ best judges described him as beautifully effective and elegantly considerate in every detail. “Cleverly striped into a small but effective floor palette, this abode doesn’t compromise quality in any way.” We couldn’t agree more. As far as trends go, this is one we’d like to see a lot of.