We’re almost halfway through 2023, and with the winter months here, this is the perfect time to splash out on some home upgrades to give your interior space a much-needed revamp.
Kim Williams, a top Cape Town interior designer, behaviour specialist, and owner of the Kim Williams Design studio, unveils six top trends for your home.
1. Colour is back with a bang
The muted tones that had a calming and healing affect over us during the pandemic are out, and have been replaced with brighter colours and bolder designs.
We are likely to see a big uptick in rooms filled with mood boosting colours that reflect personal style and taste. Yellow shades are especially associated with feelings of happiness and optimism, and Plascon’s colour combination for 2023 really captures the different stages of light and cheerfulness we want in our lives.
2. Create an experience and not collect things
Thanks to social media, we are now all mini celebrities, with our own individual brand and aesthetic, and the best way to articulate this is in our interior decor. It’s a trend mainly driven by a much younger generation wanting to express themselves but also comes off the back of isolation and lockdown restrictions which brought mingling and memory making to a grinding halt.
Expect to see bold art pieces and expressive accent colours on fabrics and wallcoverings. They might not conform to typical design and interior decor conventions, but they are effective in adding pops of colour, an element of intrigue and interest, and celebrates the different voices, cultures, and individual personalities that make up life.
3. Repair, Recycle and Repurpose
Deepened healing is a huge behavioural trend which I have previously spoken about, and essentially looks at the desire for humans to always want to be connected to nature.
One reason for this is the strong drive to repair and repurpose items and reduce waste, especially given the recent supply and demand constraints caused by the war in Ukraine. I have also been seeing a fantastic emerging trend where old, cherished memories from past generations are brought to life in beautiful quilts and wall hangings, that then act as bespoke decor pieces in the home. It is such a unique way to tell a story and invoke interest.
4. Embracing outdoor living
Merging our outdoor and indoor living space is going to be huge this year, as it brings in light, improves flow and balance and keeps our living area feeling bright and spacious.
Remember, an outdoor space only works if it exudes a bright and breezy feel, so don’t add too much. Transparent ghost chairs are a great practical outdoor solution, and you can easily swap out the cushions and throws from season to season. From a decor perspective, this is where you can properly express elements of deepened healing. Consider adding repurposed or repaired items of furniture, previously loved design pieces in soft curves and shapes, and appealing pieces of artwork.
5. Be water wise
2023 has been all about reconnecting with all aspects of planet earth and we don’t just mean dotting a few plant pots around. Our connection with water continues to be a rising phenomena all over the world, so expect to see plenty of water features both in the home and the garden, that promote feelings of calmness, tranquillity and balance.
6. Conscious materials
Our desire for sustainable, eco-conscious living transcends to all parts of the design and decor sphere. We are likely to see more use of locally sourced materials, such as rattan, wood, stone, and weaves that are interspersed with soft furnishings and decor pieces made by local craftspeople.
There is also going to be a stronger effort to be deliberate with decor, with every item carefully considered for the value it will add to the overall objective, feeling or experience before it is added to a room. We’re likely to see people not just using decor for its aesthetic appeal, but to help create or contribute towards the entire energy and experience of the space.
For more tips from Kim Williams, sign-up for her blog at www.kimwilliams.co.za or follow her on Facebook and Instagram @kim_williams_design.