The 10 Biggest Living Room Trends of 2023 So Far, According to Designers
Last December, experts shared their top design predictions for the upcoming year, but I recently polled a handful of designers on the biggest living room trends they’ve actually seen dominating 2023 so far — from their own client projects and beyond. Some styles are nothing new, like curved furniture and maximalism, while others are classics making a comeback. Below, check out 10 of the biggest living room design ideas that were spotted everywhere in 2023.
1. Monochromatic Rooms
This might finally be the year to paint your ceiling. Rachael H. Grochowski, founder and principal architect of RHG Architecture + Design, has noticed an increase in monochromatic spaces decked out in one single shade. “I’d been loving the monotone color — not just neutral but all one-color rooms, walls, ceilings, furniture — and I’m super excited to see the trend growing,” she says.
2. Sculptural Furniture
Grochowski also notes demand for sculptural, uniquely shaped furniture pieces, which give living rooms an elevated, contemporary look and add shape to a boxy space. “Wood-framed chairs that appear uncomfortable and awkward have been trending for some time,” Grochowski adds. “While I often hear clients only want upholstered, comfortable chairs, these wood-framed pieces add a sense of artistry, a sculptural quality to a space.”
3. Pattern Play
More is more for the living room this year, and Drew Michael Scott — interior designer, content creator, and founder of Lone Fox Home — has recently loved layering various patterns. “I’ve been fully embracing the maximalist trend, especially when it comes to styling living rooms. Think: unique color mixed with fun prints/patterns,” he says. “A lot of times, you want to opt for mixing textures, but switch that mindset to patterns. In my eyes, it’s basically a collision of style. It can seem intimidating at first, but just fully embrace it and go all in.”
4. Soft, Curved Furniture
Rounded or wavy furniture and decor has dominated home trends over the past few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down. “Softer edges lend themselves to more comfortable and inviting furnishings and allow a less rigid furniture arrangement,” says Louisiana-based interior designer Colleen Waguespack. This look balances out traditionally right-angled, clean-lined pieces, and Audrey Scheck of Audrey Scheck Design, also notes that, “Curves bring so much dimension to a space,” whether that’s via “rounded corners on sofas to arched mirrors and cabinets.”
5. Cohesive Tones
It’s easy to get overwhelmed choosing the right hue for a living room, but it can help to focus on similar shades and tones, also known as analogous color designing. Waguespack looks at rooms from the perspective of darks and lights to create a more harmonious balance that feels organic and easy on the eyes, rather than picking out a ton of different colors. “My personal style has always been to create spaces that are finished, but pared down with more contrast in darks and lights, versus pops of multiple colors,” she says. “I always leave a bit of room to add something you love later.”
6. Warm Wood & Soft Fabrics
Wood finishes will arguably never go out of style — especially because they can integrate into any decor setup — but the trend has become increasingly popular this year, thanks to an emphasis on warm, cozy living room aesthetics, says interior designer Ruthie Staalsen. To get this look, she suggests pairing warm wood tones with “rich, colorful, yet comfy fabrics” and various textures.
7. Vintage or Vintage-Inspired Rugs
A vintage element can easily tie a room together, and well-made rugs specifically get better with age as they develop wear and worn-in character, notes Scheck. “While the rugs themselves may be old, the timeless colors and patterns complement a wide variety of aesthetic preferences,” she says. “If splurging on a vintage rug isn’t in your budget, there are a plethora of beautiful vintage-inspired rugs that can achieve the same look at a lower price point.”
8. Organic Materials
This trend, spotted by Scheck, is about pushing past the fear of not “matching” and playing around with conflicting elements and textures in your living room. “Mixing a variety of fabrics and materials in your space will add dimension and create visual interest,” Scheck adds. “If you’re aiming for a calming environment, lean into organic materials such as rattan, leather, wood, and stone. Infusing greenery also helps set the tone for a natural, serene space. This can be as simple as foraging stems from your own backyard and placing them in a vessel.”
9. Velvet Upholstery
Velvet is back — according to Laura Williams of ATX Interior Design — and it instantly gives off an air of luxury, no matter your design style. “I’m loving seeing [velvet] not only as accent pieces, but also as larger furniture pieces,” says Williams. “It adds warmth and coziness, while also elevating a space, so it exudes class.” Of course, you can always start small and work this texture into an accent chair, throw pillows, or an ottoman.
10. Layered Textures
Living rooms have grown much more personalized over the past few years, which is why designs that make these spaces look fun and inviting keep cropping up. Not sure where to start? Scheck suggests decorating with a rich array of textures. “Incorporating different textures into your living room creates the feeling of a layered, cozy, and lived-in space,” she explains. “Gone are the days of minimal design where spaces feel cold and empty. Instead, we recommend choosing pillows, throws, and rugs in an array of fabrics. To keep it aesthetically pleasing, make sure to stick to a cohesive color palette.”