As we settle in to 2023 and head towards the middle of the year, it seems like an ideal time to splash out on some home upgrades to give our interior spaces a much-needed revamp.
Kim Williams, a top Cape Town interior designer, behaviour specialist, and owner of the Kim Williams Design studio, unveils some top trends which every homeowner should know in 2023.
Colour is back with a bang
South Africans entered the new year in the throes of a bright and hot summer. The muted tones that had a calming and healing effect over us during the pandemic are being 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 there are many colour combinations for 2023 that really capture the different stages of light and cheerfulness of this time of year.
Create an experience instead of collecting things
Thanks to social media, we are now all mini celebrities with our own individual brand and aesthetic, and one of the best ways to articulate this is in our interior décor. It’s a trend driven mainly 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 décor conventions, but they are effective in adding pops of colour, an element of intrigue and interest, and they celebrate the different voices, cultures, and individual personalities that make up life.
Repair, Recycle and Repurpose
Deepened healing is a huge behavioural trend which Kim has spoken about at length in the first edition of her report ‘Behind the Design’. This inclusive design essentially looks at the desire for humans to want to be always connected to nature and it continues to gain constant traction.
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. There has been a fantastic trend emerging where old, cherished memories from past generations are brought to life in beautiful quilts and wall hangings. These then act as bespoke décor pieces in the home. It is such a unique way to tell a story and evoke interest.
Embracing outdoor living
As we enjoy a relatively temperate climate, so we desire to be outside, sometimes barefoot and hopefully carefree, sipping drinks and enjoying garden games with loved ones. 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 swop out the cushions and throws from season to season. From a décor 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.
Be water wise
The year is very much 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, and especially in places like Cape Town where cold-water swimming and general ocean awareness is growing in popularity.
Expect to see plenty of water features both in the home and the garden – they promote feelings of calmness, tranquillity and balance.
Conscious materials
Our desire for sustainable, eco-conscious living infiltrates to all parts of the design and décor 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 décor pieces made by local craftspeople.
There is also going to be a stronger effort to be deliberate with décor, 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 décor for its aesthetic appeal, but to help create or contribute towards the entire energy and experience of the space.
