StylingTop Winter Interior Design Trends For 2023
With winter upon us, it’s only natural to want to do a little nesting – but knowing what design elements are trending for the season is easier said than done. To help you out, we asked four experts for their top winter interior design trends of 2023 – and some of them might surprise you!
Whether you’re at the tail end of a renovation or desperate to overhaul some tired rooms, these insider tips and tricks help you nail your colours, textures and materials without picking up a single magazine. Consider it the quickest way to turn your home into an on-trend winter haven.
As Grafico founder and The Block consultant, Damian Corney says, “Winter 2023 is all about warmth, cosiness and rooms that give you a hug the moment you enter them.” And in this guide, the experts point out how to do it – the right way!
Wallpaper (Classic Patterns)
A fantastic way to achieve both warmth and individuality in a room is with wallpaper. Damian says classic patterns have made a comeback for the impact and texture they bring to rooms.
“When thinking classic patterns, think ‘houndstooth’, ‘tartan’ and ‘gingham check’. All are super on-trend and a must for any room that you’re styling for winter. At Grafico, we’re seeing a large uptake in wrapping entire rooms using classic patterns. Gingham check is quite a stand out if you’re not game enough for a tartan room – but who doesn’t want some classic ‘Ralph Lauren’ style in their home?”
Damian Corney, Grafico
Terrazzo Tiles
With their fabulous flecks and gorgeous texture, terrazzo tiles are popular among winter homemakers for their luxe look. But Damian says renovators should heed caution when choosing these tiles because not all terrazzo is created equal.
“I’ve seen some terrible terrazzo tiles and either from afar or close-up they just look cheap and tacky. So research more than one tile shop, grab your samples, take a breath and put them all out on a table or in the room you’re renovating to have a closer look. Some of the better examples are stunning and really enhance a space adding beautiful texture and warmth.”
Damian Corney, Grafico
Statement Bathroom Fixtures
Group Design Manager at Winnings, Kate McGlone, tells us that statement bathroom pieces are having a big moment this season, especially freestanding baths and basins in earthy matte hues.
“I am loving colours that reflect the earth, including browns, reds and greens, which are currently dominating as there is a natural gravitation towards tones that reconnect us with nature and have connection between outdoor and in … Claybrook does fabulous bold green basins that showcase earth tones in matte colours”
Kate McGlone, Winnings
Layer With Natural Fibres
Winter is the perfect excuse to splash out on a luxury throw blanket, but as Kate explains, current trends point towards luscious natural fibres like wool rather than synthetics.
“Showcase and layer with craft-like accessories with natural fibres that evoke a sense of tactility, ritual and wellness. The Wallace Sewell Stolzl Wool Blanket at Winnings is a great example of this trend. Try handpicking curated accessories to add life and soul into the space.”
Kate McGlone, Winnings
Steam Technology
With personal health and the environment such huge priorities for all of us, Kate adds that she’s seeing more renovators opting for steam ovens in the kitchen. Steam appliances like Swiss V-ZUG ovens, help food retain its goodness and flavour and cook in less time than traditional ovens.
“This technology allows us to create meals that are good for our health over the winter months but it also minimises the time you spend in the kitchen and maximises time spent entertaining at home in winter.”
Kate McGlone, Winnings
Subtle Lighting
When it comes to lighting this season, Lisa Alward of Bella Vie Interiors says that large pendants and oversized chandeliers are being replaced by more discreet pieces.
“Oversize lighting fixtures, that can be impractical and overwhelming for some rooms, are making way for for more subtle and balanced lighting that matches the scale of the room.”
Lisa Alward, Bella Vie Interiors
More Vintage!
Now is the time to embrace your individual style, with Lisa explaining that vintage pieces add a special kind of uniqueness to homes. She goes on to say that mass-produced furniture is less popular with increasingly eco-conscious homemakers.
“We’re going to see fast fashion and fast furniture which is cheaply made and mass-produced becoming be less popular, as people become more environmentally conscious and value quality over quantity. This is being reflected in the uptake of vintage and antique furniture that have character, and often history, being included in homes.”
Lisa Alward, Bella Vie Interiors
Magnificient Marble
Just like vintage furniture, marble gives Aussies another opportunity to bring a unique touch to homes, whether in the form of benchtops or stone splashbacks.
“Natural stone en-masse is on the increase as we see shifts in the engineered stone market. The beauty of marble is that is such a unique surface, with its veining and patterning, and the fact that no two pieces of marble are ever exactly alike makes for a stunning kitchen benchtop or splashback.”
Lisa Alward, Bella Vie Interiors
Maximalism
Minimalism is making way for maximalism – and if you’ve never heard the term, Lisa explains it perfectly.
“Maximalism is a style rather than a specific look. This is because it can be interpreted differently, depending on personal tastes and design aesthetic. It embraces colours, patterns, textures and design elements, in joyful, more is more layering. The result is curated joy and not a tactile rainbow of chaos.”
Lisa Alward, Bella Vie Interiors
Concealed Storage
With so many people working from home now, it’s little wonder storage trends have moved towards clean, organised storage solutions. From the kitchen to the study, look for closed furniture that hides the clutter.
“Expect to see more concealed storage in place of open shelving or floating shelves as we seek a more seamless and organised look instead shelves which can create a cluttered look.”
Lisa Alward, Bella Vie Interiors
Earthy Tones
Susannah Schulz of Lockhart Design sees natural hues leading the way when it comes to interior colour palettes, particularly in the main rooms.
“Earthy tones encourage feelings of warmth, reassurance and tend to make one feel settled. These colours include rust, sand, charcoal and olive just to name just a few. Not only are these ‘feel good’ tones, they are very practical in the sense that accidental dirt marks caused by pets or children are less visible.”
Susannah Schulz, Lockhart Design
Organic Curves
From doorways and arched mirrors to curved dining chairs like the ones pictured above, renovators are welcoming curves in all forms this winter.
People are gravitating toward raw foods, organic fabrics and living healthier, more balanced lives. This is reflected in this trending style. Organic curves can be used in both architecture and decor and are not limited to use in specific rooms.
Susannah Schulz, Lockhart Design
Open-Plan Living
According to Susannah, once you’ve tried open-play living, you won’t go back!
“Creating an open plan living space makes a world of difference when looking to increase natural light penetration. Other benefits include a more social lifestyle, improved air circulation and overall flexibility in furniture & decor layout. Open plan living can make any small home appear larger and allow you to enjoy your home to the maximum during the winter months (and any other month for that matter).”
Susannah Schulz, Lockhart Design
Top image: Bella Vie Interiors
Head over to our collection of Renos & Builds for even more interior inspiration!
