Colour palettes are warming up for 2023 with the use of rich, organic earthy hues in décor, rugs, and pillows. The current look is to choose elements that look like they’ve been there forever with a strong nod to a more established aesthetic and feel. Think rich cognac, warm chestnut brown, pops of paprika, and deep inky midnight blues. The easiest way to update a room if you’ve already committed to the whites, creams, and greys of the past trends is to add in some earthy browns, warm gold accents, and organically shaped decorative objects. This will update your space instantly.

These nature inspired palettes pair beautifully with the use of raw materials, natural stone, and mixed metals, which is another hot look we’re seeing everywhere. You’ll see marble with bold veining and a return of darker wood finishes. Darker hues and wood tones add a feeling of coziness and warmth to your home year round. After a decade of cool greys and whites, we here at Gold Chalk Interiors are excited to see a return to the warmer colours. They work so well for our Rocky Mountain homes because they incorporate the colours of nature and the familiar features we see everyday right outside our doors. This brings a natural organic feel to our homes. Bringing the outdoors in and incorporating colours from nature is a wonderful way to curate a mountain modern look that withstands the trends and becomes timeless.

The use of texture in soft finishes is also very popular, and boucle is still having its moment. We’re seeing lots of texture in handloomed wool rugs, lush velvet pillows, and all types of upholstery. Fast furniture is on its way out as people focus on sustainability and quality, choosing to curate classic pieces that are well made and will outlast the trends. A cognac leather sofa in a classic silhouette will never be out of style. Upholstery design has comfort in mind, and we are still seeing lots of curved lines, but I would discourage clients from choosing an expensive curved sofa for their living room. I don’t think that look is here to stay.

While a white kitchen will always be timeless and classic, the new year is ushering back the use of wood in cabinetry. We’re seeing lots of earthy muted colours combined with mid toned wood in current kitchen design. Another look popping up is the use of deep saturated colours on cabinetry; think Benjamin Moore’s Cinnamon or North Sea Green for those of you with a daring spirit and love of colour.

Texture is coming back to warm up the sparse and minimalist look we’ve seen in kitchens in the past years. You can achieve a layered texture look by mixing materials. Try using a natural stone backsplash and warm mixed metals in your fixtures. Another kitchen trend is the installation of larger and even double islands as homeowners focus on entertaining family and friends again. Walk-in butler pantries and built in coffee bars are also making their way onto blueprints everywhere. People are wanting spaces that are multi-functional and meet their at-home work, educational, and entertaining needs.

Another look that’s becoming very popular is wine wall installations. Wine is making its way from the basement cellar to large wall displays in dining and living spaces. These wine walls are an art statement for your home. They are a collection after all! It’s a great idea for that large blank wall you’re not sure what to do with.

Speaking of blank walls, wallpaper has made a huge comeback, and the current look is dark and bold. A great place for patterned wallpaper is the powder room, which really can be the jewel box of your home. It’s a safe place to take design risks and have a little fun! Take inspiration from something you love such as a statement wallpaper and build upon that to determine your overall look. Alternatively, you could place a beautifully patterned wallpaper at the end of a long hallway to instantly add personality and interest to the space.

Bedrooms are showcasing the organic vibe by using calming colour palettes. These colours bring a sense of peace and harmony to the bedroom which bodes well with the current emphasis on wellness. People are wanting a space that is relaxing and tranquil. We’re seeing this aesthetic spill over into the primary bathroom as well, with the emphasis on creating a spa like retreat. Clean lines, free standing tubs, large format tile in sandy beiges, and warm sage green accents contribute to rejuvenation and a sense of connection to nature, which is ultimately the focus of design for the coming year ahead.