Design Trends for 2023

With Pantone’s announcement of Viva Magenta as Color of the Year for 2023, we’re excited to see more projects that embrace bold colors and celebrate our own unique shades of magenta, including 945 Drachenfrucht and 221 Himbeere, two vibrant colors inspired by some of the richest and brightest in nature. 

“In this age of technology, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real, Viva Magenta descends from the red family, and is inspired by the red of cochineal, one of the most precious dyes belonging to the natural dye family as well as one of the strongest and brightest the world has known.” 

– Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute

So, what other design trends are on the horizon for the year ahead? We’ve gathered the thoughts and predictions for what materials, colors, and trends we can expect in 2023 from our community of designers and architects. At Spinneybeck | FilzFelt, we collaborate with designers all over the world who bring their unique experiences and perspectives to the products they design. And, with new trends on the horizon, we’re excited to see what our designers are predicting from some of the most design-forward cities around the world. 

Architecture Research Office (New York, United States)

“This year, we expect to see all things natural, colorful, and personal. Integrating colors and textures inspired by nature—varied greens, warm neutrals—and natural materials will continue to take center stage. This reflects awareness of our responsibility as designers relative to environmental stewardship and an appreciation for all things outdoors. Colorful, animated, and energizing palettes will also dominate—for contrast or accent—to add intensity to varied spaces. As we continue working in the office, from home, or far afield, adding a personal touch or imprint on our own spaces will become increasingly common. This might be through reclaimed materials and finishes or salvaged furniture and objects—those unique details and touches will be coveted.” 

“Integrating colors and textures inspired by nature—varied greens, warm neutrals—and natural materials will continue to take center stage. This reflects awareness of our responsibility as designers relative to environmental stewardship and an appreciation for all things outdoors.”

Bernd Benninghoff (Mainz, Germany)

“Sustainability will play a decisive role in the design process of the future. Bio-based materials are becoming increasingly important in product design and interior architecture. The great challenge often lies in giving these sustainable materials a convincing visual quality and the products realized with them an appealing aesthetic. I recently visited Dutch Design Week, an exhibition that primarily focuses on new trends in design. This year, the focus was on materials made from renewable resources or waste products. In my own work and together with my students, we are moving precisely in this direction. This year we have already created acoustic modules from self-growing mushroom cultures and are now working on furniture, lighting, and architectural modules from compostable hemp fibers and bio-resin.”

“Sustainability will play a decisive role in the design process of the future. Bio-based materials are becoming increasingly important in product design and interior architecture. The great challenge often lies in giving these sustainable materials a convincing visual quality and the products realized with them an appealing aesthetic.”

Kelly Harris Smith (Boston, United States)

"Not entirely new, but the concept/principle of biophilia will continue to evolve and grow in interiors this year. Bringing the outdoors in with natural light, natural materials, and colors and graphics influenced by objects/shapes found in nature is becoming increasingly popular. In addition, plants and even the sounds and smells in nature are finding their way indoors.

Conversely, working outdoors and bringing the indoors out is continuing to trend. Durable textiles and rugs, more outdoor furniture, lighting, and accessories make it possible to work and spend more time outdoors. This comes as no surprise coming out of a years-long quarantine. There will certainly be a desire to spend more time outside this year, and product and interior design is reflecting that."

“Durable textiles and rugs, more outdoor furniture, lighting, and accessories make it possible to work and spend more time outdoors. There will certainly be a desire to spend more time outside this year, and product and interior design is reflecting that.”

Petra Vonk (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

"Nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for patterns and structures for my designs, particularly the structure of plant growth in semi-cultivated environments. More and more, nature finds its way into interior design. Whether for the colors, patterns, materials, smells, layers, acoustic or soothing effects, biophilic design is trending.

In product and interior design, there is a growing focus on sustainability and a desire to use natural materials out of respect for the environment, people, and our planet. Not only with the choice to implement raw materials but also with the sustainable quality of the design and process. Products that have multiple functions and are easy to maintain and repair. Products are designed more and more to last for decades and then recycled, preferably up-cycled, at the end of their life.

Locally sourced materials and locally made products are gaining popularity in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe. This results in minimal transport between the sourced materials, the manufacturing industry, and the designer, reducing a product’s carbon footprint."

“Nature is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for patterns and structures for my designs, particularly the structure of plant growth in semi-cultivated environments. More and more, nature finds its way into interior design. Whether for the colors, patterns, materials, smells, layers, acoustic or soothing effects, biophilic design is trending.”