Design (Non)Trends for 2023
We’ve officially settled into the new year and while all of our social feeds for the month of January were full of design predictions, trends and opinions for 2023, we wanted to do something a little different here on the Oho blog. Rooted in the idea that some of the design concepts that are the new trend looks for this coming year (and quite honestly, are ones we often feature in our own projects) need not be pigeonholed into purely being viewed as a trend, rather as a revival of concepts that have been around for decades, if not centuries.
While we adore embracing new ideas and design concepts along with making classic & traditional style function in fresh & new ways, Oho typically (and purposefully) doesn’t follow current trends in our designs. We know that most, if not all, design trends have their moment in the sun and understanding how cyclical design is in general (looking at you, bootcut jeans), Oho believes in executing on design you will love before it’s on-trend, while it is of-the-moment and long after too.
In that spirit, here are five things Oho loves, has loved and will continue to love, even when the trend has peaked and passed its time.
No. 1. The return of medium and dark toned woods in flooring, cabinetry and millwork—
Lighter woods, gray washes and painted finishes have dominated for the last decade, but we’re now seeing a return to more traditional wood finishes which are unsurpassed in creating a warm, timeless and restful backdrop in the home. There’s good reason historical European and provincial American turn of the century architecture featuring these mid-to-dark tones and rich woodgrains have stood the test of time and are so easily recalled when we look for inspiration today. They’re all at once classic, enduring and refreshingly modern with proper execution.
No. 2. Setting the mood of a room with COLOR—
It’s no secret we love color here at Oho, from dark and moody blues to midtone greens to warm, rich golds and everything in between. But the real power of color ultimately lies in the way it sets the mood for any room and makes its inhabitants feel. In fact, with so much research being poured into the ongoing discovery of color theory, this is the perfect place to start when planning your home design. Are you wanting a kitchen to feel bright and airy, or maybe a primary bedroom to feel dramatic and cozy? This can all be directly accomplished by choosing the proper colors for paint, textiles and decor—a concept we’re now leaning into more strongly than ever before. And while we know it can be hard to nail the right shade and tone on the first try—that’s exactly what we’re here for.
No. 3. The resurgence of bronze as a metal finish—
While bronze metal finishes have existed for centuries, they haven’t been seen as much in recent years while brass, polished nickel and matte black tones took over the spotlight. However, we’re seeing a swing back to center stage for this versatile finish and couldn’t be more on board. It’s transitional, timeless and grounding at the same time, which makes it perfect to use anywhere in the home. We especially love it paired with brass finishes for that enviable collected look.
No. 4. Designing with nostalgia—
Plate walls, pattern mixing like it’s the 1950s, antiques passed down from generation to generation—there’s a reason these things evoke such a deeply emotional response when used in our homes today. In many cases they connect us to our own unique past as we recall sitting in our grandparents’ kitchen with block print curtains and floral tablecloths, or sleeping in an attic loft under layers of hand stitched quilts on summer nights. Maybe you have a set of vintage plates passed down from a great aunt or painstakingly collected from local antique stores. Putting these items and design concepts into practice where they can live and breathe with our families—instead of keeping them packed away in storage for safekeeping—is a powerful factor in forging a feeling of home. And when done right, it will feel time-honored, fresh and balanced.
Image Source: Rinfret, Ltd. Interior Design
No. 5. Neoclassical interiors
We’ll forever love the symmetry, formality and impeccable architectural detail of neoclassical interiors, and these provide a solid starting point for many of our projects. While today’s execution of this style can veer high or low, it’s anything but sterile or stuffy—instead, it can set a calming and harmonious foundation in any home with the inclusion of soaring ceilings, repeating arches, perfectly mirrored built-ins and layered millwork. The hallmarks of this approach will never go out of style—even long after the trend seekers have moved on.
Oho Design Tip from Melissa:
Melissa here. Listen. I love a good trend; just look at all the statement sleeve blouses in my wardrobe. But I do think - just as I am dedicated to an always classic white button-up shirt - no matter what the current trends are, I know what I love and what looks good on my body.
I feel similarly about trends for my home; I know what I love and I know what I feel best surrounded in. I deeply & passionately feel this is the crux point for figuring out if something you love will stand the test of time in your own home. We have to accept that, at one point or another, the things we love will be in and out of favor and that? Should be the last question on you mind when you are deciding on whether a current design trend belongs in your house or not.
The first question you should be asking yourself is if you love it. And if you do - it will have a place in your home no matter it’s favor with the masses. If you love a checkerboard tile, have always loved a checkerboard tile and know you will love far after the trend falls out of favor? Don’t be afraid to step into that.
As a practical matter, and how we often approach projects where a new trend is brought in as an option, we suggest looking for a balance between classic design and current design trends. If you look through our portfolio, you’ll find that we use materials that feel very now (zellige tile comes front of mind) but we use it in an application that stands the test of time (a classic brick pattern). Or we take an of-the-moment finish (unlacquered brass) but pair it with a classic shaped mushroom knob so that it feels fresh but still elegant.
Don’t shy away from what you love, just because it feels like a trend. Trust the designer who has been around long enough to see mom-jeans become popular again - do it because you love it, not because it’s a trend. That is where the magic is.
xo, M