How Home Design is Changing in 2023

2023 is not a great time for those looking to secure their dream house. While the current condition of the housing market means you’re likely to sell for a high price, the cost of living crisis and eye watering mortgage rates mean you might be putting yourself in a difficult financial position. That’s why many people are getting creative and choosing to invest in their current property, improving the environment and adding value. From extensions to garden cabins, we saw a major ‘home improvement’ trend throughout the pandemic, before homeowners sold up and have since settled back down again.

Now, as a result of a looming recession and continued economic uncertainty, it’s looking like 2023 will be another big year for staying put and sprucing up - which definitely isn’t a bad thing. Our founders Mark & Tracey are in fact planning their own home extension for this year, and we asked them to provide their expert insights into how home design is changing for 2023.

How is home design changing in 2023?

A few things were made abundantly clear as a result of the pandemic. One of them was that Millennial home-buyers want bigger houses. Another was that YouTube DIY hacks are a revelation. It was a time when home comforts and happiness in your own space took precedence over everything else; it was the era of staying in. Almost three years on, the fundamentals of home design are changing. Here are some that we have identified:

Is this the end of open plan design?

The top 10 interior trend searches on Pinterest throughout 2022 included farmhouse, nature, bold patterns, 70s, ceramic plates and Mediterranean. Sleek, minimalist design was nowhere to be found. This eclectic mix hints at a desire for cosiness, charm and authenticity, which becomes difficult to demonstrate in streamlined, open-plan spaces. While open-plan living definitely still has its appeal, we can’t help but wonder whether the need for our homes to function as a space for working, socialising, living, exercising and relaxing will mean that we begin to divide the areas up once more.

Some interior experts suggest that the “shift back to proper rooms” has been a long time coming, while others insist that open plan design isn’t going anywhere.

Quirky, interesting features

Fortune favours the bold. We expect to see extensions that don’t just fit the bill in terms of larger floor plans but also express their homeowners personality. Enough arches to rival Alhambra? Factor it into the design. A sunken Japanese bathtub like the one at that luxury spa? Do it. Hidden bookcase doors that open into an office? Make your design dreams come true.

In the grand scheme of things, a very small and affordable extension can also change the way you live. Whether you’re adding a downstairs loo, convenient home office or utility space, it’s likely to not only increase your property value, but your at-home enjoyment too.

The garden is your oyster

Whether you want something separate from your main home, want to use more cost-effective materials or you’re adding an outdoor area for entertaining and eating, the garden can be your base for all sorts of home design projects. Add a guest bedroom in the form of a cosy cabin, go all-out industrial luxe on an office space made from reclaimed bricks and bifolds or simply add an outdoor shelter for that alfresco kitchen of dreams.

Exterior tiles are set to be a big event for 2023, which provides ample opportunity to incorporate a particular theme or pinch of personality into your outdoor living space. Similarly, opting for a living roof will not only add sumptuous texture and colour to your garden but will also boost the ecosystem and provide some extra insulation. 

Sustainable solutions

Cork, earth, hemp and recycled plastic are all touted to be big materials in 2023. These, combined with 3D-printed components may go some length to provide a sustainable source for our interior and exterior design needs. In a similar sense, interior buying trends are also suggesting a desire for longevity and durability. In a nutshell, people want statement accent pieces that will last a lifetime, rather than cheaply-made accessories that will be heading for landfill this time next year.