While the kitchen may be the heart of the home, the living room is where all the relaxing happens. From cozy movie nights to family game days, this is a room that needs to serve a lot of purposes—and ideally, look good at the same time.
With this in mind, we turned to some of our favorite designers to ask for their best predictions for living room trends in 2023.
1. Goodbye, Traditional Layouts
Interior designer Bradley Odom predicts that the formulaic living room layout will be a thing of the past in 2023.
“We’re going to move away from the more traditional living room layouts of the past, like a sofa with two matching swivels, or matching sofas with a pair of table lamps,” Odom says. “In 2023, filling space with a formulaic arrangement won’t be feeling exciting.”
Instead, Odom says that people are going to lean into pieces and layouts that make their space feel unique. “Whether that’s an incredible leather-wrapped daybed that anchors the room or a really distinctive chair, we’re making room for pieces that stand out—even if doing so makes for a less traditional layout,” Odom tells us.
2. No More Predictable Accessories
Odom also sees a rise in unexpected living room accessories. This doesn’t mean you should kiss all your traditional coffee table books goodbye, but rather experiment with more sentimental or exciting accessories.
“We rely heavily on books and small sculptural items in a way that we’re moving past,” he tells us. “I predict that we’ll see more considered and special pieces without the distraction of other accessories we see over and over again.”
Odom notes that pedestals are a rising decor piece that embraces this exact method. “It really can anchor a room in an intriguing way,” he explains.
3. Living Rooms as Multipurpose Spaces
Many spaces in our homes have grown to develop more than one purpose—see: the basement gym or home office closet—but another space that should be multifunctional is your living room.
“I see using living rooms as multipurpose spaces,” interior designer Jennifer Hunter says. “I always include a game table in all of my living rooms because I want clients to truly live in that space.”
4. Warm and Calming Neutrals
Jill Elliott, the founder of Color Kind Studio, predicts a change in living room color schemes for 2023. “In the living room, we are seeing warm, calming blues, peach-pinks, and sophisticated neutrals like sable, mushroom, and ecru—these are really catching my eye for 2023,” she says.
5. Curves Everywhere
While it’s been on the rise for a few years now, designer Grey Joyner tells us that curves will be ever-present in 2023. “Curved upholstery, such as curved back sofas and barrel chairs, as well as round pillows and accessories, seem to be making a comeback for 2023,” Joyner says. “Curved architecture is also very of the moment like arched doorways and interior spaces.”
Katie Labourdette-Martinez and Olivia Wahler of Hearth Homes Interiors agree. “We expect a lot more curved furniture, as we already are seeing a lot of curved sofas, as well as accent chairs and benches,” they share.
6. Exciting Accent Pieces
Labourdette-Martinez and Wahler also are predicting a rise in accent chairs with unexpected detailing, as well as unexpected color pairings when it comes to textiles.
“We love the expanded options of accent chairs with rope or woven details on the back,” the team tells us. “Consider adding touches of the chair’s accent material or color throughout the home to create a cohesive look. It adds visual interest and another layer of texture, which can help create a cozy, homey vibe.”
7. Unexpected Color Pairings
New textiles, colors, and patterns will take forefront in 2023, with complementary colored sofas and accent chairs creating visual interest.
“We’re really excited about larger pieces in bold colors, like burnt orange paired with muted pastel paint and textiles,” Labourdette-Martinez and Wahler share. “We love the juxtaposition of a soft blue-grey-white mixed with deep, saturated rust.”
8. Natural Inspiration
While biophilic design was a huge trend for 2022, Joyner tells us that the influence of the natural world will only broaden in the coming year.
“I think natural elements like marble, rattan, wicker, and cane will continue to have a strong presence in design next year,” she says. “Along with this, earth tones seem to be sticking around. I think we will still see a lot of water tones like greens and blues.”
9. Decorative Lighting
Joyner also predicts a rise in statement lighting pieces. “Although recessed lighting is certainly not going anywhere, I think that lamps—even just as decorative pieces more so than for lighting—will be incorporated into residential spaces,” she says.
10. Creative Uses for Wallpaper
“Something I’m loving is the use of wallpaper as a border for windows and doors,” Joyner tells us. “I believe that playful uses of prints and color like this will be more widespread.”
11. Painted Ceilings
Jessica Mycek, the manager of innovation at paint brand Dunn-Edwards DURA, suggests that 2023 will see the rise of the painted ceiling.
“Many use walls as an extension of their warm and cozy space—but it doesn’t have to end there,” she explains. “We like to refer to the ceiling as the 5th wall, and depending on the space and architecture of a room, painting the ceiling can create a sense of cohesiveness.”
12. The Return of Art Deco
Ahead of 2020, designers predicted the rise of Art Deco and a return to the roaring 20s at some point in the new decade—and Joyner tells us that time is now.
“I think the influence of art deco-inspired accent pieces and accessories will come into play for 2023,” she says. “I’m starting to see more and more influence from this period.”