The Spring Decorating Trends Designers Are Excited to Try in 2023

Getting Ahead of the Curve

If you love the softer edges of recent furniture designs, then you’re in luck. Designer Breegan Jane assures us that curved furniture is only gaining traction this spring.

“I’m seeing lots of kidney bean shapes and organic-feeling edges and lines,” Jane tells us. “Couches, coffee tables, and other furniture pieces are featuring this stylized curvature that feels like a natural flow—a big departure from hard edges.”

Other designers are on board with some curvy decor as well. Roxy Owens, the founder and creative director at Society Social, tells us “Scallops and curved details in furniture and decor continue to be popular motifs. They are light, playful, and can easily translate to traditional, retro, to modern decor.”

Subtle Pastels

Pastels will be coming back—but in more subtle ways than usual this spring, according to Bria Hammel, CEO and creative director of Bria Hammel Interiors.

“We are seeing pastels lightly mixed with neutrals so that a space is not too overwhelmed with color,” Hammels says. “This ensures that color can be integrated effortlessly with your existing décor.”

Brooke Lang, principal designer and owner of Brooke Lang Design, notes that pastels are always trending around this time of year, but to expect a few modern twists this year.

“Pastel colors are a classic spring trend that come back nearly every year,” she says. “But this year, we’re excited to see new takes on classic colors like blush, lavender, and periwinkle. To make these colors feel fresh and modern, we like to pair them with high-contrast neutrals.”

The Rise of Multi-Functional Spaces

Our shared spaces have been working overtime, and Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN tells us she thinks multi-use rooms are the way forward. She thinks that we’ll continue to see multi-use spaces, but with more texture, bold, rich colors, and softer, rounded edges. And Sebastian Brauer, senior vice president of product design for Crate & Barrel, agrees.

“There will be a liveable—yet luxe—aesthetic seen throughout design come springtime,” Brauer says.

Vintage Vibes from Any Era

Vintage designs are currently trending, and as our designers point out, any and all eras are welcome this year. Hayley English of Hayley English Interiors notes a particular return of chinoiserie, and shares that finding vintage pieces always comes with special significance.

“I love the process of sourcing these special pieces while learning about their significance,” she says. “These finds not only create dynamic spaces, but also facilitate the storytelling of the design.”

Chaya Krinsky from TOV Furniture agrees. “I’ve been seeing a huge push for Art Deco styles and homages to past decades,” Krinsky says. “Bold, floral fabrics that were popular in the ’60s and ’70s will continue to be popular. We’ve seen boucle come back in a major way, and I think that will stay popular this spring as well.”

“Right now, I’m leaning into everything ‘70s and ‘80s-inspired,” says Sarah Solis of Sarah Solis Design Studio. “Think: moody, monochromatic spaces, earthy creamy paint and plaster tones, chic Murano glass lighting, and bold, monochromatic textured area rugs.”

Secondhand Furniture and Decor

It’s hard to know what came first—a love of vintage aesthetics, or a renewed interest in buying secondhand furniture. But it’s clear that these two go hand-in-hand this spring, even if you’re not sourcing something particularly vintage.

“The stigma around buying secondhand is nearly gone in both the furniture and fashion industries,” Grace Baena, Kaiyo’s interior design expert, tells us. “Shoppers are looking for better craftsmanship, individuality, the thrill of the hunt, and the stories behind pre-loved pieces.”

A Mix of Old and New

While vintage looks are trending, designers assure us we don’t have to go totally old-fashioned. Angela Hamwey of Mackenzie & Co notes that she loves mixing what’s old and new to create a layered space.

“A well-balanced space results from having the perfect mix of tones and textures,” she says. “Adding in vintage pieces requires careful consideration, as each piece must be thoughtfully selected to create a cohesive design that tells a story.”

That’s a major reason the vintage aesthetic will carry into new furniture designs, too, according to Brauer. “Silhouettes will combine vintage old-world charm, with timeless shapes, decor, and lighting following suit,” he says.

Nature-Inspired Motifs

As we’ve seen more and more in recent years, biophilic design is coming back again this spring, with everything from floral prints to natural textures. Roy Marcus, the brand ambassador at Artistic Tile, notes that there is a certain brilliance in bringing the garden into the home.

“Right on schedule for spring, the impulse to use floral and botanical prints when one creates a warm-weather entertaining space is both strong and correct,” he says.

“Ditsy florals are like stripes or checkered patterns—a timeless, nearly-neutral print that pairs well with different styles and aesthetics already in your home,” adds Marie Joh, head of merchandising for The Six Bells.

But it’s not just florals to be on the lookout for—certain produce motifs are trending, too. “You’ll see raspberries and blackberries scattered on our mugs, and lifelike candle versions of farmer’s market staples, like apples, oranges, lemons, and more,” Joh says.

Bold Pattern Mixing

Jennifer Matthews, co-founder and CCO ofTempaper & Co, agrees that florals will return for spring—but she says it’s all in how they’re paired this year. Nostalgic and classic floral patterns that bring a sense of comfort will be prevalent.

“These florals will be combined with unexpected geometrics in unique compositions to create an uplifting statement,” Matthews says. “Both large and small-scale patterns will continue to be explored with expressive colors and finishes.”

Lighter Fabrics and Woven Furniture

As we ease into the breezier months of spring, Owens says it’s prime time to ditch anything heavy. Now is the time to shed heavy fabrics, like velvets and chenilles, and instead opt for breezier textiles, like cottons and linens in more vibrant colors.

Along with lighter accents, Owens also sees a rise in casual, woven furniture for spring. “The casual feel of rattan and woven wicker furniture naturally lends itself to the relaxed and new routines of spring,” she says. “It also adds warmth and texture to spaces indoors and out.”

“Woven and rattan textures continue to be very strong and natural materials are seen in many different forms—from furniture to accessories,” Hammel agrees, and Hamwey adds that these woven textures bring a spring vibe without specific decor.

A Focus on Fresh Lighting

Great lighting is important all year long, but Marcus says that spring is the time to really let the sunshine in, especially in terms of design.

“Create spaces that take advantage of natural light’s ‘butter-and-cream’ during spring and summer,” Marcus explains. “Ambient light is a significant part of how a space makes one feel, and should always be a paramount element of design.”

Fresh Flowers

Of course, there’s one thing that spring requires more than any other time of the year: a bouquet of flowers.

“Fresh, in-season florals are a must to complete any room,” Lang says. “We’re loving the simplicity and low-maintenance vibe of a bouquet featuring one type of flower, rather than an eclectic bunch.