Interior Design Trends to Leave Behind in 2023 | Guide for Chicago Homes

For young professionals in Chicago preparing to redesign their sleek, modern homes in 2024, change is in the air! Admittedly, we're a little late, but we have a good excuse! Just like any other year, at Studio MAK, we believe it's time to let go of outdated trends and bring in a new era of sophistication and personal style. As you plan your interior upgrades, here are the top 6 interior design trends that we think are just oh-so-2023!

Let's talk interior design trends of 2023

Goodbye, industrial and farmhouse vibes! The overarching theme is quality over quantity... investing in pieces that reflect personal style and stand the test of time versus chasing temporary Instagram fads. It's okay, we've all been there.

As you reimagine your multi-million dollar home makeover in the coming months, focus on the core elements that create an inviting and livable home. For luxury interior designers in Chicago, these would be durable furniture, thoughtful lighting and natural materials that add depth. We even suggest mixing eras and styles to tell the unique story of your space. Move beyond stark grays to embrace mood-boosting earth tones.

1. Farewell to the Industrial Chic Decor Design Trend

We missed Valentine's Day, otherwise we would have told you to give that chilly concrete slab and metal chair a much-needed hug (with warmer textiles and textures)! While this style adds an undeniably sleek look in homes, it also often leaves rooms feeling cold and unwelcoming.

At Studio MAK, we're embracing cozier, more livable spaces throughout the Chicago area. Modern minimalism? Sure, but with a comfy twist! This means natural wood, textured rugs, ceramics, and cozy accents.

2. Overhead Lighting Alone Feels Dated

Gone are the days of relying on a single overhead fixture to illuminate an entire living room or dining space! Today’s interiors utilize layered lighting to set a mood and highlight decorative details. That harsh ceiling light has had its moment − now it’s time to incorporate modern lighting techniques. Read more: Fundamentals of Layered Lighting.  

Our approach this year combines several light sources for a cozier, personalized look. Try pairing overhead fixtures with strategically placed floor and table lamps or adjustable tracks. Dimmer switches also allow you to control the ambiance. On the whole, this lighting diversity makes rooms feel warm and inviting while allowing you to highlight displayed art, architectural features, and prized possessions. You know... like that jar of sand you brought back from your beach vacation (labeled "retired snow").

3. Strict Style "Rules" No Longer Apply

Once upon a time, interior designers followed strict rules around mixing furniture styles and periods. Furniture was expected to match its surroundings in era and aesthetic. However, those antiquated guidelines no longer apply! The latest interior design trends encourage blending eras and styles to create personalized and collected looks over matchy-matchy spaces.

Go ahead, try pairing the modern sofa with your nana's antique carved dresser. Combine that sleek mid-century floor lamp with the ornate area rug you found in Morocco. This purposeful mash-up adds depth, history and personality to a room. Through contrast and eclecticism, you can share memories and tell the unique story of your home’s journey over time. Many interior designers believe it's time to embrace sustainable practices in our homes, focusing on quality and longevity over disposability.

💡Pro Tip: When combining eras, stick to one dominant color palette to keep the look cohesive. If you gravitate toward blacks and whites, infuse those throughout while experimenting with shapes and textures.

4. Minimalist Grays Make Way for Earthier Colors

For quite some time, gray and its moody cousins dominated the neutral palette across modern interiors. Crisp white walls coupled with charcoal gray sofas, bedding and accents allowed our eyes to rest...but may have also edged homes into feeling too "sterile." 

Try light wood tones, almond, caramel and sand to balance the grays. We also recommend embracing nature-inspired hues like sage green, terracotta, mustard and rich blues reminiscent of forests and deserts. These colors add a sense of grounding along with welcome pops of personality. Psssst – beige is set to make a strong comeback this year as well, no longer carrying a "boring" connotation thanks to its renewed vintage appeal.

5. "Fast Furniture" Gets Put Out to Pasture

The rise of e-commerce giants made it temptingly easy to fill our homes with inexpensive furnishings delivered in two days or less. Thankfully, this year's interior design trend is shifting away from mass-produced, disposable furniture few of us will keep for long. Instead, interior designers nowadays are focusing on curating a collection of quality, sustainable pieces that withstand trends and reflect personal tastes.

In 2024, we challenge you to invest in sofa or accent chairs built to last 10+ years (generations not seasons)! Mix in family heirlooms or handcrafted items with meaning behind them. While minimalizing excess belongings, ensure what remains brings you joy and memories over the long haul. Ultimately, you want to establish a refined, collected look that feels uniquely YOU –– that's something never goes out of style, right?!   

6. Synthetic Textures in Interior Design Trends, ta!

In previous years, faux furs, pleathers and machine-made textiles appeared everywhere in an effort to emulate luxury on a budget. Believe us, the faux Mongolian pillows and plastic-y leather furniture crept into even high-end homes. Trade the plastic chair for woven wicker with charming creases. Swap out that acrylic fur pillow for linen and cotton textures or cozy brushed wool. $5,000 couches can still look cheap – what ultimately upgrades a space is quality craftsmanship and authentic materials.

💡 Pro Tip: Introduce touches of nature through jute rugs, ceramic lamp bases, rattan dining chairs or walnut side table. 

Let's make a big impact in 2024

I hope this guide provides a creative, empowering springboard to refresh your home in 2024 and beyond! Let go of fleeting trends and embrace the fundamentals of comfortable, intuitive design paired with custom furniture and authentic finishes. Don't let outdated trends hold you back, embrace the future with Studio MAK (totally meant to do that)! Click here to schedule a personalized interior design consultation.