interior trends 2023
Interiors / Society

9 Scandi interior trends to have on your radar for 2023

By Linnéa Ruiz Mutikainen

Photo: Verpan

From cosy cocooning to warming retro palettes – here's the home design trends we're getting excited about this coming year

Colder temperatures and minimal daylight leaves many of us with a lot of space for daydreaming. While it might sound cliché, we’re left longing for a new, fresh start. Whenever seasonal change creeps up on the horizon, there’s a strong desire to give your interiors a switch up and visually get things renewed. Think of it like an interior wardrobe update or overhaul of your safe space, ready for tackling the next twelve months with gusto.

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For this year, interior trends are moving at a significantly slower pace. In 2023, there is an overarching sense of longevity lingering around, offering pieces and stylings in calculable hues, easy to master materials, and zen-like shapes. Here’s the ones to keep an eye on:

An injection of personality

Gone are the sterile and clean days, best recognised by a lack of colour and airy, ascetic stylings. When it comes to Scandinavian interiors, we’re ready to embrace the clutter and beautiful mix of colourways. Here, the Danish innovative household name brands are naturally leading the way, from Helle Mardahl’s playful décor to Hay’s uplifting gems.

The ethos is simple, advocating for bold means you can ditch the usual playbook. Goodbye to the rules and embrace the vibe change, swapping immaculate aesthetics for spontaneous takes, paying homage to individuality. Whether displayed through small detailing or substantial furniture, this is your sign to dabble in unexpected stylings this year.

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Photo: Byredo

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Photo: Hay

Cosy cocooning

While soothing décor usually belongs to chilly winters, we’re bringing the nest-like atmosphere into the new year. Tactile surfaces and cozy textiles set the tone, both boosting relaxation and essential recharge in our everyday homes.

Textiles continue to lead the way, as presented by Hay. The buzzy brand embraces +1 mentality, simply adding another pillow to accentuate the feeling of relaxation and total calm. Colours are less important when it comes to cocooning, but if you’re seeking a sense of cohesion, let similar shades infuse the space as a rounded whole.

Photo: Mille Notti

Décor to stand the test of time

The concept of interior trends, as we know it, is over. Previously fuelled by short-lived preferences, inviting notable consumption, quick trends have now transformed into relics of the past. Instead, we’re experiencing quite the sustainability intervention, with brands presenting long-time companions for your home.

Intricate wooden surfaces show the way, merging local production with timeless, life-long quality that really lasts. Swedish interiors brand Gärsnäs, launched back in 1893, is one to try. They offer solid furniture in sleek minimalist silhouettes. While Interior design studio Temporärt boasts an alternative take, merging self-constructed wooden projects with unique preloved treasures.

Photo: Bonnibonne

Photo: Hay

Ode to the ocean

Maritime infusions are back, but not in its zeitgeist-y striped shape, instead think playful waves which will help to add soft contrast into a typical minimal and a little cold Scandi space. We continue to take note from design favourites such as Gustaf Westman, known for his trademark Curvy mirror. Recently, Westman expanded his eclectic range, making room for a statement light piece and innovative collaboration with Swedish Stockings.

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Photo: Malmsten

interiors trends 2023

Photo: Lisa Reiser

Photo: Lianlo

Heavy metal

This trend has been brewing up for a little while now, evident in everything from aluminium tables to polished steel shelves, futuristic metal is certainly having a major moment. For all the brave decorators, dare to opt for the buzziest styling – mixed metals in different shapes, all in the one space.

Danish progressive innovators FRAMA points us in the right direction. Here, functionality meets shimmering hues, encouraging compact contrast. Thanks to its solid character, these uplifting pieces are guaranteed to spark new life in your home space, hopefully for many seasons to come.

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Photo: &drape

interiors trends 2023

Photo: By Lassen

Creative colour blocking

Feeling an injection of colour for 2023? You’re not alone. While some may argue that timeless neutrals are the safest bet, more brands are exploring bold new territory. This season, we dip into quintessential colour blocking, a forgiving concept with no rights or wrongs.

Although traditionally considered a little bit eccentric, this trend has something for everyone. &drape introduces calming shades across the board, while Mille Notti suggests a bolder take. But why not indulge in both? It’s a good opportunity to happily experiment and indulge beyond the strict neutrals we’ve all been sworn to for years.

interiors trends 2023

Photo: Helle Mardahl

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Photo: Mille Notti

Crossover collaborations

The previously distinct fields of fashion and interior design are merging into one. Arguably, we’re mid-paradigm shift, characterised by numerous unexpected creative clashes outside of their comfort zones. 3 days of design introduced us to a few, most notably Swedish interior studio All Matters Studio and Danish fashion designer Emilie Helmstedt’s whimsical carpet design.

Similarly, our fashion staples and go-to jewellery are transforming into décor items of their own. Opt for simple crossover stylings, placing your favourite set of rings on display or a cherished piece of clothing.

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Photo: Helmstedt

Retro reminiscence

If you’re keen on colour, one palette clearly stands out – browns, oranges, and red hues. Yes, they’re not all that far from the traditional muted neutrals, the secret sits within the different shades. Warm, earthy tones become central to this trend, bringing back a sophisticated sense of '60s and '70s stylings. For this season, we compliment the retro-infused colour palette with nostalgic, bulbous shapes.

Think contemporary minimalism, with substantial statement sofas in muted hues. Top it off with a fluffy carpet or contrasting interior piece for just a dash of mismatch.

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Photo: Ekbacken

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Photo: Frama

Subtle statements

Not quite ready to go all-in with the statement making? No need to worry. 2023 is quite the welcoming year, introducing two juxtaposing tendencies both of eye-catching calibre. If you’re eager to put on a show without compromising with the existing interiors, then smaller, subtle statements are the way to go.

Massproductions casually excels, lining up contemporary gems in edgy costumes. See it as a lesson in how to infuse sophisticated contrast à jour, while holding onto classic shades.

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Photo: Massproductions

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Photo: Sami Kallio