Summer 2023: Key Color + Design Trend Takeaways

Summer 2023 Color and Design Trends

As we quickly approach the summer months of 2023, we are identifying some key trends to be on the lookout for in color and design. Initially noted in our 2023 color + design trends report, we can now confirm some of our discoveries.

Colors

Warmth continues to permeate the color trends for summer. Infused with natural elements of water, wood, stone, flora and fauna, the colors continue to highlight a need for comfort, health and well-being, and calming atmospheres. We also continue to see strong escapist themes in color as travel season is upon us. Bold and bright colors create immersive, energetic expressions.

Materials

With the trend of ‘revenge travel’ upon us, a wave of travel-inspired materials will satisfy the craving for souvenirs from places yet to be discovered. Handcrafted and regionally focused cultural elements provide rich and rewarding touches to the home.

• Artisanal ceramic objects
• Open-weave baskets
• Curated handicrafts
• Onyx vessels
• Playful textiles and formations

Whimsical design inspires us through experimentation and escapist themes. Abstract, charming and expressive, these materials are meant to capture our attention and are part of the larger Surrealist trend.

• Carved vessels
• Surreal planters
• Marbleized concrete
• Fun uses of resin and other pliable materials

Minimalist and mindful interiors create backdrops to subtle pieces that are intentional, weightless and fluid, and create a sense of tranquility.

• Ceramic mosaic art
• Objects with patina
• Raw stone elements
• Fluid-form objects
• Crystal objects

Boho is back as this resurgence takes on a coastal aesthetic with beach and ocean motifs. Shells, seagrass, coral and craftsmanship take center stage.

• Woven and seagrass basketry
• Hand-painted objects
• Imperfections infused in handcrafted objects

Energetic and colorful, this set of materials embrace illusionary effects, high gloss and pastel colors. And alongside it, futuristic design morphs as technology advances in home materials.

• Glasswork in fluid forms
• Optical illusions
• Vinyl in glossy pastel colors
• 3D printed elements
• Interactive and smart technology included in new home gadgets

The value of vintage heirlooms finds a place this summer among the many material trends we’re highlighting. These pieces, with touches of heritage, provide a sense of familiar comfort as well as sentimentality. Alongside vintage heirlooms, romantically inspired materials continue to trend as neoclassical and Romanesque forms provide substance to timeless, traditional design.

• Vintage oil paintings
• Regency wall-mounted dishware
• Quilts
• Hand-painted heirlooms
• Romanesque busts
• Swans
• Grecian pediments
• Stone water vessels

Motifs

National Park References

• Mountain Landscapes: These silhouettes bring the beauty of outdoor lifestyles into the home.
• Maps: Whether new or vintage, maps bring feelings of nostalgia toward navigating the wilderness.
• Bears: These quintessential forest creatures are being integrated into a variety of home elements.
• National Park Vintage Icons: These vintage camping motifs honor a touch of Americana with memories of summer family road trips.
• Mushrooms: Still going strong, mushrooms show up in playful colorways.

Beachside Living

• Driftwood: Sandy-colored driftwood pairs perfectly with the traditional beachscape aesthetic.
• Coral: Sandy hues and rough textures add dimension to the home.
• Fish: Infusing a calming color palette, the fish icon is updated and elevated for this summer’s beach aesthetic.
• Shells: Pastel shells create a subtle touch of oceanside living to home decor.

In the Countryside

• Watermelon: A cool slice of watermelon is a quintessential icon for perfect summer days.
• Poppies: Symbolic of summertime fresh and floral fun, poppies are infused in a variety of home decorative details.
• American Flags: The spirit of patriotism in vintage and sun-faded flags is shown as artwork on walls.
• Stars and Stripes: These subtle nods to Americana through motifs are being spotted in a wide variety of design elements.
• Equestrian Country: Horses and equestrian-themed motifs play up the countryside through Cottagecore and Rural Fantasy social trends that continue to remain strong.

To view our full 2023 color + design trends report, visit us here.