Drawing on the global movements that have affected how we view our homes – from lockdown all the way to Barbie dreamhouse mania – interior stylist Megan Morton has read the public’s temperature and drilled it down to four key spring/summer trends to look out for.
Bye-bye, Open Plan
2023 is seeing the reinstating of physical barriers in our personal spaces. Aussies love an open concept home. However, according to Megan, we are seeing a shift towards a more European mentality, where clever planning creates multi-functioning rooms that are both inviting and intimate.
“Open plan loves modern materials that don’t often offer any noise sensitivity,” says Megan. Note that adding a degree of separation and privacy doesn’t have to mean putting up walls. “With this trend, look to add soft furnishings and a plush curtain wherever you can to decrease noise echo,” she says.
Colour Bombing
For too long we have layered neutrals on neutrals, only adding accents of colour as an afterthought. Now, we are seeing colour at the forefront, on the runway, and across the big screen, with Barbiecore pink bleeding into our interiors as well.
If you’re nervous to try out this trend, Megan suggests choosing a colour that really resonates with you and expanding from there. “Doubling down on a colour superpower always comes across as passionate, inspiring, and very unexpected,” says Megan.
“Try to think: are there more shades or hues of the one colour you love that you can use more of? Are there other textures where this colour can be achieved in throws, cushions, and art?”
Refined Comfort
Our interiors were once the simple domain of a few afterwork hours before crawling into bed, but lockdowns have made us hyperaware of our surroundings, and we all have a new bar for home comfort.
“Living areas should wrap around us, bedrooms should envelop us, and workspaces should be practical and delightful,” says Megan. “It’s important to do a comfort audit to every room and assess what is comfortable to you. Throw everything into question from your bed to your lighting, even look at how objects sit comfortably next to each other.”
Decorate Responsibly
The mantra for all shopping now relies on our love and care for the things we invest in. Choosing wisely means careful consideration, not necessarily endless budgets.
Megan’s three crucial steps to adopting this trend include:
- Start with investing in the big basics, like a bed, sofa, dining tables and patio sets as they will take up the most space and need to be well thought out.
- Ask yourself, do you really need this, and will this last me several years?
- Lastly, invest in fabrics, lighting, and art – these are the things people notice first. A pop of texture and glam is a subtle way to add some dimension to your home.
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