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The start of a new year means looking forward to a lot of things: new resolutions (if you’re that type!), new travels, and of course, new design ideas. Our team of editors has been hard at work scouring the million listings on Chairish—that’s right: a million—to see the common threads of where design is going next. This year, we’re seeing a “return to pretty” as our overarching theme, with all of our individual trends marking an embrace of traditional styles and ideas. With painterly palettes and time-honored patterns and materials, these 10 trends below serve up a sense of inviting elegance, charm and—of course—an abundance of exquisite antique touches. 

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The Americana Revival

The new year has us excited to party like it’s 1799, with a return to traditional American styles that feel almost… Revolutionary (with a capital “R”). Expect lots of richly detailed wood elements, ladder chairs, farmhouse tables, quilts, and painterly decorative arts. 

French Blue

Across the Atlantic, our Revolutionary ally has us feeling blue, but in the very best way. French blue has been working its charming colorways into a myriad of furnishings, including chests, seating, artwork, and tableware. It’s a sophisticated but often subtle way to make a color statement without shouting.

Color Story: Mustard

Just like the seed, mustard can pack a powerful punch when used as an accent. We love this golden yellow hue when utilized sparingly, in a piece of art, lamp, or as an accessory, or when used on a single piece of furniture. It may not be the go-to hue for painting an entire room, but expect to see creative usages of mustard in the coming years.

Color Story: Cocoa

Keeping up with our culinary theme, cocoa is our next delicious color on the menu. We’re finding it in rich, sumptuous materials, like leather or velvet for a sofa, or in a cozy throw or rug. To keep it feeling overwhelming or too dark, mix cocoa in with lighter neutral shades to make sure this is a delicious design treat to savor.

Color Story: Salmon

Last food-related color, we promise. Salmon serves up a more delicate sensibility than mustard or cocoa, with a sophisticated lady-like ambiance that surpasses pure pink. The slight orange-ish tones of salmon give it a bit more diversity in terms of where it will work, from seating to casegoods and eye-catching accessories. 

Country Florals

Find a new love for traditional floral motifs that feel timeless but never old-fashioned or stuffy. Flower patterns can appear in every type of furnishing — and in every hue — from sofas to lighting and from casegoods to mirrors. And no, florals aren’t just for spring; they work at any time of year. Groundbreaking.

Tile

It’s not just for the bath or pool area anymore. We’re seeing tile everywhere these days—and that means all throughout a home’s interiors. Perfect as a surface for cocktail tables, tile can also appear frequently as an artistic accent on mirrors or as a material for table lamps as well. 

Damask

Is there any pattern that better demonstrates a return to pretty than damask? This classic look is back in a major way, in materials that stretch beyond traditional silk (quite literally). We’re seeing damask on sofas and all types of elegant seating as expected, but also on pillows, beds, and as a pop of pattern on elegant lampshades. 

Whimsy

What’s life without a little whimsy? After several turbulent years, we’re ready for a jolt of fun in our designs. Expect to see more pieces that celebrate joy simply for the fun of it, with a nod to the absurd and tongue firmly in cheek. We love over-the-top ornamentation and a sense of humor, and we look forward to spotting a lot of both throughout 2023.

Dogs & Decor

And when it comes to things that bring us joy and comfort… is there anything better than our pets? Our four-legged friends show up in all kinds of art—some straightforward, some very playful—in addition to chic pieces actually made for them to use (go figure), from dog beds to large pillows to the most elegant water and food bowls we’ve ever seen.

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January 3, 2023

Dennis Sarlo is the executive editor of Chairish and a lover of all things design-related. Prior to joining the team, he served as the executive editor of Dering Hall and was the first site director of Architectural Digest. He was also part of the founding team of travel startup Jetsetter. He lives in New York.