Broadly speaking, 2023 has been a year of shifts. We’ve seen them in everything from how we look at work, to how we live and what we value. As we near 2024, it is a good time to look back at some of the themes from the year. The major one for interiors has been subtle choices. Let’s examine that, then if you need input from architects in London, you can rely on us.

The shift

An impressive shift in interiors in 2023 is that more people have chosen to slow down and be more modest. It is quite the change from 2020, 2021, and 2022 when people were way more explorative. They had to be in the face of lockdowns and restrictions.

Events this year helped to shape the slow down and favouring of subtle designs. For example, the cost of living crisis meant that people did not or could not be extravagant. Fears of a full recession put a lot of projects on hold or forced them to scale back. However, interiors can still look fantastic and satisfy the needs of inhabitants without ostentation.

Like fashion, a big thing in interior design this year has been the return of late 90s and early 00s designs. Some are the exact same items that were popular over two decades ago, giving that retro vibe. Others have had a modern upgrade. A major thing here is people were happy to rescue and update old items rather than go with modern, mass produced products.

Some key things

A major thing was the colour choices. As architects in London, we know how great the right colour in the right areas can be. The environment and climate change have been massive topics this year. Not surprising they have had an influence on interiors. In 2023 people were most likely to choose palettes inspired by the earth. A surprising favourite was pastel mint green.

There was also a shift in how we organise spaces. A favourite was the offset plan. The idea here is to have a feature element in a space and then have everything else around it.

Another interesting trend was the popularity of geometric tiles. They can bring vibrancy to a space, especially when they are the main feature. Plus, they can work very well when you also use wood and metal.

Overall, the focus was on subtlety and comfort. Blatant celebrations of wealth and extravagance became unpopular as people took stock of the economic struggles.

Talk about your next plan with the best architects in London

Coffey Architects is the perfect team to plan your next project with. We can look at trends and newer ideas. Whether you want to be subtle or favour brightness and vibrancy, we can help. Ultimately, we will determine exactly what works for you. This could be your own home, a commercial space, or any other kind of property.

So, speak to us and choose the most reliable architects in London. We’ll make every interior a wonderful space.