Designers and tastemakers around the world rang out their New Year trends, from the Pantone Color Institute declaring deep pinkish red Viva Magenta the 2023 color of the year to Architectural Digest promoting crafted, homemade objects that express a personal touch.
What will continue to be popular in the Portland area? Multifunctional spaces, says Barbara Miller, design director for the remodeling and home improvement company Neil Kelly.
With shutdowns caused by the pandemic and rising inflation, the last few years showed the importance of having a flexible space that can serve as a home office, fitness area or extra living quarters for a family member or as an income-producing rental.
Every square inch in a home matters, says Miller, who predicts people will continue to want a dwelling adaptable to current and future needs, in quiet times and when company’s coming.
She says higher interest rates for new mortgages motivate people to upgrade their existing residence rather than move. “They’re being smart and not overspending,” she says. “They prioritize what would make their home the best space for them.”
Storage and organization containers can hold objects that otherwise take up counter and shelf space, and adjustable lighting can switch the mood from playtime to showtime. The luxury of having two kitchen islands provides a surface to prepare food and another spot to serve it, Miller says.
Miller forecasts these 2023 home design trends:
Reclaim the dining table
It’s time to reclaim the family table for sit-down meals and special occasions.Malia Campbell Photography
When schools, offices and restaurants closed during the pandemic in 2020, kitchens became even more the center of the home. In addition to preparing more meals, kitchen islands and the dining table served as homework zones.
It’s time to reclaim the family table, whether in a dining room or kitchen, for sit-down meals and special occasions. Dimmable lighting, comfortable seating and wooden surfaces help create an inviting place, “a softer side” to design, Miller says.
Layer the lighting
Being able to adjust the intensity of light is one of the keys to creating an inviting space.Tim Cotter Photography
Ambient light, the overall light in a room, needs a boost. Ceiling fixtures and floor and table lamps illuminate when natural light fades. The bathroom, kitchen and other workspaces also require task and under-cabinet lighting.
A soft, diffused “wall washing” light on a vertical surface also brightens a room, and accent and decorative lighting — sconces, pendants — let you turn off the harsh overhead light and make the mood relaxing to romantic.
Being able to adjust the intensity of light is one of the keys to creating a space that’s multifunctional, Miller says.
Add kitchen character
A copper hood looks like art in this kitchen.Tim Cotter Photography
Updated kitchens typically have simple Shaker-style or flat-panel cabinets, and backsplashes that rise from the counter to ceiling, creating a consistent, clean look.
The range hood can stand out against this backdrop, says Miller.
The hood vent has a purpose, but what’s overhead the vent is ornamental. Miller likes copper hoods that gain a patina over time.
Mix natural and vibrant colors
Green is a comforting color.KuDa Photography
Color trends are a response to what’s happening in the world, says Miller, and in stressful times, people seek calming environments composed of natural colors and materials.
“Green is a restful color that’s also reflective of nature,” she says.
People eager to step away from a white and gray world may enjoy vibrant colors like Viva Magenta “that will help us reengage, get us moving again and get us passionate about something,” says Miller.
Use hideaway storage
Hideaway storageSteve Spohn
There was a time when small appliances on the counter were part of the kitchen decor, but now people want to keep most everything out of sight, Miller says.
“Seeing visual clutter makes you anxious,” she says.
Put it away. A breakfast closet has pullout shelves with a coffee maker, juicer and toaster. An appliance garage hides other plug-in devices behind doors. And cellphone chargers can be kept hidden in a drawer.
Miller designs mud or laundry rooms with pet accommodations such as a low, open cubby for pet food and water dishes, and floor space for a dog or cat bed.
A cabinet can have a cutout for a litter box and other hideaways can store leashes and more pet supplies.
“You don’t want to have a beautifully finished kitchen in which you see pet food,” she says.
— Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072
jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman
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