Surf Coast Interior Design Trends in 2023

Our homes are our havens, and thanks to the pandemic, we appreciate them more than ever.

This year’s interior design trends capture the joy and optimism of re-entering a post-lockdown world.

Natural style

Nature-inspired design has been big news in interiors for several years, and it’s here to stay in 2023. Whether it’s expressed through the use of natural materials, like the stunning woven bamboo cathedral ceiling and the central 7.2m Otway Stringybark pole at 65 Cunningham Drive, Bellbrae, or thoughtful spatial design that integrates indoor and outdoor living, like at 3 Greeves Street, Anglesea, nature-inspired design is in demand. Dulux have jumped on board with their 2023 colour palettes Connect and Balance. With its soft, earthy neutrals, Connect evokes the Australian bush, while Balance’s oceanic hues are inspired by the sea. Both dovetail perfectly with our precious natural environment here on the Surf Coast.

Of course, the ultimate nature-inspired space is an outdoor one – the garden. Our Surf Coast lifestyle sees us spending a lot of time outdoors, and well-designed gardens and backyards become like outdoor rooms, extensions of our homes. Being outdoors and connecting with nature has taken on a new significance since the pandemic. A plant-filled garden as a salve for our mental health is an important garden trend for 2023, according to House & Garden.

Sustainable design is here to stay

Tied in with the trend for nature-inspired design is the move towards sustainable homes. Far more than just a fad, sustainable design is here to stay. Home design that reduces a property’s carbon footprint by maximising natural light and shade, minimising the need for heating and cooling, and being more energy efficient is being embraced by architects, designers, local planning authorities and homeowners alike. This is a design trend that’s not only good for the environment but easy on your wallet too, reducing energy consumption and bills. Studies have even found that homes designed with a sustainable approach (like 1d Walker Street, Anglesea) can sell for 5 – 10% more than their non-energy-efficient counterparts.

The sustainability movement is naturally big in garden design, with eco-friendly gardens filled with resilient, drought-resistant plants and wildlife habitats featuring on Home & Garden’s list of 2023 garden trends. Growing your own food is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, too. Torquay local Marisa Schlichthorst’s permaculture garden makes for fantastic inspiration.

Lifestyle in style

There’s no doubt that the pandemic gave us a renewed appreciation for our homes. In 2023, we expect more from them than ever – they need to be a place for work, rest and play. No wonder Vogue Living has named ‘life-enhancing design’ a trend for 2023. This means homes with dedicated spaces for downtime, or work, such as a study nook, studio or home office, are more in demand than ever. This is borne out by data from Domain showing that ‘study’ was one of the top 10 most searched terms in 2022.

Your taste is the only rule

After being in fashion for a decade or so, minimalism has been pushed to the outer. Interior design in 2023 is all about the eclectic, the idiosyncratic, the unique and the individual. Just as fashion has been championing bold maximalism and personal preferences over cookie-cutter style in recent years, interiors are now about the décor you like – whatever that may be. Give your nanna’s heirlooms centre stage, seek out one-of-a-kind pieces from local craftspeople and artists and scour vintage, second-hand and op shops for objects you love. These one-of-a-kind, custom-built homes in Pomora Avenue and Hibbertia Street, Torquay, show how it can be done.

Nostalgic vibes

With the departure of minimalism comes a return to traditional styles, like Art Deco and mid-century modern. Both Vogue Living and Harper’s Bazaar predict that 2023 will be the year that vintage interiors make a comeback. Antiques, classic art, jumbo lamps and overstuffed sofas are in. Have a look at 9 Bachli Court, Anglesea, built in 1965, for some gorgeous mid-century architectural inspiration. Even Dulux are jumping on board with their Revive colour palette for 2023, a suite of playful pastels and brights that hark back to the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.

Thinking about renovating or looking for a new home on the Surf Coast? Feel free to contact me for advice.