10 Fresh Furniture and Decor Trends for 2023 From the USA
Greens and blues, art and artisanship, and mixed eras and textures filled the 2023 collections at High Point Market
Natural influences, soft shapes, mixed materials and eras, and warming palettes have dominated interior furnishings and decor trends for a few years now. But each season has brought fresh iterations of those big-picture trends – and this year is no exception.
Houzz scouted the latest 2023 High Point Market (held from 22 to 26 April) in North Carolina, USA, where industry pros packed showrooms filled with manufacturers’ latest and greatest, looking for those enduring trends and subtle refreshes – and designs we just liked. Here’s what stood out.
Houzz scouted the latest 2023 High Point Market (held from 22 to 26 April) in North Carolina, USA, where industry pros packed showrooms filled with manufacturers’ latest and greatest, looking for those enduring trends and subtle refreshes – and designs we just liked. Here’s what stood out.
Photo by Zach Pontz.
The Met and luxury furniture company Eichholtz, Wendover Art Group and Abner Henry, an Amish-made contemporary furniture company, also announced collaborations.
Abner Henry’s seven limited-edition designs for the Met were inspired by some of the museum’s most recognisable artworks, including ‘The Dance Class’ by Edgar Degas. Can you make out the ballet references in this Pirouette console table of wood, gossamer marble, glass and hand-forged brass?
As with the company’s other made-to-order furniture pieces, Abner Henry’s craftspeople meticulously build each item to order in an off-the-grid facility using centuries-old techniques and locally sourced wood. Yet you’ll see this mix of materials, ballet-slipper-shaped glass top and undulating wood are all on point (ahem) with the trends we cover below.
The Met and luxury furniture company Eichholtz, Wendover Art Group and Abner Henry, an Amish-made contemporary furniture company, also announced collaborations.
Abner Henry’s seven limited-edition designs for the Met were inspired by some of the museum’s most recognisable artworks, including ‘The Dance Class’ by Edgar Degas. Can you make out the ballet references in this Pirouette console table of wood, gossamer marble, glass and hand-forged brass?
As with the company’s other made-to-order furniture pieces, Abner Henry’s craftspeople meticulously build each item to order in an off-the-grid facility using centuries-old techniques and locally sourced wood. Yet you’ll see this mix of materials, ballet-slipper-shaped glass top and undulating wood are all on point (ahem) with the trends we cover below.
2. Craft meets modern
Meanwhile, high-end bespoke furniture designer Martin Goebel unveiled Kindred (pictured here), his new collection of heirloom-quality furniture for the consumer market. The clean-lined pieces are built in St Louis, USA, from sustainably harvested American hardwoods using a combination of hand-crafted methods and high-tech manufacturing.
Abner Henry is a century old and Kindred is relatively new, but both represent the appreciation and demand for traditional handcraft that’s been growing over several seasons. This spring, there was a lighter, sleeker sensibility to many of these hand-hewn pieces.
Find, follow and network with other designers, trades and building pros on Houzz
Meanwhile, high-end bespoke furniture designer Martin Goebel unveiled Kindred (pictured here), his new collection of heirloom-quality furniture for the consumer market. The clean-lined pieces are built in St Louis, USA, from sustainably harvested American hardwoods using a combination of hand-crafted methods and high-tech manufacturing.
Abner Henry is a century old and Kindred is relatively new, but both represent the appreciation and demand for traditional handcraft that’s been growing over several seasons. This spring, there was a lighter, sleeker sensibility to many of these hand-hewn pieces.
Find, follow and network with other designers, trades and building pros on Houzz
3. Social and environmental good
Keeping traditional crafts alive and sourcing local, sustainably grown wood are two of the myriad ways the furnishing industry can use its power for good. And from the smallest makers up to the industry behemoths, vendors at the market said they were trying to do their part.
For example, Four Hands has teamed up with Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organisation that provides economic opportunity to skilled makers and their families. The company works with traditional weavers in Chiapas, Mexico, to create the beautiful, one-of-a-kind woven cotton pillows pictured here.
They and other furniture and textile manufacturers are also making significant advancements using and developing lower-impact performance fabrics and dyes, as well as upcycled materials and vegan leather. Even Sherwin-Williams spoke about new paint technology that improves air quality.
Being responsible isn’t just a trend, of course, but the fact that an increasing number of companies are making real strides in these areas is worth noting.
Keeping traditional crafts alive and sourcing local, sustainably grown wood are two of the myriad ways the furnishing industry can use its power for good. And from the smallest makers up to the industry behemoths, vendors at the market said they were trying to do their part.
For example, Four Hands has teamed up with Aid to Artisans, a non-profit organisation that provides economic opportunity to skilled makers and their families. The company works with traditional weavers in Chiapas, Mexico, to create the beautiful, one-of-a-kind woven cotton pillows pictured here.
They and other furniture and textile manufacturers are also making significant advancements using and developing lower-impact performance fabrics and dyes, as well as upcycled materials and vegan leather. Even Sherwin-Williams spoke about new paint technology that improves air quality.
Being responsible isn’t just a trend, of course, but the fact that an increasing number of companies are making real strides in these areas is worth noting.
4. Nature to the moon and back
For the past few years, design has escaped into the jungle, frolicked through flower-filled fields and explored the forest from the canopy down to the floor. This season, all of those ecosystems are represented in new furnishing finishes, colours, textures, materials and forms.
When it came to botanical patterns, bright green tropical leaves and exuberant flowers that suggest a resort getaway – including those in this rainforest pattern from York Wallcoverings – were especially popular.
For the past few years, design has escaped into the jungle, frolicked through flower-filled fields and explored the forest from the canopy down to the floor. This season, all of those ecosystems are represented in new furnishing finishes, colours, textures, materials and forms.
When it came to botanical patterns, bright green tropical leaves and exuberant flowers that suggest a resort getaway – including those in this rainforest pattern from York Wallcoverings – were especially popular.
Woven natural materials continue to be in heavy rotation and have become staples in many furniture and lighting collections (though we may have passed peak saturation). New credenzas and cabinets with Danish paper cord front panels, such as this Vanna bar cabinet by Made Goods, looked tailored next to the more common rattan, cane and wicker, while offering the same natural texture and colour.
Timber grain (real and faux) accentuated by surface treatments like washes and stains was also prominent at the fair. This aptly named Slice coffee table just introduced by Ethnicraft is made from mineral powders, water, earth, natural colour pigments and metallic powders.
A trend within a trend is blackened, almost burned-looking wood and timber texture. Simple black wood or wood-look stumps showed up in several showrooms.
A trend within a trend is blackened, almost burned-looking wood and timber texture. Simple black wood or wood-look stumps showed up in several showrooms.
We saw burled and similarly intricate patterned timber in many new collections at High Point Market. Made Goods, for example, just launched a collection of vanities (including the faux raffia Conrad pictured here) with an optional natural-gloss maple burl vanity top.
Another example is in the foreground of this vignette of Villa & House’s new introductions: the Lugano dresser with clear lacquered cat’s-eye veneer in navy. In the background, more burl veneer covers the Emil etagere.
Moving off land, the ocean was another big influence at the market, showing up in blue and green colour palettes and various coastal living and sea creature motifs – note the acrylic whale tale on this Mirissa chair by Universal – as well as wavy, glassy surfaces.
Moon motifs, which peeked out last year in the USA, continue to rise in importance as a textural and thematic muse, no doubt tied to NASA’s Artemis II manned moon mission planned for 2024.
Moon motifs, which peeked out last year in the USA, continue to rise in importance as a textural and thematic muse, no doubt tied to NASA’s Artemis II manned moon mission planned for 2024.
5. Mix-and-match eras
Mix-and-match eras, Art Deco, the 1970s, classical, 1980s Memphis, modern-meets-traditional and mid-century Brazilian design have all been trending in the USA in recent seasons. Currently, many furniture retailers are leaning towards mixing those styles and eras together in showroom vignettes – and even within individual pieces.
For example, though the past few years’ maximalist grandmillennial look has been reined in ever so slightly, contemporary takes on traditional design were one of the strongest looks in the High Point showrooms. Good examples include this Charlotte bed and Hampton chair by South + English, which interpret traditional elements such as turned legs and a Portman headboard in modern-looking, streamlined pieces with understated white oak finishes and metal accents.
Mix-and-match eras, Art Deco, the 1970s, classical, 1980s Memphis, modern-meets-traditional and mid-century Brazilian design have all been trending in the USA in recent seasons. Currently, many furniture retailers are leaning towards mixing those styles and eras together in showroom vignettes – and even within individual pieces.
For example, though the past few years’ maximalist grandmillennial look has been reined in ever so slightly, contemporary takes on traditional design were one of the strongest looks in the High Point showrooms. Good examples include this Charlotte bed and Hampton chair by South + English, which interpret traditional elements such as turned legs and a Portman headboard in modern-looking, streamlined pieces with understated white oak finishes and metal accents.
6. Asymmetry and curves
Inviting, rounded shapes have almost completely supplanted sharp-edged furnishings in recent years, both here and in the USA. This season, they were often asymmetrical, resembling organic forms including kidney beans and river rocks.
Eichholtz’s modular Sofa Residenza, pictured here – its movable backrests make it adaptable for a variety of spaces – looks like a string of pebbles or islands from above. Note how the Prelude coffee table’s legs and top are rounded and asymmetrical. And check out the Classical bronze busts too.
Browse beautiful living spaces by Australian designers
Inviting, rounded shapes have almost completely supplanted sharp-edged furnishings in recent years, both here and in the USA. This season, they were often asymmetrical, resembling organic forms including kidney beans and river rocks.
Eichholtz’s modular Sofa Residenza, pictured here – its movable backrests make it adaptable for a variety of spaces – looks like a string of pebbles or islands from above. Note how the Prelude coffee table’s legs and top are rounded and asymmetrical. And check out the Classical bronze busts too.
Browse beautiful living spaces by Australian designers
7. Design for real life
Working and schooling from home have had a huge impact on furniture design, driving up demand for home office, flexible and indoor-outdoor furniture. As our electronic gadgets continue to become more integrated into our lives and rooms – even our bedrooms – designers have taken notice.
For example, BDI, a leader in stylish home-office furniture, has expanded into bedroom furnishings (such as this Linq side table) outfitted with integrated power centres, USB-A and USB-C outlets and other conveniences, without sacrificing sleek, contemporary looks.
Though integrated electronics weren’t common at this edition of High Point Market, this is a category worth watching.
Working and schooling from home have had a huge impact on furniture design, driving up demand for home office, flexible and indoor-outdoor furniture. As our electronic gadgets continue to become more integrated into our lives and rooms – even our bedrooms – designers have taken notice.
For example, BDI, a leader in stylish home-office furniture, has expanded into bedroom furnishings (such as this Linq side table) outfitted with integrated power centres, USB-A and USB-C outlets and other conveniences, without sacrificing sleek, contemporary looks.
Though integrated electronics weren’t common at this edition of High Point Market, this is a category worth watching.
On a related note, raise your hand if you spend more time on your sofa these days than you did three years ago. Wasn’t it just a matter of time before someone made the recliner cool again?
Four Hands took on the challenge, introducing the new Motion collection. It includes the butterscotch top-grain leather Radley reclining sectional as well as this Tillery power recliner. The three-piece sectional is fully reclinable with the touch of a button. But when it’s upright, it just looks like a stylish sofa with soft linen upholstery and loose feather-blend cushioning.
As with integrated electronics, chic recliners weren’t seen all over the trade fair. But judging by the number of showroom visitors who sank into the recliners and refused to get up, we’re guessing more are on the horizon.
Four Hands took on the challenge, introducing the new Motion collection. It includes the butterscotch top-grain leather Radley reclining sectional as well as this Tillery power recliner. The three-piece sectional is fully reclinable with the touch of a button. But when it’s upright, it just looks like a stylish sofa with soft linen upholstery and loose feather-blend cushioning.
As with integrated electronics, chic recliners weren’t seen all over the trade fair. But judging by the number of showroom visitors who sank into the recliners and refused to get up, we’re guessing more are on the horizon.
Already ubiquitous is the much-loved and practical swivel chair. But Barry Dixon raised the bar with his Reveal version for Arteriors, which has cerused wood handrests where the linen might first show wear.
8. Soft geometry
Last year, soft fractal shapes and geometric tribal patterns that appeared to be drawn by hand began to show up alongside botanical and curvilinear patterns and forms. At the latest High Point Market, kaleidoscopic and almost Cubist-inspired patterns were seen all over rugs, wall coverings and art, often with a three-dimensional effect.
The pattern on this Dawn collection of indoor-outdoor rugs by Loloi captures the trend perfectly.
Last year, soft fractal shapes and geometric tribal patterns that appeared to be drawn by hand began to show up alongside botanical and curvilinear patterns and forms. At the latest High Point Market, kaleidoscopic and almost Cubist-inspired patterns were seen all over rugs, wall coverings and art, often with a three-dimensional effect.
The pattern on this Dawn collection of indoor-outdoor rugs by Loloi captures the trend perfectly.
9. Elemental materials
Hooker Furniture’s new Modern Mood accent console reflects another trend: warm metals with acid-washed, hammered, washed and brushed finishes – especially brass, bronze and pewter.
The base of the console is brushed metal in a warm pewter finish. The oak-veneer top and bottom are wire-brushed, adding even more depth and character.
Hooker Furniture’s new Modern Mood accent console reflects another trend: warm metals with acid-washed, hammered, washed and brushed finishes – especially brass, bronze and pewter.
The base of the console is brushed metal in a warm pewter finish. The oak-veneer top and bottom are wire-brushed, adding even more depth and character.
We saw glass – wavy, seeded, coloured and smoked – coming into focus last season, and it was even more prevalent at this edition of the show.
For example, Lexington Furniture just introduced the Sunset Key collection from its Tommy Bahama Home portfolio. The Fischer console pictured here has a clear wavy glass detail that complements the surrounding wire-brushed white oak.
This trend leans towards many Australian designers’ penchant for reeded and fluted glass, which has been a much-loved material for some years now.
For example, Lexington Furniture just introduced the Sunset Key collection from its Tommy Bahama Home portfolio. The Fischer console pictured here has a clear wavy glass detail that complements the surrounding wire-brushed white oak.
This trend leans towards many Australian designers’ penchant for reeded and fluted glass, which has been a much-loved material for some years now.
Warm and heavily veined stones were once again popular – especially warm-toned marbles and travertine. This Sunpan Cataldi dining table has a polished beige marble top and a taupe faux leather base.
Have you noticed very little bouclé in these images? Heavily textured materials are still hot, and there was still plenty to be found. But velvet accent pieces (such as this denim-coloured velvet Elo chair from Moe’s) and nubbly wovens that look like sherpa, shearling and bouclé gone wild seem to be usurping bouclé’s throne.
10. Blue, green and in between
Cream bouclé notwithstanding, more colour has seeped into homes and collections over the past few seasons. With the rise of natural influences, green surged in popularity, but seas of blue and blue-greens in showrooms felt like a refreshing breeze. And while blue is always a favourite, Pantone home and interior colour forecasters are putting their money on it as the big colour heading into next year.
This pile of pillows from the CuratedKravet capsule collection with Aviva Stanoff shows how beautifully watery blues and greens pair with also-popular orange-toned caramels, pinks and mid-tone woods.
Cream bouclé notwithstanding, more colour has seeped into homes and collections over the past few seasons. With the rise of natural influences, green surged in popularity, but seas of blue and blue-greens in showrooms felt like a refreshing breeze. And while blue is always a favourite, Pantone home and interior colour forecasters are putting their money on it as the big colour heading into next year.
This pile of pillows from the CuratedKravet capsule collection with Aviva Stanoff shows how beautifully watery blues and greens pair with also-popular orange-toned caramels, pinks and mid-tone woods.
But those of you who fell in love with the greens of seasons past, don’t fret: showrooms were still filled with beautiful mosses, emeralds, spring greens and olive, shown in the upholstery on this new modernist-inspired Nathan Anthony Monterosso sofa.
Your turn
Which of these decor and furnishing looks do you like best? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Catch up with more of the latest international trade fair news with 6 Trends From Salone de Mobile: The Stories Behind the Designs
Your turn
Which of these decor and furnishing looks do you like best? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Catch up with more of the latest international trade fair news with 6 Trends From Salone de Mobile: The Stories Behind the Designs
Big licensing partnerships in the furnishings industry have been around for a long time, and it seems like the number of smaller-scale designer collaborations increases with every market too. High Point is a popular spot for announcing both types in the USA.
This spring, Jean Stoffer x Loloi, Denise McGaha x Wildwood (whose pieces are pictured here), Barry Dixon for Arteriors and Pure Salt x Leftbank Art were among the buzziest debuts at this edition of the trade show.