Statement Lighting

Outdated lighting — from cheap track lights to frosted domed flush mounts — can really age a space and impact a buyer’s impression of the overall home. 

Swapping out light fixtures is a low-effort way to change up the look of a home and tap into what’s trending.

This year, it’s all about lighting that makes a statement. Lights like…

• Large-scale fixtures that are the focal point of a space
• Fixtures that make use of interesting materials, including paper, rattan, ceramic and silk
• Vintage lighting in an otherwise contemporary room

Earth Tones

They never really go out of style, but this year earthy hues are everywhere. More specifically, warm earth tones like chocolate, mauve, terracotta, dusty rose, mustard and a variety of browns.

Trending tones are good to keep in mind when advising your seller on pre-listing improvements — if they’re going to paint, they could consider choosing a trendy hue.

Making use of a trending colour palette is an easy way to refresh a home and impress a potential buyer with its contemporary feel.

Colourful Accents

Breaking up those earth tones are accent pieces in punchy colours — throw pillows, blankets, rugs and other decor in hues like poppy, rich yellow and paprika. These colours complement the warm earthy shades without clashing.

If you’re working with a stager to stage the home before listing, consider instructing them to work in some of these accents where it makes sense.

Mixed Metals

Using a combination of silver, gold, bronze and copper was a design no-no for the longest time. 

In recent years, mixing metals has been trending in the world of jewelry. This year, the trend has made its way to interior design.

It’s a tricky trend to pull off. Rather than encourage a seller to start swapping out cabinet hardware, door handles and curtain rods, lean into the trend by simply not being afraid of the occasional mismatch.

If your seller is updating the ensuite bathroom before listing, for instance, don’t fret about a new gold-framed mirror not matching the existing silver faucet.

70s Influence

Seventies-inspired looks are still trending this year, though the style is more influenced by rather than dominated by.

That means incorporating 70s pieces (either vintage or in a 70s style) alongside more contemporary and minimalist styles. The juxtaposition instantly creates a fresh, textured look that will stand out to a buyer.

For a seller whose home may already be rich in 70s looks — after all, 70s decor has been hot for a while now — you’ll want to pare back and keep only key pieces to achieve the trending aesthetic.

If you want to break up a client’s more traditional style with a fun 70s piece, consider items like a shaggy area rug, a piece of rattan furniture or a sculptural 70s floor lamp. 

Texture

Textured surfaces give a home a handcrafted feel more so than perfectly smooth finishes. 

That organic look is trending this year, showing up as textured floor and wall tiles, nubby area rugs, felted and boucle pillows and blankets, and furniture in organic materials (wood, wicker, and rattan).

These textures make a home feel much more inviting and interesting than stainless steel and glass. If your client’s home is heavy on the latter, you’ll want to find ways to incorporate texture to help warm it up.

Curved Structure

Blob-like shapes dominated furniture trends in the last couple of years. Cloud-like couches and bulbous armchairs were ubiquitous. 

For 2023, the look is a bit more restrained. Trending this year are furniture pieces that have curved lines while still maintaining a sense of structure.

Round coffee tables with interesting curved pedestal bases, couches with slightly curved backrests and armoires with curved rather than squared-off tops are all examples of the trend.

There’s no need to go out of your way to incorporate this look in a listing but if staging calls for different furniture, or if your client is taking on small pre-listing upgrades, keep this trend in mind.