I have exciting news!!! Today is the first post from “The Designing Women Tell All”. I am thrilled to join three creative and wonderfully talented interior designers to share a monthly post on everything we know about home and garden design. We will share trends, successes and even our failures, because you know one of the best ways of learning is to have a failure now and then. For our first post, we are going to cover 2023 trends for home decor and more! So let’s jump right in!

If you have read my blog for long or followed me on social media you will know that I don’t necessarily chase trends. I try to incorporate fresh trending colors or new design pieces into my home, but overall my design tastes are coastal, light and airy and a little bit industrial.
My belief is that your home should not be an interior design gallery but rather a place that makes you feel happy, comfortable and expresses something about your personality.
Having said all of that let’s jump right in to the 2023 trends in home decor and more!
Home Retreats
During and after the pandemic, people started thinking about what was important and given that they were spending so much time at home, people began investing in their homes in ways to make them feel more like a retreat. I mean if you are going to be there 24/7 you might as well enjoy it!
The focus was on wellness for our battered minds, so think of things like meditation areas, water features and rock gardens.

The other part of this trend was people wanting to turn their homes into places they had seen on holidays – they wanted to capture the memories and feelings they had while they were on vacation. This emerging trend includes anything that brings about restoration of your body and soul. So spa-like bathrooms are one way of achieving this trend. A beautiful tub to soak in, tranquil paint colors, luxurious towels, high quality essential oil diffusers, etc.
****add bathroom photo****
Luxe Living
Luxe living refers to sophistication and refinement. Funny, those are two attributes that I would like to welcome into my own personal life lol!
Timeless is also an aspect of luxe living and I have to say that I believe that is always something to try to achieve. Most of us cannot race after each trend due to financial constraints. Finding pieces that are timeless can really elevate your style.
Below is an example of the luxe living trend by Serena and Lily. As you can see they nailed timeless and it is elegant but not overdone.

Do not confuse luxe living with glam, glitzy, bling or mirrored because it is not. Materials used in this trend are warm, calm, neutral tones with luxurious fabrics such as linen, velvet or silk.
Think classic and you will be on the right path to achieve this look.

White and Blue Palettes
White and blue is a favorite of mine and I cannot wait to reveal a gorgeous white and blue mural I am putting up in our powder room, but that is for another post. I find white and blue to be so calming and I am thrilled that this is a trend for 2023!
I have a very dear friend who I believe does white and blue the very best and that is KariAnne of Thistlewood Farms. KariAnne’s home is gorgeous and if you can believe it the rug in this photo is from Walmart. Click here for the link.
You really should check KariAnne’s blog out. She shares so many great ideas, but she also shares the most beautiful stories.
Coastal Grandmother
This trend is one I have so wanted to capture in our home. If you have checked out our “Home Tour” you would see that my dream home was the one in “Something’s gotta give” with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Her sprawling shingle home set above the ocean with wide verandas, lots of bookcases, multi-pane windows, neutral furniture and window coverings, just makes my heart soar.

One day when I win a lottery I may be able to achieve that look. Until then, I am using light neutral tones and elements.

Slipcovering furniture is also an aspect of the Coastal Grandmother trend. Slipcovering is such a great way to update furniture without breaking the bank by replacing it all.
Outdoor Living
Borrowing on the trend of home retreats is another trends for outdoor living. The idea is to turn our outdoor living spaces in resort like amenities, such a fire pits and swimming pools.


I don’t know about your but if I had furniture like this by our pool I would definitely feel like I was at a resort. Click here for more details.
As well, gardening is becoming very popular and with that comes greenhouses and raised beds for our sore overworked backs! Pictured below is our little greenhouse and if you would like to learn more about here, just click this link.

Statement Lighting
The very first time that I really experimented with lighting is with the home we are in now. Every house before that was a stepping stone in our journey to build our forever home. I knew the previous homes would be up for sale as soon as they were finished so I picked lights that most people would like – I definitely played it safe.
With this home, as much as our budget could handle it, I included large, bold lights and that is definitely what this trend is. Oversized lights in interesting shapes such as this beauty in our living room. It is so big and heavy.
Lighting that is made of natural materials like rattan, clay or ceramic such as this delicate, airy one I have in my home office.

Massive pendant lights over islands like these from Light House are a huge trend and I think they are fabulous! Click here for a link.

Black Accents
Black is making a big impact on design whether it be with modern doors, arched mirrors, large bookcases, or spectacular chandeliers.

All White Kitchens
It will be no surprise to any of you that I am thrilled that all white kitchens are still a trend. In every one of our kitchen renovations, I have insisted upon white cabinetry. I find that white kitchens allow me to bring in trendy colors or new decor and they never hold me back. The sky is the limit when styling with a white backdrop.

While in other homes, I have had black or taupe and white granite counters, this time I opted for a white quarts that actually looks like aged white clouds. It is called cloud burst. The white subway tile with darker grout ties together the stainless steel appliances and grey hardwood. While it is a very clean look, I do not find it stark, institutional or cold, in fact, just the opposite. I find it airy and cheerful especially when the sunlight streams in from the large windows.
White kitchens are timeless and they stretch across many design styles from traditional to modern and everything in between!
Induction Cooktops
With all the talk of potentially outlawing gas cooktops, it is no wonder that induction cooktops are trending upwards. We actually have an induction cooktop and I could not be happier.
I hate to admit this but I tend to get sidetracked when cooking and often things boil over. I bet you can guess right away, what I love about induction, right? Well, yes it is how easy it is to clean. The number one thing I didn’t like about gas cooktops was how hard they were to clean.
Did you know these fun facts about induction?
- they heat up faster
- they offer precise temperature control
- they are more efficient because the energy is transferred directly to the pot or pan and there is no energy loss like there is with gas or electricity
- they are safer – fewer burns and they don’t catch things like tea towels on fire.
What’s Out
Over layered beds, fast furniture, open concept, TV centered living rooms, non functional objects (word art, glass objects, faux books), modern farmhouse, gold
Let me introduce you to the rest of the Designing Women

Lynn from Living Large in a Small House lives in north central US.
Kristy from At Home with Kristy is from Texas and is a homebody at heart and very passionate about creating a warm & welcoming home environment for family and friends. Kristy has a BS Interior Design and has worked as an Interior Designer for 35 years specializing in Residential Interior Design. She is a planner, perfectionist, & big picture thinker, but also loves getting lost in the weeds perfecting every detail. Kristy loves sharing her knowledge and expertise to inspire, encourage and empower others. And if I can also say on a personal note, Kristy is an absolute sweetheart!
Sheri from Savvy in the Suburbs is also from Texas.

Lynn
March 14, 2023Crystal – Your post is great! Thanks for reminding us that our outdoor space is an important part of our home. Yah for team white kitchen!
Crystal
March 14, 2023Thanks Lynn! Hahaha yes TEAM WHITE KITCHEN for the win!!!
Kristy Mastrandonas
March 14, 2023I love all of these fabulous design trends you’ve mentioned, Crystal. Like you, I’m a firm believer in decorating with what you love. Your home is definitely a beautiful retreat; one that I would never want to leave! Thank you so much for including me in the Designing Women Tell All group!
Crystal
March 14, 2023Thanks so much Kristy! You are so very kind! I am thrilled that you said yes!
Jenna
March 15, 2023Loved this blog! I learned so much about what’s in and out. I agree with you open concept should not be out! I think its the best thing to come into style! I am super excited to learn more and see how you transform your home into the home in “Something’s Gotta Give”!
Crystal
March 15, 2023Thanks so very much! I am sure with your talent we will be able to make some improvements. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Sheri
March 15, 2023Such great tips Crystal! I always love other designer perspectives.
Crystal
March 15, 2023Thanks so much Sheri!!!
Wendy McMonigle
March 15, 2023Beautiful post Crystal. I have to agree, the open concept is not going away!
Thanks for sharing so many great tips.
Crystal
March 15, 2023Thanks so much Wendy! I think they just have some of these trends to keep the economy going by hiring contractors to change our houses hahaha!!!