Design experts reveal the moods and movements inspiring interiors this Autumn/Winter

As our thoughts start turning to Autumn, interior experts from online homeware retailers Arighi Bianchi, The Rug Seller and Shabby.co.uk have revealed the six interior trends to watch for the new season.

Move over Barbiecore, Autumn’s interior trends are expected to be moodier and a lot less polished, according to the experts. Whilst the Quiet Luxury trend that is dominating fashion will come even more into the fore in interiors. Rebellion is another theme that will run through to the end of 2023 as we choose to turn our backs on Instagram’s polished perfection.

Here the experts share their insights:

#TREND1     Moody Blooms

Botanical and Jungle designs move towards the dark side for the coming season 

“Autumn/winter runways were filled with moody-hued florals, featuring deep base colours like damson, emerald greens and charcoal. This look is coming through in strong in interiors as well with exciting new products launching for the coming season,” says Daniel Prendergast, design director at The Rug Seller.

“For many this will be a light (or dark!) relief from the sickly Barbicore-bubblegum-brights that have dominated the summer!

“Moody blooms add depth, emotion, and a sense of artistry to a room’s decor, making them an appealing choice for those who want to create a dramatic and visually striking ambiance in their homes. Expect to see these designs on textiles such as wallpapers, curtains, upholstery fabrics, and throw pillows. These textiles serve as statement pieces, drawing the eye and becoming focal points in the room.

“I think the moody blooms influence is another take on the ever-popular botanical and jungle trends that continue to keep homes looking fashionable, but progresses to the comforting, deeper tones that we naturally start to seek out in the autumn and winter months. An enduring trend, botanicals frequently appear in different guises – from Cottagecore and Bloomcore, to tropical or jungle inspired interiors; each season we see a new interpretation, and this is it for Autumn 2023.”

#TREND2     Rebellion against perfection

Jemma Greenan head of design at Shabby.co.uk says: “We don’t have to be ‘perfect – and nor do our homes need to be neat and uniform. That’s the incoming prevailing mood of many – fuelled by the growing groundswell of rebellion against beauty filters and body perfectionism on social media; with it has come a call to embrace our individuality in all areas of life – including inside the home.

“Similarly, a YOLO attitude (you only live once) especially among Millennials and Gen Z encourages homes to be filled with furniture and furnishings that truly makes them happy, not conforming to rules.

“From an interiors perspective – more than ever people are looking to express their unique personality in their homes. Whether that is using colour and prints in an ‘anti-minimalist’ movement, or applying a completely paired back look, it is about surrounding yourself with things that make you happy and rejecting the idea of conforming to a trend. Irony that this in itself is the trend!”

Daniel Prendergast is also seeing the notion of rebellion against perfectionism growing in popularity within interiors. He says: “We’re entering an age of exuberance. The Barbiecore phenomenon has demonstrated the power that colour exerts in an era of conformity. By embracing vivid hues, people can create playful experiences that embody self-expression and comfort. So while TikTok and Instagram homes have previously been dominated by grey and organic neutrals, we’re seeing more ideas and hashtags that support a move towards experimentation. People are drawing on global influences and a less uniform look.”

Lucy Mather, design expert from Arighi Bianchi, adds: “Nostalgia is another influence that prevails during times of uncertainty in the outside world and we have seen 70’s influences coming through in design this year. We predict that these nostalgic references will continue to infiltrate interiors in Autumn and beyond. Gen Z in particular seeks to unearth everything retro from the 70’s to the 00’s and are creating unique looks with their finds.

“These spaces feel curated and meaningful, not overly standardised. Schemes in this trend are not stark or sterile. Instead, the design layers textures, materials, and patterns to add depth and interest to the space without overwhelming it.”

#TREND3     Quiet Luxury and the ‘Quality of Comfort’ combine as this aesthetic continues to influence home decors 

“Where fashion leads, interiors almost certainly follow and the Quiet Luxury concept, which has been a key aesthetic in fashion throughout 2023, has firmly established itself as a major influence on home design. This will continue into the new season as it merges with the luxury of comfort”, says Lucy Mather from Arighi Bianchi. “Here we will see the layering of textured wool throws on extreme comforting snuggler chairs, teddy bear fabrics, and the addition of deep pile rugs.

“This trend is about timeless and understated interiors that ooze high-quality fundamentals. The key is investing in classic pieces that are made from long lasting materials and that will have timeless appeal. Since hitting mainstream fashion it has (thankfully) evolved to mean that it doesn’t have to mean eye-wateringly expensive though, it’s affordable non-branded luxury with the focus on quality!

“As people look to make more sustainable interior choices, high quality and timeless pieces have longevity and the cost per use will certainly make them worth the investment.

“There are few rules with regards to colour within this movement, it the furnishings and furniture’s natural luxe language that leads the look. While the overall design may be understated, there are often a few statement pieces that serve as focal points; these could be unique art pieces, a light fitting, or furniture item.”

“Quiet luxury interiors often make the most of natural light, allowing it to play a significant role in enhancing the atmosphere and bringing out the beauty of the materials used,” says Jemma Greenan head of design at Shabby.co.uk

“If you’re looking to use accessories to create the Quiet Luxury look then choose materials that are high quality, tactile and luxe. Opt for natural materials, build in subtle colour pops, keep patterns classic and to a minimum. Throws, rugs, lighting and glassware can all be used to achieve the look.”

“WGSN has dubbed Extreme Comforting Texture as a key trend for homes. Rugs sales soar at the start of autumn as we look to add warmth and thicker floor coverings to keep homes warmer when it’s colder, and we are predicting that Quiet Luxury in interiors will be the driving force behind this year’s cosy home updates,” adds Daniel Prendergast, The Rug Seller. “People are already investing more in quality textiles versus ‘cheap fabrics’. Softness, tactile fabrics and warming colours will be layered within the home to create the cosy, comforting luxurious feel. Within this trend we’re seeing supersize texture. Deep pile and heavily textured rugs; plump sumptuous throw fabrics are the styling touches to watch out for.”

#TREND4     Escape to the … reading nook, TV room and spathroom

Jemma Greenan from Shabby.co.uk, says:

“This Autumn/Winter JOMO (joy of missing out) will be ‘in’ once again and consequently people will seek to make their interiors as comforting and cocooning as possible. The idea of ‘escapism’ from the pressures of the outside economic conditions, to enhance our wellbeing and mental health, will drive how we’re updating our homes and the furnishings we choose.

“According to trend forecasters from Foresight Factory, ‘nearly 1 in 3 (31%) global consumers said they game as a self-care activity, while watching TV has become the number one activity consumers say they do to maintain their general wellbeing’.

So whether it’s creating an indulgent cosy reading nook or updating a gaming or TV space; interiors will be about making environments for indulging in what we enjoy – if that’s a long deep bath then this will be about creating a spa like environment.”

#TREND5     Vintage & Asianic influences escalate the use of dark wood in interiors  

“Interior design trends are often influenced by global styles. Asian design, known for its use of dark woods like teak, is having a significant impact on the popularity of dark wood in modern interiors,” says Lucy Mather from Arighi Bianchi. “This is reinforced by a nod to 70s and retro looks in interiors too. Dark wood is dubbed by experts as the coolest wood trend in 2023.

“Dark wood, such as mahogany, walnut, or ebony, exudes a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication. It can add a touch of luxury and refinement to any space, making it a popular choice for furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and decorative elements.

“Dark wood has a natural warmth that can create a cosy and inviting atmosphere in a room. The rich, deep tones can help to create a sense of comfort and intimacy, especially in larger spaces that might otherwise feel cold or impersonal. Dark wood provides an excellent contrast when paired with lighter wall or floor colours or furniture materials. This contrast can help create visual interest and balance in a room, preventing it from feeling too monotonous or overwhelming.”

#TREND6     Upholstered walls are making a comeback 

“Wall panels are an interior designer favourite, as a device to provide an alternative to wallpaper, paint or to create focal point on a large wall. They’re a clever way to fill a narrow space and can make a design statement in a small room. They instantly elevate a room’s aesthetic, giving it a luxury boutique hotel look,” says Lucy Mather from Arighi Bianchi.

“As we head towards the end of 2023 it’s upholstered wall panels that are popular – for their comforting and textured appeal. They’re also a fantastic and easy way to add extra insulation to a cold wall. Mountable in both horizontal or vertical configurations, upholstered wall panels are versatile and simple to install; fill a complete wall or create a backdrop for a bed to achieve the oversize headboard aesthetic.”

#TREND7     Designing our decors through AI takes over from Pinterest

Daniel Prendergast from iconicrugs.com, says “Move over Pinterest – AI can create the room of your dreams with just a few prompts. Free to use tools like Midjourney have gone mainstream visualising how we want products and colour combinations to look in a room of our choice.

“This in turn is spurring people to take this further and design things like rugs – which they can do through iconicrugs.com. Everything can be visualised for greater experimentation and personalisation to know how things will look and for higher levels of inspiration. It’s an exciting place to be! Visualisation is not just for professional interior designers, and while Pinterest boards were great (still are) our rug design services and AI take getting creative with interiors to the next level.”