Apparently, the world wants a hug. That seems to be the case, at least, if you judge by the biggest interior design trends right now, all of which center around creating the soothing feeling of a warm embrace. 

More people are working from home than ever, coinciding with an increased cultural awareness of mental wellness. As a result, interior designers are increasingly turning peoples’ homes into private sanctuaries full of rounded edges, soft materials, and soothing earth tones — and even incorporating a little bit of the Earth, itself, turning to nature for inspiration.

“There is more and more research that shows the direct influence that our homes have, not only on our moods, but our overall health and well-being,” interior designer Timothy Corrigan of Timothy Corrigan Inc. said recently in Vogue. 

Here is a breakdown of the biggest design trends as we head into 2023:

1. Earth Shades
   

1. (Penthouse Canopia designed by Terreo Studio via @akerostudio)
   
   Browns, greens, and the shades between them are dominating interior design in 2022, making every expert’s list as a top trend.
2. Curves
   Furniture shapes are soft and round. No more boxy sofas or squared-off edges. 
3. Texture
   Fabrics are thicker and plusher; think wools and velvets with woven details. Walls have texture via wallcoverings or plaster application.
4. Natural Materials
   In addition to stone and wood, clay tiles are gaining popularity.
5. Earthenware Accessories
   Pottery and sculptures with imperfect organic forms are popular, with terracotta frequently seen in the tableaus of 2022.
6. Leather and Vintage Furniture
   Interior designers are using antique pieces as well as leather furniture to achieve a sense of easy, lived-in comfort.
7. 1970's Revival
   The interior design of 2022-23 gives a nod to the 1970’s, not just in its earthy colors and materials, but in shapes and overall cozy aesthetic of enclosure.
8. Bringing the Outside In
   The trend of indoor/outdoor living continues, with nature being brought indoors to in displays of elegant planning and collaboration between and landscape teams. “Research shows that natural color schemes and organic forms like those found in nature reduce stress, lower blood pressure and heart rate, increase productivity and creativity, and make us happier,” Michelle Lamb of The Trend Curve told Architectural Digest recently.
9. High-End Outdoor Furniture
   Homes will have more emphasis on outdoor dining and lounge areas that will include furniture closer to the price and quality of their interior living rooms. 

As we resume life in a new era where our homes are very often both our offices and our our private sanctuaries, we're likely to see many of these interior design trends carry forward for the foreseeable future. We will follow how these design conventions evolve while keeping a vigilant watch for emerging interior design trends.