Investing in Your Home Spaces in 2023

Now that work-from-home has become a permanent condition for many, Americans are spending a lot more time in their home office and living spaces, which is likely to continue through 2023 and beyond. Even for those who commute to the office, a sense of organization and security in our living spaces is increasingly important. We’re collectively re-imagining how we use our homes and investing in thoughtful, sustainable improvements built to last and make our lives easier.

A well-thought-out space can improve mental well-being and quality of life, supporting increased job satisfaction and personal relationships. However, upgrading interior and exterior living spaces doesn’t have to break our budgets. There are distinct trends in DYI and upcycling and a growing focus on well-made investment pieces.

According to Laurel Vernazza, home design expert at The Plan Collection, “Home design will experience meaningful change in 2023, with some design trends driven by inventive, new ideas inspiring millennials — a generation representing over 40% of home buyers and social media driven— while others will be influenced by the practical reality imposed on budgets by higher interest rates and inflation.”

But how do you know how best to channel your investments into creating a fresh yet timeless and sustainable design for your home? We talked to experts in interior design and related fields to get their take on the best way to improve your spaces in 2023.

A Studied Approach to the Home Office

WFH has become a fixture in our lives, and there are well-documented benefits for employers and employees alike. Employers can reduce the overhead costs associated with brick-and-mortar office spaces, while employees can replace a long and stressful morning commute and better balance work with life.

“Accent walls, which were hastily created by many working from home during the pandemic, will now branch out beyond the bookshelf or virtual background,” says Vernazza. “Expect more accent walls refined to be ‘Zoom-ready,” and express more personality with materials like stone, brick, tile, wood, and modern wallpaper.”

For those without a dedicated home office space, carving out a WFH area can come in many forms. Whether it’s the corner of your bedroom or a nook in the living room or kitchen, this is where multi-purpose furniture like lift-top coffee tables or behind-the-couch consoles can make a space-saving difference.

Bringing Life to Living Spaces

The past 6-8 months have seen a surge in gatherings with family and friends. Yet, with the continued and expected rise in costs for everything from gas to dining out, we can anticipate many will up their at-home hosting game this year.

However, you don’t have to plan an extravagant party to consider upgrading your living spaces. If you’re a couple or family that loves movie night on the couch, you may want to consider upgrading your home entertainment options:

• Create a small home bar area that keeps the merriment at home
• Upgrade your TV with the latest technology or larger-screen model
• Invest in a well-designed media cabinet to focus the eye while hiding components
• Reupholster your furniture to refresh your aesthetic, or invest in accent pieces
• Go thrifting to find knick-knacks or a vintage corner table

Creating a Masterpiece in Bed and Bath

Your master bedroom and bathroom are significant spaces in your life. These are the areas you find rest, relaxation, and refreshment. For that reason, bringing comfort, coziness, and a soothing sense of self to these spaces will be welcome this year.

"Spa bathrooms will be a popular home renovation undertaking in 2023, reflecting an increased desire to make one's home more relaxing," says Grace Baena, interior designer of Kaiyo Used Dressers.

Vernazza adds, "In the bath, floating sinks will be the center of attention, especially in small bathrooms and powder rooms. Floating sinks/vanities can make a small space feel larger and enhance the room with their clean lines and sleek look."

Keeping the Kitchen the Heart of the Home

Your kitchen is vital to daily life, and if it’s cluttered, inefficient, and cramped, it could be a significant energy drain without you even realizing it. There are ways to upgrade and update your kitchen strategically if you would like to put off fully remodeling the space this year. You might also be able to tackle a surprising number of improvements on your own with a bit of time and patience and the right tools.

“Instead of hiring someone to redo parts of the house, many homeowners have resorted to DIY renovations,” says Fitzgerald. “An example of this is refacing kitchen cabinets, which can be done for almost half the price of new cabinets.”

Creating Spatial Relations Outdoors

Over the past three years, outdoor living and entertaining have become increasingly popular. It’s not only a great way to get fresh air and a change of pace without actually leaving home, but it allows you to offer another space for entertaining.

The sky is literally the limit when it comes to thinking about outdoor living upgrades. Beyond a complete outdoor renovation, there are cost-effective upgrades you can make to the porch or patio to create unique and welcoming spaces. Some homeowners are even creating mini workspaces outdoors to offer a change of scenery and allow sunlight to help with mood and focus.

“If you have a garden area, try growing plants native to the area or adding plants that attract butterflies and other insects,” suggests Jeanette Fusco, interior designer at HiHomePicks. “Similarly, if your property has a pool or patio area, add plants that will help absorb sunlight and reduce glare.”

Think about how you most want to use your outdoor space and add pieces thoughtfully that support your mission. An outdoor rug and some potted plants can visually unify your design, while flowering vines and lattice pieces can provide privacy if your neighbors are close.

In 2023, we’re moving toward sustainable, personalized solutions for home decor that render our home spaces more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Now is the time to be creative and let your personality shine through as you look to upgrade your spaces. With some planning, vision, and investment in key furniture pieces, you can create welcoming, inspiring areas in your home that are the talk of the neighborhood this coming year.