The Works

Nurturing Nature in Design: 2023 Feel Good Trends & Embracing the Cottagecore Movement

Written by MaterialWorks | Mar 10, 2023 6:41:49 AM

"There is no better designer than nature."
–Alexander McQueen

Whether you are in the throes of a kitchen reno or simply sprucing up your sunroom, now more than ever designers are seeking to bring inspiration from the outdoors into the home!  

In an effort not to trigger us all with pre- and post- pandemic verbiage, we would be remiss to not acknowledge the profound impact the pandemic has played as we embrace our surroundings in new ways.  Creating environments that draw from the outdoors has truly become second nature.  

From Pantone’s color of the year to cozy, pattern soaked cabins teeming with titillating textures, Cottagecore was not only the inspiration behind our Fall launch, but is prevalent among many of the trends we are seeing on the rise for 2023.

Earth Tones

In contrast to the muted aesthetic of past years, bold earth tones will reign supreme this year. Earthy, red-based shades of blush, coral, mauve, oxblood, terracotta, and brown, as well as moody hues in olive, ochre, navy, and inky black are sure to be top choices for designers looking to infuse interiors with warmth and vitality.

“Since the pandemic lockdowns, colors that bring a sense of nature and the outdoors have risen in popularity for home decor,” says Teri Simone of Nieu Interiors.

The 2023 trend of returning to bold, earthy tones is surprising, but not altogether unexpected after Pantone announced their choice for 2023 color of the year. "As virtual worlds become a more prominent part of our daily lives, we look to draw inspiration from nature and what is real," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Trending Tones

Shop the latest earth-inspired palettes! Windsor, Crenshaw, Cambridge, and Easton collections are beautifully suited to this style and are available in color schemes for any home.

Highlander Mountain House. Photography by Maggie Baucher.

Windsor Currant - Performance Velvet

Lauren Liess Interiors

Cambridge Oatmeal

Highlander Mountain House. Photography by Maggie Baucher.

Windsor Olive - Performance Velvet

Texture

Bring on the warm boucles! A trend with substantial staying power is shifting toward warmer tones.  

“People want to engage two of their senses: touch and sight,” says interior designer Nadia Watts.

From the floor (zellige tile, herringbone wood floors, painted floorboards) to the ceiling (plaster, wallpaper, tapestries), there are infinite ways to add texture to your space. Fabric being one of the simplest and most approachable ways to switch up a space, we have your upholstery needs covered- literally!

Textures abound! Shop some of our favorites: Arya, Dalihani, Holden, Justify, Elana, Madi, Crenshaw, Grandover.

Shop the Look

Design by Betsy Brown. As seen in Garden & Gun. Photography by Brie Williams.

Sundance Charcoal - Performance Velvet

Orange Paint, Farrow & Ball.

Sullivan Pebble - Performance Velvet

Design by Arianna De Gasperis, And Studio Interiors. As seen in Vogue. Photography by Nicole Franzen.

Easton Ivory

Design by Arianna De Gasperis, And Studio Interiors. As seen in Vogue. Photography by Nicole Franzen.

Sundance Ale - Performance Velvet

Folklore

Woodland collection from MaterialWorks

Taking a page out of fabled fiction (and Taylor Swift’s songbook), English traditional styling has made its way into factual existence. With the reemergence of needlepoint-inspired ditsies, the lavishness of trim embellishments and the abundance of foliage inspired prints, cozy cottage-like spaces, reminiscent of simpler times are filtering into our homes and travel destinations.

Highland Mountain House

Woodland Indigo

The Vanderbilt

Grandover Cypress

Elizabeth Hay Design

Kalitta Bisque

Embrace the #cottagecore movement and shop our pattern packed picks! Milly, Sedgefield, Hampden, Woodland, Grandover.