It’s time to shine

Stylish ideas to refresh your home in 2023.

Keep it natural

“As we look to elevate our homes in 2023, we need to embrace the beauty and serenity of natural elements. The warmth and elegance of natural décor products add texture and depth to any space. By incorporating these natural materials such as jute, wool, cotton and wood, you can create a home that not only looks beautiful but also inspires relaxation.” – Cheryl Du Preez, visual merchandising coordinator at Cielo

Black accent pieces

“Black accent pieces and hardware are a great way to add contrast, drama and sophistication to any space, when paired with other neutrals like tan and white. Although this home trend is a carry-over from 2022, the popularity of black home décor and accent pieces is expected to grow over the coming year.” – Cheryl Du Preez, visual merchandising coordinator at Cielo

Incorporate accessories

“If changing your wall colour feels like too much of a commitment, introduce a new colour to the room using accessories. Cushions are the easiest way to do this: choose two or three hues and then mix plain cushions with patterned ones to add interest to a sofa. Use rugs and wall art to weave in some colour that will really ‘pop’ against a plain background. Decorative accessories like vases or candles grouped by colour make an eye-catching display.” – Johann De Waal, marketing manager at KARE Johannesburg

Group décor elements on a statement tray

“Elevate the aesthetic of a room by organising décor elements on a statement tray. By placing items on a tray, the grouping of the different textures, heights and functions creates a calming visual focal point. While working with the ‘rule of thirds’, organise three different décor items on the tray, which will enhance the character of the space.” – Hilde Snyman, interior architect at Carné Interiors

Two-toned elements

“Inject new colours and patterns into your space with fabrics and textures in the form of two-toned elements. Two-toned elements can be attained in the upholstery of furniture, scatter cushions, wallpaper, carpets and décor. The contrasting yet complementary effect of two tones welcomes a new and rich interest in the space.” – Hilde Snyman, interior architect at Carné Interiors

Play around with wallpaper

“Many home owners don’t know what to do with empty walls, and find purchasing art a big commitment. Wallpaper is an easy way to bring new life and flair to your interior and makes a space feel luxurious and finished. It also adds layers and depth to a room, which can totally change the feel.” – Lucy le Roux, owner of Illuminate Home Staging

Update lighting

“Adding a feature pendant over a dining table in an entrance area or adding two hanging pendants next to the bed in the master is a quick and affordable way to add glamour to a space without having to rethink the whole look. Any room is elevated when lighting is considered a priority.” – Lucy le Roux, owner of Illuminate Home Staging

Incorporate colour

“Embrace colour by incorporating it in natural and organic ways in your home. Soothing pastels are a popular design trend with sage green and lavender taking centre stage this year. We’re also loving Paprika, a bold new shade that makes a statement while keeping an earthy aesthetic and looks stunning set against natural wood and neutral fabrics.” – Margaret Steenkamp, marketing manager of Woodbender

Love your curves

“For a long time, modern décor emphasised sharp clean lines, but this year we are celebrating smooth curves to bring a sense of calm and comfort to a room. Curves have a unique way of softening a space and curved couches, chairs and arched doorways are making a comeback in 2023.” – Margaret Steenkamp, marketing manager of Woodbender

Kariba Chair – Woodbender

Refresh with paint

“Painting you home – even if it’s just the roof tiles – can refresh its overall look and and take it from dated to new.

“It’s a good idea to keep colour palettes neutral for the main house colour and allow for one or two accent colours, which can be used for window and door plaster bands, columns, concrete features like beams or columns or flat cantilevered slabs, or even the boundary wall. Use plant pots and landscaped features to bring in more colour if desired.

“I generally design with a lighter main house colour such as a soft grey, white, or light stoney beige and I use a darker grey, charcoal or dark stoney hues as an accent colour to accentuate features of a home.

“Roof colour is usually selected in line with the accent colour chosen for the home. Another great way to accentuate features or to highlight a wall or entrance of the home is to use stone cladding. I would also select stone cladding colours based on my chosen accent colour for the home.” – Natasha Caple, director and professional architect at Dynazign Architects & Designers

Keep things clutter-free

“Keep layout and flow of spaces as simple and decluttered as possible – this allows for a more open feel and unrestricted sense of living. Clutter adds to the illusion of ‘mess’. Keep colour palettes for finishes and main furniture pieces as neutral as possible to allow for flexibility on style and colour changes within the home.” – Natasha Caple, director and professional architect at Dynazign Architects & Designers

Featured images: KARE Johannesburg