What’s old is new again in luxury interior design

Antiques and vintage pieces will be popular in 2023, and look particularly striking paired with a contemporary aesthetic

One trend that is on point in interior design for 2023 is the rise in popularity of antiques. Old has become the new “new,” and availability and affordability are two of the reasons behind this trend, says Red Barrinuevo, the principal designer at Redesign4More, who also appears on HGTV Canada’s Hot Market series.

“These items can mix with a variety of styles, which is why they withstand the test of time,” he says.

“I love incorporating antiques with a more current and transitional aesthetic.”

Complementing the old is art decor that can jazz up spaces in a modern way.

“Just like how we live today, it is linear, dramatic, bold and beautiful,” he says. “Expect deep colours, jewel tones and lush fabrics that feel good to the touch.”

Pantone’s 2023 Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta, started the year off in a vibrant way. Barrinuevo says to expect other deep colours such as eggplant, burnt orange, deep green and navy blue, all of which can be mixed with metals such as brass, copper and polished chrome, and paired with warm woods for a sophisticated look.

“Interior design trends don’t change that frequently because it is harder to change spaces as frequently as buying a new shirt, for example,” says Jude Kamal, registered interior designer and founder of Sansa Interiors in Toronto. “I am finding that we are shifting slowly to more conscious interior spaces, spaces that contribute to overall well-being.

“That being said, we strongly believe in holistic interior design, a practice that draws and combines multiple principles and theories … to create an overall meaningful design. We are seeing a gravitation toward earthy interiors,” she says, adding that, although seemingly simple, including natural elements, tones and materials requires sophistication to pull off well.

Like Barrinuevo, she likes to mix designs of different eras with current aesthetics.

“While mid-century modern and rustic interiors have calmed down, we are now seeing ultraminimal interiors paired with vintage pieces or elements,” Kamal says. “A curation of a mix of eras to create an interesting and unique story is always a winner. We are seeing earthy pinks and greens mixed with antique lighting and furniture pieces in a fairly simple space. It gives spaces a moody feel.”

Award-winning Canadian designer Jane Lockhart says there has been a shift in focus to less visible rooms in the home such as garages and mechanical rooms.

“In traditional building styles we are seeing fully heated garages, so the winter transition when heading out of the house into wintry weather isn’t so daunting,” says the principal at Jane Lockhart Design, who is also a television personality on W Network’s Colour Confidential, CTV’s The Marilyn Denis Show and Citytv’s Cityline.

“Garage walls are decked out for storage, floors are epoxy coated and the air temperature is maintained with a separate heating system, at a comfortable level despite winter conditions.”

The garage is also being increasingly connected to luxury homes, with such features as glass walls, car lifts, and TV and lounge areas that are integrated to lower-level living spaces, which are including large media rooms, fully functioning gyms and spa baths.

“The garage, when the house structure allows, has replaced the wine cellar of 20 years ago, where you invited guests into the lower level to see your collection. Now the collection is cars,” she says.

The mechanical room is being rethought as well, with such upgrades as silver metallic wall sheathing, tiled floors and proper lighting. Management of sound and lighting automation systems, and in-floor heating boilers are now commonly seen in the mechanical room.

“This room acts as the brains of the home and is a sophisticated technical space … no longer the room where you wash paintbrushes,” Lockhart says.

Other rooms being reimagined are mud rooms that store outer wear, and even boast electric boot and glove warmers.

Dawn Chapnick, of Dawn Chapnick Designs, says that while new colours, textures and materials are being used, they still revolve around creating a spa-like feel and serenity. Cocooning colours are in, such as organic, earthy hues that are rich, warm and timeless. Browns work well with metals, as well as with a spectrum of blues, pinks, peaches, mauves and corals.

“Luxury remains very important,” she says. “But luxury that is approachable – a relaxed take on sophistication so that people are more comfortable while still having a space feel grand. Media rooms are taking a more comfortable, relaxed form as well, using colours and textures that are soft to the touch.”

Decorative storage boxes that help to declutter a space are also a way to inject more personality in a room. Other hot trends include: the use of reclaimed, Mediterranean- or Moroccan-inspired vintage tiles, in bathrooms, on floors and backsplashes, and as accents around entry doors; sculptural light fixtures; and silver tones and iron in furniture, although brass, gold and bronze are still popular.

“Trims for door frames and windowsills, baseboards and other mouldings using marble and stone are being used more,” Chapnick says. “This is a special architectural detail that adds timelessness.

“This year, we will use the past as inspiration. The cyclical nature of trends is that they come from history. We just give it a modern interpretation.”

Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.