Just like the aroma of grandma’s fresh-baked bread or the well-loved comforter on your childhood bed, little feels more comforting during turbulent times than a healthy dose of nostalgia. So amidst a potential recession, political unrest across the globe, an ongoing pandemic and beyond, what’s old might just be new again in 2023—just in time to deliver a welcome embrace of cozy energy.
The style pros at Graham & Brown, the U.K.'s leading wallpaper manufacturer, just revealed their wallpaper design of the year and color of the year. Allow us to introduce you two the stunning duo.
- Design of the Year: Forenzia
- Color of the Year: Alizarin
“When creating our Design of the Year 2023 we really wanted to highlight the great value in bringing back the past, recycling and reworking old designs to continue their relevance and ensure that they continue to live on,” Graham & Brown Design Manager Maryanne Cartwright says in a release about the selections. “The Florenzia design symbolizes the restoration of historical beauty and celebrating bringing new life and color into an artwork that has been carefully selected from our archives. The vibrant shots of color have upcycled this traditional archive piece and breathed new life into an inclusive, friendly and welcoming color palette.”
The antique floral pattern has been refreshed with additional layers of texture and a loose hand-painted vibe to result in a more relaxed, lived-in look. The colors were selected to be friendly and welcoming (neutrals, light blue) and deep (dark navy), yet playful (gold, rust). It’s available in three colorways beyond the original Dusk.
- Nightshade: Layered with lilac and plum elements for depth
- Terrazzo: Rich background with brighter pops of color
- Botanico: Brightly tinted with vivid blues, reds and yellows
Both this pattern—which is available as wallpaper and in a mural format—and the color of the year Alizarin embrace the “flawsome” trend, Graham & Brown design experts explain. That term, by the way, is said to have been coined by Tyra Banks and is a signal of individuality and self-acceptance. It is an adjective used to describe something that is awesome due to (not despite) its flaws.
Alizarin falls in between russet red and spicy terracotta. The Graham & Brown team deems it a “refreshingly warm auburn hue,” which was selected to give a nod to natural, earthy tones and the beauty that surrounds us each day. It was a team favorite for several reasons, especially because it acts as “a creative alternative to the gray and beige shades that have grown wearisome,” they admit. (If that hits home, don’t miss these 21 best neutral paint color ideas that are currently making designers swoon.)
“With energy bills getting higher, we are looking at ways we can evoke a sense of warmth in our homes and these tones and their connection with nature, create a warm, relaxed atmosphere,” says Paula Taylor, head stylist at Graham & Brown.
Pair the color and design of the year together and you’ll have a naturally cozy space that’s modern and fresh with a nostalgic antique feel.
