At this time of year, every expert in interiors is gazing into a crystal ball and discussing their predictions for the design fashions of 2023, no doubt with various colours and styles and patterns in mind.

While it may be tempting for anyone planning to call in the professional wallpaper installers to follow the advice given, it is always worth considering whether a style that might be popular in 2023 will still be so in 2024 or 2025. If you investing in top quality wallpaper, you want a look that will stand the test of time.

A suggestion that may seem novel is to use grey as the base colour. Woman & Home Magazine has suggested no fewer than 19 ideas for using this colour to decorate a ‘sophisticated’ space. 

The article stated: “Grey interiors are definitely having a bit of a moment, and our obsession with this versatile colour isn't going anywhere anytime soon.” It added that even within the confines of what may be seen by some as a dull colour, there are still many hues, shades and patterns. 

It quoted the co-founder and creative director of interiors firm Mineheart, Brendan Young, as stating: “The effect can be subtle or you can create something really bold, depending on your space.”

The emphasis, therefore, is not on creating a bright colour combination that may or may not remain popular a year or two down the line, but something with subtlety, style, grace and an emphasis on the crafty use of patterns and quality.

As for the pundits with their predicted trends for 2023, Good Housekeeping listed a range of styles currently favoured by designers. While this included “bold, colourful prints”, it also highlighted the popularity of black and white combinations and the use of “subdued tones and patterns”. 

This goes to show that, while some might still favour bright colours and patterns, there will always be a place for blacks, whites and greys with a focus not on brightness but on understated, subtle style.