A dark and bold design trend takes over home décor styles in 2023

Over the past few years, our need for self-expression and quest for authenticity has heightened—from how we portray ourselves on social media to the way we display our personalities through our fashion choices. By stepping into the limelight and consciously rejecting uniformity, we not only embrace the brilliance of light but also acknowledge the presence of shadows. And, it is within these shadows that our unexplored depths lie—absorbing, mysterious, and evocative. Enter darker colours, edgy and scarred surface textures that take centre stage with vulnerable yet evocative finishes. In a large shift from neutrals, we’ve been making way for darker, rawer sentiments—a definitive aesthetic with an understated gothic essence. This has sparked the latest trend in design for 2023—‘Gothilicious’.

GOTHILICIOUS IS ON-TREND IN 2023

As one of 2023’s trends to look out for in the Asian Paints trend forecast report, ‘Gothilicious’ is unapologetically bold and sensual, with lush palettes that are reminiscent of the past, while being utilised with a new twist to hint towards the future. But, it doesn’t herald doom and gloom. The use of darker colours is also symbolic for finding acceptance in the most unlikely places. In the past year, everything from TV shows to the music, fashion and culinary industry have embraced darker palettes. Series such as Only Murders in the Building and Stranger Things captured this mood with deconstructed walls, vintage furniture and revivalist Victorian buildings; while HBO’s House of the Dragon builds even further on Game of Thrones’ gothic legacy. American singer Billie Eilish led this trend in the music industry, while fashion labels such as Blumarine, Khaite and Chanel made goth the central theme for their collections in 2022. And, what started as an in-the-know Tumblr trend for students with a penchant for gothic buildings, classic literature and vintage clothing, went on to become a TikTok sensation last year called dark academia. This movement led by a young audience gained momentum as schools closed and social media users built their own romanticised ones online.

To encompass ‘Gothilicious’, think of engulfing and daring colour palettes comprising smoked chestnut, sun red, silver leaf and black sea paired with hard materials such as charcoal, Japanese burnt wood, cracked glass and molten metal. There’s also a strong focus on statement-making, old-world fabrics like black lace, velvet, zari, leather and faux fur.