Sometimes the speed of decorating trends can feel like design whiplash. And even when you find an aesthetic trend (or a microtrend) that speaks to your soul, you may not want to go full-Barbiecore on your place when the trend may be over in a year. Solution? Dabble in design trends by introducing similar styles through artwork. You’ll end up with the vibe you like—maybe cheery bold pinks or vintage floral vibes—without dominating your space the way you might with, say, a hot pink sofa.
So what are the design trends for 2023? “Core” trend aesthetics have taken over TikTok and other social media with their aesthetic-driven aspects. Below, find a quick primer on three design trends happening now—Barbiecore, Miamicore, and cottagecore—and explore art pieces that will still work in your space for years to come, even once there’s a whole new set of “core” aesthetics on the rise.
What is Barbiecore?
Fully influenced by Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” dreamworld, all things pink took the 2023 trendscape by storm this summer, with hot pink dominating the fashion world and just about all other areas. If it’s pink, sparkly, and exuberant—you’ve got the Barbie vibe. For home, this definitely means hot pink, which has been trending since before the movie came to the big screen, plus feminine accents and shapes, and a huge hit of playfulness.
GET THE LOOK
This Rebecca Hein print features winding lines in Barbie’s favorite hot pink hue, but combined with a modern-organic style that will integrate nicely with any decor.
Original paintings are an investment, but they bring personality and texture to your walls. If you love the Barbie-inspired pink palette, try an abstract take on the color that will feel relevant for years and years. We love the hints of yellow in this abstract painting by the contemporary artist Arlene Carr.
What is Miamicore?
Imagine coastal grandma—but in Miami—and you’ve got the look. Colorful and postmodern-inspired, this design trend fuses elements from the 1980s, Art Deco, and beachy styles to create seaside pastel world with lots of curved shapes and maximalism. It’s like “Golden Girls”—but updated for the cool girls of this era. Look for cool pastels, glossy lacquers, and shiny brass alongside shell motifs.
GET THE LOOK
Go for an authentically vintage painting in the style, like this gold-framed nautilus oil painting from Dolphin & Flamingo, a vintage dealer that specializes in Floridian aesthetics.
Try a more sculptural wall piece, like this curving totem-inspired screen piece that is meant to invoke South Florida.
What is Cottagecore?
Easily the longest-running of these -core design styles, cottagecore takes inspo from dreamy fairy styles, with elements of vintage and woodland aesthetics that come through soft floral prints and layered patterns and textures.
GET THE LOOK
In 2023, cottagecore feels freshest when incorporating a darker palette. This moody print combines a rich background with a fresh take on the style’s signature florals.
This abstract floral print places muted blooms against a crisp negative space.
