Most of the big paint companies have named their 2023 colours of the year, pointing to what hues they think will be most on trend next year. While Pantone has not officially named its 2023 Colour of the Year yet, many are predicting it will add Digital Lavender to its palette.ILLUSTRATION BY TAMMY HOY
As we head into the cold weather months, and as the laser focus on home life that was polished during pandemic restrictions endures, interior design trends for the rest of 2022 and into 2023 speak to creating a sense of warmth.
“That’s where we continue to see focus,” says Paolo Ferrari, of Studio Paolo Ferrari, who is currently leading the design for interior spaces, including the amenities and individual suites, in the new Forma condo in Toronto’s entertainment district, a project by Great Gulf, Westdale Properties and Dream Unlimited.
Jude Kamal, an interior designer with Sansa Interiors in Toronto, says her objective with clients is to help create a true sanctuary in the home, in part through cozy textures and homey hues.
“Every year, fall colours from nature are drawn into interiors. However, this year we are starting to see an interesting shift,” she says.
“Our clients have been more drawn to deeper tones of greens and blues paired with lighter finishes. We are starting to see these colours used in furniture, artwork and fabrics. In my opinion, I think a balanced muted green is here to stay, due to its calming effect. It is the best replacement for grey.”
A mixture of vintage and new, biophilic (nature-loving) design, plus sustainably sourced furniture, is also a trend.
Dawn Chapnick, of Dawn Chapnick Designs, says art deco home offices with flair, and multifunctional homes that feature saunas, game rooms and gyms are other current trends in the luxury space. Even laundry rooms have been elevated, Chapnick adds.
“Every inch in the home matters more,” she says. “All spaces will connect and be unified with flow. Natural light is maximized, with big open windows and reflected surfaces to enhance the light. Natural light improves sleep pattern, focus and one’s mood.”
Chapnick is also seeing “design with drama” trending this fall and winter, with interiors featuring gothic style, arches, sculptures, curtains and mirrors, as well as oversized pendants and lavish chandeliers. On the colour end, like Kamal, she sees blue, teal and blue-green shades, which are tranquil and calming, being particularly on-trend.
“The use of colours will play a stronger role in both furnishings and interiors,” Ferrari adds. “At Forma, we used warmth and colour to create thoughtful and elevated lifestyle amenities that express both exuberance and restorative qualities. This includes everything from a deep red, circular theatre room to a serene, wooden sauna.”
Forma is designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. The two towers are 73 and 84 storeys high, with breathtaking views, bespoke suite finishes, five-star lifestyle amenities and services.
Illustration by Tammy Hoy
Ferrari says the design team took cues from Gehry’s “broad gestures and created a timeless and unconventional design using materials like marble, walnut, oak, and quartz. We used floor-to-ceiling porcelain tile to create a serene at-home spa experience within the suite bathrooms. These materials inject a level of luxury into a forward-thinking, highly designed living space.”
Forma is his studio’s first condo residence project in Toronto, a portfolio that includes hotels and resorts around the world. Cannabis dispensary Alchemy is another one of its projects in Toronto.
“Our focus was on encouraging community among residents and creating a design that is both restorative and energetic,” he says. “Much of our inspiration is drawn from our extensive international hospitality experience designing five-star luxury hotels and resorts.”
Looking far and wide for design ideas and materials is a cornerstone of the approach behind Armour Heights Developments’ 89 Avenue Yorkville, a bespoke luxury condominium project. Company developers Frank Mazzotta and Michael Mazzotta recently travelled to New York to source out Alabama limestone that will be used on the front façade of the building. There are global influences throughout the entire building and a staff member also just travelled to Paris for further design inspiration.
Whatever the interior design trends of the day, Michael Mazzotta says the priority at 89 Avenue is for clients to be able to customize their suite to meet their personal design tastes and needs.
“Features we have incorporated as requested by our clients are concealed safes. We have also designed cabinetry for an automatic watch-winding system. We have made provisions for a humidor room for a client’s cigar collection. Concealed doors have also been designed that lead to primary bedrooms or private spaces.
“Other items incorporated that tap into the lifestyles of our clientele include double-sided fireplaces, wine rooms, kosher kitchens with separate appliances and plumbing, cedar closets, wet and dry sauna, automatic irrigation on terraces, and the list goes on,” he adds. “We start with a blank slate and go from there.”
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.