Minneapolis Interior Design Trends in 2023

Minneapolis is a city well-known for its design influence in American art, architecture and design.

Thanks to institutions such as the Walker Art Center, which pioneered an architectural style that eventually became known as “midcentury modernism,” the interior design scene is vibrant, with unique and diverse neighborhoods at every turn. The Minneapolis College of Art and Design keeps the city producing world class designers who continue to influence global art, and of course as the home of the Target headquarters, the city is a hub for what’s new and next in the retail marketplace. For this reason, many people look to Minneapolis to see where design trends are going and what to expect in the home interior design industry.

As a Minneapolis native, and with a long career in the design industry, I’ve had my finger on the pulse of this trend setting for quite a while. Here are the Interior Design Trends I’m seeing on the horizon for Minneapolis in 2023.

Natural Materials

Minneapolis is an outdoor lover’s paradise – for about four to five months of the year, anyway! But during those months you’ll find most residents outside making the most of the beautiful lakes and forests in the region. So, it’s no wonder that homeowners in the city want to bring a bit of nature to their indoor environment, especially during those other seven to eight months when getting outside is a bit more challenging.

Wood & Stone

One of the biggest natural material trends in Minneapolis homes is the use of wood. Yes, wood has been used in homes since our ancient ancestors moved out of caves, but there’s a recent embrace of unfinished and reclaimed wood that feels less like the mass produced, highly consistent products of the past. Likewise, unique, natural, one-of-a-kind pieces of stone are being featured in interior designs from countertops to shower walls to fireplace surrounds.

Greenery

Houseplants have moved out of their dusty corners and are now the stars of the show in many homes. Designing spaces that work for live greenery – whether it’s a Ficus or a kitchen herb garden - is becoming more and more popular as people seek ways to bring the outdoors in.

Plaster

Historically, plaster used in interior design in the old-world European buildings was ornate and detailed. It would often feature intricate moldings and carvings such as cornices, ceilings roses, scrolls, leaves and other decorative patterns. The amount of plaster and its level of detail could be used as a measure for the wealth and status of the home’s owners. While there is certainly some of that to be seen in the beautiful historic buildings of Minneapolis, the design trend I am seeing is plaster being used in minimalist modern homes and settings.

In contemporary settings, plaster can be used to create an understated, smooth and seamless surface. More and more you will see it being used around fireplaces in place of brick or stone, for wall surfaces to create a bit of texture and weight, and in exterior home design features as well. This old-world art is having quite a comeback in Minneapolis homes and beyond.  

Bold Colors

Minneapolis design has never been afraid of bold colors, evidenced by the plethora of bright, colorful murals across the city or famous buildings like the American Swedish Institute whose perfectly patinaed solarium and steeple were emulated in the pop of blue metal in its cultural center’s contemporary addition.

For home interiors, though, the influence of Prairie and Scandinavian design in Minneapolis can tend to keep things a bit more neutral. But moving forward, you can expect deep jewel tones to be popping up on accent walls, furniture and even cabinetry. When used appropriately, these bold, saturated colors can add a sense of energy and excitement to a space. And when paired with a neutral backdrop, they have even more impact and playfulness.

Sustainability

As nature and outdoors lovers, residents of Minneapolis are logically turning toward more sustainable options for their homes. And as retailers, crafters and manufacturers step up to the plate with more options and more affordable options, this trend should continue upward for a long time to come.

Sustainable trends in the city include the use of more eco-friendly materials that go through cleaner manufacturing processes or reduced energy consumption. You’ll also see more energy-efficient appliances and technology, low VOC paint and a simple, yet effective sustainable technique – the use of more natural light. Homeowners are also looking for ways to design homes that promote a healthy lifestyle. That may be incorporating kitchen gardens into their yards, creating space for a home gym, or cutting back on screens in every room of the house.

There are many more interior design trends beyond this on the horizon, some of which I have highlighted in my recap from the Maison&Objet, but these are just a few of the heavy hitters I am seeing for my fellow Minneapolitans. If you’re looking to update your home in Minneapolis, let’s talk! Reach out to me today and we can discuss how I can help you create a space that reflects your own unique style. Looking for more design inspiration? Check out the Regarding Design Instagram feed or read my blog on my 2023 travel destinations for design inspiration!