HGTV star reveals which popular interior-design trend is no longer stylish

Luxury home designer Michel Smith Boyd has revealed the popular interior-design trend that is no longer stylish.

The HGTV star, whose new show Luxe for Less premiered on Thursday, told Newsweek there is one color in particular that’s on its way out.

“Believe it or not, gray’s days are numbered—we’re back to brown town!” Smith Boyd said.

“Rich cognacs and caramels are upgraded versions of the deep chocolates that preceded the coveted gray sofa. Paired with white walls adorning your favorite art and you’re on your way to what’s new and next.”

The host added that, in 2023, look out for “neutrals, but with a point of view.”

“We’ve been using more clay, earthen colors with pink undertones. They are reminiscent of beautiful adobe architecture and the perfect colors to bring that warmth into your home every day,” Smith Boyd said. “The versatility transcends design genre and only gets better when you paint ceilings and walls to match.”

Arguably the most important advice that Smith Boyd gives his clients is to “#edit.”

“Minimalism is the new luxury,” he shared. “In my personal life, I’m collecting fewer better things, and I’m encouraging my clients to do the same. Amazing case-goods and luxe upholstery add to my visual and tactile experience. No need to muddy it up with too many accessories.”

The Buying it Blind alum explained how he goes about designing a room, revealing that it’s all about “balance.”

“One of my favorite stand-out trends from the market is ‘curved’ shaped upholstery. Of course, we’ve all seen it done over the years, but it’s now more relevant than ever.”

Smith Boyd said: “The intentional blend of masculinity and femininity is happening in every creative category: why not furniture? When my team and I approach a room, we are essentially creating balance via shapes, therefore harmony in the space.

“A sexy curved-back sofa or sloping armchair not only diversifies shapes, but enters the room already balanced. When I’m presenting furniture for client approval, the curved pieces usually stand out as more special or interesting and always make the final cut.”

His comments echoed similar advice from Los Feliz Realtors, a branch of RubyHome, who are experts in luxury real estate and design.

“Straight lines and geometry [are] out, curves and movement [are] in!” the California-based company told Newsweek in November, regarding 2023 trends. “One of the most promising trends of this winter. To achieve this style, you won’t need to redo your whole house. Just an arched doorway or some fun and lively piece of furniture can just do the trick.”

In Luxe for Less, Smith Boyd and his team, including designer Kai Williamson, maker Anthony Elle and general contractor Laura Green, transform clients’ spaces by repurposing furniture, buying repairable appliances and more, to get the most out of their budget.

Although Smith Boyd has worked with many celebrities over the years with sizable budgets, he said in a press release for the series that “the majority of us have to prioritize differently.”

“I believe that everyone deserves luxury in spite of budget, so my team and I have discovered great ways to deliver the ‘gasp-worthy’ spaces families’ crave.”

Luxe For Less airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on HGTV.

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