At the beginning of a new year, interior designers, contractors, and other home design experts are busy predicting the trends that homeowners will favor in the coming months. As the functional and stylistic centerpiece of the home, the kitchen is always one of the key areas of focus. Here are seven of the top kitchen design trends that experts anticipate will be popular in 2023:
#1: Warmer cabinet colors
Over the past few years, bright, minimalist kitchens have been popular, often featuring all-white or white and gray color palettes. While these hues will probably always be popular in the kitchen, designers are seeing a shift toward warmer tones accented by bold pops of color. In particular, cabinets featuring natural, warmly colored light or dark woods are expected to be in demand. When grays and whites are used, they will likely be on the softer end of the spectrum, such as creamy off-whites or warm grays as opposed to the stark shades that were popular in the past.
#2: Muted countertops
To balance richly hued wood cabinets, designers expect to see more kitchen countertops in soft, subdued shades without the bold patterns that have been popular in previous years. While quartz and quartzite will continue to be top choices for countertop materials because they are easy to maintain, stain-resistant and non-porous, a newer material called sintered stone is beginning to gain traction. Already widely popular in Europe, sintered stone is a manufactured material that is similar to porcelain, but tends to offer better resistance to heat and scratching.
#3: Sleek cabinet doors—but not necessarily Shaker-style
With their clean lines and understated design, Shaker-style cabinets offer a timelessly simple aesthetic. While they will likely continue to be popular, many homeowners are exploring other styles with a similarly sleek look, such as flat-panel cabinets.
#4: Natural elements
Biophilic design, which seeks to fulfill the innate human need to maintain a connection with nature even in our modern built environments, has been one of the leading trends of the past few years. One of the ways that this trend has—and will continue to—manifest in the kitchen is through the use of natural, eco-friendly materials, including wood cabinetry and storage units, natural stone countertops, and metal accents. Other features may include large windows that let in plenty of natural light, butcher-block islands, and a reduction in the use of plastics (including for common items such as trash bins or storage containers).
#5: Slab backsplashes
Over the past several years, subway tiles and bold patterns—such as chevron, herringbone, or mosaic—have offered popular ways to accentuate the style of a kitchen while serving the important function of protecting the walls from the heat and dirt generated by cooking. In 2023, designers expect that these styles will be replaced by large-scale slab backsplashes, which are composed of one piece of continuous material such as marble, quartz, or granite. These slabs can either match the countertops or feature a contrasting color or design to serve as a statement piece. Some homeowners are even opting for slabs that extend all the way to the ceiling, taking the place of cabinets in some cases. In addition to their eye-catching, seamless appearance, slab backsplashes offer the advantage of being easy to clean since there are no grout lines.
#6: Mixed metals
While it’s often thought that you should choose one metal finish and use it throughout a room or your entire home, mixing different types of metals—such as bronze, brass, nickel, and stainless steel—can create visual intrigue and a warm, inviting look. For example, try using one metal for your kitchen faucet and another for cabinet and drawer pulls.
#7: Concealed storage and appliances
Ample storage is one of the most important elements of any kitchen. In the past few years, many homeowners have encountered a heightened need for kitchen storage, as the pandemic sparked interest in at-home cooking and drove budding chefs to accumulate new cookbooks, appliances, and utensils. To stay organized while minimizing clutter, some homeowners are now opting to install storage spaces integrated into kitchen cabinets and appliances concealed by panels that blend in with the surrounding cabinetry.
As trends continue to evolve, it’s important to have a trusted resource that can help you bring the latest designs to life with professional vision and high-quality components. At Primera, we work with builders, designers, and their home buyer clients to create beautiful kitchens and other living spaces shaped by our vast selection of interior products. From cabinets to countertops and more, our expert design consultants can guide you through the process of creating beautiful, functional interiors. Call us at (866) 752-7336 to learn more about what we offer!
