Exploring the latest trends is a fantastic starting point to begin the new year with a revamped kitchen. The kitchen is a space that demands both functionality and aesthetic appeal, and fortunately, the options available are vast and varied, catering to every taste.
Although renovating a kitchen can be expensive, with the appropriate budget and innovative ideas, you can create a modern and rejuvenated area that embodies the latest styles and concepts. We have compiled all of these design trends and ideas for you to peruse and consider.
What kitchen design trends can we expect in 2023?
When embarking on the task of planning a kitchen, numerous design factors must be taken into consideration. These include selecting a layout that accommodates your requirements and conducting research to identify the ideal appliances, splashbacks, and worktops that will fashion a space that resonates with your personal preferences.
Considering kitchen design trends can be beneficial, especially when it comes to adding value for resale purposes. Investing a significant amount of money in an unconventional kitchen design that may not appeal to others can be an unwise financial decision, especially if you plan to sell your home within a few years. Opting for a style with universal appeal that is currently on-trend will likely attract, rather than deter, potential buyers.
We have sought the input and insights of leading retailers’ experts to highlight the biggest kitchen trends in 2023. Additionally, we have included some of our personal favorite and highly recommended trends.
Rugs in the Spotlight
While some may feel apprehensive about using rugs in a kitchen, they can actually serve as a valuable addition that not only adds softness to the space but also aids in zoning it.
Kitchens are primarily functional spaces that necessitate practical hard finishes. However, with open-plan living dominating modern homes, kitchens have become more flexible and adaptable, requiring a sense of warmth and coziness for activities beyond domestic duties. Layering textures is an effective method to achieve both objectives, allowing for the creation of distinct zones while providing an additional layer of tactility.
Layering up on the floor to create designated pockets of activity can provide a sense of order and comfort, even in the most modern and minimalistic high-spec open-plan kitchens. By positioning a well-placed rug beneath a dining table, one can add a cozy touch to family meals and entertainment. Dressing a reading corner or chill-out area with a rug can also make the area’s intended purpose clear and provide a feeling of warmth that only textiles can truly achieve.
Rugs are incredibly versatile and can be easily moved, swapped, and playfully laid on top of one another to create even more layers of coziness. This makes them an excellent choice for those who wish to change their room’s layout or desire a refresh.
Fashionable Kitchen Backsplashes
Kitchen splashback ideas are often overlooked, but they present a great opportunity to add color, pattern, or texture to your kitchen. In 2023, the trend is to make them a more prominent feature in kitchen design.
In recent years, we’ve seen the worktop material extend up the wall to the underside of cabinets or shelving. Now, we’re cutting off the edge of the splashback and making it a more prominent feature. With careful curves and delicate finishes, the sophistication of a kitchen can be elevated, and the beauty of the stone can be showcased from various angles.
Colorful cabinetry
While handle-less or classic Shaker designs remain popular in kitchens, we seem to embrace more color in modern kitchen ideas. According to Rod from Kütchehaus, people desire practicality with matt doors in an anti-fingerprint finish, but they are also looking for bolder colors. Blues and greens are highly sought after, with richer hues becoming the fastest-growing trend.
Smart storage
As we aim to simplify and declutter our lives for better mental and emotional health, kitchen storage has become a crucial element in modern kitchen trends. The kitchen is a space where we keep a lot of things, from cooking equipment to ingredients, and well-concealed storage solutions are essential for a neat and tidy kitchen.
When designing a kitchen, it’s important to allocate enough space for storage that will help you keep the clutter out of sight. Storage is becoming more practical rather than relying on gimmicky gadgets.
Modern Handles
Handles are receiving a lot of attention in kitchen design, focusing on modern options. The combination of a Shaker door with a contemporary knurled black or brass handle is a popular choice. Still, there has been a recent trend toward using slab doors with contrasting gold or brass recessed profile details for a more contemporary look.
These warmer metallic handles work well with blue or green units, but there is also a growing demand for stone-effect doors, reflecting a trend towards earthy finishes and nature-inspired design. Design-led handles are a great way to add style to small kitchen spaces without taking up too much room.
Squeeze in a utility room or pantry
The utility room has become a highly desirable trend in kitchen design, reflecting the shift towards kitchens being seen as living spaces. It’s always a good idea to try and carve out a bit of extra space for a utility room, as it provides a place to store laundry and other items out of sight, making the kitchen a more comfortable living area.
A pantry is a popular alternative if you need more space for a utility room. Kitchen pantry ideas are a great addition if you have the space for open shelving floor-to-ceiling, as it allows you to use multi-buy deals on non-perishable items. Adding that a modern take on the pantries from the post-war years can be a great option if space allows.
Broken plan vs open plan
Open-plan layouts remain popular in more significant properties, but smaller homes now opt for broken-plan solutions that allow each space to serve multiple purposes throughout the day. For example, consider creating two or three rooms that can be opened with sliding doors when entertaining, but function as a kitchen or workspace when needed.
Meanwhile, Kitchens are getting more extensive than ever, with double island units facilitating movement around the kitchen. Different-height worktop levels and seating areas are also being incorporated to accommodate the needs of the entire family and guests.
Glass with vertical ridges or grooves
Reeded glass is a simple yet effective kitchen trend to adopt in 2023, even in a compact kitchen. Rather than frosted or patterned glass, reeded glass can be achieved using window film instead of replacing entire panels.
Reeded glass is making a solid comeback and works well for glass cabinets, worktop dressers, or baker tables. This chic update adds a modern edge to the kitchen and is ideal for hiding ordinary tableware that may not be suitable for display.
Baker tables
Bakers tables are becoming more popular than traditional kitchen islands. These tables have legs and function like kitchen islands but appear more like furniture. They offer the same advantages as an island, including deep drawers and a place to sit.
Integrated appliances
In keeping with the trend for streamlined and clutter-free spaces, integrated and concealed appliances are a popular choice for modern kitchens. While there are many new kitchen gadgets and technological advancements, homeowners prefer to leave them off display, making appliance layout a critical consideration.
The demand for discreet storage solutions is expected to increase. Homeowners are paying close attention to the appearance of their integrated appliances, and concealment options that create a streamlined finish without compromising style are becoming increasingly important.
Smart and efficient small-scale design
Compact kitchens are becoming increasingly popular as space becomes more limited, and kitchen design focuses on efficiency and minimal clutter. This is especially crucial for small kitchens.
Creating a bank of cabinetry along one wall is a great way to streamline and open up the area, particularly in narrow spaces, as using tall wall units makes the room feel less cramped than filling it with larder-style dressers.
While it’s best to keep the dimensions of an island or breakfast bar manageable as it may restrict movement around the kitchen, feel free to include one. Opting for an open or floating island will keep all areas accessible and provide additional seating opportunities, with the site under the island’s worktop providing ample space for kitchen storage.
What color kitchen cabinets never go out of style?
To ensure timelessness and versatility in your kitchen design, choose neutral shades when choosing colors for permanent fixtures such as cabinets, worktops, and wall paint. If you plan to sell your home, this choice will also appeal to potential buyers.
If you desire a pop of trendy color in your kitchen but want to avoid committing to a permanent feature, consider using neutral walls, cupboards, and work surfaces as a blank canvas. You can add removable and replaceable bright accessories and artwork to suit your changing tastes and moods. Alternatively, stick with a simple neutral palette.
Investing in any aspect of your kitchen can benefit your enjoyment and future resale value. Look to the latest kitchen ideas and designs to make the right style choices for your home.
What kitchen trends are popular for 2023?
As we look ahead to 2023, there are a variety of kitchen trends on the horizon, and one of the most noteworthy is the popularity of wood flooring. Laying wood-effect porcelain tiles in a herringbone pattern is an excellent choice for open-plan kitchen extensions with plenty of natural light. These tiles provide warmth and texture to the space while also being resistant to fading and easy to clean.
While visible trends like flooring are important, it’s also crucial to consider sustainable options. Eco-friendly flooring choices such as FSC-certified wood, cork, and lino are increasingly available and sought-after by consumers. When faced with similar options, people tend to choose the one that has the least impact on the environment.
Another trend we can expect to see more of is the use of larders in kitchens. Freestanding larder units have become a must-have for any kitchen. These units can store dry food, electrical appliances, and even a hot tap for making tea, providing an all-encompassing storage solution. They’re also great for renters, as they allow for flexibility in changing the look and feel of a kitchen, even when moving from one home to another.
