Kitchen trends 2023 – 20 new looks and innovations for cabinets, countertops, floors, and more

It can be a minefield of ideas and designs regarding the best kitchen trends in 2023. We spoke with trend experts to determine which kitchen trends will be popular in 2023.

There are plenty of on-trend looks and state-of-the-art appliances to choose from, with fantastic new kitchen brands popping up and lots of innovative design ideas and clever twists on old appliance designs on display in kitchen showrooms across the country.

KITCHEN TRENDS 2023 – THE BEST DESIGNS OF THE FUTURE

We look at the most significant trends, new kitchen ideas, and kitchen pictures to inspire your next kitchen to remodel.

1. WELCOME WITH A SOCIABLE KITCHEN

To get the party started, use the ergonomic benefits of curves. ‘When entertaining, a rounded island comes into its own, especially in open-plan kitchens with multiple entrance/exit points, making it easier for guests to socialize and encouraging smooth transition between spaces,’ says Shehryar Khan, director of Sheraton Interiors. ‘A curved island can also include a larger seating area, allowing guests to eat and socialize comfortably around the kitchen island.’

2. MAKE YOUR KITCHEN A MULTIUSE SPACE

‘When attempting to create a family-friendly hub, it’s ideal for including a custom desk and study area. Caz Myers, director of Caz Myers Design, describes the space as “a quiet but connected space for homework or everyday home administration.” ‘Make sure the desk area integrates seamlessly with the kitchen design by using elements of the same finishes but with a defining twist – here, for example, timber is dominant.’

3. ADD SMART PARTITIONS 

In a modern kitchen, don’t be afraid to disrupt sightlines; only some chefs enjoy having an audience. Choosing an open partition, such as this mid-century-inspired installation by Muchmore Design, is a wise decision. ‘Designed to function as both a beautiful display and a functional room divider, it effectively bridges the feeling of coziness and openness within the contemporary open-plan living space,’ says Linsey Skepper, founder and creative director.

4. CREATE UNUSUAL SHAPES FOR SHELVING

In a perfect world, cooking in the kitchen would be a delightful, exciting experience. This loft’s 1925 kitchen features custom shelving by Gabrielle Akers of Aker Interiors. She explains that she wanted to create something novel and unexpected to contrast the starkness of the building’s industrial design. To add cosiness and surprise to the otherwise angular space, “introducing curves was paramount.”

5. TAKE A QUIETER APPROACH TO INTERIORS

It is no surprise that 2023 will see a surge in the popularity of minimalist kitchen ideas as busy homeowners seek to strike a balance between streamlined minimalism and luxury in their cooking and entertaining spaces.

This sleek black and white kitchen were designed by architect Joseph Dirand, who is known for his spare, monochromatic aesthetics like those seen in the previous work. Knoll’s Platner Collection chairs and Eric Schmitt’s Fingi pendants in patinated bronze create a more curvaceous atmosphere.

6. EMBRACE A WOOD RESURGENCE 

More and more homeowners are looking for walnut and oak cabinet kitchen ideas, as wood kitchen cabinets are a popular choice for those who love a timeless or classic look.

Mike Fetherston, design director at Hetherington Newman, says, “The client’s 1960s slatted screen served as inspiration for this island.” Calacatta Rosato marble topped a table handcrafted from stained strips of walnut.

7. THINK ABOUT DISPLAY POSSIBILITIES 

No room for a closet or dresser? Smaller glazed wall cabinets retain their larger counterparts’ aesthetic value and strong display potential. By contrast, a freestanding unit can serve as both a focal point and practical storage, making it an excellent choice for windowless walls. Fill with bright kitchen inspiration, including dishes and artisanal packaging.

8. INVEST IN A SHAPELY BACKSPLASH

When it concludes your kitchen backsplash, a curved silhouette can be much more appealing than a straight, horizontal line. Here, Australian designer Tamsin Johnson merged the functions of a backsplash and a cooker hood by cutting sinuous curves into a marble slab. Consider a tiled backsplash in fish scales or hexagons for another easy way to alter the look of a surface’s form.

9. STEP UP 

The library ladder has finally come into its own, giving people one more reason to rejoice over spacious rooms with high ceilings. Statement ladders, seen in only the most luxurious kitchens, are currently enjoying a period of popularity. Designer and founder of The Myers Touch Keith Myers say, “A permanent ladder is about so much more than accessible high-level kitchen storage.” The metal rail adds a striking touch to the design, and the attractive ladder draws the eye.

10. GO FOR PATTERN PLAY 

It’s all about the directional pattern in classic kitchens right now. Richard Moore, an owner of Martin Moore, suggests concentrating on places like cabinets’ insides and backsplashes’ surfaces. He explains that when the pattern is used this way, it makes a bold statement without dominating the room or detracting from the classic lines of the cabinetry.

11. DECORATE WITH COLOR OF THE SEASON

Green is the undisputed kitchen colour hero of 2023, and it’s showing up in all the new natural stones, making Carrara look old news.

According to Oliver Webb, director of stone specialist Cullifords, “there is a definite trend toward more impactful surface choices and we are seeing demand soar for nature-inspired shades.”

From Indian marble to Brazilian granite and even onyx, one can find various exotic green stones. Cullifords is responsible for the stunning bottle green, khaki, and bright lime tones used here.

12. BRING FLOORING UP-TO-DATE

A kitchen with herringbone or chevron flooring has competition in the form of a mansion weave. This pattern, which first appeared in French chateaux built in the 17th century, is making a comeback. While the latest iteration retains the original’s polygons and trapezoids, it is brought up to date with chunkier plank formats and pale timbers.

13. INTRODUCE MIRRORED ELEMENTS

Already famous as a backsplash material, antiqued mirrored glass is now being considered for use in kitchen cabinetry. David Howell, founder of DHD Architecture and Interior Design, used handblown silvered glass on the wall cabinets of this Manhattan apartment to bring the cityscape inside.

The mirrored cabinetry was used to create a vast vista of the Manhattan skyline, he says, and the room was designed around that. As a bonus, choosing mirrored glass over transparent eliminates the need to keep contents neat and tidy, providing an additional layer of discretion.

14. PROVIDE STATEMENT SEATING

Bespoke bar stool maker Jack Trench has noted a move toward cosier seating in the kitchen.

Director Jack Trench says, “This may be a single or two-stool perching point, or simply a more economically sized breakfast bar.” ‘The trend stems from those with kitchen-diners, who are realising they don’t always need extensive breakfast bars in addition to a table. There is a need for seating, but it should be near the action of the kitchen. This is where the kitchen perch comes into its own; informal seating for a quick coffee or checking emails.’

15.MAKE A STATEMENT WITH METAL

The American attitude toward extractor hoods has always been more celebratory than that of the British, with unique, custom-made designs being focal points of many kitchens. When applied to shiny metal kitchen countertops, this design style appears poised for explosive growth.

According to Bruce Hodgson of Somerset’s Artichoke Ltd., “aesthetically, adding a striking extractor canopy to a kitchen scheme is a chance to interrupt with shape and sculpture all the angular lines of cabinets and panels.” This etched zinc extractor canopy is crafted with traditional methods and high-quality materials to highlight handiwork’s importance and pay homage to the past.

16. EVOKE NATURE WITH NATURAL ELEMENTS

During the pandemic, there was a significant uptick in using natural materials. This trend will only continue as marble countertops, granite sinks, and unfinished wood kitchen cabinets become the norm. They are increasingly valued for their aesthetic value and the health benefits they provide (reducing the amount of chemically treated items in the home).

Decorator Ohara Davies-Gaetano of California’s ODG Interiors showcases how the materials enrich the kitchen with their beautiful design. She describes the cabinetry as “cerused oak,” sturdy and visually appealing due to its pronounced grain. My favourite aspect is how the wood brings out the richness of the limestone backsplash. The pendants, woven like a basket, add a third dimension, and their proportional size works wonderfully to balance the design. The floating wood shelves were a nice touch to allow for curated displays, given the monochromatic nature of the room’s other components.

17. OPT FOR A FRESH TAKE ON FIFTIES DESIGN

Modern kitchens have a mid-century aesthetic thanks to bright white kitchens and counters that contrast with rich timbers and gentle curves.

In this case, using dark walnut cabinetry to conceal bright bespoke detailing helps maintain a minimalist aesthetic. White, high-ceilinged cabinets, light-coloured marble countertops, and backsplashes make the room feel more giant and modern.

18. MODERNIZE WITH HANDLELESS DESIGNS

The most up-to-date designs in design prioritize functionality and fluidity in minimalist designs. Thanks to the development of push-open and close doors, today’s wall and base cabinets can do without handles.

Recessed handles can be lined in contrasting materials or colours for visual interest to achieve a similar modern look without push-open cabinets.

In 2023, one of the most prominent design trends will be the installation of handleless kitchen cabinets, which will give the room a more minimalist feel. Editor of the Kitchen and Bathroom Supplement Busola Evans says, “It’s all about simplicity and a focus on cabinetry details.”

19. DRAMATIZE WITH BLACK

Black kitchen decor is trending. Black walls, cabinets, and work surfaces, once considered only an “accent” colour, are currently trending. With the addition of textured woods, even black can feel homey and warm because of its effect on the eye.

20. CREATE A SPACE FOR A PANTRY

Kitchens without pantry cabinets would be severely lacking in functionality. Over the past few years, pantry solutions like pantry cupboards have become standard in new construction and renovation.

A pantry is a practical addition to any home. As opposed to searching for specific items in various wall cupboards, shoppers now have easy access to everything they need.

“The other great benefit of a larder and its storage capacity is that a kitchen does not need to be full of wall cupboards.” According to Leisha Norman, Designer at Harvey Jones, “it frees up entire walls to be left free or have an attractive piece of artwork in the kitchen, which in turn helps it feel less like a kitchen and instead more like a relaxed environment, perfect for open plan living areas.”