Kitchen Remodeling Trends of 2023

In 2023, homeowners are seeking lighter home updates that can give their kitchens a refreshed look. From new countertop materials to a revamp of kitchen islands, these designer-approved trends offer plenty of fresh ideas for transforming the heart of your home.

Rather than ending a backsplash or a cooktop with sharp corners, designers are now choosing to cut swooping curves into the surfaces. This kitchen design idea adds a dynamic flair and allows the space to feel more convivial when family members gather around.

Vintage-Inspired Art

A new coat of paint is a great way to update and elevate your kitchen design. This year designers are leaning towards more vintage-inspired art to bring a collected feel to kitchens. Whether you choose one large statement piece or two smaller pieces stacked together, this trend can make your kitchen feel warm and inviting.

Darker colors are becoming more popular in kitchens this year, and black is making a big splash. This dramatic hue is perfect for creating a layered look with contrasting finishes and materials. However, when used in an open floorplan, it is best to balance the dark paint with something lighter to keep the space from feeling too intense.

While a neutral palette has long been the kitchen standard, experts are forecasting that homeowners are starting to crave bolder choices in 2023. Expect to see a move away from gray cabinets, with homeowners opting for more saturated colors such as forest green, rust, rich reddish brown and amethyst.

As more families spend time at home, kitchens are taking on a more casual and cozy feel. This has led to a growing demand for more storage solutions, especially for utensils and cookbooks. Expect to see more hidden pantry doors and clever ways to display cookbooks on open shelves. In addition, more homeowners are incorporating smart technology into their kitchens to increase functionality and efficiency. This includes touchless faucets, smart refrigerators and more.

Curved Kitchen Islands

With the rise of personalization trends, homeowners are looking to make their kitchens feel more like their own. One way to do this is by swapping out neutral cabinetry for saturated colors, like rust, deep forest green or jewel-toned blue. Another way is by showcasing appliances, like ovens and refrigerators, in the open. This allows them to show off their sleek lines and can create a more modern feel.

Using curved kitchen islands isn’t just a design trend; it’s also a practical feature that can maximize space in smaller floor plans. The fluid shape helps to enhance the flow of the work area and eliminates any bumping or tripping hazards that can occur with sharp corners. Plus, a curved island can highlight or accent natural or period curvature in the home’s architecture.

Organic/Natural is another on-trend style that’s cropped up in kitchen designs, bringing together the best of manmade and natural materials to produce a harmonious balance. This kitchen decor approach celebrates beautifully grained woods, interesting veined marbles and hand blown glass, as well as eco friendly products front and center.

Another practical kitchen trend, this time focused on storage, comes from the pandemic-inspired need for more efficient, hidden cabinets and streamlined countertops. This approach to kitchen design is helping homeowners streamline their cooking and prep areas, reducing clutter and allowing appliances to shine. It’s also spawning new supporting kitchen zones, like butler’s pantries and coffee bars, taking cues from former scullery spaces.

Mixed Metal Finishes

After years of the crisp clean all white kitchen, homeowners are looking to make their kitchen remodel more personal. One way to do this is through the use of natural materials, such as wood and marble. These types of materials add a touch of warmth and texture to kitchens while adding an organic element that can be used as a focal point in the room.

Another way to incorporate natural elements into kitchen designs is to create contrast through the use of different metal finishes. Mixing metals can be done in a variety of ways, and it’s important to find a balance that works with your overall design style. For example, using satin nickel cabinet hardware with antique brass sconces can create a stunning contrast that is elegant.

Lastly, it’s also important to consider the finish of your appliances when choosing mixed metals for your kitchen. Chrome and brushed nickel are two of the most popular kitchen finishes, and they complement each other well. Chrome is considered more modern, but it can work in a traditional kitchen as well.

In addition to these trends, many homeowners are choosing to add a more personalized touch to their kitchens through the use of unique decorative elements. This could be in the form of oversized artwork or a feature sculpture.

Coffee Bars

As kitchens continue to connect with adjacent rooms, there’s a growing demand for storage solutions that conceal clutter and deliver a curated look. For this reason, glazed cupboard doors and opening shelving are becoming more popular. This trend works well with new kitchen sink trends that emphasize dramatic basins and also complements the re-emergence of classical wood cabinetry ideas.

While bold color lingers as a popular kitchen design trend, many homeowners are opting for warm and soft styles that help create a restful space. Designers are embracing greige or off-white cabinets, light woods and subtle patterns for a calm atmosphere. They’re also incorporating natural materials into their designs, such as porcelain countertops. Sierra Fallon, lead designer at Rumor Designs, says these calming countertops are less textured than marble or quartzite and come in a wide range of colors and finishes.

The kitchen has long served as a backdrop for showcasing vintage and hand-me-down objects, from buffet cabinets to dinnerware and wall decor. This trend is expected to continue as a way for homeowners to honor family and historical pieces, while keeping clutter out of sight. This can be done by adding decorative shelving and displaying dishes, art or antiques in the room. The NKBA suggests that you consider using neutral tones for shelving and neutral kitchen colors for cabinets to allow the display of these items.