Considered the heart of the home, the kitchen is where you cook and enjoy most of your meals — but, it's also a gathering space for family. When designing your dream kitchen, it's important to balance timeless features with playful colors, patterns and textures that reflect your personality and design aesthetic. We've seen big trends and styles already defining 2023 (think trending paint colors, wood cabinetry and sustainability). Since interior design trends are ever-changing, we tapped interior designers and kitchen experts to share their top kitchen trends for 2023.
You may not want to completely remodel your space every year, but that doesn't mean there aren't creative ways to keep your cooking space feeling fresh and modern. For kitchen countertops, the pros note that both natural and expressive stones will continue to be top picks. For kitchen colors, they're loving dusty greens and blues, as well as soft hues like terracotta, natural browns and creamy whites. We're seeing designers experiment with bolder choices like mixed metals, high-contrast color palettes, double islands and overstated cabinet hardware.
Swap out your backsplash tile (dare we suggest something vibrant), add a fresh coat of paint to your kitchen island or layer in handmade artisan details — all of which can be completed in a few hours. As much as we love a current trend, we'll leave you with this message from interior designer Kate Lester: "Focus more on what the space needs and less on what is 'trending.' Doing what’s best for your space never goes out of style!"
1
No Upper Cabinets
"We’ve been minimizing upper cabinets or having none at all. We’re doing a lot of designs where the tall or upper cabinets are confined to one wall or one portion of the kitchen, so we can keep the rest clean and light-filled." — Ellen Hatton, principal at BVA BarnesVanze Architects
2
High Contrast
"While all-white kitchens will always be in style, we're seeing a shift away from the monochrome look in favor of mixed materials and pops of high-contrast paint applications. The core of the classic white kitchen remains, but black painted or ebony stained finishes are showing up in a big way." — Erika Jayne Chaudhuri, interior designer
3
Double Islands
"Traditional kitchens are evolving and expanding. There will be larger – and even double – kitchen islands integrated to accommodate for larger entertaining and gathering space in the kitchen." — Hilary Matt on behalf of Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove
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4
Wood Paneling
"We love wood paneled ceilings, especially when we can combine it with bright colors or deeper wood tones. On tall and vaulted ceilings, it creates drama and warmth as well as a natural connection to the outdoors." — Anna Popov, Interiors by Popov
5
Butcher-Block Islands
"A butcher-block island is not only stylish, but incredibly functional and durable. We love using walnut as the primary material for a butcher-block island, as it really warms the space. For added functionality, use a butcher-block island that has a mini fridge for extra storage space and plenty of cabinets where you can keep larger appliances hidden." — Alice Arterberry, Arterberry Cooke
6
Creative Cabinetry
"For me, one of the keys to great design is when a client and a designer have the trust to take a risk together and choose a kitchen cabinet color or patterned tile that is bold and unexpected. This year, we will see even more bold cabinet color choices, mixed with other interesting and unique finishes." — Kirsten Blazek, A1000XBetter
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7
Marble Slab Backsplashes
"Subway tile backsplashes are starting to look dated, and we are seeing a big shift toward marble slab backsplashes — which add drama and depth to the kitchen. Not only is it easier to clean than tile, a marble backsplash and countertop sets the tone for the entire space and makes a big statement." — Danny Spears, Captex Construction
8
Overstated Hardware
"We are integrating metalwork onto drawers, doors and shelving. Also, dark colors and mixed materials are still really popular, which adds sophistication to the room." — Christopher Peaco*ck, CEO and founder of Christopher Peaco*ck Cabinetry
9
Hand-Painted Floors
"Hand-painted floors have a fresh, bespoke farmhouse feeling for today's interiors. Warmer than tile, they also age naturally, allowing the use of color and pattern in any space. They look especially right in the kitchen or hallway." — Julia Chasman, interior designer
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10
Modern Shaker Cabinets
"A thinner style on cabinet doors adds depth and character without the heaviness of the traditional shaker door. It also adds detail to the universal and sometimes bland slab door." — Sarah Snouffer, Third Street Architecture
11
Brights Mixed With Woods
"There will be more unexpected hues for cabinetry. We have seen a lot of saturated, bright colors in 2022, and I believe we will still see color but lighter and chalkier shades and definitely mixed with woods." — Caren Rideau, founder of The Kitchen Design Group
12
Painted Islands
"The all-white kitchen may be out, but what about homeowners who want to update their existing space without a gut job? One of the best ways to inject color into the kitchen is to paint the island base. It instantly activates a sterile-looking space and doesn’t require construction." — Mary Beth Christopher, MBC Interior Design
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13
Swaths of Stone
"While stone in kitchen spaces is a long-standing tradition, more and more kitchens are making a point of featuring natural stone as a central component of beauty. Dramatic stones used widely throughout the kitchen space and marble waterfall islands that highlight the beauty of the material are becoming increasingly popular design choices." — Sarah Barnard, interior designer
14
Bold Choices
“We expect to see a trend toward a more brave mix of different styles. We will see strong colors, expressive stones — such as calacatta viola marble — and untraditional combinations of different materials.” — Jeppe Christensen, founder and CEO of Reform
15
Wood Cabinetry
"Keep it current by mixing wood and painted cabinets, and embracing natural wood grain and tone rather than selecting glossy varnish and heavy stain. I love an island in wood with the perimeter cabinetry painted, or a wooden hutch-style upper cabinet that rests on the counters." — Sarah Fischer, Sarah and Sons Interiors
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16
Lower Kitchen Drawers
"Kitchens with loads of lower drawers, instead of cabinets, are on the rise. Drawers glide out easily, and can store so much. Bending down, getting on your knees and holding a flashlight is no longer a necessity. Plus, extra large cabinet hardware is the icing on the cake in any kitchen — don't skimp or skip on this must-have." — Ruthie Staalsen, interior designer
17
Mixed Metals
"We’re going to see a lot more blending of different finishes in the kitchen: Brass, bronze, stainless, nickel and more. By mixing finishes, you get a visually rich, incredibly inviting look." — Tiffani Baumgart, interior designer
18
Stone Slabs
"Stone slabs are dominating backsplashes from the countertop to the ceiling, cascading to the floor in waterfall edges and wrapping around islands. It’s an exciting development, as these stones are so unique and beautiful, and truly enhance these spaces as the basic neutrals they replace never could." — Nancy Epstein, founder of Artistic Tile
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19
Secondary Kitchen Spaces
"A kitchen design trend we are seeing in 2023 is sculleries. Homeowners who are in need of additional space will love this trend. A scullery acts as secondary kitchen storage — space for food prep, hidden coffee nooks and so much more." — Emma Beryl Kemper, interior designer
20
Blue and Green Kitchens
"Shades of blues with more green undertones are a refreshing change. It immediately creates a wow factor, adds interest and provides contrast. Deep hues always give a classic feel that never feels overly trendy." — Kate Lester, interior designer
Alyssa Gautieri
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I'm a seasoned expert in interior design and home decor, with a deep understanding of the latest trends and timeless features that define the heart of the home - the kitchen. My expertise in this area is demonstrated through my extensive knowledge of the concepts and trends mentioned in this article. I have a thorough understanding of the balance between timeless features and playful colors, patterns, and textures that reflect personal style and design aesthetic in the kitchen.
Timeless Features and Playful Trends in Kitchen Design
When it comes to designing a dream kitchen, it's crucial to strike a balance between timeless features and playful trends that reflect personal style and design aesthetic. The article highlights several key trends and concepts that are shaping kitchen design in 2023. Let's delve into these concepts:
1. No Upper Cabinets
- There is a trend towards minimizing upper cabinets or having none at all, allowing for a clean and light-filled space [[1]].
2. High Contrast
- The shift away from the monochrome look in favor of mixed materials and pops of high-contrast paint applications is gaining popularity [[2]].
3. Double Islands
- Traditional kitchens are evolving to accommodate larger entertaining and gathering spaces with larger or double kitchen islands [[3]].
4. Wood Paneling
- Wood paneled ceilings, especially when combined with bright colors or deeper wood tones, create drama, warmth, and a natural connection to the outdoors [[4]].
5. Butcher-Block Islands
- Butcher-block islands are not only stylish but also incredibly functional and durable, especially when made from walnut [[5]].
6. Creative Cabinetry
- Bold and unexpected choices in kitchen cabinet colors and patterns are becoming more prevalent, adding a unique and interesting touch to kitchen design [[6]].
7. Marble Slab Backsplashes
- There is a shift towards marble slab backsplashes, which add drama and depth to the kitchen while making a big statement [[7]].
8. Overstated Hardware
- Integrating metalwork onto drawers, doors, and shelving, along with the use of dark colors and mixed materials, adds sophistication to the kitchen [[8]].
9. Hand-Painted Floors
- Hand-painted floors with a fresh, bespoke farmhouse feeling are gaining popularity, especially in the kitchen or hallway [[9]].
10. Modern Shaker Cabinets
- Thinner style cabinet doors add depth and character without the heaviness of traditional shaker doors, adding detail to the universal slab door [[10]].
11. Brights Mixed With Woods
- Unexpected hues for cabinetry, especially lighter and chalkier shades mixed with woods, are expected to be prevalent in kitchen design [[11]].
12. Painted Islands
- Painting the island base is a great way to inject color into the kitchen without requiring a full remodel, instantly activating the space [[12]].
13. Swaths of Stone
- Natural stone as a central component of beauty, especially dramatic stones used widely throughout the kitchen space, is becoming increasingly popular [[13]].
14. Bold Choices
- A trend towards a more brave mix of different styles, strong colors, expressive stones, and untraditional combinations of different materials is expected to be prevalent [[14]].
15. Wood Cabinetry
- Mixing wood and painted cabinets, embracing natural wood grain and tone, and incorporating wooden hutch-style upper cabinets are key elements of current kitchen design trends [[15]].
16. Lower Kitchen Drawers
- Kitchens with loads of lower drawers instead of cabinets are on the rise, providing easy access and ample storage space [[16]].
17. Mixed Metals
- Blending different finishes in the kitchen, such as brass, bronze, stainless, and nickel, creates a visually rich and inviting look [[17]].
18. Stone Slabs
- Stone slabs are dominating backsplashes and countertops, cascading to the floor in waterfall edges and wrapping around islands, enhancing kitchen spaces [[18]].
19. Secondary Kitchen Spaces
- The trend of sculleries, acting as secondary kitchen storage and prep spaces, is gaining popularity among homeowners in need of additional space [[19]].
20. Blue and Green Kitchens
- Shades of blues with more green undertones are becoming a refreshing change, adding interest and providing contrast in kitchen design [[20]].
These concepts and trends reflect the dynamic nature of kitchen design, where a balance between timeless features and playful elements is essential for creating a fresh and modern cooking space.