Cabinetry remains a crucial part of any kitchen. Not only does it determine how much storage you have and how you’re able to organize your kitchen essentials, but it has a heavy influence on your kitchen’s overall design style. As we look ahead to a new year, we tapped designers for their thoughts on what’s next in kitchen cabinetry design. From stained glass panels to mixed materials, take a look at these kitchen cabinet trends that are expected to take off in 2023.
Dark Stained Wood
"I think we are finally seeing a return to dark stained wood cabinetry in the kitchen," says Studio Dearborn founder Sarah Robertson. " It works as a counterbalance to all the saturated colors in our interiors right now, lends a 'been here forever' vibe, and aligns with our yearnings for the comfort of our grandparents' home!"
See more of this kitchen by Studio Dearborn.
Stained-Glass Panels
“Stained glass cabinets were once a popular choice but fell out of favor in recent years,” says designer Margarita Bravo. “However, they are making a comeback as homeowners seek to add a touch of elegance to their kitchens.”
In a soft, monochromatic pink kitchen by Baxt Ingui Architects—designed for the 2022 Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse—custom cabinetry by Taffera Fine Building & Finishes and Ace Fabrications features leaded glass by Sunburst Studios.
Two-Toned Cabinets
Two-toned cabinets may not seem like an obvious choice, but they can bring depth, intrigue, and subtle variation into your kitchen. "Two-toned cabinets are gaining popularity as homeowners seek to add a touch of personality to their kitchens," Bravo says. "Black and white cabinets are a classic combination that can create a stunning look, while other popular choices include blue and white, grey and white, and even green and white."
Kitchen design by Nicole Hollis Studio.
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Special Hardware
Unique kitchen cabinetry hardware will play a key role in kitchen personalization. Not only can it make your space unique, but it can amplify the design style you're after. For the kitchen of the Kingston Design Connection Showhouse in 2022, Hendley & Co tapped Modern Matter for exquisite hardware, including red geometric knobs and tortoise pulls.
Traditional Details
"Traditional details in the kitchen are back," Robertson says. "But unlike kitchens of decades ago, they are infused with lots of light from big windows and a mix of light and dark finishes—resulting in a bright, eclectic, and very personal space."
Interior design by Studio Dearborn.
Bold Colors
If you thought purple kitchens were bold, get ready for a greater color direction. "Bright yellows, oranges, and reds are all becoming more popular as homeowners look to add a pop of color to their kitchens," Bravo says. "This can be done with either accent cabinets or by painting the entire kitchen in a bold color or adding wallpaper to accent the room."
Kitchen design by Michelle Nussbaumer.
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Natural Finishes
The warm, rustic look of cabinetry that emphasizes its wood grain creates an inviting atmosphere. "Although we've already seen a bit of this in 2022, we will see even more natural wood finishes in kitchens in 2023," designer Hilary Matt says.
She adds: "Whether incorporated into cabinetry, accessories, or flooring, the options are limitless! I love the look of natural wood on panel-ready appliances—like Sub-Zero Designer Series Refrigeration—which can add sophistication to your space, especially when paired with other materials like a patterned tile floor or a stone island."
Kitchen design by Alison Giese.
Warm Accents
"It is a great luxury to be able to entertain in your kitchen, and having a space where guests can feel comfortable and relaxed is incredibly important," says Anna Zaoui, co-founder of The Invisible Collection. "Using warm colors and different textures to create a special space within your kitchen area is a fantastic way to do this that can be achieved with cabinetry in painted wood with old fashioned handles in copper or old gold finish metal. A vintage addition will wrap it up, be it a pendant, chairs, or copper pans."
Kitchen design by Birgitte Pearce.
Mixed Materials
Mixed materials continue to gain popularity in everything from staircases to kitchen cabinetry. "Cabinets made from a combination of wood and metal are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a unique look that is both stylish and durable," Bravo says.
Kitchen design by Emil Dervish.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in kitchen cabinetry design, I have a deep understanding of the concepts and trends in this field. Cabinetry plays a crucial role in any kitchen, not only providing storage but also influencing the overall design style. In 2023, several exciting trends are expected to take off, and I will provide information related to these concepts.
Firstly, dark stained wood cabinetry is making a comeback. Sarah Robertson, the founder of Studio Dearborn, believes that dark stained wood brings a sense of timelessness and comfort to our kitchens. It serves as a counterbalance to the saturated colors that are currently popular in interior design, and it evokes a nostalgic feeling of our grandparents' homes.
Stained-glass panels, once a popular choice in the past, are also making a comeback. Homeowners are now seeking to add a touch of elegance to their kitchens, and stained glass cabinets provide just that. They create a beautiful visual effect and can be customized to match the overall design theme of the kitchen.
Another trend gaining popularity is two-toned cabinets. This may not seem like an obvious choice, but it can bring depth and variation to your kitchen. Two-toned cabinets allow homeowners to add a touch of personality to their kitchens. Classic combinations like black and white or blue and white are popular choices, but other options like grey and white or green and white are also gaining traction.
Unique kitchen cabinetry hardware is becoming increasingly important for personalization. The hardware you choose can make your kitchen space unique and amplify the design style you desire. For example, in the Kingston Design Connection Showhouse, Hendley & Co incorporated exquisite hardware from Modern Matter, including red geometric knobs and tortoise pulls, to add a special touch to the kitchen.
Traditional details in the kitchen are making a comeback, but with a modern twist. Unlike kitchens of the past, today's traditional details are infused with lots of light from big windows and a mix of light and dark finishes. This results in a bright, eclectic, and personalized space that combines the best of both worlds.
Bold colors are also becoming more popular in kitchens. Homeowners are looking to add a pop of color to their living spaces, and the kitchen is no exception. Bright yellows, oranges, and reds are gaining traction, whether as accent cabinets, painted entire kitchens, or even through wallpaper.
In terms of finishes, natural wood is taking the spotlight. The warm and rustic look of wood grain creates an inviting atmosphere in the kitchen. Whether incorporated into cabinetry, accessories, or flooring, natural wood finishes add a touch of sophistication. Panel-ready appliances, like Sub-Zero Designer Series Refrigeration, paired with natural wood cabinetry can create a stunning look when combined with other materials like patterned tile flooring or a stone island.
Creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere in the kitchen is essential for entertaining guests. Warm accents, such as painted wood cabinetry with old-fashioned handles in copper or old gold finish metal, can achieve this. Adding vintage elements like pendants, chairs, or copper pans further enhances the space and wraps it up in a nostalgic charm.
Lastly, mixed materials are gaining popularity, not only in kitchen cabinetry but across various design elements. Cabinets made from a combination of wood and metal offer a unique and stylish look that is also durable.
In conclusion, these are the key concepts and trends in kitchen cabinetry design that are expected to take off in 2023. From dark stained wood and stained-glass panels to two-toned cabinets and unique hardware, homeowners have a variety of options to personalize their kitchens. Traditional details, bold colors, natural finishes, warm accents, and mixed materials are all elements that can elevate the design of a kitchen and create a space that reflects the homeowner's style and personality.
