The 2023 Kitchen Design Trends We’re Eyeing Right Now

With 2023 just a few short months away, designers and interior decorators are already gearing up for the trends the New Year will bring. And when it comes to kitchen design, we can expect big things. From enhanced technology to bold colors and more multifunctional spaces, 2023 will be all about increasing convenience, comfort, and personal style in the kitchen. Here are 6 kitchen design trends that will be big in 2023, according to experts.

Smart Technology

As technology continues to advance, the use of smart technology in the kitchen is expected to increase. This includes appliances that are connected to your wifi and can be controlled by your smartphone, voice-activated appliances, smart touchless faucets, and more. Smart kitchens aren’t just convenient, but they help to save on time and energy–with most smart appliances being more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts.  

Butler’s Pantries

Sometimes referred to as a scullery, working pantry, or functional pantry, butler’s pantries are on the rise and expected to be popular in 2023. They can act as additional storage space for food, a dedicated food prep space, a hidden coffee bar, and so much more. David Kallie, president and CEO of Dimension Inc., a home design, build, and remodeling firm based out of Wisconsin, says that in particular, he expects to see more concealed or secret butler’s pantries in the near future. “Customizable appliances that perfectly mimic the cabinetry are a trend that has been gaining speed for years. New in concealed kitchen design is the secret butler’s pantry…hidden behind a matching cabinetry panel or a sliding ‘wall’ door."

Slab Backsplashes

Traditional white subway tile backsplashes and trendy zellige tile backsplashes are being replaced in favor of sleek, large-scale slab backsplashes. A slab backsplash is simply a backsplash made out of one large piece of continuous material. It can be matched to the countertops, or used as a statement piece in the kitchen with a bold contrasting color or design. Granite, quartz, and marble are popular choices for slab backsplashes although there are many options available. 

“Many clients are requesting slab backsplashes that go all the way to the ceiling around windows or around a range hood,” says Emily Ruff, owner and Principal Designer at Seattle-based design firm Cohesively Curated Interiors. “You can forgo the upper cabinets to allow the stone to shine!”

Slab backsplashes aren’t just eye-catching, they’re functional too, points out April Gandy, Principal Designer at Alluring Designs Chicago. “Carrying the countertop to the backsplash provides a seamless, clean look, [but] it is also so easy to keep clean since there are no grout lines,” she says.

Organic Elements

The past few years have been all about bringing nature into the home and this isn’t expected to stop in 2023. Organic elements will continue to make their way into kitchens in the form of natural stone countertops, organic and eco-friendly materials, wood cabinetry and storage, and metal accents, to name a few. Sierra Fallon, Lead Designer at Rumor Designs, sees natural stone countertops in particular as a trend to watch out for in 2023. “While quartz will remain a go-to for many, we will see a growth in the use of beautiful marbles and quartzites with more color on countertops, backsplashes, and hood surrounds,” she says.  

Cameron Johnson, CEO, and Founder of Nickson Living predicts this green movement will manifest in both large and small items in the kitchen. Things like “wood or glass bowls in lieu of plastic, stainless trash bins, and wood storage containers,” on top of bigger-ticket items like marble countertops or natural wood cabinets are all things to watch out for in 2023, Johnson says.

Large Islands Designed for Dining

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and many homeowners are opting for larger kitchen islands to accommodate dining and entertaining directly in the kitchen rather than a formal dining room. Hilary Matt of Hilary Matt Interiors says this is a function of homeowners “redefining the spaces in our homes.” She adds, “Traditional kitchens are evolving into other parts of the home. In the coming year, I predict larger—and even double—kitchen islands will be integrated to accommodate for larger entertaining and gathering spaces in the kitchen.”

Warm Colors Are In

While white will continue to be a popular choice for kitchens in 2023, we can expect to see kitchens get a bit more colorful in the new year. In particular, homeowners are embracing warmer tones and bold pops of color rather than monochromatic, Scandinavian-style minimalism or white and gray farmhouse-style kitchens. Of the push towards using more color in the kitchen, Fallon says that she sees lots of organic and saturated colors being big in 2023 in all areas of the kitchen. Expect to see all-white cabinets switched out in favor of warm, natural wood tones in both dark and light hues.

When white and gray are used, we can expect to see those colors warmed up significantly compared to previous years. Basic gray and stark white are out and creamy off-whites and warm grays are in says Stacy Garcia, CEO and Chief Inspiration Offer at Stacy Garcia Inc.