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
The kitchen is considered the heart of the home, where meals are cooked and enjoyed, and where families gather. When designing a dream kitchen, it's important to balance timeless features with playful colors, patterns, and textures that reflect your personality and design aesthetic. In 2023, there were several kitchen trends that gained popularity, including:
-
No Upper Cabinets: Many designers have been minimizing or eliminating upper cabinets to create a clean and light-filled space. The tall or upper cabinets are often confined to one wall or one portion of the kitchen, while the rest remains open and spacious [[1]].
-
High Contrast: While all-white kitchens remain popular, there has been a shift towards mixed materials and pops of high-contrast paint applications. Black painted or ebony stained finishes are showing up in a big way, adding depth and visual interest to the kitchen [[2]].
-
Double Islands: Traditional kitchens are evolving to accommodate larger entertaining and gathering spaces. Larger, and even double, kitchen islands are being integrated to provide more space for socializing and food preparation [[3]].
-
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. This trend adds a unique touch to the kitchen and enhances its overall aesthetic [[4]].
-
Butcher-Block Islands: Butcher-block islands are not only stylish but also functional and durable. Walnut is a popular choice for the primary material, as it adds warmth to the space. Some butcher-block islands even come with a mini fridge and plenty of cabinets for extra storage space [[5]].
-
Creative Cabinetry: Designers are embracing bold and unexpected choices when it comes to kitchen cabinet colors and patterns. This year, there has been an increase in bold cabinet color choices, mixed with other interesting and unique finishes [[6]].
-
Marble Slab Backsplashes: Subway tile backsplashes are becoming less popular, with a shift towards marble slab backsplashes. Marble adds drama and depth to the kitchen, and it's easier to clean than tile. A marble backsplash and countertop can set the tone for the entire space and make a big statement [[7]].
-
Overstated Hardware: Metalwork integrated onto drawers, doors, and shelving is a popular trend. Dark colors and mixed materials, such as brass, bronze, stainless, and nickel, add sophistication to the room [[8]].
-
Hand-Painted Floors: Hand-painted floors have a fresh, bespoke farmhouse feeling and add color and pattern to any space. They are warmer than tile and age naturally, making them a great choice for kitchens and hallways [[9]].
-
Modern Shaker Cabinets: Thinner style cabinet doors add depth and character without the heaviness of traditional shaker doors. This style adds detail and interest to the kitchen, especially when combined with other design elements [[10]].
-
Brights Mixed With Woods: Unexpected hues for cabinetry are gaining popularity. Saturated, bright colors are still in, but lighter and chalkier shades mixed with woods are also being embraced. This combination creates a classic feel with a touch of trendiness [[11]].
-
Painted Islands: Painting the island base is a great way to inject color into the kitchen without the need for a full remodel. It instantly adds visual interest and can transform a sterile-looking space [[12]].
-
Swaths of Stone: Natural stone is being featured more prominently in kitchen spaces. Dramatic stones used throughout the kitchen, including marble waterfall islands, are becoming popular design choices. These stones enhance the beauty of the space and create a luxurious feel [[13]].
-
Bold Choices: There is a trend towards a more brave mix of different styles, including strong colors, expressive stones, and untraditional combinations of different materials. This trend allows for more creativity and personalization in kitchen design [[14]].
-
Wood Cabinetry: Mixing wood and painted cabinets is a current trend. Embracing natural wood grain and tone, rather than glossy varnish and heavy stain, adds warmth and character to the kitchen. Wooden islands paired with painted perimeter cabinetry create an appealing contrast [[15]].
-
Lower Kitchen Drawers: Kitchens with loads of lower drawers, instead of cabinets, are on the rise. Drawers provide easy access and ample storage space. Additionally, extra-large cabinet hardware adds a stylish touch to any kitchen [[16]].
-
Mixed Metals: Blending different finishes in the kitchen, such as brass, bronze, stainless, and nickel, creates a visually rich and inviting look. Mixing metals adds depth and interest to the overall design [[17]].
-
Stone Slabs: Stone slabs are being used extensively in kitchen backsplashes, countertops, and even cascading to the floor in waterfall edges. This trend highlights the unique beauty of natural stones and enhances the overall aesthetic of the kitchen [[18]].
-
Secondary Kitchen Spaces: Sculleries, or secondary kitchen storage spaces, are gaining popularity. They provide additional space for food prep, hidden coffee nooks, and more. Sculleries are a practical and functional trend for homeowners who need extra kitchen space [[19]].
-
Blue and Green Kitchens: Shades of blue with green undertones are a refreshing change in kitchen design. These colors create a wow factor, add interest, and provide contrast. Deep hues give a classic feel that never feels overly trendy [[20]].
Remember, while these trends were popular in 2023, interior design trends are ever-changing. It's important to consider your personal style and preferences when designing your dream kitchen.
