HOME Feature: Kitchen Trends

Kitchen TrendsWhat’s in and what’s out for 2023

By Julie Young | Photo provided by Classic Marble & Stone Today’s home-centric lifestyle requires our abodes to perform like never before, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the kitchen. As the heart of the home, the kitchen is a multi-functional room that demands a flexible design to meet the rigors of daily life. As homeowners make plans to remodel, renovate, or refresh these spaces, we asked experts to weigh in on what’s trending for 2023 and beyond.

High-style, low maintenance

According to the newly released National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) 2023 Design Trends Study, homeowners want high style surfaces that are easy to clean along with elements that hide household clutter while maximizing function. Quartz and quartzite countertops that mimic the look of natural stone without the upkeep are popular choices along with large walk-in pantries, islands that double as a dining space, and large backsplash tiles that reduce the amount of grout one must clean. “We see a lot of designs (that incorporate) a full height splash using their countertop material, floating shelves, and less upper cabinetry,” said Carolyn Johnson with Classic Marble & Stone, Inc. in Hoagland. “Walk-in pantries with quartz or stone counters to match the kitchen are also trending, and the floor samples that are brought in to help select counters are most often wide-plank luxury vinyl that look like (real) wood.”

All that glitters

According to the newly released National Kitchen and When it comes to kitchen technology, homeowners are drawn to those elements with smart controls that can be operated via voice or mobile device. Touchless faucets, integrated lighting, and smart appliances themselves are still being sought out and while stainless still reigns supreme, some homeowners are looking for a little bit of bling. “A growing number of homeowners are using white appliances with designer handles in gold,” Johnson said. Even as kitchens evolve, some elements continue to have staying power, such as French door refrigerators and venting hoods, which remain a focal point in the space. However, experts expect that some nice-to-have elements will become more prominent in years to come, such as dishwasher drawers, secondary dishwashers, and warmer color schemes. The NKBA says transitional, contemporary, modern, organic, and farmhouse are the leading design styles for 2023, with a focus on greens, blues, whites wood tones, and greys dominating the color palette. White is the go-to neutral while green evokes nature, and blue offers warmth and inspiration, but here in the Midwest, Johnson says she’s seeing a mix “While greys continue to sell well, warmer colors are coming back,” she said. “Homeowners are mixing them with white or combining both warm and cool looks to be transitional.”

Quick trend tips for Kitchens

• Bold colors for backsplashes, artwork, accent furniture, paint, and fabric accents. • Ovens that integrate steam cooking/air frying tech • Single Bowl kitchen sinks • Sustainability (LED lights, storage for recyclables, increased natural light) a

Resource:

Classic Marble & Stone, Hoagland, 260.639.3872, classicmarbleandstone.com