Kitchen Cabinet Design Trends For 2023

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Design Note

KITCHEN CABINET DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2023

Kitchen cabinets are the main feature when you walk into the heart of the home. They occupy a large portion of the space and significantly influence the room’s layout and flow. This means they tend to be a priority in the design phase, with the other elements working together to create the ideal space for everyone. To give the best possible service, our design team stays up-to-date on current color, layout, and style trends, which leading experts in our field often announce toward the end of the year. While trends are not always an ideal guide for your renovation choices, they can provide helpful tips and highlight specific elements you might not have known otherwise. Sometimes, they are the spark you need or the little “aha” moment that adds that final touch you’ve been missing. Let’s talk about the latest kitchen cabinet design trends for 2023.

Kitchen cabinet color

Bold, dark, and nature-inspired. These are some of the popular cabinet color trends for 2023. While traditional colors such as white and gray are still popular options, many homeowners are looking for something different. Bold colors, such as reds and greens, pop up in the kitchen through two-toned options, like an island with a softer perimeter color choice. Dark options, such as black and deep blue hues, create a stunning contrast in the kitchen, especially when used on the island, as they stand out from the rest. Dark wood stains or darker wood choices, such as walnut, can have a similar impact, as they create a focal point in the kitchen. Pairing both bold and dark colors with lighter countertops and backsplashes can help you achieve balance in the design, instantly inviting the entire space. Nature-themed colors, such as soft neutrals and calming blues, will continue into 2023, delivering elegance, positive energy, and even a sense of safety to this essential part of the home. They are always a great complement to almost any color or style and a good option to keep on the table. 2023 promises to be a year of diversity, especially in the realm of color choices, so don’t be afraid to consider options outside of the traditional.

A kitchen with custom cabinetry and with a waterfall countertop and bar stools

Kitchen Countertops

While countertops are not part of the actual cabinets, they play a key role in the final design. These are the workhorses of the kitchen, as they enable us to cook, prep, and serve with ease. Stone slabs, such as granite, quartzite, and engineered quartz, are trending this year as homeowners appreciate the elegance they bring to their kitchens. Waterfall edges and wrapping around islands are also options that immediately add a touch of luxury to the entire space, plus the unique veining each possesses lets you personalize your home even further. Be sure to discuss with your designer which material will work best for you, as each has varying elements that need to be considered before finalizing your choice. Granite is heat-resistant and scratch-resistant, but it requires periodic resealing. Quartz requires less maintenance, which is a significant advantage, but it can still chip on edges and corners. Quartzite mimics the durability of granite and is non-porous, which means it is resistant to bacteria and even fungus, though it does come with a slightly higher price tag. Butcher block is another popular countertop choice, instantly bringing warmth and character to the kitchen, so be sure to add it to the maybe list.

Mixed materials

What you build your cabinets out of can impact the design just as much as color can, plus it is a beautiful opportunity to customize them to your specific style. In recent years, there has been an increasing integration of materials such as metal and glass into cabinet design, and this trend is not slowing down. Materials such as metal and glass are appearing in many of the kitchen designs featured in prominent magazines, leading manufacturers to produce unique products that can be used, such as antique mirrors for cabinet doors and metal legs instead of the standard wood or none at all. The results have been stunning, and these upgrades can transform your kitchen into a luxurious and elegant space. There has even been a pairing of several metals in one design, such as brass and bronze, used as accent pieces like hardware. Some designers have even added metal trims to the cabinet doors or a full metal one, which can bring visual interest and focal points to the final look of the kitchen. Discuss with your designer the possibility of incorporating some of these features into your kitchen renovation.

Kitchen drawers

When we think of cabinets, the traditional cupboard comes to mind, but drawers are making a strong appearance in cabinet design, especially for seniors or those with children, due to the ease of access. Pulling out a drawer is much simpler than having to bend low and move everything out just to get to that one item in the back. Some designers have even traded lower cabinets for only drawers in kitchen designs due to the rise in popularity. Drawers are also one of the recommended aging-in-place features for kitchens. Custom drawers offer the flexibility to accommodate various sizes, suitable for everything from pots and pans to silverware. If you prefer not to have the lower part of your kitchen cabinet design resemble drawers, there is always the option of roll-outs, which feature traditional cabinet doors but provide a similar function to drawers. Be sure to discuss this option with your designer to determine the best way to maximize your design for both your current and future needs.

Kitchen cabinet hardware

Hardware is a functional part of your kitchen cabinet design, but it can also be used to add a subtle touch of style. Matte black remains one of the most popular choices for hardware, as it can create a stunning contrast or an elegant statement. Pairing it with either soft neutrals like white and gray or woods like walnut, this is a great choice; the matte finish also hides fingerprints better than other options. Brass is another material that continues to remain in high demand. This warm metal adds a sense of luxury to the kitchen, similar to black in its versatility. Either of these choices will bring a significant enhancement to your kitchen cabinet design.

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Kitchen cabinet design trends in 2023

A kitchen renovation is no small task, considering the numerous elements involved, which is why platforms like Pinterest and Houzz can be helpful by providing inspiration. Much of that stems from the latest trends as designers let it spark their creativity, taking the best elements to form a customized plan for each of their clients. Our experienced team is ready to help you bring your vision of a new kitchen to life in 2023.

byJan Blanton/onJanuary 14, 2023/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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