2020 Design Live
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There are few things more humbling in life than contrasting what you thought then with what you know now. This applies to almost any length of time, be it decades or the difference between when you woke up this morning and when you'll go to bed this evening.
Time, as the saying goes, truly does make fools of us all.
It’s with this in mind that we set ourselves up for a future slice of humble pie through our trend predictions for 2023. But to be clear, we’re not in this alone.
After taking part in several webinars, listening in on roundtable discussions, talking to industry experts and reading many trade publications, we are as ready as we’ll ever be to predict the... (drumroll, please) Top 10 Kitchen Design Trends for 2023:
1. Want to be current? Then, go electric
With rebates and tax breaks being offered across the U.S. and several other countries and regions, electric appliances – especially induction ranges – are going to be extremely popular in the coming year. For interior designers looking to get a leg up on the competition, it will be worthwhile to familiarize yourself with your region’s incentives toward electrification. Sharing that kind of insightful information about rebates and tax breaks with a prospective client could make all the difference when it comes time to close a deal.
2. Earth tones are easy
We mentioned earth tones in last year’s list, and even then, we said that earthy colors have been popular for the past few years. At some point in the near future, this “trend” might be considered a “movement,” but until then expect to see a lot of greens, browns and rusty oranges, alongside wooden cabinetry. One small twist on things is that a splash of color is increasingly being used to accent the earthy tones. This explains how the Sherwin-Williams color of the year can be the clayish Redend Point, while Pantone’s color of the year is the brilliant Viva Magenta. They may seem to be going in opposite directions, but the two different selections represent how both earthy and lively will work together in 2023.
3. Heavy metal duos
There are going to be a lot of kitchens designed with mixed metals in 2023. We’re not saying stainless steel is out. In fact, it’s now the neutral to which other metals will be used as an accent. Think: Brass hardware beside blackened metal or dark bronze next to stainless steel or copper sinks, counter tops and slab backsplashes (a trend in its own right). With more decorative items filling kitchen spaces, you might also find this trend in brass inlays with nickel.
4. It’s the inside that counts
Courtesy of KitchenAid
When we say stainless steel is still in, we mean it literally as it pertains to contemporary kitchen appliances. Look for fewer stainless steel finishes and more stainless steel interiors in refrigerators, alongside more glass, thinner shelving and increasingly clean lines. There is also no sign of the incorporation of tech into appliances slowing down.
5. Hide and heat
Another trend we expect to continue from last year – and this ties in with the previous point – is concealed appliances. The decluttering trend from a few years ago has evolved beyond merely removing small appliances off kitchen counters and into the realm of cover panels for appliances that help them blend in with nearby cabinets, as well as tiny cubbies for microwaves, coffee machines and toasters.
6. Newstalgia
Courtesy of Elmira
Staying with appliances for one more trend, a participant at a recent roundtable discussion hosted by 2020 used the term “newstalgia” to describe appliances that combine a retro look with a more contemporary feel that wouldn’t be out of place at all in a functional modern kitchen. Think: old form matching new function. A great example of this can be found in the gorgeous appliances from Elmira Stove Works, a popular content catalog partner with 2020.
7. Open your shelves up to new possibilities
We mentioned earth tones as a trend verging on a movement, and the concept of open shelves is likely right on that line, too. There is a slight adaptation from previous years, however. In 2023, look for the open shelves in kitchens to include unique brackets and metal work that is a little more decorative than in the past, as we slowly move away from the minimalist approach.
8. Good shape is always in tiles
As we move further away from the HGTV flip-this-house minimalist mentality, more and more texture is being included in home design. For the kitchen, this has translated into more tile. We’re seeing a lot of creativity when it comes to shape with this trend. It’s not just squares and subway tile rectangles, expect to see diamonds, arabesques, circles and lantern shapes on kitchen backsplashes and even flooring.
9. Environmentally minded inside and out
Over the last few years, we’ve seen a focus on sustainable materials and eco-friendly fixtures, and while we expect those trends to continue in 2023, we’re also seeing an offshoot of this begin to pick up momentum. People want to contribute to a healthier environment in the home. Look for stylish smoke detectors, sleek fire extinguishers, gorgeous humidifiers and sophisticated air purifiers to become increasingly common in kitchen spaces throughout the coming year as health and safety in the home becomes a priority.
10. The butler’s pantry did it
Somewhat in line with the trend toward concealed appliances that we already mentioned, look for the popularity of butler’s pantries to increase throughout the coming year. These spaces between the kitchen and dining areas work wonderfully as an extra storage space for non-perishables or as a place for a coffee machine and all its related paraphernalia. To put a spin on this trend and really make it feel customized for your client, consider placing a secret butler’s pantry behind a matching cabinet panel that opens or slides – or perhaps that’s a trend better saved for our 2024 list.
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