The biggest kitchen trends for 2023 – 26 looks hot off the design press

Kitchen trends have evolved in 2023 and are more exciting than ever. High end Italian brands launched curved and irregular islands at Salone del Mobile, while our favourite interior designers are using ever more opulent, more considered and more interesting materials.

So the new kitchen trends are designed to create more soothing and comfortable spaces that will stand the test of time, thanks to a renewed focus on natural materials, colors inspired by the outdoors like a sage green and quiet design details that enhance your time in the space. As far as interior design trends go, this is a relatively seismic shift, truly putting the heart into the heart of the home. 

‘Kitchens will feel like another extension of the home, in the sense that they will feel like a room, an additional living space within the house rather than a utilitarian place to prepare food in,’  says interior designer Joy Moyler. ‘This will see more refined materials, art and antiques, move into the space as it becomes less focused on pure function.’

These new 27  designer-approved trends give an insight into the new direction for kitchen design and with a mix of fresh ideas, clever colors and interesting materials and textures, it is bound to offer endless inspiration for your next remodel. 

Kitchen trends for 2023 explained

1. Rounded islands

Why does a kitchen island have to have sharp corner? Answer: of course it doesn't. And designers are realising that actually rounded edges are more convivial, more conducive to friends and family sitting around their modern kitchen together. 

The new Tangram kitchen collection by Cesar is  made up of five curved elements that can be combined with straight sections, to build islands with unusual shapes. Expect to see this fully circular island end idea roll out across family spaces all year.

2. Hidden pantries

I'll admit, I gasped audibly when I saw Poliform’s new Artex Pro kitchen debut at Salone del Mobile in Milan in June. A sleek monochrome space, it was all smooth surfaces and handle-free doors. Then, at the push of a button, a set of shelves suddenly emerged from the center of the kitchen island, two rows that had been flush to the quartzite countertop, holding jars of spices and other favorite ingredients.

It feels like a really smart solution for the avid home cook, to have their most-used flavors at such easy reach, but that in no way hamper the minimalism of the space. It's hard to be truly innovative in a space as common as the kitchen, where you might think every idea has been tried before, but here, I felt like I was experiencing something totally new.

3. Oversized, swooping handles

Another of the new designs I saw debut at Salone del Mobile in June, luxe kitchen and bathroom brand Scavolini introduced the new Jeometrica collection to the world.

With its swooping handles that travese the modern kitchen cabinets it felt like an eye catching way to bring some design sensibility to an otherwise pared back space. But this is more than just aesthetics - of course I had to touch them and try opening the door for myself. 

Because of the angle of the handles, they were so easy and delightful to hold. I was able to imagine returning to the fridge, hands full, and how I would be able to grab the door either vertically or horizontally, depending on which finger was free. Perfection.

4. Colorful taps in a neutral space

As we want our homes to feel ever more soothing, it's only natural we turn to minimalist color palettes, and grey kitchens come back to the fore. But this wouldn't be a Livingetc-approved trend without a little twist, and its the pop of a jewel-bright tone on the faucet that gives a little jolt of energy a room like this really needs. 

Designed by the New York-based geniuses at Crosby Studios, unusual kitchen material MDF panels take on the look and texture of powder coated steel for the lightweight cabinets. A reminder that even the most everyday of materials can be elevated with the right finish, and that even kitchen faucet trends are a thing.

5. Aged brass and smooth wood

The latest countertop trends have seen a mix of colors and materials, but this kitchen designed by Roundhouse takes that one step further and contrasts both the island and wall cupboards with the surface. 

What's particularly interesting about this space, and what I'm seeing a lot of from high end designers right now, is the juxtaposition of aged brass and wood. This helps create transitional-style kitchens, as the brass has a rich, deep patina, whereas the wood is smooth, whorl-free, an antidote to the industrial style of the metal. The result is a kitchen with a half waterfall countertop and that is pleasingly minimal yet fascinating to the eye.

‘Less is more, and the limited use of the antique brass in this kitchen gives the main wall a striking focal point,’ says senior designer Lauren Wright from Roundhouse. This also plays into another look I'm seeing more and more of - kitchens without backsplashes.

6. Extra-large fridges

I often get asked 'how do you design a kitchen that's better to cook in?' and my answer is always more storage. Which should include the fridge. Super-size refrigerators are becoming the norm in new kitchen designs - that extra bit of space to store food for the whole family, meaning trips to the store can happen less frequently. 

This is part of a general move towards the kitchen being more convenient - see the innovations in smart kitchens - and an understanding from designers about how technology can be integrated more subtly and usefully into the space.

7. Porcelain countertops

While marble, granite and quartzite have long been the most common materials for kitchen counters, new innovations have seen porcelain step into the arena. It makes sense - as substance, it's hardwearing, durable and - just as importantly - quite beautiful to look at. 

'Porcelain is non-porous, scratch and stain resistant,' says Mor Krisher, Caesarstone's head of design - it's this brand that is leading the way here. 'Our range includes over 80+ colours in a wide array of colors, textures and patterns.' 

8. Spa-like spaces

You've heard of the spa bathroom, but what about the spa kitchen? Yes, meditative materials are coming to the fore here which help create a serene place to cook and live in, a mood that is almost monastic.

'Our work has a spa-like quality to it I think,' says Noa Santos, the designer behind this particularly beautiful space. 'We use lots of natural stones and plasters, unintentionally developing this style that seems to resonate with people wanting a place they can go home to and feel calmed.'

9. Cabinets to the ceiling

While this is also another example of the curved island, what's particularly notable about this white kitchen designed by Martin Moore is the way the cabinets run all the way up to the top of the ceiling.

'Unless you have a specific styling intention for the space between the tops of your cabinets and the ceiling, I think it’s always worth running units up to the top,' says Gabrielle Aker, owner and principal at Aker Interiors. 'When cabinets stop shy of the ceiling, the space above them either becomes a dust collector or causes visual chaos with a hodgepodge of rarely used kitchen items.'

10. Layers of black

Sophisticated? Tick. Striking? Tick? A stylish backdrop for any shade? Tick. When you lay bare the advantages of a black kitchen, it is difficult to understand why many people are daunted by it. On the surface, black kitchens can appear a daring, or even unwise, choice but cleverly executed, it can create an impact like no other color. This is part of the reason black kitchens are seeing a big rise in popularity this year. 

Unlike past incarnations of black kitchens, this latest version is unapologetically bold. In the past you could contrast with a high-color backsplash or mix with wood for a more rustic vibe, this time it’s a ‘more is more’ approach. So layer black on black to dial up the drama like with this kitchen designed by Michael Del Piero (opens in new tab) who has locations in both the Hamptons and Chicago. 

‘We love designing kitchens for clients and, especially when part of an open floorplan, feel that kitchens need a bit of drama to hold their own,’ says Michael.

‘Dramatic hues, such as black, are popular at the moment and certainly add a bit of moodiness to kitchens. When using black paint in an open floorplan, we advise balancing the dark hue with something equally dramatic on the opposing wall—like a black-painted fireplace or similar. 

'It bookends the space, so to speak. In this kitchen, modern minimalism was the directive. We brought that inspiration to life with clean, flat-front cabinets and mod black concrete countertops. Black concrete provided a sleek look, where marble and granite would have dramatically changed the aesthetic of the space.’

11.  Mellow  yellow

Once only a color worth considering for children’s bedrooms, yellow is seeing a resurgence in popularity in every area of interiors. And why? Because it perfectly captures the mood of 2023 - joyous, uplifting and optimistic. 

The sunny hue can take on different shades from egg yolk to mustard but one shade has been quietly but determinedly growing in popularity   – mellow yellow or as others call it a neutral yellow. This shade has much of the energy and cheeriness of a classic yellow but takes on  a more liveable form, perfect if you find a bolder yellow a little too intense day-to-day. 

This kitchen designed by Midland Architecture, which has offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Columbus, Ohio, highlights the warm elegance of a mellow yellow. Its creamy tones are not just inviting but versatile enough to use with a whole chart of colors.

‘I’ve always been drawn to American Shaker architecture - places like Pleasant Hill in Kentucky,' says Greg Dutton, Principal of Midland Architecture.  ‘I borrowed their use of yellow as inspiration for the color of the cabinets. This particular shade of yellow, I call a near-neutral. It’s understated in the way that neutrals are but the hue still gives a lot of pop.’

12. Kitchen jewellery 

Forget the understated cabinetry of the past. In the same way a beautiful outfit is incomplete without a considered piece of jewelry, a similar mood has made its way into our kitchens. Now kitchen cabinets and drawers look virtually incomplete without some kind of metallic adornment and require striking hardware to add personality and style.  

The material of choice? Gold or at least gleaming brass like in this show-stopping kitchen by Heidi Caillier (opens in new tab). Here, the brass knobs and handles are perfect partners for the moody cabinetry, Studio Green by Farrow & Ball, (opens in new tab)  and help bring the whole kitchen to life. Just like in fashion, delicate pieces will have a bigger impact so stick to knobs, cup drawer pulls and slim bars to maintain a sophisticated look.

13. Black countertop and backsplash

If adding layers of black is a little extreme for your kitchen tastes, another new way to incorporate black is to use it on both your countertop and your splashback for an eye-catching look. 

In this kitchen by Seattle-based Studio Laloc, founded by Lauren Lothrop Caron, rather than go with a lighter countertop, the dark cabinetry is given additional depth with the power pairing of a black countertop and kitchen backsplash. Put together, they create a seamless look and a backdrop for the gleaming tap and any decorative objects. 

The owner of the kitchen, Beck Hallmann, explains that her design choice was very intentional - and it utilizes new kitchen sink trends for dramatic basins. 

‘The choice for the backsplash wasn't so much about being a dark color, but about being a living specimen that would age over time, chip, and resemble an old British scullery that would show wear and tear,’ she explains. ‘The soapstone being a softer living finish becomes more beautiful with age, and the intent was to celebrate its natural beauty.’

14. Architectural pendants

Kitchen lighting can often be a forgotten part of your overall design but the right lighting can transform a room and there are lots of great lighting ideas to try. A successful lighting plan will usually need to be layered and include a combination of mood, task and feature lighting. 

While every aspect of the lighting is important, the lighting which goes over the island is an opportunity to have some fun and make a statement. For the last few years, the drop pendant - usually put up as a trio, has ruled the roost when it comes to kitchen island lighting. But this year we will see a sharper look which owes its design to striking architecture that makes a statement. 

‘We selected these modern architectural pendants to complement the curves of the island and to offset the more traditional aspects of the kitchen design,’ says  Georgina Cave, founder and creative director of Cave Interiors (opens in new tab). ‘Creating a sculptural and unexpected design was key to the entire scheme.’

15.  Copper mirrored backsplash

A mirrored backsplash is nothing new but now the reflective glass is moving towards a warmer, copper version for 2023. As well as helping bounce light around the kitchen, it instantly helps double the look of the space, which makes it the perfect solution for small kitchens. 

‘We wanted to make the wall with the main range cooker a feature. The clients wanted to keep the range cooker wall open, free from wall cabinets, yet they wanted the design to be eye-catching, ‘ explains Liane Burrett, senior designer at Roundhouse who designed the kitchen. ‘ Initially, we designed a bespoke stainless-steel extractor to stand alone on the main wall, but this felt too industrial and heavy. We then explored cladding marble effect tiles on the wall - this made the design feel too traditional and busy. The final kitchen featured a copper mirror splashback designed to reflect the light in the space, and a floating shelf to beautifully showcase the owner’s vases and decorative items.’

16. Mint green

As interior design turns collectively towards natural materials, forms and colors as a way to bring the soothing, grounding character of the outdoors into the home, the kitchen takes up a classic, timeless tone picked straight from the garden as a key color for 2023. Mint is an uplifting, zingy, yet subtle green shade, one that continues the kitchen’s movement toward soft pastel shades while echoing our desire to be close to nature. It's a move on from sage green kitchen ideas which have dominated for a while, a slightly zestier approach.

‘In times of economic and social uncertainty it’s natural for us to cocoon at home in the company of loves ones, and thus a comforting palette of colors found in will continue to grow in popularity,’ explains Rob Whitaker, Creative Director of Claybrook. 

17. Textured surfaces

Texture may have been something we're used to in living room trends and bedrooms for years, but it's only recently we've seen it seep into kitchens. 'Visible grain on timbers, especially on crown cut oak and ash veneers, brushed metals, honed, leathered or textured stone finishes & concrete' are all being used more often as kitchen materials explains Oana Sandu, Lead designer, Blakes London.

The look is all about giving a kitchen depth, making it less about clean lines and hard surfaces and more about creating a layered look with plenty of tactile materials. 'Textures and materials are constantly evolving in kitchens, and with homeowners growing in confidence with their design choices, the finishes are becoming bolder.' says Graeme Smith, Head of Design at Life Kitchens.

'2023 will see more expressive tactile materials such as metallics, concrete and textured doors featuring heavy wood grains as well as marble-effect and stone finishes. Adding sophistication to a kitchen layout, these striking finishes will help to tie a look together through character and individuality.'

18. Freestanding multifunctional storage

As the needs of the kitchen changes, and it becomes more of a living space than ever before, multifunctional, flexible, free-standing furniture becomes an essential part of the design. Plus, bringing in these pieces it's an easy way to adapt your space without having to start totally from scratch - no need to revamp your kitchen island here.

'As the kitchen increasingly becomes a living space in its own right, kitchen furniture design is changing to follow suit. Multi-functional furniture that blends the kitchen with the rest of the house will be more prominent in our kitchens going forwards.' explains Graeme Smith. 'Stylish stand-alone pieces such as dressers, glass cabinetry and wooden shelving will be key, rather than the standard, built-in concepts. Offering a practical yet decorative element, they offer the homeowner a chance to create a unique look through an accent color, or a mix of materials – and display their treasured items for a soft, homely feel.'

This is also a nice way to mix and blend styles in your kitchen, bringing in pieces that contrast your cabinetry. Shop vintage for furniture that's going to add personality, texture, and interesting shapes to your kitchen. 

19. Kitchen wallpaper

Again, there really seems to be a theme here of kitchen trends that treat this once purely practical space more like a living room. Wallpaper trends in the kitchen have been slowly gaining traction this year and we are seeing it more and more. We've never been sure why wallpaper has been shunned in kitchens, paint and tiles have always been the go-to. But now we want our kitchens to feel more like an extension of our living rooms, hanging wallpaper makes sense, adding texture and depth amongst the clean lines. 

It's such a simple update you could even DIY in just a weekend. Plus, it's a very low commitment way to experiment with color and pattern in the kitchen. Order some samples, stick them up in your space and live with them for a while and just see how much interest it can add to your room. 

20. Slab backsplashes

Is there anything more stunning in a kitchen than a slab backsplash? A wall of interrupted stone or marble adds an instant focal point to a kitchen adding beautiful natural textures and shapes - modern kitchen backsplash just keep getting more graphic.

'We still have a big demand for kitchens to make a statement. Slab splashbacks are a great trend to give an instant wow factor,' says Melissa Klink. 'Because the application isn’t being used as the main worktop, this opens up a variety of other options like specialized marble and other porous stone. Slab backsplashes are a great way to dictate the color palette of the room and reflect the light in a soft fashion.'

21. Colored marble

Marble, in some form or another, makes into our kitchen trends round-up every year. And this year it's had a colorful glow up. We see a lot of marble kitchen countertops in the classic white and grey neutral tones, but marble can come in a beautiful array of shades, from pale pinks to deep emerald greens. 

These more unusual stones make for the perfect kitchen island or modern banquette material, creating a statement at the center of your space. 

22. Unusual sinks

Taps have got a lot of attention in kitchen trends the past few years – black taps, brass taps, hot taps – and this year we have turned to give some thought to the humble sink. 

As Melissa Klink says 'To balance the stylized aesthetic of these beautiful taps, we are placing more attention on sink details. Going beyond just the obvious stainless or ceramic options, we are creating sinks from granite, marble, concrete, Corian, and adding edge detailing to make them more appealing. Within the kitchen, we spend a lot of time at the sink, so we certainly want it to be a spot of interest.' 

23. Kitchen trees

We're constantly trying to find new ways to bring the outdoors in, and our love of houseplants has turned into something much... larger. House trees are becoming a more frequent feature on Pinterest and Instagram with homeowner's opting to grow full-sized trees within their kitchens. Olive trees have been the most popular, adding a very Med-vibe to any space and creating a very unique focal point. 

But as Lucy St George, Co-founder of Rockett St George (opens in new tab) says 'Greenery is going nowhere. With so many of us spending more time at home, the need to connect with the natural world through our interiors is stronger than ever. In 2023, we expect the trend for bringing nature indoors to continue with a focus on botanical color palettes and prints, and green glassware, ceramics, and tables. As a more playful side to the trend, retro influences with fruit and vegetable-inspired pieces will also be making an appearance in the home, from tableware to decoration.'

24. Sustainable design choices

Speaking of living more wholesome and sustainable lives, this is also having an impact on the materials we are now choosing to build our kitchens from, or decorate them with, like eco paints. Hayley Robson predicts that 'Materials will be purer and natural, rather than too polished or plastic. The concept of mixing materials will continue and we will see the trend for upcycling, reuse and hand-crafted pieces develop.'

'Much like fashion, we are conscious of our consumption; we will invest in craftsmanship, timeless and statement pieces - we’ll buy less stuff and make it last longer, with the clashing of styles resulting in a timeless aesthetic.'

And Melissa Klink, Harvey Jones Creative Director agrees, saying that 'Focusing on designing as green as possible and creating spaces that are eco-friendly has opened up a further appreciation for reclaimed wood. And beyond the economic and environmental benefits, using reclaimed wood adds an interesting story to the kitchen space. Any material that has an organic influence helps to ground the room and provide an instant sense of calm, and reclaimed wood is warm and full of rich detail. The look is beautifully unique and something you cannot recreate using new material.'

25. 3D surfaces

Last year’s supremely popular fluted glass trend is moving into non-transparent materials for 2023 as we seek out new ways to enjoy surfaces with fluidity and vigour. While three-dimensional tiles often follow architectural and geometric forms, on kitchen cabinetry the emerging shapes feel far more mellow. 

Alongside fluted designs, we’re also seeing ribbed and scalloped surfaces coming through. 'The beauty of taking a three-dimensional approach', says Annika Rowson, director of Rowson Kitchens, 'lies in the way it provides depth and interest, without overpowering. As the light changes through the day, so the shadows move and shift across the surface to create new ever-moving patterns,’ she says. ‘I like to use a pared-back palette of materials in soothing, complementary tones, and let texture bring it all to life.'

26. Colorful wood stains

Because wood can come in more than just various shades of brown. You can get all those lovely natural textures that come from raw wooden kitchen cabinets but opt for a colored stain for a bolder look - this is the same approach we're seeing in the world of colored concrete. Charlie Smallbone, Founder, Ledbury Studio, says 'I’ve started applying beautiful colored stains on wood. Stains allow you to celebrate the beauty of the wood grain while pushing it beyond its raw, natural state to enhance the overall beauty of the kitchen by adding rich texture.'

'So far, we’ve worked with greys, purples, violets, and pinks, but clients can have any color they want. This chimes with increasing consumer demand for personalization in the kitchen; creating something that is unique to the individual.' Color and texture? Ticks two of the biggest kitchen trends for 2023 at once. 

Are grey kitchens still in style?

Grey kitchens are never going out of style - they are easy to live with, soothing, calming, and allow for you to experiment with brighter shades on accessories or tiles. 

For 2023, try a deeper grey, one with brown pigments in it, for a look that feels really on trend, or add in a jewel-bright tap, like a bright blue one. Or paint the ceiling a bright color. It's about enhancing the dreamy quality of the grey with a little lift in the palette somewhere.