2023 Kitchen Trends

What’s hot in the kitchen – well, besides your famous secret salsa, five alarm chili, or mouth-watering lasagna bolognese? We are exploring top 2023 kitchen trends so your space is just as satisfying as the dishes you create! 

Top 2023 Kitchen Trends 

2023 kitchen trends are all about form and function.  

Au Naturel 

Natural wood never really goes out of style… but the look – and versatility – is coming back into prominence in a big way. It’s all about finding the right tones and shades to complement a modern, dynamic design. Today, we are seeing a trend towards softer light to medium tones that emphasize the beauty of the wood, as well as simpler, cleaner lines. 

Whether you opt for oak, maple, cherry, hickory, or another species, integrating touches of natural wood is an effective way to create an elegant, comfortable atmosphere. 

Out-of-Sight 

Keeping your appliances hidden away from view for clutter free counters helps keep your kitchen feeling clean and organized. With some clever tricks during your build or remodel, you can store gadgets and gizmos you use often but don’t want on display. Your toaster, microwave, blender, coffee maker, bean grinder, air fryer, and other must-haves are housed in a second/prep kitchen, pantry, or discrete appliance garage.  

This allows you to easily access the tools you need whenever you need them – but also maintain a clean and uncluttered space for cooking, eating, entertaining, gathering… and the daily, all-important, first sip of coffee. 

Add Variety with Mixed Materials 

Mixed materials and textures can be strategically integrated to create a design that prioritizes both form and function. Mixing up your methods can also help distinguish different “zones” in an open concept kitchen. For example, there is no reason not to have a durable, workhorse like quartz for high-use prep and cooking areas because they are easy to clean and resistant to heat and scratches, while opting for a cooler granite for baking projects (perfect for making pasta and pastry!) and a beautiful natural wood island surface for casual dining.  

Mix metals, stones, wood, glass, and wire (why not opt for a glass cabinet door with wire gridding, for example) with an eye towards functionality, practicality, convenience, and ease. This boosts your “wow” factor by adding visual interest and a style that is at once unexpected and completely cohesive.  

Island Living  

The island has made itself quite at home over the decades, and it is not going anywhere! At the same time, you can take steps to increase both its functionality and its fabulousness. Consider:

A Layered Island 

Instead of a single surface, a layered island features different tiers. Typically, there is one level for slicing, dicing, chopping, and mixing and a second tier for seating and eating. Again, this helps create differentiation in terms of the different kitchen zones while enhancing the overall design. 

Two Separate Islands 

Sometimes, more is more! Having two separate and completely functional islands is a terrific way to establish seamless traffic patterns in large kitchens. Two islands also allow more than one person to work effectively. You may prepare a wonderful feast… and your partner can hit the dishes without you bumping into one another! Or your guests can sit and relax (and stay out of your way!) while you get ready to wow them with your culinary skills. 

Another big benefit is increasing prep and storage space. You could also integrate handy appliances, like wine fridges or warming drawers, more easily. Some recommend having one island for “work” and one for socializing, gathering, and eating, and we love this idea. 

Waterfall Countertops  

What’s more fitting on an island than a waterfall! In this case, it is the effect created when the countertop does not simply cover the island’s base but flows down to the floor. This cascading effect provides clean, elegant lines and gorgeous appeal. This style works well in modern and contemporary designs and can make your island into a true showstopper. 

Guiding Light 

As you notice, 2023 kitchen trends blend form and function flawlessly. It makes sense that lighting plays a starring role. First, function: Obviously, when you’re working with sharp knives, food, heat, etc., you need to see what you are doing! Functional task lighting is a must. Now, form: You can soften the effects and create the right ambient lighting (e.g. romantic dinner for two? Got it! Homework time? Let your bright child shine) with intentionally chosen fixtures. These provide necessary, and mood-setting illumination, but they also double as accent pieces to complement your design.  

Options That Will Floor You  

Continuing the theme, the right flooring is one that delivers the durability and usability you need for your space, while giving you the opportunity to add tremendous style and personality. We love large format tile, colored tile, wide plank hardwood and luxury vinyl plank, and high contrast wood grain varieties that tie your cabinetry, furnishings, and accents together in an impactful way. 

There are so many exciting flooring solutions available today, and ACo works with only the highest quality manufacturers. Still, with all those options, it can be difficult to make a decision. Use our helpful Flooring Visualizer to start narrowing down your selections! 

Love Where You Live – and Cook! 

2023 kitchen trends provide great inspiration – and they may resonate with you. Ready to start turning your dream kitchen into a reality? Start with our guide, “Kitchen Remodels: Everything You Need to Know.”