As we boldly step into the new year, we say goodbye to the old and welcome the new with the help of the highly anticipated 2023 Design Trend research report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), giving us insight into the designs and products that will dominate kitchen and bath design for years to come. What the report reveals is surprising, with designers now fusing a myriad of styles, creating luxurious spas, and opening up kitchens to the expansiveness and grandeur of the outdoors — but that’s just to name a few. So, whether remodeling, renovating, rearranging, or just daydreaming about possible future projects, this list provides everything you need to kickstart your next design journey.
EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE IN OPEN SPACES
Homeowners and homebuyers are apparently finding a renewed design spirit in minimalist philosophy, focusing on what’s important and removing the rest. This doesn’t mean that scope of kitchen projects are decreasing; quite the contrary. In fact, designers are reporting significantly more involved projects than last year. Not only does that mean expanding square footage by breaking down walls and taking over additional adjoining rooms, but also adding functionality to spaces with small appliance work areas, and creating room for more storage for food and cookware. Kitchen renovations will continue to see an uptick in adding larger or double islands to serve for multiple purposes, walk-in pantries, and additional appliances, like a second dishwasher or freezer.
Bathrooms will also continue to expand, in a similar vein as kitchens, as we see homeowners tearing down walls to increase the size of their primary bath, creating a comfortable space for two or more people. Other highly popular design strategies for maximizing bathroom space include removing the bathtub altogether, thereby increasing the shower size, and building additional closets, dressing areas, and/or sitting rooms.
MAXIMIZING FUNCTIONALITY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Who doesn’t want to make their life easier and more efficient? Updating your home with the latest technology is the best place to start. The design report projects that kitchens and baths will continue to see the rise of touchless appliances, voice- or motion-activated features, and mobile apps — giving tech savvy homeowners seamless control over everything from lighting, water, heated floors, ovens, and many other appliances.
In particular, some of the most desired smart appliances include steam cooking and airfrying being integrated into ovens, dedicated areas for mobile device laptop charging and viewing , and motion sensored faucets. And, though the Boomer generation continues to drive demand for all manner of design projects, they are still hesitant to adopt most forms of smart tech, in favor of features like door open alarms, whereas millennials and Gen-X are seeking a greater array of lighting and appliance control.
A RETURN TO VIBRANT COLOR AND BOLD DESIGN
Modernity doesn’t have to be only represented in tones of gray and white. After several years of more neutral color schemes, kitchens and baths are embracing color, and to no one’s surprise, consumers are being mainly inspired by design websites and social media. Blue is the hottest color this year, followed by soft earthy greens, like moss and taupe. Both colors are favored as a reflection of water, so they are being used heavily in bathrooms, while white will remain a staple hue. To play off of these bold colors, designers are using multiple design elements and materials — wallpaper, bold accents through fine art, and splashes of earthy tones of rich color and texture — creating hybridizations, like modern farmhouse and classic contemporary.
DESIGNING FOR THE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS CONSUMER
Not surprisingly, the kitchen and bath industry has seen a sharp increase in environmentally conscious consumers with their eye on sustainable designs — and the demand will no doubt become stronger going forward. That aesthetically translates into construction that opens kitchens and baths up to the greater outdoors by installing larger windows, fewer panes, and glass doors that lead onto an outside patio, deck, or garden. Practically speaking, the increased natural light and use of high-performance low-E windows and doors can significantly reduce energy consumption and save money in the long run. Homeowners that are looking for more sustainable solutions in their homes are using popular products such as 100% LED lights, electric radiant flooring, energy efficient appliances, and EPA WaterSense faucets.
FOSTERING WELLNESS THROUGH DESIGN
As we move into 2023, baths have become an oasis retreat for both body and mind. Designers are crafting spa-like environments in palettes of earthy and muted tones, blues and greens to create a sense of unity and calmness, as well as hints of glamor through metallic accents or other rustic elements – all on easy to clean surfaces.
Not unlike kitchens, homeowners are opening primary baths up with large windows to connect with nature, flooding rooms with beautiful natural light. Large two-person showers, custom seats, multiple shower heads, and steam/thermostatic features are being incorporated to give the appearance of a spa. Some integrated smart tech features include controls for heated flooring, showers, lighting, and even mirrors.
THE CREAM OF THE CROP COUNTERTOP
Quartz countertops will take the crown in 2023 — and for good reason. The material is much harder and more durable than granite or other stones, making it incredibly resistant to damage. Not only that, but quartz is also non porous, meaning it’s resistant to stains and easier to clean because of its nonabsorbent composition. Coming in a close second is its quartzite. A close sibling of quartz, the only difference in quartzite is that it’s a natural stone – sandstone to be exact – fused with sparkly quartz crystals.
Both are available in a wide array of colors and patterns, the demand coinciding with a trend in light countertops, different colored island tops, and backsplashes of slabs and long subways. Add to that a traditional or waterfall edge and you’ve got yourself a countertop to please just about any discriminating taste.
A MOSAIC OF MATERIALS
Though interior designers are having a field day mixing bold patterns and various textures, practicality still ranks among one of the important attributes consumers want in materials. Beyond the many aforementioned qualities inherent in quartz, making it the most popular material choice for materials used in kitchens, patterned tiles in larger format are being implemented due to the minimal use of grout.
If you’re in the mood for beauty for beauty’s sake, many homeowners are turning to the interwoven graininess of wood for kitchen floors, such as hardwood, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl plank/tile. For bathrooms, elegantly sculptured sinks and other components are crafted from vitreous china, porcelain, and ceramic. Popular finishes range from brushed and matte in black, pewter, nickel, and stainless.
AGING IN PLACE FOR PRACTICALITY AND STYLE
Everyone wants to have the ability to live safely, comfortably, and independently in one’s own home. In general, what most older people want is generous daylight and more open plans with more clear-floor space for easy maneuvering. In kitchens, designers are favoring storage options within reach, and minimizing wall cabinets. For baths, seniors are also looking for a stylish spa-like feel for their showers, in addition to easy accessibility, which translates to doorless zero-clearance entries to showers that are large enough for two-person use, complete with seats, grab bars, and multiple/rain showerheads. For the luxurious mixed with the holistic, a significant number of homeowners are adding steam to their bathroom spaces, along with body sprays, music, heating, and chromotherapy.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
As previously mentioned, structurally connecting kitchens and baths to the great outdoors is the preferred route for most homeowners, but when artificial light is necessary, some very specific trends emerged in 2023. For instance, chandeliers are decreasing in popularity, in lieu of tasks and accent lighting, in addition to recessed lights and pendants to create ambiance for both kitchens and baths — motion sensors and voice-activated preferred. For bathrooms, the most task lighting is the most desired, in everything from vanities to mirrors to showers for makeup and shaving.
CLEAN LIVING
Since the pandemic, an indelible mark has been made on the minds of homeowners and buyers concerning cleanliness. Besides easy to clean materials, like quartz, a trend towards technological innovations in sanitization has emerged, like devices that use UV light to disinfect garbage disposals, and dishwashers and other surfaces coated with Microban antimicrobial treatment. Also, don’t forget that smart technology plays a large role in the sanitation boom, as touchless appliances, like faucets, are one less surface that you have to worry about cleaning.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Ultimately, trends come and go, but there are many practical reasons to want to remodel your kitchen and bath. It’s an investment that will accrue value on your property and recoup up to 60% of your remodeling cost – not to mention make your home easier to sell and will get you higher offers. If you decide to remodel your kitchen or bath, remember that you should make choices that help achieve spaces that are comfortable for you and your family, maintain or increase value, and are functional for years to come.
