By Seth Ellison

With the release of the NKBA’s 2023 Design Trends report, we wanted to provide a recap to break down the truly noteworthy trends that will be making waves for the next two to three years. Here are the top 10 design trends in the kitchen and bath industry based on that report:

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. Not only does that mean expanding square footage by breaking down walls and taking over additional adjoining rooms, but also adding functionality to spaces and creating room for more storage. Kitchen renovations will continue to see an uptick in adding larger or double islands, walk-in pantries, and additional appliances, like a second dishwasher or freezer. Bathrooms will continue to expand, creating space for two or more people and adding a closet, dressing area, and/or sitting room.

Maximizing Functionality Through Technology

Who doesn’t want to make their life easier and more efficient? And updating your home with the latest technology is the best place to start. The 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. 

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 analogous and monotone color schemes, kitchens and baths are embracing color.  What’s going to continue to be hot is 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, client demand for more sustainable products and solutions in their homes will increase, meaning more LED lights, energy efficient appliances, VOC-free paints, and EPA WaterSense faucets.

Fostering Wellness Through Design 

As we move into 2023, baths become an oasis retreat for both body and mind. Designers are crafting spa-like environments for clients, opening primary baths up with large windows to connect with nature and flood rooms with natural light. To give the appearance of a spa, large two-person showers, custom seats, multiple shower heads, and showers with steam/thermostatic features, are being incorporated with easy to clean surfaces. The palette of choice is earthy and muted colors, and light wood tones to create a sense of calm.

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. Available in an array of colors and patterns, the demand for quarts coincides with a trend in light countertops, different colored island tops, and backsplashes of slabs and long subways.  

A Mosaic of Materials

Practicality still ranks among one of the important attributes consumers want in materials. Beyond the many aforementioned qualities inherent in quartz, some of the most used materials for kitchen and baths included vitreous china, porcelain, ceramic, composite material, and hardwood. Popular finishes will range from brushed and matte in black, pewter, nickel, and stainless. The bold design trends are being fueled by textured walls, patterned tiles in larger format due to the minimal use of grout.

Aging in Place for Practicality and Style

Everyone wants to have the ability to live safely, comfortably, and independently in one’s own home — and senior citizens are certainly no exception. 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, which include seats, doorless zero-clearance entries, and multiple/rain showerheads.

Let There Be Light 

As previously mentioned, structurally connecting kitchens and baths to nature is the preferred route for most homeowners, but when artificial light is necessary, some very specific trends are emerging for 2023. 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.

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 have 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.