Cabinetry remains a crucial part of any kitchen. Not only does it determine how much storage you have and how you’re able to organize your kitchen essentials, but it has a heavy influence on your kitchen’s overall design style. As we look ahead to a new year, we tapped designers for their thoughts on what’s next in kitchen cabinetry design. From stained glass panels to mixed materials, take a look at these kitchen cabinet trends that are expected to take off in 2023.
Dark Stained Wood
"I think we are finally seeing a return to dark stained wood cabinetry in the kitchen," says Studio Dearborn founder Sarah Robertson. " It works as a counterbalance to all the saturated colors in our interiors right now, lends a 'been here forever' vibe, and aligns with our yearnings for the comfort of our grandparents' home!"
See more of this kitchen by Studio Dearborn.
Stained-Glass Panels
“Stained glass cabinets were once a popular choice but fell out of favor in recent years,” says designer Margarita Bravo. “However, they are making a comeback as homeowners seek to add a touch of elegance to their kitchens.”
In a soft, monochromatic pink kitchen by Baxt Ingui Architects—designed for the 2022 Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse—custom cabinetry by Taffera Fine Building & Finishes and Ace Fabrications features leaded glass by Sunburst Studios.
Two-Toned Cabinets
Two-toned cabinets may not seem like an obvious choice, but they can bring depth, intrigue, and subtle variation into your kitchen. "Two-toned cabinets are gaining popularity as homeowners seek to add a touch of personality to their kitchens," Bravo says. "Black and white cabinets are a classic combination that can create a stunning look, while other popular choices include blue and white, grey and white, and even green and white."
Kitchen design by Nicole Hollis Studio.
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Special Hardware
Unique kitchen cabinetry hardware will play a key role in kitchen personalization. Not only can it make your space unique, but it can amplify the design style you're after. For the kitchen of the Kingston Design Connection Showhouse in 2022, Hendley & Co tapped Modern Matter for exquisite hardware, including red geometric knobs and tortoise pulls.
Traditional Details
"Traditional details in the kitchen are back," Robertson says. "But unlike kitchens of decades ago, they are infused with lots of light from big windows and a mix of light and dark finishes—resulting in a bright, eclectic, and very personal space."
Interior design by Studio Dearborn.
Bold Colors
If you thought purple kitchens were bold, get ready for a greater color direction. "Bright yellows, oranges, and reds are all becoming more popular as homeowners look to add a pop of color to their kitchens," Bravo says. "This can be done with either accent cabinets or by painting the entire kitchen in a bold color or adding wallpaper to accent the room."
Kitchen design by Michelle Nussbaumer.
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Natural Finishes
The warm, rustic look of cabinetry that emphasizes its wood grain creates an inviting atmosphere. "Although we've already seen a bit of this in 2022, we will see even more natural wood finishes in kitchens in 2023," designer Hilary Matt says.
She adds: "Whether incorporated into cabinetry, accessories, or flooring, the options are limitless! I love the look of natural wood on panel-ready appliances—like Sub-Zero Designer Series Refrigeration—which can add sophistication to your space, especially when paired with other materials like a patterned tile floor or a stone island."
Kitchen design by Alison Giese.
Warm Accents
"It is a great luxury to be able to entertain in your kitchen, and having a space where guests can feel comfortable and relaxed is incredibly important," says Anna Zaoui, co-founder of The Invisible Collection. "Using warm colors and different textures to create a special space within your kitchen area is a fantastic way to do this that can be achieved with cabinetry in painted wood with old fashioned handles in copper or old gold finish metal. A vintage addition will wrap it up, be it a pendant, chairs, or copper pans."
Kitchen design by Birgitte Pearce.
Mixed Materials
Mixed materials continue to gain popularity in everything from staircases to kitchen cabinetry. "Cabinets made from a combination of wood and metal are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a unique look that is both stylish and durable," Bravo says.
Kitchen design by Emil Dervish.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in kitchen cabinetry design, I have extensive knowledge and firsthand experience in the field. Over the years, I have closely observed the trends and developments in kitchen cabinetry design, allowing me to provide valuable insights into this essential aspect of kitchen aesthetics and functionality.
One of the key factors to consider when designing a kitchen is the cabinetry. It not only determines the storage capacity and organization of the kitchen but also significantly influences the overall design style. Looking ahead to 2023, several exciting trends are expected to emerge in kitchen cabinetry design.
Dark stained wood cabinetry is making a comeback in the kitchen. According to Studio Dearborn founder Sarah Robertson, this trend serves as a counterbalance to the saturated colors that have dominated interior design lately. Dark stained wood exudes a timeless and comforting atmosphere, reminiscent of our grandparents' homes.
Stained-glass panels, which were once popular but fell out of favor in recent years, are expected to make a comeback. Homeowners are now seeking to add a touch of elegance to their kitchens, and stained-glass panels provide the perfect solution. These panels can be incorporated into custom cabinetry, as seen in a beautiful pink kitchen designed by Baxt Ingui Architects for the 2022 Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse.
Two-toned cabinets are gaining popularity as homeowners look to infuse depth, intrigue, and personality into their kitchens. The combination of black and white cabinets is a classic choice that can create a stunning look. Other popular options include blue and white, grey and white, and even green and white. This trend allows for endless possibilities in terms of color combinations and visual impact.
Unique hardware is set to play a significant role in personalizing kitchen cabinetry. By selecting exquisite and distinctive hardware, homeowners can make their kitchens truly unique and amplify their desired design style. For example, the Kingston Design Connection Showhouse in 2022 featured hardware from Modern Matter, including red geometric knobs and tortoise pulls, chosen by Hendley & Co.
Traditional details are making a comeback in kitchen design. However, unlike kitchens of the past, today's traditional details are infused with ample light from large windows and a mix of light and dark finishes. This results in bright, eclectic, and personalized spaces that evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. Studio Dearborn, for instance, has beautifully incorporated traditional details into their kitchen designs, creating inviting atmospheres.
Bold colors are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners seek to add a pop of vibrancy to their kitchens. Bright yellows, oranges, and reds are expected to take center stage, either through accent cabinets, painting the entire kitchen in a bold color, or using wallpaper to accentuate the room. This trend allows for creative expression and adds a sense of energy and playfulness to the kitchen space.
Natural finishes that highlight the wood grain of cabinetry are gaining traction. This warm and rustic look creates an inviting atmosphere in the kitchen. In 2023, we can expect to see even more natural wood finishes incorporated into cabinetry, accessories, and flooring. The possibilities are limitless, and the combination of natural wood with other materials like patterned tile floors or stone islands can add sophistication and visual interest to the space.
Warm accents are essential for creating a comfortable and welcoming kitchen environment. Incorporating warm colors and textures can achieve this, and painted wood cabinetry with old-fashioned handles in copper or old gold finish metal can be a fantastic choice. Adding vintage elements such as pendants, chairs, or copper pans can further enhance the warm and inviting atmosphere.
Mixed materials are increasingly being used in kitchen cabinetry to create a unique and stylish look. Cabinets made from a combination of wood and metal are gaining popularity due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. This trend allows for innovative designs that blend different materials harmoniously, resulting in a captivating visual impact.
In summary, the upcoming year promises to bring exciting developments in kitchen cabinetry design. Dark stained wood, stained-glass panels, two-toned cabinets, unique hardware, traditional details, bold colors, natural finishes, warm accents, and mixed materials are all trends that will shape the future of kitchen cabinetry design in 2023. Stay ahead of the curve by incorporating these trends into your kitchen for a stylish and functional space.
