Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

2023 has arrived and brings exciting new design trends along with it. From sustainable materials to hi-tech innovations, kitchen and bathroom design is all about convenience and customized design. Colors are warming up with natural wood tones taking over from grays. Homeowners are demanding multifunctional spaces that express their personal style.

Whether you are starting a full-scale remodel or updating an existing design, there are plenty of options to suit your space and taste. Read on to find out about some of the top kitchen and bath design trends for 2023.

KITCHEN TRENDS

1. Sustainable Materials

There is a definite shift towards timeless designs that use natural and hard-wearing materials. Kitchens with high quality materials are an investment that pays off for the consumer and the planet.

Responsibly sourced stone, steel, and wood are becoming a huge focus in interior design projects. Considering if something has, or can, be recycled or upcycled is another emerging element of kitchen remodeling.

In kitchen designs, lighting schemes are planned with LED bulbs in mind for longevity that won’t compromise an aesthetic. Flooding your design with natural light through large windows, glass doors, or skylights opens up your space, connects your kitchen to nature, and is beneficial to your well-being. Low-emissivity glass (known as low e-glass) is an energy-efficient glass with an invisible coating that stops heat escaping and reflects it back into the room. Using this glass in windows and doors also reduces infrared and ultraviolet light passing through the glass in summertime.

Adequate storage for recycling is another top trend in kitchen design, which can be achieved with custom storage pullouts for separating trash, recycling, and compost.

Another sustainable trend is repurposing items of furniture to add character to a kitchen remodel. Go for classic and unusual materials to bring texture and interest to a design and save them from landfill.

2. Mixed Metals

Next year we’re going to see a lot more combinations of metallic finishes in kitchen design. Mixing finishes automatically enriches the color scheme of a kitchen, adding texture and shine. Bronze, stainless steel, and nickel are ever popular, alongside matte black. Unlacquered brass is a timeless metal that has less shine than most of its counterparts and can be incorporated into any kitchen design for a warm, elegant look.

Combine metals in similar tones to make your style more cohesive. Copper, brass, and gold are all warm toned and work well together with rich colors, while nickel and chrome are cooler toned and pair nicely with lighter surroundings. Introduce different metals on kitchen design backsplashes, hoods, pendant lights, and light switches to really nail this sophisticated trend.

3. Statement Islands

Kitchen designs are becoming more spacious to accommodate dining and entertaining as well as food storage and preparation. Larger kitchen islands, T- or L-shaped islands, or even two islands are fundamental to a kitchen remodel that needs to be functional and stylish. If you’re considering selling your home, a socially focused, multi-functional kitchen design is extremely appealing to potential buyers.

Kitchen island design is increasingly focusing on more seating to ensure every inch is utilized and that the island is the focus of any activity. Including storage, cooking, and food prep areas in your island makes it the center of your kitchen remodel.

In addition to a larger island, a different color makes it stand out and adds warmth. Butcher block island countertops also add warmth and are stylish and durable. Natural stone is another showstopper in the kitchen, especially when used for a waterfall countertop that sweeps down to the floor. Marble is a classic material that adds luxe drama to any kitchen design in this type of island, but quartz is another top choice for its style and durability.

4. Butler’s Pantry

A kitchen designed for entertaining needs a well-organized pantry. 2023 sees a huge focus on butler’s pantries. These walk-in pantries act like an extension of your kitchen remodel, with storage and work space in a separate, but adjacent room. Include a concealed entrance to your pantry in your kitchen design, for example behind doors that match your kitchen cabinets to create a space that is hidden away from guests.

They provide space for food prep and storage and potential for a beverage bar. A butler’s pantry allows you to have a concealed place to prep and clean up, which can be especially important when entertaining in an open plan kitchen design. Customizing your butler’s pantry lets you plan for everything you need to store, from small appliances to canned goods. A place that holds cooking equipment and lets you prepare food, store it, and clean up with a sink or dishwasher, all out of sight, is a bonus for any stylish kitchen remodel in 2023.

5. Colors

White kitchens are a timeless choice that is always in vogue, but kitchen design in 2023 is also set to be characterized by warm, inviting paint colors. Earthy tones such as muted shades of green, mustard, plum and terracotta pair well with the natural wood trend in cabinetry. Creating calming, earthy palettes for kitchen designs gives a sense of being in touch with nature and reducing stress.

Warm neutrals are becoming increasingly popular, making cream and greige more sought after than pure white and gray. These lighter tones are still being paired with pops of saturated color to add brightness. Pink is huge news as the Pantone color of the year is the vibrant Viva Magenta but may be best left to accessories or smaller design elements. Blush pinks and dusky mauves are also on the rise and are sophisticated ways of adding warmth to a kitchen design.

The rich tones of 2022 are set to continue with dark brown, jade and wine continuing in popularity and charcoal, peacock blue and ochre coming to the fore. Blues with green undertones are ideal for adding interest to a kitchen design and can be paired with complementary hardware, such as brass.

BATHROOM TRENDS

1. Spa-Style

This coming year is going to see an increase in spa-style bath designs. Homeowners want to create a retreat where they feel they’re in a luxury spa by the ocean.

This statement bathroom includes features such as natural stone and trendy unlacquered brass. An essential feature is a free-standing soaking tub, preferably by a window to frame an outdoor view. Spa-style cabinetry is traditionally white and minimalist wood, but the latest version demands sleek, dark cabinets reminiscent of an exclusive cocktail bar.

These high-end bathroom remodels are often able to become aging-in-place designs as homeowners are removing walls to enlarge their bathroom footprint and connect it to a dressing area. Large curbless showers with double shower heads also lead the way in this luxurious design trend and work well for a walk-in shower for aging-in-place. 

2. Smart Technology

Advances in smart technology mean it’s being incorporated into bath design more than ever before. Every aspect of our lives is impacted by technology and bath remodels are becoming more stylish and energy efficient, while also increasing convenience.

Voice-activated appliances, touchless faucets, and smart lighting all save energy and make life easier. Vents that adjust automatically based on temperature presets controlled from your smart device and smart temperature controls for heated flooring are increasingly popular. Anti-mist mirrors or mirrored medicine cabinets that are also touch screens are a top choice, shielding in-built docking and charging points for devices.

Music, lighting, water temperature, and pressure can all be adjusted with a voice command. Smart shower toilets (also known as bidet toilets or washlets) double up as futuristic bidets in this year’s bath designs.

3. Slab Paneling

Classic tile backsplashes and shower enclosures are being replaced by large slab panels in many bathroom designs. The panel is cut to size, resulting in a sleek, continuous material behind your sink or around your bath or shower. It can be matched to your vanity countertop material or made to contrast so it becomes a design feature.

Granite, marble, and quartz are the forerunners in slab material and will make a statement with their luxurious appearance. Slabs are also low maintenance due to their lack of grout, making them easier to simply wipe clean.

4. Custom Elements

This coming year is all about embracing statement bath design. Neutral palettes with elements such as stone, bold wallcoverings and vibrant accessories make any bath remodel pop. Combining different styles for an eclectic look is also a major trend for 2023.

This year’s bathroom design encourages strong colors, marbles with striking vein detail, and materials that traditionally wouldn’t be placed together. Vanities and tiles, tubs and flooring can all express your personality with unique combinations of materials, colors, textures, and styles. Choose a common thread to connect your materials and styles, like a color or texture.

5. Colors

White, spa-style bath designs are ever-popular but white is also being paired with natural shades of blue and green. Mixed metals in hardware enhance these hues and add depth to your bath design. Natural wood paired with bright, saturated color is another top choice in color schemes.

Muted earthy colors and dark, rich shades are being paired with bold backsplashes for a stunning contrast. Other focuses for bold colors are accent furniture, wallpaper, and artwork. Vanities and cabinets are also being designed with bold colors in mind to make a feature out of them. 2022 was about experimenting with richer tones in interiors but now many homeowners are ready to dive into bold colors feet first.

The new year is bringing new trends with twists on classic ideas. With so much choice you’re bound to find a look that suits your remodel. Why not contact us or schedule an appointment to get started?

Our design experts can show you the latest trends and listen to your requirements. We will work with you to find a style to suit you and can help you every step of the way. From design to installation, our team at Lang’s Kitchen & Bath has you covered and soon you’ll be relaxing in your dream kitchen or bath design.