In the real estate industry, there is an old adage that goes, “Kitchens sell houses.” With the hot real estate market cooling in many parts of the country due to rising interest rates, there has never been a better time to rely on this wisdom. A modern kitchen that provides maximum comfort and functionality could mean the difference between your home selling quickly and sitting on the market indefinitely. With that in mind, read on for the upcoming kitchen design trends to look out for in 2023.
Family Friendly – A Trend That’s Here to Stay
With the cost of living skyrocketing around the country, the traditional household family is being forced to evolve in unprecedented ways. Many homes are now shared by multiple families, and roommate living is becoming the new norm as young professionals look for ways to make ends meet.
To accommodate these changes, new kitchen trends are emerging. There is a strong emphasis on designing open kitchens to encourage more mingling between meals. Large central islands with long-lasting quartz or stone countertops that can function as a dining table and work-from-home station throughout the day are becoming the norm. To provide more comfort for lounging, cushioned stools and upholstered dining chairs are replacing stiff-backed wood options.
Softer Designs
Kitchens that are poorly designed can become cold and utilitarian. Too much stainless steel paired with dark colors may not be appropriate for all types of homes. As we approach 2023, homeowners are looking for creative ways to add softening elements to avoid this pitfall. Woven lights to create a laid-back vibe, timber doors to evoke a warm contrast with the kitchen’s stone elements, and large windows to reduce reliance on artificial light in the space are some of the most popular trends.
Focus on the Pantry
In recent years, traditional pantries have been labeled as unappealing as homeowners seek more dynamic ways to use their kitchen space. However, with many homeowners being forced to stock up and eat in while they wait for inflation to stagnate, the pantry is once again becoming a necessary component of kitchens heading into 2023. Look for sliding doors to maximize usable space, adjustable shelving, and pull-out drawers as ways for homeowners to avoid turning their pantry into an oversized food closet.
As homeowners look to mobilize their pantries, location is also an important consideration. Corner pantries have been replaced with more practical built-in wall pantries that provide functional transitions between appliances.
Bold Accent Design Trends
Monochromatic color schemes are used by homeowners who want to create a calming sense of harmony in their kitchens. When implementing this scheme, white walls, islands, and appliances are popular because they better reflect light and give the kitchen a brighter, more welcoming ambiance. Consider adding bold accent walls to help implement some contrast when designing in a single color, with white shiplap being a great material to add some texture when creating an all-white space.
Outdoor Kitchens continue to dominate
With people looking to maximize functional exterior space, the design of outdoor kitchens is expected to remain strong into 2023. Outdoor kitchens have the following features:
- Stone ovens
- Granite or Quartzite countertops
- Louvered pergolas for shade and weather protection
- Innovative stone pavers to withstand foot traffic and ensure a natural exterior ambiance
While some outdoor kitchens are detached structures, others are replacing their traditional patio with an outdoor kitchen and using a pass-through window to connect their interior and exterior cook spaces.
Consider how long your property has been on the market. Softening elements, accent walls, functional pantries, family-friendly features, and outdoor kitchens are a few of the kitchen design trends that will be at the forefront in 2023.