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 a seasoned expert in the field of kitchen cabinetry design, I have dedicated years to studying and understanding the intricacies of this crucial aspect of kitchen aesthetics and functionality. With my first-hand expertise and depth of knowledge, I can confidently share valuable insights on the concepts discussed in the article.
Cabinetry serves as the backbone of any kitchen, dictating the storage capacity and organizational capabilities while significantly influencing the overall design style. Looking ahead to the new year, designers have identified several kitchen cabinet trends expected to take off in 2023.
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Dark Stained Wood: After a period dominated by saturated colors, there is a resurgence of dark stained wood cabinetry in kitchens. This trend not only adds a counterbalance to the vibrant hues but also creates a timeless and nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of our grandparents' homes. The warm and comforting appeal of dark stained wood aligns with our yearning for a sense of familiarity and coziness.
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Stained-Glass Panels: Stained glass cabinets, once popular but now overlooked, are making a comeback as homeowners seek to infuse elegance into their kitchens. These panels add a touch of sophistication and visual interest, elevating the overall aesthetic. Custom cabinetry with leaded glass incorporates a soft, monochromatic palette, as seen in the pink kitchen designed by Baxt Ingui Architects for the 2022 Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse.
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Two-Toned Cabinets: Two-toned cabinets provide an unexpected yet captivating choice for those looking to introduce depth, intrigue, and subtle variation into their kitchen design. This trend is gaining popularity as homeowners seek to infuse their kitchens with personality. Classic combinations like black and white cabinets create a stunning look, while other popular choices include blue and white, grey and white, and even green and white.
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Special Hardware: Unique kitchen cabinetry hardware plays a vital role in personalizing the kitchen space. It not only adds a touch of uniqueness but also amplifies the desired design style. For instance, the kitchen in the Kingston Design Connection Showhouse featured exquisite hardware, including red geometric knobs and tortoise pulls, sourced from Modern Matter.
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Traditional Details: Traditional details are making a comeback in kitchens, but with a modern twist. Unlike kitchens from past decades, these traditional elements are now infused with ample natural light from large windows. Mixing light and dark finishes creates a bright, eclectic, and highly personalized space.
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Bold Colors: While purple kitchens were once considered bold, homeowners are now embracing even more vibrant color choices. Bright yellows, oranges, and reds are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners seek to add a pop of color to their kitchens. This can be achieved through accent cabinets, painting the entire kitchen in a bold color, or incorporating accent wallpaper.
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Natural Finishes: The warm and rustic charm of cabinetry that emphasizes the natural wood grain creates an inviting atmosphere in the kitchen. In 2023, we will witness an even greater emphasis on natural wood finishes, whether incorporated into cabinetry, accessories, or flooring. The possibilities are endless, with panel-ready appliances like Sub-Zero Designer Series Refrigeration offering sophisticated options when paired with other materials such as patterned tile floors or stone islands.
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Warm Accents: Creating a comfortable and inviting space for guests in the kitchen is a luxury worth pursuing. Incorporating warm colors and different textures into the cabinetry can help achieve this. Painted wood cabinetry with old-fashioned handles in copper or old gold finish metal, along with vintage additions like pendants, chairs, or copper pans, can create a special and welcoming area within the kitchen.
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Mixed Materials: The use of mixed materials continues to gain popularity in various aspects of interior design, including kitchen cabinetry. Cabinets made from a combination of wood and metal offer a unique and stylish look while ensuring durability. This trend adds visual interest and showcases the versatility of materials in creating captivating kitchen spaces.
In summary, kitchen cabinetry is a vital component of any kitchen, impacting both functionality and design. The trends for 2023 include the resurgence of dark stained wood, the return of stained-glass panels, the popularity of two-toned cabinets, the emphasis on unique hardware, the revival of traditional details, the embrace of bold colors, the use of natural finishes, the incorporation of warm accents, and the utilization of mixed materials. These trends collectively reflect the evolving desires and preferences of homeowners, offering a plethora of options to create personalized and visually striking kitchen spaces.
