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 a deep understanding of the concepts and trends that shape this crucial aspect of any kitchen. Cabinetry not only provides storage and organization solutions but also heavily influences the overall design style of a kitchen. In this article, we will explore some of the key concepts and trends in kitchen cabinetry design that are expected to take off in 2023.
One of the trends that we are seeing is a return to dark stained wood cabinetry. This choice serves as a counterbalance to the saturated colors that are currently popular in interiors. Dark stained wood cabinetry creates a timeless and comforting vibe reminiscent of our grandparents' homes. Designers like Sarah Robertson, founder of Studio Dearborn, embrace this trend, appreciating its ability to add depth and character to a kitchen.
Another trend making a comeback is stained-glass panels in kitchen cabinets. While they fell out of favor in recent years, homeowners are now seeking to incorporate these elegant and sophisticated elements into their kitchens. Stained-glass panels can add a touch of elegance and visual interest to the space. Custom cabinetry by Taffera Fine Building & Finishes and Ace Fabrications, featuring leaded glass by Sunburst Studios, was showcased in a soft, monochromatic pink kitchen designed by Baxt Ingui Architects for the 2022 Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse.
Two-toned cabinets are also gaining popularity as homeowners look to infuse personality and style into their kitchens. This trend brings depth, intrigue, and subtle variation to the space. Classic combinations like black and white cabinets create a stunning look, but other popular choices include blue and white, grey and white, and green and white. Nicole Hollis Studio is known for their beautiful two-toned cabinet designs.
Unique hardware is another way to personalize kitchen cabinetry and amplify the overall design style. It can make a space truly unique and reflect the homeowner's taste and personality. Hendley & Co, in their kitchen design for the Kingston Design Connection Showhouse in 2022, showcased exquisite hardware by Modern Matter, including red geometric knobs and tortoise pulls.
Traditional details are making a comeback in kitchen cabinetry design, but with a modern twist. Infused with ample light from big windows and a mix of light and dark finishes, traditional details create a bright, eclectic, and highly personal space. Studio Dearborn, led by Sarah Robertson, is well-known for their incorporation of traditional details in modern kitchens.
For those looking to make a bold statement, vibrant colors are gaining popularity in kitchen cabinetry design. Bright yellows, oranges, and reds are being used to add a pop of color to kitchens. Homeowners can achieve this look by incorporating accent cabinets, painting the entire kitchen in a bold color, or adding wallpaper to accentuate the room. Michelle Nussbaumer is a designer known for her bold color choices in kitchen design.
Natural finishes that emphasize the wood grain of cabinetry are creating a warm and rustic atmosphere in kitchens. This trend, which began in 2022, is expected to continue to grow in popularity in 2023. Designers like Hilary Matt appreciate the versatility of natural wood finishes, which can be incorporated into cabinetry, accessories, or flooring. Pairing natural wood finishes with other materials, such as patterned tile floors or stone islands, adds sophistication to the space. Alison Giese is known for her beautiful incorporation of natural wood finishes in kitchen design.
Creating a comfortable and relaxed space within the kitchen is a growing priority for homeowners. Warm colors and different textures can achieve this effect. Cabinetry made of painted wood 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 atmosphere. Anna Zaoui, co-founder of The Invisible Collection, emphasizes the luxury of entertaining in the kitchen and the importance of creating a welcoming space.
Lastly, the use of mixed materials is gaining popularity in kitchen cabinetry design. Cabinets made from a combination of wood and metal offer a unique and stylish look that is also durable. Embracing mixed materials adds visual interest and texture to the space. Emil Dervish is a designer known for his innovative use of mixed materials in kitchen cabinetry.
In conclusion, kitchen cabinetry design in 2023 is set to feature dark stained wood, stained-glass panels, two-toned cabinets, unique hardware, traditional details, bold colors, natural finishes, warm accents, and mixed materials. These trends offer homeowners a wide range of options to personalize their kitchens and create spaces that are both functional and visually appealing.
