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 cabinetry expert and enthusiast, I have dedicated countless hours to studying and understanding the intricacies of kitchen cabinetry design. My passion for this topic stems from the belief that cabinetry is not just a functional component of a kitchen but also a key element that greatly influences the overall design style.
One concept that has gained significant attention in recent years is the use of dark stained wood cabinetry. Studio Dearborn founder, Sarah Robertson, believes that this trend is making a comeback as it provides a counterbalance to the saturated colors often found in modern interiors. Dark stained wood cabinetry exudes a timeless charm and evokes a sense of nostalgia for the comfort of our grandparents' homes.
Another concept that has resurfaced is the use of stained-glass panels in kitchen cabinets. While this design choice lost popularity in recent years, it is now making a comeback as homeowners seek to infuse elegance into their kitchens. Margarita Bravo, a designer, highlights the ability of stained-glass panels to add a touch of sophistication to any kitchen space.
Two-toned cabinets have also emerged as a popular choice among homeowners who want to bring depth and intrigue to their kitchens. Bravo suggests that this design trend allows homeowners to showcase their personality through the use of contrasting colors. Classic combinations like black and white, as well as more adventurous choices like blue and white or green and white, have gained popularity in recent times.
In terms of kitchen personalization, unique cabinetry hardware is playing a crucial role. It not only adds a distinctive touch to the space but also enhances the chosen design style. The Kingston Design Connection Showhouse in 2022 featured exquisite hardware, including red geometric knobs and tortoise pulls, selected by Hendley & Co.
Traditional details in kitchen design are making a comeback, but with a modern twist. Robertson emphasizes the infusion of natural light through large windows and the incorporation of light and dark finishes. This combination results in bright, eclectic, and highly personalized kitchen spaces.
For those looking to make a bold statement, incorporating bright colors into kitchen cabinetry is a growing trend. Homeowners are exploring vivid shades like yellows, oranges, and reds to add a pop of color and create a vibrant atmosphere. Michelle Nussbaumer's kitchen design showcases this trend beautifully.
The use of natural finishes that highlight the wood grain of cabinetry has gained traction in recent years and will continue to do so in 2023. Designer Hilary Matt predicts that we will see even more natural wood finishes being incorporated into cabinetry, accessories, and flooring. This trend adds warmth and creates an inviting atmosphere in the kitchen.
Creating a comfortable and relaxed space for entertaining guests is becoming increasingly important in kitchen design. Anna Zaoui, co-founder of The Invisible Collection, suggests using warm colors and different textures to achieve this. Painted wood cabinetry with old-fashioned handles in copper or old gold finish metal, along with vintage additions like pendants or chairs, can create a special atmosphere within the kitchen area.
Lastly, the use of mixed materials in kitchen cabinetry continues to gain popularity. Combining wood and metal offers a unique and stylish look that is also durable. Emil Dervish's kitchen design exemplifies the beauty of using mixed materials in cabinetry.
In conclusion, the world of kitchen cabinetry design is ever-evolving, and these trends for 2023 showcase the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. From dark stained wood to stained-glass panels, two-toned cabinets to unique hardware, traditional details to bold colors, natural finishes to warm accents, and mixed materials, homeowners are provided with endless opportunities to create their dream kitchens. As an expert in cabinetry, I am thrilled to be witnessing these trends and look forward to the continued innovation and creativity in this field.
