KITCHEN TRENDS TO KEEP AN EYE ON FOR 2023

What Will Be the Top Australian Interior Design Trends for 2023, particularly in the kitchen?

First of all, the kitchen is considered the home's central hub, but never has this been more relevant than in today's post-covid world. There is a renewed focus on what we want from our homes and how they are designed to create a space that functions for the way we live. Homeowners now want a calm and relaxing space that is warm and welcoming, making them feel safe. However, the kitchen needs to be a multi-use space designed not just for cooking but for laughter, commiseration, zoom calls, team meetings, family meals, birthdays, tears, cups of coffee, meal prep, glasses of wine and everything in between.

With 2022 coming to a close (where did the year go!?), we thought it the perfect time to go through the shift in Kitchen Design trends and what we believe will be prominent in the kitchen renovations we do in 2023. In 2022 we saw plenty of colours, textures, and natural and recycled materials used in the kitchen renovations that we are completing, creating a calming, tranquil, and luxurious space. We will likely see many of these features endure for some time yet mixed with other design trends like; large capacity farm-style sinks, natural stone surfaces, smart mixer taps, pendant lighting, mixed metals and large feature kitchen islands.

This leads us to the first Design Trend!

1. MULTI-FACETED KITCHENS

Large kitchen island benches are the best place to start turning your kitchen into a multi-use space for the whole family. Islands are often big enough to fit most appliances with room for additional storage and create an open social space, big enough to dine around or set up the home office on.

Choosing what will go in your kitchen island depends on numerous factors, but here are a few to consider:

If you add a cooktop to the island, this will let you cook and socialise at the same time.
If you add a kitchen island sink, remember that you will probably have dishes waiting to be washed or drained on the benchtop.
Hidden power points with USB ports for charging devices are also super popular.

Pro tip: Kitchen islands are a great way to introduce colour, texture, house your appliances, and provide additional seating. When choosing your stools check the dimensions and draw them into the kitchen design to ensure they fit perfectly with plenty of space to maneuver around. Make sure you get the size right and proportions correct and positioned to create an easy traffic flow and easy access to the most used drawers and appliances.

2. TWO-TONED KITCHEN CABINETRY

Two-tone kitchen cabinets are so hot right now. You can have a classic/contemporary look with your upper/head-high cupboards while adding bold lower floor-level cabinets. Another option is having your island bench cabinets contrast your main kitchen cabinets.

3. ADDING A TOUCH OF VINTAGE

Mixing vintage pieces and reclaimed industrial furniture has been very popular this year, particularly in bathrooms. For example, we've seen many dressers and sideboards upcycled into bathroom vanities. This trend is now making its way into the kitchen, and wow, do they look good!

It's the perfect way to add character to your project, combining natural colours and warm textures that create an inviting and cozy environment.

4. COLOR SCHEMES

2023 is all about muted colours like sage green, soft terracotta, and dusty hues. Muted colour schemes work very well with earthy and organic textures, which are very popular.

There is always a time and place for simple, clean whites. However, there's been a step away from traditional white and a move towards earthy, sandy, desert colours.

On the other end of the spectrum, ocean blues are used to make a strong statement, along with dark green, earthy tones, and deeper neutrals such as mushroom shades. White/sandy Scandi-inspired designs will still be popular and accented with wooden elements such as dining tables or freestanding furniture.

5. WARM MARBLE

According to Tile Warehouse in Newcastle, warm gold-veined calacatta marble tiles are being bought instead of the carrara/grey vein that has been popular for the last few years.

To give your new kitchen the wow factor, go for a whole warm marble slab for your splashback (backsplash). These cozier shades look fantastic, matched with wicker, rattan, copper, and wood finishes. We foresee whole slab splashbacks being very popular in 2023.

The Calacatta Oro’s exquisite and varied pattern mimics that of a natural stone. The organic pattern and natural colours ripple through the design creating a contemporary and sophisticated finish. Calcatta Oro comes in both a matt and polished finish. This can be found at Tile Warehouse.

6. CLEVER PANTRY STORAGE

For a good reason, pantries are high on everyone's kitchen hit list and are an essential ingredient aspect of a well-designed kitchen. Surprisingly you don't need a heap of space for storage. Pantry cupboards, hidden organisers and other clever pantry storage ideas like rotating corner baskets for your tricky-to-access corner cupboards or a lazy susan for your pots and pans or pantry items.

A walk-in butler's pantry is a must if you have the luxury of space, as you can go to town organising all your pantry items and buy and store food in bulk (how good is Costco!). Butler's Pantries are excellent at hiding all your everyday appliances like toasters, kettles, coffee machines, microwaves, Thermomixs, air fryers, Dyson stick vacs or robotic vacuums freeing up valuable bench space and hiding clutter. Win!

7. TECHNOLOGY

In 2022 we saw a significant uptake in how technology has been integrated into the kitchen. Moving into 2023, this uptake of tech needs to be supported with charging stations (in drawer and built-in to the benchtop), device storage, and places for devices to sit while in use.

There is now a heap of kitchen appliances connected to the internet and utilise apps on your smartphone that can turn ovens on and off, control lighting, monitor cooking activity, create shopping lists, etc. We're installing more smart mixer taps with integrated measuring cup functions, instant boiling or chilled water and soda water out of the tap!

8. OUTDOOR KITCHENS

Lastly, many Aussies are adding outdoor kitchens and alfresco dining/entertaining areas. Bespoke outdoor kitchens have been the biggest growing sector within our business in 2022t and are likely to continue in 2023.

Envision Kitchens prides itself on being the Central Coast and Newcastles' Kitchen Renovation Specialists.

We love designing and building kitchens using new and innovative products to turn your kitchen dream into reality. We give each customer their own personal and custom Kitchen Renovation to their needs and taste! Envision Kitchens takes the time to get to know our customers personally to provide and suggest the best products to achieve your dream kitchen.

Don't hesitate to get in touch with any questions about installing a new kitchen or kitchen renovation.

Australian Kitchen Design Trends For 2023