Kitchen Trends for 2023

It's Jimmy again with more trends! Okay...you can call me "Trendy Jimmy". This week, we wanted to talk about kitchen design, since the kitchen is often the heart of the home and the hub of a lot of family activity. From beverage bars to backsplashes, I'll highlight the kitchen trends we have been noticing lately here at ULAH Interiors + Design. 

HOLD MY DRINK, PLEASE!

Beverage bars are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens and for good reason. Not only do they provide a designated space for entertaining guests, but they also provide additional beverage storage and increase the value of the home. We like to make sure it complements your kitchen's aesthetic, while adding a touch of extra personality and moodiness.

You can customize your beverage bar with built-in cabinets, shelving, lighting, and countertops to make it unique and functional. And because they are relatively small and require less materials compared to other kitchen renovations, they can be easier and fairly economical to install. If you're looking to add a touch of style and functionality to your kitchen, a beverage bar is definitely worth considering.

"In this bar design for the Joiners, we used the same stone from the kitchen island to add a dramatic moment with the continuous stone backsplash going all the way up the wall. We kept the overall design minimal, using simple brass posts with glass shelves. Black lower cabinets kept the bar moody, complementing the adjacent kitchen while expressing its own alter ego". - Buck Wimberly

FUNCTION & FASHION'S LOVE CHILD

Range hoods have been quite utilitarian in the past, but are now becoming an opportunity to make a statement and bring balance to your kitchen design. Even with renovation projects, we are making way for a stylish new hood by moving that old microwave that sits above the range and tucking it discreetly into another spot like the island.

From minimal to bold, range hoods can be custom made in a variety of shapes, with hard or rounded angles, and can be made out of stone, wood, metal, or plaster. 

EVERYBODY'S GETTING STONED

Kitchens are embracing a trend toward seamless transitions between surfaces. Matching counters and backsplashes are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to create a continuous look that feels luxurious. Whether you opt for marble, quartz, or a hybrid material like Silestone, the result is a kitchen that looks and feels unified. This continuous stone look works well in all styles of kitchens, from traditional to transitional to modern. 

"For an extra unique and custom look, we will use a natural stone with veining that can be bookmatched, like we did in this transitional kitchen design for clients Scott and Elise." - Buck Wimberly

By creating a seamless transition between different surfaces, you can create the illusion of a bigger kitchen without actually having to expand the physical space. The unified look also helps to make a kitchen look more luxurious! 

"This kitchen for clients Brandon and Julie is one of my favorite modern applications of a stone backsplash with a complementary stone range hood. If a cabinet is featuring a strong woodgrain, we will often use a quieter stone for the backsplash. Opting for simplicity over tile with grout lines can really reduce visual noise, and give the space a sense of serenity and balance." - Buck Wimberly

GET LOW...GET LOW...GET LOW...LOWER KITCHEN DRAWERS

When it comes to lower cabinets, many of our clients are opting for pull-out drawers over kitchen doors and shelves, and it's easy to see why. Drawers glide out effortlessly, making it much easier to access items stored in them. Because they pull out, you don't have to bend down as far or get on your knees to reach items in the back of the cabinet. Drawers are much easier to access than doors with shelves and can store just as much, if not more.

BLOCK PARTY

A butcher-block island is a great addition to any kitchen. Not only is it stylish and warm, but it is incredibly functional and durable. Walnut is our preferred material for a butcher-block island, as it adds a cozy feeling to the space. But, there are many wood species that will look great depending on your kitchen design and overall vibe you're wanting to achieve. We suggest going with a hard wood for longer lasting durability. Softer woods, like pine, can easily scratch and show impressions.

Butcher block is also a great option if you're looking to make an update on a tighter budget, costing significantly less than stone. It does require a little more maintenance from time to time, but can always be re-sanded to remove surface scratches. We tend to use a butcher block oil to protect the surface of the wood, which will need to be reapplied up to a few times a year, depending on how heavily it's used.

BLACK IS THE NEW BLACK

Black kitchen cabinetry is becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. In addition to looking sleek and modern, black cabinets are very versatile and can be used to create a variety of different looks. For example, you could pair black cabinets with light-colored countertops for a bright and airy look, or use them with dark floors and countertops for a moodier look. Black cabinets also tend to hide dirt and stains better than lighter colors, making them a great choice for busy families.

Overall, black kitchen cabinetry is a stylish and practical choice that can help to create a stunning space. Hence, why I remodeled kitchen (pictured below) with black cabinetry.

Let Us Help You Dress Your Habitat!

Would you like help getting your kitchen to look and feel better, while improving functionality? Fill out our interior design questionnaire and a member of our team will connect with you to schedule a free home visit and design consultation!