Experts’ Top Kitchen Trends for 2023

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, then achieving a functional, stylish space is of the utmost importance. We sought the expertise of six Scouted interior experts for their pulse on what’s trending in kitchen design right now. And while these design elements are definitely having a moment, they’re classic enough to have staying power. Whether you’re looking to update your kitchen or simply in search of a little home decor eye candy, read on to discover the kitchen trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this year.

Interior design by Emily Tucker Design. Photography by Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

The non-island island. “Having a freestanding ‘furniture’ island is a great way to infuse personality into a kitchen,” says Emily Tucker, owner of Emily Tucker Design in Boulder, Colorado. “I’m seeing these a lot with vintage tables, or new tables with a design nod to the past,” she says. This easily achievable trend lends flexibility to your kitchen design. Tucker explains that by using a piece of furniture, rather than a permanently placed island, you can not only change the configuration of your kitchen with relative ease but also have the option to change out the piece of furniture completely whenever new inspiration hits.

A new type of pantry. Countertop pantries, or upper cabinets that sit directly on the countertop, are gaining in popularity in larger kitchens. These countertop catchalls allow for taller cabinetry, extra storage, and even the newly minted appliance garages (a place to hide appliances that once lived on your countertops) that are uber functional and popular at the moment. Mary Baude, owner and principal designer of Whitetail in Chelsea, Michigan, adds that not only are they visually appealing but they also serve to break up a space, solving a lot of layout issues that can arise in a kitchen.

Interior design by Natalie Clayman Interior Design. Photography by Beall and Thomas Photography.

Say more with a slab. There is nothing more poetic in kitchen design than an element that perfectly marries beauty and function. Natalie Clayman, owner of Natalie Clayman Interior Design in Knoxville, Tennessee, reports that opting for a slab over the more traditional tiled backsplash will not only lend a luxe look to your space but provides a durable, easily maintained backdrop for your culinary pursuits.

Shake up Shaker. Shaker cabinets, identified by the wide frame with the inset panel, have been a design staple in kitchens for years, so much so it has almost become a design afterthought. It’s still a tried and true look, but Tucker notes this classic style now has a modern twist, thanks to more contemporary options like thinner frames or beveled edges.

Interior design by Mead Design. Photography by Kristen Elizabeth Studio.

Opt for a handsome hood. According to Liv Tiblier, chief creative officer of Mead Design in Maitland, Florida, plaster range hoods are having a moment in contemporary kitchen design. Where traditional metal or wood hoods once reigned supreme, this customizable lightweight alternative is trending thanks to its clean and minimal design aesthetic.

Favor the handmade. A movement toward the hand-crafted, perfection in imperfection, is really showing up in the area of tile. “Handmade porcelain backsplash tiles are a wonderful way to create a unique moment within a kitchen,” says Glenna Stone, principal of Glenna Stone Interior Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With each tile differing slightly from the next, the overall look provides depth and interest that is not as easily achieved when using machine manufactured tiles.

Interior design by Snake River Interiors. Photography by Tuck Fauntleroy.

Put an emphasis on natural light. While not a trend per se, natural light’s impact on design has never been more apparent. Whether highlighting already existing windows or taking the step to create more, the priority is squarely placed on letting the light shine. Elisa Chambers, principal designer of Snake River Interiors in Jackson, Wyoming, uses nature’s sunshine as an integral part of her design, as in the kitchen shown above. She explains that adding more natural light, instantly turns a kitchen into an airy and expansive space.

Marble goes matte. Marble has long been the MVP of the kitchen, but shied away from by families that are worried about its high-maintenance qualities. Enter the newest trend in marble: a finish that eschews polished, high-gloss in favor of the family-friendly honed texture.  Chambers urges people to forget the kid gloves and embrace the wear and tear of everyday life. “I always encourage folks to find the beauty in the texture that accumulates with high use surfaces,” she says. “When the gloss of its original polished finish is gone, you are left with a honed surface, reminiscent of those found in historic villas in Italy.” In her opinion, a well-worn marble countertop is the perfect way to tell the family’s story, “stains become memories shared with laughter.”

Interior design by Whitetail. Photography by Marta Perez.

Make it moody. “A light, bright kitchen is always beautiful and timeless, but there’s something to be said for incorporating elements that evoke a certain moodiness,” Baude says. To achieve this decidedly dramatic style, Baude recommends making your island a darker shade than surrounding cabinetry, choosing dark pendant lighting, and incorporating vintage paintings or rugs that feature a well-worn patina. “I love to mix in found elements like oversized runners and estate sale art to ground the space and create contrast. It can add a touch of moodiness without jumping headfirst into the trend,” she shares.

Interior design by Glenna Stone Interior Design. Photography by Adam Macchia; styling by Kristi Hunter.

Add warmth with wood. After years of cabinetry colors spanning the rainbow, and all-white cabinets reigning supreme, stained wood tones are making their way back into all the chicest kitchens. According to Stone, whether you choose to use wood cabinets throughout or as an accent in conjunction with painted cabinets, the texture and warmth they provide is unparalleled. Paired with modern light fixtures and sleek countertops keeps this look from feeling too country. 

TSG Tip 455 from Emily Tucker, owner of Emily Tucker Design in Boulder, Colorado; Natalie Clayman, owner of Natalie Clayman Interior Design in Knoxville, Tennessee; Liv Tiblier, chief creative officer of Mead Design in Maitland, Florida; Elisa Chambers, principal designer of Snake River Interiors in Jackson, Wyoming; Mary Baude, owner and principal designer of Whitetail in Chelsea, Michigan; Glenna Stone, principal of Glenna Stone Interior Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Emily Tucker Design appears in The Scout Guide Boulder. Natalie Clayman Interior Design appears in The Scout Guide Knoxville. Mead Design appears in The Scout Guide Orlando. Snake River Interiors appears in The Scout Guide Jackson Hole. Whitetail appears in The Scout Guide Ann Arbor. Glenna Stone Interior Design appears in The Scout Guide Main Line and Philadelphia.