3 of the Most Exciting Kitchen Design Trends for 2023 (Review)
3 of the Most Exciting Kitchen Design Trends for 2023 (Review)
The esteemed team of NKBA Designers (National Kitchen & Bath Association) recently released a report with trends they are seeing in the marketplace right now. In working closely with clients around New Zealand, they certainly have their finger on the pulse of the latest styles. In reading their findings, we noticed many interesting takeaways, including some surprising trends as well.
Whether you work as a design professional or are interested in incorporating the latest ideas into your space, we thought these would be valuable to unpack further. Some of the big areas of focus are benchtops, splashbacks, storage, and smart features. These are all important topics of course, but like most aspects of great design, they are always evolving. We hope this article provides the necessary insight to stay at the forefront of great design.
1) What’s New for 2023 for Benchtops?
After surveying the NKBA designers, Suzie Restieaux, Executive Officer of NKBA stated, “Once again our survey showed that 48% of designers predict porcelain will be the benchtop material of choice.” Here at Archant, we’ve seen this trend unfolding over the past few years. As more people become aware of the benefits of porcelain, it’s gaining immense traction around the world.
Paula Humphreys of Paula Humphreys Design in Canterbury notes that users “can put hot pots and pans straight on it, and it is non-porous. There are also many different and beautiful porcelains to choose from and it presents a stunning, luxe look with a thin edge detail.” Its features such as these that make porcelain stand apart from alternative benchtop materials. As such, we expect this trend to continue gaining momentum.
At Archant, we know that some clients love the look of porcelain but would prefer a more economic option. This was echoed by NKBA’s survey which states “the next most popular benchtop surface was reported as engineered stone.” As noted by Humphreys, “cost is a factor and so engineered stone is still a popular choice for kitchens, especially when the clients have a budget less than $50,000.”
We have found this to be accurate at Archant as well. We’re continually adding new colours to our Quartz collections as they are a cost-effective way to upgrade a kitchen while still enjoying a high-quality surface.
2) Splashbacks Grow in Popularity
We’ve written about the importance of splashbacks before and with good reason. They not only protect your walls, but they’re actually a great opportunity to infuse a space with additional style. At one time, splashbacks were created from small tiles made of various materials.
Yet, recently large-format porcelain has opened the potential for some exciting new designs. For example, “NKBA designers say we are going to see much more of what we have seen in recent years, with the most popular trend a seamless look from bench top to splashback.”
The seamless look is created by using the same style of porcelain from your benchtop to create the splashback as well. By using a simple process called “bookmatching”, you have large format tiles that mirror each other. When joined together, the marble-like veining patterns from the stone appear to flow naturally throughout the design. This offers a feeling of expansiveness, but it’s also a sign of thoughtful design. When details such as these come together, it lends a refined quality to the entire space.
3) Smart Design and Additional Storage
The kitchen is the ever-important hub of activity in a home. It’s not only where all the cooking happens, but a space to store cookware, dishes, pantry items, and more. And while you may not automatically connect the availability of storage space to the success of a design, it’s quite essential.
As noted by Leanne Harley of Leanne Harley Design in Auckland, “kiwis want to get more out of their spaces in every way. They want a point of difference, with smart technology and plenty of storage incorporated into a home.”
This need for creative storage has made kitchen islands a sought-after aspect of kitchen layout. It’s not just the flexible bar-style seating, but the various ways it can be used to tuck items away neatly. From appliances to cabinet doors, drawers, wine racks, cookbooks, and more, the island becomes the support station for all kitchen activities.
Adding smart technology to these elements is proving to be quite a useful trend. For example, our wireless benchtop charging platform is built right into the benchtop. There are no wires or cords to locate. Just place your mobile device on the surface, and it charges quickly.
We expect to see more homes and businesses taking advantage of this kind of functionality in 2023 and beyond. Leanne Harley put it best when she told NKBA, “Technology and storage are hugely beneficial to the functionality of a kitchen, to simply push a button is oh so fabulous and easy.”
The Kitchen You’ve Always Wanted is Possible Now
We found this survey from NKBA to match with many of the conversations we’re having with clients as well. It’s interesting for us to see the progression of these trends as well. Some designs start in Europe but take a few years to become mainstream here in NZ. Regardless of where they came from, these advances in kitchen design empower clients to create the space they’ve always wanted. At Archant, we believe this enjoyment is one of the most important features of all.
Take the Next Step
If you love some of these trends and would like to incorporate some or all of them into your kitchen renovation, we encourage you to come have a chat with our trusted experts. Book an appointment for a time that’s convenient for you. We have the solutions and expertise needed to help make the process smooth and worry-free.
Related Links
Considering a Porcelain Benchtop in NZ? 5 Helpful Steps to Create Your Ideal Kitchen
How Much Do Quartz Benchtops Cost in NZ? (2023 Pricing Guide)
Do Kitchen Renovations Really Improve Home Value?
Benchtop, Island, or Both? How to Decide on the Best Option for Your Kitchen
What is a Splashback? How They’re Built, What They Cost, and What to Expect
Why 2023 is a Prime Year for a Kitchen Renovation in New Zealand
