The art and (to some extent) science of interior design is ever-changing yet simultaneously cyclical. We seek to innovate, and in our endeavors we often end up channeling the conventions that were popular in the past. Of course, it tends to go without saying that the interior designers within us all consciously (and occasionally, subconsciously) put spins and twists on established “classics,” so to speak.
Now, dear readers, you might ask yourselves, “What are you getting at here?” It’s simple, really – 2023 is the year of warmth and functionality for kitchens! If that sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve been here before, just at a different point in time. Indeed, this won’t be the first or last internet article you’ll see that attempts to assign some sort of theme or “zeitgeist” concerning a year’s design philosophy. It’s just how the ball rolls!
And while it may seem cliched and redundant to describe the current year’s trends as ones focusing on warmth and function – especially when they’re such blanket descriptors – the sentiment itself is vital to the whole thing. You don’t necessarily ‘have to’ follow the trendiest of trends, but our little article might help you with some brainstorming. From clever usage of space to the incorporation of near-timeless elements, we’ve gathered everything that can be simultaneously ‘trendy’ yet limitless in regard to future creativity with your cozy little kitchen. Who knows, maybe you could become a trendsetter yourself!
Any Room for a Butler’s Pantry?
Don’t be fooled by the name; this pantry isn’t exclusive to mustachioed domestic workers. Unlike the traditional walk-in pantry, which is more so a storage area, the butler’s pantry is effectively what some might describe as a mini-kitchen.
Also known as sculleries or working pantries, these wonderful and ultra-functional little kitchen additions have been on the rise since last year, and there’s no stopping the trend any time soon.
Besides acting as a space for storage, you can implement a butler’s pantry for anything ranging from food prep to a dedicated area for coffee machines and other appliances. Now, ain’t that swell?
A Thick Slab of….Backsplash?
People are slowly beginning to realize that individual tiles bring individual pains. From unsightly grout joints to the fact that you constantly have to clean them, more and more folks out there are replacing them in favor of whole slabs. Y’know – one large piece of quartz, marble, granite, etc. Nothing more and nothing less!
Whether you’re planning on matching it with some other element in your kitchen, or you’re simply aiming for a striking statement piece that screams “Look at me,” slab backsplashes have your back (and wall!) covered. Besides being easy to keep clean, unlike those dreaded tiles, these backsplashes can also provide you with a seamless transition piece alongside the countertop. Function in style, baby!
Warm Colors, Anyone?
Remember those two descriptors we mentioned at the start – warmth and functionality? Well, we covered functionality, but how about warmth?
As the cyclical nature of interior design entails both rebirth and reiteration of old and new, almost like the artistic analog to an Ouroboros, it’s not at all surprising that people are reacting to the dull and safe aesthetic of permeating whites and overt minimalism with shades of natural wood, creamy yellows, and darker reds. It’s how this ever-crumbling cookie…er, crumbles. Remember the 60s and their over-indulgence in pop-art-influences?
While it’s true that both sides of the coin have their extremes, the new trends appear to mix conventions of both Apple-like minimalism and retro-influenced poppiness. As such, expect to see more and more color use sprinkled within the facets of clean simplicity.
Maybe Even a Fancy Kitchen Island
Last but definitely far from least, we have the kitchen island – a classic addition that, while by no means “abandoned,” saw a steady and significant reforming re-examination during the peak of the minimalist interior design movement, particularly when it came to size.
Since they’re effectively the heart of the heart of the home (say that five times fast), kitchen islands also make for optimal alternatives to dedicated dining spaces, a.k.a. formal dining rooms. Redefinition of space usage is an ever-present element in the cyclical evolution of interior design. That is why some folks predict not just larger islands, but double ones as well!
In fact, “duplication” as a whole seems to be a recurring theme for 2023’s trends, which makes sense to us at YourHomeFix. Folks are doubling up for maximum efficiency and opting for various duplicates of their most-used appliances, items, and furniture.
We hope you enjoyed our timely sidetrack into this year’s kitchen trends and found some inspiration that you can implement yourself! Remember, always be one step ahead of the masses and adopt the unadopted old and new ideas. You’ll find there to be joy in everything balance-related in life!