Beautiful kitchen designs 2023


Color, Countertop and Tile Ideas

1

No Upper Cabinets

Anice Hoachlander

"We’ve been minimizing upper cabinets or having none at all. We’re doing a lot of designs where the tall or upper cabinets are confined to one wall or one portion of the kitchen, so we can keep the rest clean and light-filled." — Ellen Hatton, principal at BVA BarnesVanze Architects

2

High Contrast

Jenn Verrier

"While all-white kitchens will always be in style, we're seeing a shift away from the monochrome look in favor of mixed materials and pops of high-contrast paint applications. The core of the classic white kitchen remains, but black painted or ebony stained finishes are showing up in a big way." — Erika Jayne Chaudhuri, interior designer

3

Double Islands

Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

"Traditional kitchens are evolving and expanding. There will be larger – and even double – kitchen islands integrated to accommodate for larger entertaining and gathering space in the kitchen." — Hilary Matt on behalf of Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

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4

Wood Paneling

JOHN GRANEN

"We love wood paneled ceilings, especially when we can combine it with bright colors or deeper wood tones. On tall and vaulted ceilings, it creates drama and warmth as well as a natural connection to the outdoors." — Anna Popov, Interiors by Popov

5

Butcher-Block Islands

Jill Weller

"A butcher-block island is not only stylish, but incredibly functional and durable. We love using walnut as the primary material for a butcher-block island, as it really warms the space. For added functionality, use a butcher-block island that has a mini fridge for extra storage space and plenty of cabinets where you can keep larger appliances hidden. " — Alice Arterberry, Arterberry Cooke

6

Creative Cabinetry

Virtually Here Studios

"For me, one of the keys to great design is when a client and a designer have the trust to take a risk together and choose a kitchen cabinet color or patterned tile that is bold and unexpected. This year, we will see even more bold cabinet color choices, mixed with other interesting and unique finishes." — Kirsten Blazek, A1000XBetter

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7

Marble Slab Backsplashes

Mandy Harris

"Subway tile backsplashes are starting to look dated, and we are seeing a big shift toward marble slab backsplashes — which add drama and depth to the kitchen. Not only is it easier to clean than tile, a marble backsplash and countertop sets the tone for the entire space and makes a big statement." — Danny Spears, Captex Construction

8

Overstated Hardware

Courtesy of Christopher Peacock

"We are integrating metalwork onto drawers, doors and shelving. Also, dark colors and mixed materials are still really popular, which adds sophistication to the room." — Christopher Peacock, CEO and founder of Christopher Peacock Cabinetry

9

Hand-Painted Floors

Bret Gum

"Hand-painted floors have a fresh, bespoke farmhouse feeling for today's interiors. Warmer than tile, they also age naturally, allowing the use of color and pattern in any space. They look especially right in the kitchen or hallway." — Julia Chasman, interior designer

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10

Modern Shaker Cabinets

Christy Kosnic

"A thinner style on cabinet doors adds depth and character without the heaviness of the traditional shaker door. It also adds detail to the universal and sometimes bland slab door." — Sarah Snouffer, Third Street Architecture

11

Brights Mixed With Woods

MEGHAN BOB

"There will be more unexpected hues for cabinetry. We have seen a lot of saturated, bright colors in 2022, and I believe we will still see color but lighter and chalkier shades and definitely mixed with woods." — Caren Rideau, founder of The Kitchen Design Group

12

Painted Islands

Lauren Pressey

"The all-white kitchen may be out, but what about homeowners who want to update their existing space without a gut job? One of the best ways to inject color into the kitchen is to paint the island base. It instantly activates a sterile-looking space and doesn’t require construction." — Mary Beth Christopher, MBC Interior Design

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13

Swaths of Stone

Photo by Steven Dewall

"While stone in kitchen spaces is a long-standing tradition, more and more kitchens are making a point of featuring natural stone as a central component of beauty. Dramatic stones used widely throughout the kitchen space and marble waterfall islands that highlight the beauty of the material are becoming increasingly popular design choices. " — Sarah Barnard, interior designer

14

Bold Choices

Reform

“We expect to see a trend toward a more brave mix of different styles. We will see strong colors, expressive stones — such as calacatta viola marble — and untraditional combinations of different materials.” — Jeppe Christensen, founder and CEO of Reform

15

Wood Cabinetry

Sarah Szwajkos

"Keep it current by mixing wood and painted cabinets, and embracing natural wood grain and tone rather than selecting glossy varnish and heavy stain. I love an island in wood with the perimeter cabinetry painted, or a wooden hutch-style upper cabinet that rests on the counters." — Sarah Fischer, Sarah and Sons Interiors

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16

Lower Kitchen Drawers

Aaron Dougherty Photography

"Kitchens with loads of lower drawers, instead of cabinets, are on the rise. Drawers glide out easily, and can store so much. Bending down, getting on your knees and holding a flashlight is no longer a necessity. Plus, extra large cabinet hardware is the icing on the cake in any kitchen — don't skimp or skip on this must-have." — Ruthie Staalsen, interior designer

17

Mixed Metals

Gail Owens

"We’re going to see a lot more blending of different finishes in the kitchen: Brass, bronze, stainless, nickel and more. By mixing finishes, you get a visually rich, incredibly inviting look." — Tiffani Baumgart, interior designer

18

Stone Slabs

Photo courtesy of Artistic Tile

"Stone slabs are dominating backsplashes from the countertop to the ceiling, cascading to the floor in waterfall edges and wrapping around islands. It’s an exciting development, as these stones are so unique and beautiful, and truly enhance these spaces as the basic neutrals they replace never could. " — Nancy Epstein, founder of Artistic Tile

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19

Secondary Kitchen Spaces

Nick Glimenakis

"A kitchen design trend we are seeing in 2023 is sculleries. Homeowners who are in need of additional space will love this trend. A scullery acts as secondary kitchen storage — space for food prep, hidden coffee nooks and so much more." — Emma Beryl Kemper, interior designer

20

Blue and Green Kitchens

Ryan Garvin

"Shades of blues with more green undertones are a refreshing change. It immediately creates a wow factor, adds interest and provides contrast. Deep hues always give a classic feel that never feels overly trendy." — Kate Lester, interior designer

Alyssa Gautieri

Associate Lifestyle Editor

Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.

6 Best Countertops for Kitchens in 2022

Countertops might be the most important element of kitchen design. Hear us out: Not only do you interact with them every day, but they're one of the first things a person notices when they walk into the space, making them a key focal point. "The countertop is also one of the few continuous materials in the kitchen, so it goes a long way toward tying the room together," says Carrie Schulz, head of design at Block Renovation, a service that streamlines the planning, designing and building process for homeowners.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've been testing countertops for a long, long time. In fact, way back in 1908, based on experiences in the Experiment Station (a precursor to the Good Housekeeping Institute), our early experts persuaded a builder to install its kitchen counters at a comfortable height of 36 inches, establishing a standard still used today.

For this report, our experts pulled together a list of the six best countertops available now, based on our latest tests, as well as insights from designers, installers and other pros in the field. There are many other options to choose from — glass, concrete and stainless steel, to name a few — but the process is daunting enough without these niche materials causing more second guessing.

Besides being integral to kitchen design, countertops aren't the kinds of things you swap out frequently. Choose wisely, and they'll serve you well for as long as you live in in your home.


Quartz

Light, bright quartz countertops can make a kitchen feel more expansive.

John Keeble