Backsplash, Tile, Cabinetry: The 15 Top Kitchen Trends for 2023

This can’t-look-away kitchen by Toronto-based interior designer Sarah Birnie showcases one of the hottest trends on this list: prominent marble. Bold backsplashes and countertops make a statement in any sized kitchen. When shopping, look for loud stone in hues such as green, blue, pink and brown, or white with super streaky veining.

Part of Silestone’s Sunlit Days Collection, these Arcilla Red countertops by Cosentino are a warm and earthy upgrade to tried-and-true white. The countertop is made of premium minerals, quartz and recycled materials and can be used on walls, as a tabletop, or anywhere your brave heart desires. It’s especially powerful in a monochromatic setting. Just dynamite!

Remember the waterfall island? Well, it’s washed up. Not really. We’re just being dramatic, but it is getting its comeuppance from curvy islands. A good example is this stunning space by Noam Hazan Design Studio, with its simple island form capped in superwhite quartzite.

Biophilic design is a feel-good trend, whereby materials replicate the look of the natural world, or plant life is brought in to create a connection with the outdoors. Case in point: This suspended trough light bearing a bounty of leafy goodness. You can’t help but love this wellness trend. The kitchen design and planter prototype is by Noam Hazan Design Studio.

With its caramel tones and stunning misshapen forms, this natural stone backsplash instantly attracts attention. The treatment by Jaclyn Genovese of Spaces by Jacflash imparts a ton of character to a space. “Using a rustic stone material as a backsplash creates depth, exudes romance and charms,” says Jaclyn. “It gives off an old European-villa vibe,” says the designer who used an over-grouting technique to soften the look of the stone.

A hood vent should never been an afterthought. In this kitchen by designer Priya Mitrovic of Studio P, a bronze hood vent has scintillating style. Layered against the rich stone and black cabinetry, it’s sheer perfection.

How riveting is this mysterious woman? You just want to know the story behind her portrait. Vintage oil paintings and artwork — once relegated to other areas of the house — are migrating to the kitchen, as seen in this captivating home by Toronto stylist Christine Hanlon. Old portraits and paintings are soulful and unexpected in a kitchen. Time to hit up garage sales and auctions!

Here’s another kitchen that features the vintage art trend. In this kitchen by Montreal’s Blanc Marine Living, the portrait even gets it own special library light. Tres chic! And the mixed materials — wood, marble and brick — are a divine, textural blend.

Play barista right in your very home by incorporating a coffee station into your kitchen. In this neat and tidy set-up by Scilla Studio, the coffee station pulls out when in use, and then can be tucked away. The inset lighting feels so purposeful, while the glamorous  gold hardware amps up the white cabinetry.

Built-in or integrated appliances and sinks continue to dominate the design world, notes designer Jaclyn Genovese, which is exactly what she did in this smashing number. All of the appliances are covered in panels for a seamless vibe — even the range is missing in action. (Keep reading for more on that.) Also, warm wood cabinetry is having a moment right now.

Here’s a closer look at that cooktop. While it’s a tad strange to see burners poking right out of a countertop, that’s exactly what’s going on here. The design-forward unit is a PITT cooktop. And the black cast iron burners look amazing in both contemporary and traditional kitchens.

Oh goody. It’s about time white paint took a hike and let some of the other cogs on the colour wheel unleash their greatness. Brown, burgundy, marigold and other deep hues are trending hard. Wenge, a gorgeous chocolate brown by Benjamin Moore (pictured), is part of the brand’s 2023 colour trends palette. It offers moody depth in this kitchen, yet still feels fresh due to the lighter elements in the room.

Principal designer Jo Smeeth of INDA Interiors created a vibrant curated art ledge in this minimal and magnetic lakehouse. The artwork is by Paper Collective and Erin Rothstein. Note also the hewn wood piece resting on the countertop. Is it a kitchen or a gallery? It’s a bit of both, and that’s what this character-driven trend is all about.

Here’s another kitchen designed by Jo Smeeth of INDA Interiors that showcases shelving. It’s all the rage now that kitchens are often part of the living room. This set-up is particularly special thanks to the gold-knobbed SMEG oven that brings that sweet retro flair we all love.

Reeded, or fluted, detailing is a red-hot trend right now on islands or any other piece of furniture, from a bathroom vanity to a nightstand. The trend offers sassy texture and arresting architectural detail, as seen in this kitchen by designer Jaclyn Genovese.

White subway tile is timeless and impossible to get wrong, but it can feel played out. This looks favours stacked vertical tile instead of the traditional brick pattern. These matte green beauties are from Fireclay Tile. Here’s a light pink version of stacked tile from the brand looking equally charming.