Natural look and feel with everyday functionality lead home designs in 2023.
Interior designers and residential builders have identified the new trends that have taken over home remodeling. We’ve reviewed the list of 35 home design trends on the rise from HOUZZ to give you a summary of things to expect and consider in your upcoming projects. One common theme that appears to weave throughout the house is creating a sense of warmth with natural materials and colors. Here is a breakdown of new inspirations for the different areas of your home:
The Kitchen:
Likely to no one’s surprise, one of the primary focal points in home remodeling and new home construction is the kitchen. This room has always been a showcase for homeowner’s personal style – coupled with sensible functional elements. Based on feedback from top designers across the country, there is a great mix of new features you may see in kitchen designs. According to HOUZZ, a modern rustic style is driving kitchen makeovers. New color palates mixed into a combination of rustic and industrial finishes and fixtures is all the rage right now.
(photo by Centre Sky Architecture Ltd)
Cabinets, countertops and backsplashes are coming together with natural woods that include unique details tied in with natural stone. Natural materials are always in style, but lately they seem to have hit a high point in popularity. In particular, homeowners are installing quartzite and other natural stone countertops, as well as marble tile and wood cabinets and vanities, especially white oak.
(photo: k+co LIVING – Interiors by Karen B Wolf)
This photo reminded us of a kitchen we completed in a new custom home build constructed by our Elite team in 2019. We most loved the way the wooden beams and large island with a wooden top give the space a natural, rustic look. It compliments the bold, vibrant wallpaper and sleek white cabinetry perfectly.
While some homeowners are desiring more bold color in their kitchens, many are looking for warm and soft styles that elicit a restful, relaxing atmosphere. To do that, designers are embracing greige or off-white cabinets, light woods, subtle patterns and warm bronze and brass finishes.
White and gray are by far the most popular colors used in kitchens. But when homeowners stray from that palette, they often choose blue. In fact, when a homeowner chooses to go with an island color that contrasts with the surrounding cabinets, more than a quarter (26%) will select blue, according to Houzz research. Green is quickly gaining favor in kitchens, especially for cabinets. Both light and dark greens work well with wood details and brass finishes, creating a warm, rich look.
(Photo: FineLine Kitchens, Inc)
This Vienna, Virginia kitchen by FineLine Kitchens (pictured above) was one of the most-saved kitchen photos of 2022; it combines sage green perimeter cabinets, similar in color to a kitchen renovation our team completed (pictured below), with a medium-tone oak range hood and island base. Ming Green floral tiles with white Thassos marble pieces add another green detail, while brass pendant lights and Brown Fantasy natural quartzite countertops complement the warm wood tones. This kitchen also features an island with an updated seating arrangement. Traditional seating arrangements for islands are usually a row of stools on one side facing the cooking area. Lately, alternative setups have been increasing in popularity to create more of a dining table layout allowing face to face seating.
Kitchen fixtures are starting to implement industrial-looking, commercial grade features to combine design with functionality. Workstation sinks are also part of the drift toward commercial-style features. These have been around for many years now, but manufacturers have caught up to the demand and now offer all kinds of sizes, styles and accessories for things like chopping, straining, drying and other functions.
(Photo: HOUZZ)
The Bathroom:
(Photo: DiVittorio Architecture & Design)
In the aftermath of COVID and the quarantines that ensued, homeowners have explored varying ways to maximize the enjoyment of their house. Many are looking to create bathrooms that function for more than just bathing. They want relaxing experiences that create a refreshing escape from the daily grind.
To create that, many are embracing pamper-me features like multiple shower heads with various spray settings, such as deep massage or warm mist.
White and blue palettes are aiding in the spa-like atmosphere for several designers. Similar to blue accents in kitchens, this color is becoming a go-to in many bathrooms to perk up popular all-white palettes without veering too bold. Here’s a look at some of our work that demonstrate this trend:
In this West Palm Beach, Florida bathroom, HW Interiors created a soothing focal wall in the shower with watery blue tiles installed in a basket weave pattern. White finishes enhance light and deliver an airy look and feel, as does the chevron-pattern white floor tile that runs the length of the bathroom into the curbless shower.
Curbless showers have been a popular bathroom feature for a while. Often, the shower flooring is tile in a smaller size or different material than the main flooring, to provide a nonslip surface in the wet area. But more recently, many designers are running this mosaic tile continuously through the entire bathroom, including the curbless shower area. This approach further enhances the sleek, streamlined effect of a curbless shower design, extends the nonslip surface and helps a smaller space appear larger than it is.
(Photo: HW Interiors)
The Living Space:
(Photo: Jackson Design & Remodeling)
Homeowners have long craved deep connections to outdoor spaces. Sliding glass doors that completely open interior spaces to the outside are at the top of the list for many dream homes. Many professionals are helping homeowners find more affordable ways to bring the outdoors inside. Adding large windows can maximize views and bring in ample natural light in a less expensive way than fully glazed walls. Meanwhile, a focus on natural materials and colors, as well as wallpaper prints that recall nature, are also helping homeowners feel connected to the outside.
One phrase that has come up again and again in conversations with design professionals is “layered texture” in decor, wallpaper, materials and accessories. We’re seeing a lot of designers layering wood, rattan, stone, metal finishes, concrete and various textural fabrics in a room to create a dynamic style full of visual and tactile interest. You’ll see this in the living room below, which was designed by Demi Ryan in North Carolina.
(Photo: Demi Ryan Home)
Built-in’s, bringing customization coupled with display and storage functionality, remain popular throughout the house through 2023. Custom built-in cabinets also give a nice finished look, which is why they’re one of the top design features professionals recommend in a living room.
Designer Stephanie Alegre added these custom built-ins flanking a fireplace surround in a Holmdel, New Jersey, living room. A bar sits to the left, with additional storage on the right.
Riding the work from home wave the pandemic caused, many homeowners have turned to converting bedrooms into home offices for remote work. This is another area that built-ins have shined. When storage and organization are a top priority, going the custom built-in route is what pros recommend. Similar to what we’re seeing in living rooms, built-ins are showing up in many home offices to tackle storage and display space.
(Photo: Stephanie Alegre Interiors)
In this Houston home office by Laura U Design Collective, soft blue built-ins (Little Falls by Benjamin Moore) blend in seamlessly with the walls, adding tons of storage without overwhelming the stylish look of the room. This was the most-saved home office photo of 2022:
(Photo: Lara U Design Collective)
The Exterior Spaces:
When it comes to exteriors, white board-and-batten or vertical siding continues to be popular. Lately, these bright whites are being contrasted with black details such as window and trim to create graphic curb appeal, as shown on this home renovation we completed in 2021. This creates a dramatic look that is sure to up your curb appeal.
On the other hand, Ott says she’s increasingly noticing a shift to less contrasting colors. “Darker siding colors in muted shades of blue, green, warm gray or tan are complemented by trim and accent colors that are just a few shades lighter or darker than the siding,” she says. “And, depending on the architectural style of the home, a fun accent color for the front door remains popular.” This midcentury Oakland, California, home by ODS Architecture is a fitting example:
(Photo: ODS Architecture)
Home exteriors as an extension of the home’s living space continues to increase in demand and popularity. Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen homeowners look to their outdoor spaces to accommodate a variety of activities, including cooking, dining and exercising. However, few things trump lounging, and increasingly these areas are garnering lots of attention.
Durable, comfortable furnishings, stylish shade structures and pampering features like outdoor heaters, fire pits, chandeliers and water elements can create an enviable lounge area like this one in Chicago by Amy Kartheiser Design.
(Photo: Amy Kartheiser Design)
For more details and trends visit HOUZZ to see their top 35 list in its entirety, and you can always reach out to our team for a complimentary consultation to learn more about how you can #MakeYourHomeElite.
There are many options when it comes to organizing your spices, but here’s our list of non-negotiables:
Optimize Your Space:
Label the top of your spices so you can keep track of inventory if using a pull-out drawer, or you can invest in an in-drawer insert that allows your spices to lay on their sides. Label the sides of your spice jars and purchase a tiered shelf or lazy Susan for easy access.
Organization 101:
Pick your organization method and run with it – whether you choose to arrange your spices alphabetically, by area of the world, how frequently you use it, or by type (such as categorizing by peppers, aromatics, herbs, warm baking spices, etc.).
Matching your jars and labels goes a long way! We recommend airtight glass jars, as they are the best option for protecting your herbs and spices by preventing premature oxygenation. Two-ounce jars that you can fit a teaspoon inside and that are small enough to encourage turnover work great.
Stocking Your Spices:
When it comes to spices, the more the merrier is not the way to go. That spice you can’t remember the last time you used? Toss it. If a recipe calls for a small amount of something you don’t think you’ll ever use again, just skip it! We love this list of the spices you really need in your pantry from bon appétit – Check it out for some inspo on how to best stock your spice drawer.
Don’t Bring The Heat:
Be cognizant of heat, as it causes spices to degrade faster than usual. Avoid making your spices’ home base above your oven or near a radiator. Many people store spices on a spice rack on their kitchen counter for easy access, however this isn’t ideal when the kitchen heats up. Your pantry, kitchen drawers, or a mounted shelf inside a pantry or cabinet drawer are your best options.
Did you know that major kitchen remodels are on the rise? Hiring kitchen renovation professionals has jumped to 89% in 2021, its highest level in four years! If you are also in the market for a major kitchen remodel this year, be sure to check out Houzz’s Kitchen Trend Study for 2022. This report compiles findings from a survey of 2,380 U.S. homeowners who either recently completed a kitchen renovation or are in the planning stages with one. The 39-page report goes in-depth with many trends. We’ve summarized the biggest takeaways below for those crunched on time.
Let’s Talk Kitchen Countertops:
The study revealed that more than one-third of homeowners reportedly splurged on countertops (35%). The most common feature improved during kitchen renovations, countertops were upgraded by more than nine in 10 homeowners (91%).
When it comes to countertops, there are so many options! These options can get overwhelming since the material you choose not only impacts aesthetics but the functionality of your kitchen (not to mention your budget, too). Did you know that more than one in three (35%) of renovating homeowners who are upgrading their kitchen reported that they decided to spend significantly more than originally planned and “splurge” on new countertops? The D&B Elite team is here to help! Below are some of the most popular choices and some pros and cons to each to help you weigh your options:
Engineered Quartz
Although this material remains number one in choice for upgrading kitchen countertops, according to the Houzz survey “it dramatically declined in popularity this year” with only 42% of renovating homeowners choosing quartz (down from 51% in 2020). Quartz is an engineered stone containing up to 93% quartz particles and other materials. It is then shaped into slabs and bound with resins. Quartz was engineered to make a more adaptable alternative to granite and marble. It’s easy to see why quartz has been the #1 choice time and time again in this study, as its pros far outweigh its cons.
Pros: It’s nonporous surface resists staining and scratching, it’s available in a larger range of colors than granite, it’s easy to maintain and no sealing is required, it’s impervious to heat and acid, the slabs are uniform with no imperfections, DIY installation is possible, and it can be custom-fabricated into any shape or size
Cons: It is expensive and creates heavy countertops
Granite
Granite’s sleek and elegant look speaks for itself on why it remains the second preferred choice. Here are some pros and cons of this material:
Pros: Strong and durable, adds real estate value to your home, almost impervious to heat, almost 3,000 different variants and colors are available, and it’s nearly maintenance-free when treated with newer sealers
Cons: Very expensive material, not suitable for DIY installation, slabs may have imperfections, may crack if stressed / improperly installed, if you cut directly on granite your knives will dull quickly, and this stone is porous and requires sealing to avoid stains
Butcher Block or Wood Slab
Butcher block / wood slabs have rose in popularity this year (increasing from 10% to 12%). They create a soft, warm look that is currently trending. Maple and oak are the hardwoods most often used on countertops.
Pros: Incredibly long-lasting when properly cared for, you can sand and reseal this countertop material as needed, it is relatively easy to clean, and it offers a charming, country look in most kitchens
Cons: Fairly expensive material, it can be damaged by water and stains over time, knives can cut and scratch this surface, if the wood isn’t oiled and sealed frequently the wood may crack, and bacteria can become an issue if this material is not properly maintained
Marble
Since no two sheets of marble are entirely the same, each marble countertop is one-of-a-kind, which may explain why this natural stone is commonly used for countertops in kitchens. It is common to see a portion of a countertop, such as the baking center, reserved for marble due to its high price tag. Here are some other things to be aware of:
Pros: Waterproof and heatproof, adds to real estate value of your home, and is a beautiful stone with unique veining
Cons: Expensive material, DIY installation is not possible, marble is porous and stains easily unless sealed, it can be scratched, and repairs are difficult to make on this material
Let’s Talk Kitchen Cabinets:
Of the 94% of renovating homeowners who either replace all of their kitchen cabinets (65%) or partially replace the kitchen cabinets (29%) as part of their renovation, the majority of homeowners (76%) are choosing solid wood as the primary material of new cabinets. Among those partially upgrading cabinets, the percentage of homeowners refinishing cabinet exteriors jumped by 5 points from the previous year, to 65%. One in four individuals add some cabinets, while 23% replace only the cabinet doors. Cabinets with deep drawers for specialty storage, such as adding organizers for cookie sheets or trays, continue to be popular!
Let’s Talk Kitchen Appliances:
Appliances are the second most common feature that homeowners splurge on during their kitchen renovations (27%). Over a third of upgraded appliances include high-tech features (35%), up six percentage points from the previous year. The most popular kitchen appliance features are wireless and smart phone controls (26%), up eight percentage points from 2021.
When it comes to upgrading kitchen appliances, the study found that garbage disposals (52%) and beverage refrigerators (19%) are gaining popularity in particular this year. Nearly 1 in 5 renovating homeowners incorporated or plan to incorporate a beverage refrigerator (up 5% from last year) while 14% add or upgrade a wine refrigerator.
Let’s Talk Kitchen Islands (Because It Seems Everyone Is):
More than half of renovating homeowners (57%) either upgrade or add an island, and more than 1 in four homeowners (27%) upgrade an existing island, up by 3 percentage points from the previous year — a significant increase. Nearly 2 in 5 islands are more than 7 feet long, a significant increase from last year, indicating that islands in general are getting longer. Given the current work from home trend, it may come as no surprise that one in five homeowners (20%) say that a top activity they complete at their island following their kitchen renovation is work. Here’s a look at two of our favorite kitchen islands we recently completed:
Let’s Talk Lighting:
The top choice for upgraded light fixtures in 2022? Undercabinet lights (with recessed lights trailing just behind them). Pendant lights saw a 4% increase in popularity for 2022. We love the way these pendant lights complete the space of a recent home renovation we completed:
Let’s Talk Flooring:
What’s in style when it comes to flooring? Stained or unstained hardwood floor regained its #1 spot this year and vinyl/resilient flooring nearly doubled in popularity since 2019, taking the #2 spot away from ceramic or porcelain tile.
Let’s Talk Color:
White kitchens are IN. The study revealed that white continues to lead as the top choice for kitchen cabinets, backsplash and walls (41%, 40% and 32% respectively).
The report also revealed that gray is the most common alternative to white, with 27% of homeowners painting their renovated kitchen walls gray, 13% installing gray flooring, and 11% choosing to opt for gray backsplash. Homeowners looking to add a pop of color to their space tend to be drawn towards blue, black, and green for their kitchen island cabinet colors.
Let’s Talk Money:
The median spend for both major and minor kitchen remodels increased in mid-2021 by 14% to $40,000 and 25% to $10,000, respectively, compared to 2020. Likewise, the median spend for a major kitchen remodel of a large kitchen (250 SF or more) continued to climb for the fourth year in a row to $50,000, up $5,000 from the previous year. The median spend on a major small kitchen remodel (less than 250 SF) increased as well, up $5,000 from $35,000 in mid-2021.
Reach out to D&B Elite Custom today for a free consultation to see how we can make your home renovations a reality while staying within your budget.