The 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study is out and it gives us unique insights into the plans that homeowners have for their kitchens this year; from the most popular kitchen style and the most covetable features, to on-trend colours and desirable high-tech ‘extras’. Have a look at what’s hot… and, like us, take pleasure in the revelation that regardless of homeowners’ aspirations, sustainability remains top of mind for people who have a new kitchen under their belts or in their sights.
The 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study is a report of 473 Houzz Australia users who are in the midst of, are planning or have recently completed a kitchen renovation. The online survey was fielded in November and December 2022.
Here are the main takeaways…
Sustainability is shaping kitchens
Incorporating environmentally friendly features into their new kitchen is a pressing concern for Houzz users, with a whopping 95 percent making sustainable inclusions. These include:
- LED bulbs (71 percent).
- Energy-efficient appliances (63 percent).
- Water-efficient fixtures (49 percent).
In addition, 45 percent of respondents choose a timeless design for their new space, understanding that such an aesthetic helps reduce waste by surviving the test of time.
And they are no fools, especially considering the current economy. The most common reason for incorporating sustainable options was long-run cost-effectiveness (75 percent). “Homeowners are gravitating towards sustainable choices during kitchen renovations, and it is interesting to see the intersection of economic solutions and environmental concerns,” says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist.
“While the most frequently cited reason for incorporating sustainable options is long-run cost-effectiveness, making choices that are environmentally friendly is also top of mind for three in five renovating homeowners (60 percent).”
“In addition, we see homeowners continue to invest more in their kitchens than in any other areas of their homes, as they make major changes to their spaces,” she says.
Interestingly, the (fielded from March to April 2022 and sent to Houzz Australia users) found that kitchen projects command the most significant investment in the home, with median spend on renovations increasing steadily from AU$15,000 in 2019 to AU$20,000 in 2021.
Blue Tea Kitchens and Bathrooms
Who is helping achieve these kitchen dreams?
It is apparent that DIY is dying, with homeowners increasingly turning to professionals to help achieve the kitchen of their dreams. The 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study showed that 94 percent of homeowners are working with a professional for their project. While tradespeople occupy the top spot (70 percent), kitchen designers are in high demand (40 percent).
And, in a sign of the times, three percent of homeowners hired a dedicated professional to advise them on eco-friendly options.
Join the crowd of people planning a kitchen update. Find a local, reviewed kitchen designer on Houzz
Contemporary kitchens rule the roost
A contemporary-style kitchen is at the top of the wish list for renovators in 2023 (24 percent, followed closely by Modern (23 percent).
Hamptons (11 percent), Coastal (seven percent) and Country-style (four percent) kitchens will be less popular in homes this year.
Light is right
And the colour of choice for a kitchen? That perennial favourite, white.
This neutral is the most favoured colour for kitchen walls (62 percent), as well as for components such as cabinetry (52 percent), benchtops (39 percent) and splashbacks (38 percent). When it comes to the colour of kitchen flooring, wood in a medium tone is the most popular choice (27 percent) followed closely by the same material in a light tone (23 percent).
Browse contemporary Australian kitchens featuring white cabinetry
Components are king
Other top material choices include:
- Tiles for kitchen splashbacks (56 percent).
- Brushed nickel for handleware (21 percent).
A kitchen for all uses
The study also revealed how multi-functional we need today’s kitchens to be. While the majority of homeowners (97 percent) use the kitchen for cooking, they also bake (58 percent), eat (54 percent), entertain (48 percent) and socialise (39 percent) there. One in 10 homeowners (16 percent) also work from their kitchen.
It’s no surprise then that renovating homeowners are updating their appliances as part of their kitchen renovation to incorporate technology into their kitchen appliances. Wifi connectivity and smartphone/tablet controls (both 13 percent) and colour touchscreen displays (12 percent) rated the most desirable of possible electronic inclusions in this year’s kitchens.
Your turn
Which of these elements would you incorporate into your dream kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images for inspiration, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Find the 2023 Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends Study here.
FAQs
All kitchen trends of 2023 are moving toward lighter and brighter spaces. So, whatever the design or final look, the room will be full of sunlight. That said, maximizing light has been a popular kitchen trend for a while.
What is the most popular kitchen color in 2023? ›
The 2023 top kitchen colours are:
- Walnut.
- Coffee cream.
- Soft wheat.
- Greige.
- Pure white.
- Smoke.
- Linen.
- Ivory.
You can use the cabinet tops to display decorative items that showcase your personality and style. If you have space between your cabinets and the ceiling, you can decorate the top of the kitchen cabinets with vases, baskets, books, and more!
What is the current trend in kitchens? ›
L-shaped, U-shaped and galley-style kitchens have dominated design, but homeowners appear to be increasingly focused on optimizing their available space and, in some cases, downsizing. One-wall kitchens are seeing a surge in popularity, with Google searches up 170% over the last month alone, Magnet reports.
What is the most popular kitchen countertop in 2023? ›
It's not just about aesthetics; it's also about embracing the contemporary design ethos of 'less is more'. One of the hottest kitchen trends for 2023 is the use of natural materials such as marble countertops and quartzite countertops.
What is the new kitchen cabinet color for 2023? ›
Designers think that it's easy to see why blue is taking over as the kitchen cabinet color of choice. Janel Laza, senior designer at FORM Kitchens, loves the shade for kitchens and advises picking a blue you are drawn to, works well with your home's aesthetic, and complements your color scheme.
What are the best countertops colors for 2023? ›
Colors like Silestone calacatta gold have been top sellers, but now we're seeing more warm tones from brown, tan, and beige. Colors like MSI Calacatta Valentin, Corian Quartz Venetia Cream, and Hanstone Matterhorn have been popular choices for interior designers and customers alike.
What color kitchen is trending? ›
On par with 2024 kitchen trends, green kitchens are still all the rage — ranging from light sage to forest green. We're also loving deep reds, sunny yellow and even Barbie pink this year. No matter if your kitchen design is modern, farmhouse, country or maximalist, we've got a gorgeous hue that'll inspire your space.
What is the most popular color for a kitchen? ›
What is the most popular color for a kitchen? According to kitchen design and painting experts, the most popular color for a kitchen is tied between navy blue and white. Home stagers and listing agents often suggest painting the kitchen a fresh white color to make the space look larger, cleaner and inviting.
What is the number one color cabinet for 2023? ›
The most popular kitchen colors for 2023 are white, navy blue, green (especially dark green), greys, and even black.
The latest color trends in home appliances include black stainless steel, white, slate, and bold colors like navy blue, red, and green. Many manufacturers are also offering customization options, allowing customers to have appliances in a variety of unique colors and finishes.
Are wood cabinets coming back 2023? ›
Natural wood came back in a big way in 2022 and the trend continues into 2023. Forgo the wood veneer manufactured cabinets and choose solid wood, however.
What backsplash is outdated? ›
Small Mosaic Tile
While small tiles can be a perfect fit for your shower or pool, they have no place in a kitchen, she says. “Tiny mosaic tiles on a kitchen backsplash is a recipe for a bad investment,” Meadows says. “It screams outdated.
What kitchen trends are going out of style in 2024? ›
White kitchens have been the predominant look for years now. But in 2024, this aesthetic will officially look dated. There's a good reason for this, explains interior designer Kate Dawson, “People are tired of everything looking bland—and looking the same as everyone else's kitchen.”
What is the color trend in kitchen cabinets in 2024? ›
In 2024, we predict kitchen cabinet door trends will lean towards the darker side. Whether it's dark blue, green, or a dark stained natural wood. These colors have a more traditional or vintage aesthetic and have a more inviting presence.
What is the trend for kitchen cabinets in 2024? ›
Versatile Medium Tones
The wood cabinet trends of 2024 run the gamut from light, farmhouse-inspired styles to richer and more sophisticated hues. Many homeowners, however, are seeking a middle ground: neutral earth tones that make the most of oak and maple.
Are white kitchens out for 2024? ›
D.C. design pros say do this instead. After years of muted farmhouse-style kitchens, 2024 ushers in an earthier era, with greens, blues, natural wood tones and warm metals. Why it matters: The kitchen sells the house!
Are dark cabinets out of style 2023? ›
2023 promises to bring new and exciting design trends, one of which is the growing popularity of black cabinets. With their rich, luxurious look and ability to highlight the natural depth and grain of the wood, dark wood cabinets are expected to be in high demand in home decor for 2023.
