Find inspiration with the hottest kitchen trends in 2023

11 Jul 2023

The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association of New Zealand (NKBA) is the leading membership organisation for designers, manufacturers and suppliers in New Zealand. As part of their commitment to showcasing the skill and talent of the industry, the NKBA has released the results of its annual trends survey. 

With a bit of Resene colour and eye for design, we’re sure you’ll find some inspiration to give your kitchen a stunning makeover!

Colourful kitchens

According to NKBA designers, colour will be on the cards for kitchens in 2023 with only 28% of NKBA designers saying white will still dominate, the remaining 70% of designers were split across many hues including timber, blue, grey, shades of green, sand, desert and beige.

These kitchen cabinets and walls are painted in Resene Brandy Rose, a smooth sandalwood pink, with a kauri benchtop finished in Resene Colorwood Whitewash. Design by Amber Armitage.

NKBA designer, Joneen Rodgers of Hello Home Interiors, says clients are becoming discerning in their own choices and can be encouraged towards bolder colours. 

“We are working with a lot of midnight blue, yellow, and olive greens. Most recently we completed a beautiful kitchen in an apartment in Wellington that included deep greens, an oak veneer and a very bold benchtop, and we have just designed a midnight blue kitchen that will be installed in another home next year,” says Joneen.

If you’re looking to add a bit of colour to your kitchen, try a deep blue like Resene Midnight Express, an olive green like Resene Bitter, a gorgeous beige like Resene Quarter Joss or desert sand like Resene Gold Coast.

Make it matte

In 2023, 38% of NKBA designers predict matte will be the finish of choice on cabinets, followed closely by a textured look.

Paula Humphreys of Paula Humphreys Design says that matte is still very popular.

This stunning kitchen with a skylight helps to showcase the dreamy Resene Half Bianca walls and Resene Quarter Bianca on the ceiling, trims and doors. Keep timber flooring looking its best with Resene Colorwood Natural wood stain and Resene Qristal ClearFloor 1K. Design by Aimee Materoa, Materoa Design. Image by Mahana Wairua, Two Oceans Meet. 

Porcelain staying

The NKBA survey showed that 48% of designers predict porcelain will be the benchtop material of choice, followed by 33% suggesting it will be engineered stone. 

Designer, Paula Humphreys, says that cost is a factor and so engineered stone is still a popular choice for kitchens, especially when the clients have a budget less than $50,000. 

“If budget wasn’t a factor, porcelain would always come out on top, as you can put hot pots and pans straight on it, and it is non-porous. There are also many different and beautiful porcelains to choose from and it presents a stunning, luxe look with a thin edge detail,” says Paula.

With a home that already had an Italianate style, Shane George decided to embrace the look when it came to renewing his client’s large kitchen. The walls are painted in Resene Spanish White, a classic antique cream with hand painted cabinets in Resene Pearl Lusta and Resene Sambuca. The kitchen features honed granite and porcelain benchtops, aged bronze tapware, wrought iron detailing, oak shelving and the bold use of multiple Edison-style pendant lights. Design by Shane George, Kitchens By Design.

Integrated and innovation

This year, 19% of designers predict integrated appliances, followed by plenty of storage and innovative technology will be the most in-demand items for kitchens.

Leanne Harley of Leanne Harley Design says homeowners want to get more out of their spaces in every way. 

“The last consultation I attended, the entire home was built around a smart home system and so they wanted their kitchen to be wired into and work with this system. They needed their robot vacuum to have a special home in the kitchen and wanted everything automated from the lighting though to the installation of automatic cabinet openings. Technology and storage are hugely beneficial to the functionality of a kitchen, to simply push a button is oh so fabulous and easy,” says Leanne.

The dark veining in the marble benchtop pairs well with the bold and moody shade of Resene Tuna on the cabinetry. The walls and ceiling are painted in Resene Quarter Rice Cake. Extra storage space is hidden behind well designed features like timber cabinetry and colourful drawers. Design by Clare Kitching, PEACHhaus Design. Image by Jackie Meiring

To find a designer for your next kitchen or bathroom project, visit the NKBA website www.nkba.org.nz.

For more advice on colour schemes for your kitchen or any other space inside or outside your home, visit your local Resene ColorShop or Ask a Resene Colour Expert online.

Published: 11 Jul 2023