With the goal of revealing future trends in style, design, color, technology, etc., the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recently released its Design Trends Study for 2023. The survey polled 600 industry pros for their professional insights and experiences, and according to the findings…

“Functionality” and “family fun” are the by-words associated with what’s trending for kitchens. Consumers want designs that are ‘open’ to other areas of the home, and that include:

• Large islands that function as dining tables, homework havens and hospitality focal points
• Sanitary counter surfaces and easy to clean flooring
• Working/walk-in pantries
• Access to outdoor living areas

Additionally, “greens, blues, whites, wood tones, and grays are the top-of-mind colors for kitchens. Whites will be a popular neutral, with nature-inspired greens and blues for warmth and inspiration … and hints of metallic to add glamour or a rustic feel. Quartz and quartzite are top countertop selections. And hardwood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank/tile, and ceramic tile remain the top kitchen flooring materials.”

So, if your design goal is to create a “kitchen that’s well-designed and hard-wearing, but also looks beautiful and welcoming,” you’ll want to read, Five Fabulous Hardwood Kitchens, by design industry consultant, Wendy Silverstein.

Spoiler Alert: There’s one material that incorporates all of the afore-mentioned qualities: Real American Hardwood®.

Real American Hardwood® is a trademark of the Real American Hardwood Coalition.