2013 Kitchen Design Trends – Top Ten Kitchen Trends For The New Year

By and large, kitchen design trends are among the slowest changing trends there are, due in no small part, I’m sure, to the fact that kitchens are awful, expensive, time consuming, and invasive to re-do. But there’s been a gradual but major upheaval in kitchen design in the last few years, and a major change in the way that designers look at the kitchen space. So if it’s been a while since you’ve given your kitchen a facelift, 2013 is the perfect year to consider it, and these top ten 2013 kitchen design trends are a great place to start.

Moving Toward Modern

In 2012, “Traditional” kitchen design was dethroned by the more-modern “transitional” style in the National Kitchen And Bath Association rankings for the first time EVER in the history of the rating system. That means there’s been a fundamental change in all levels of design, from material used, types, sizes, and shape appliances, down to even how the kitchen is used. So for your new 2013 kitchen design, think simplified lines and big, open spaces made with gathering in mind.

Hideaway Appliances

If you have your finger anywhere near the pulse of kitchen trends, you probably already know that stainless steel appliances are the new must-have for a kitchen. But what you might not know is that even more unusual appliances are going to be at the forefront of 2013 kitchen design trends. First, you’re going to be seeing a lot of appliances designed to blend in with the rest of your kitchen – specifically ones fronted with the same wood or lacquered material as your cabinets, like those from Summit. Secondly, a major 2013 kitchen design trend is hidden appliances. This goes a step beyond the cabinet material camouflage and means an increased emphasis on small or odd shaped appliances, like under-counter or mini refrigerators, and other small appliances (from trash compactors to wine coolers) that will provide more counter space and keep your kitchen at a seamless waist-high level, and are perfect for installing into a kitchen island.

All-Over Lighting

I’ve talked a bit about this before, but good kitchen lighting is becoming more and more important. Because large, open kitchens are becoming the primary entertaining center of the home, lighting should be layered, combining lots of task lighting with ambient lighting. Built in LED lights will be more popular in 2013, so look for under-cabinet LED lights and appliances that come with ambient lighting. 2013 kitchen design trends say no to lighting that’s merely functional, and make ample lighting a must for creating an inviting living space.

Kitchen Island Getaways

The inclusion of big kitchen islands in designer kitchen remodels has been becoming more and more ubiquitous in the past several years, and that isn’t about to change in 2013. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a decently sized kitchen without one. 2013 kitchen design trends away from dining rooms and towards eating, drinking, and interacting in the kitchen itself, and a large kitchen island complete with bar stools is the perfect way to make this happen, while creating a nice open-air feeling – especially if you can use one to bridge your kitchen and living areas, another major 2013 kitchen design trend. If your kitchen isn’t big enough for a full sized island, you might still want to consider a kitchen island cart for added utility and prep space.

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Eco-Friendly Everything

Likewise, the green movement isn’t going anywhere, and 2013 kitchen design trends reflect this in almost every way. Basic materials will be more eco-friendly (like bamboo floors and modular MDF kitchen cabinets), and even appliances should have an EnergyStar rating or other energy efficient features. The more extensive your renovation, the more important it is that you get this one right, because it’ll save you on the start up (in the form of government subsidies) and in the long run (in the form of lower utility bills).

Natural Color Schemes

Nature isn’t just showing up in the form of natural friendly building materials, either. 2013 kitchen design trends have neutral colors on the rise (just like in bathrooms for 2013!), especially grays and greens, with a continued emphasis on a variety of wood tones. Classical black and white is making a comeback, too, but bold, bright colors should be reserved for small pops and accents. Bright orange cabinets or wild wall paint are definitely out this year, but neutral textured wall papers offer an excellent way to add visual interest to a light neutral decor.

Culinary Quality Cooking Appliances

As the kitchen increasingly becomes the entertaining center of the home, restaurant quality kitchen appliances are starting to become more common as well. That’s why the big appliance go-tos for 2013 kitchen design are gas ranges and induction cooktops. Each have their own advantages – gas cooktops  have rapid, responsive, and very high heat, while induction cooktops provide even, energy-efficient and child-safe heating. Either way, both are fit for gourmet kitchens and make a nice pair with a kitchen island for a Benihana-style cook-and-dine.

Decorative Range Hoods

To go with those high powered stoves, you’re going to need a high powered kitchen range. But 2013 kitchen design trends away from your conventional stainless steel trapezoid shaped hood to more decorative range hoods like those from Elica. Ones with built in bright LED lights double nicely as island chandeliers, adding a fashionable modern style to a traditionally highly functional fixture.

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Super Stylish Sinks

Oft-overlooked but not to be ignored, your kitchen sink should be a focal point for your 2013 kitchen design, especially if you’re looking do smaller facelifts rather than a major overhaul. Perennially popular stainless steel sinks are going to find their heyday again in 2013 for their modern style, durable structure, gourmet culinary style, and low maintenance. Though if you’re looking for something a little more traditional and less modern/industrial, look into stone composite sinks (Silgranit is a personal fav) that will boost the eco-friendliness of your kitchen and give you a smooth, non-porous sink that won’t show wear and tear.

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Chef-Quality Faucets

In the same light, you shouldn’t overlook your kitchen faucets, either. The right faucet can add oodles of style and seriously update your kitchen space, especially with a nice sink combo. For your 2013 kitchen design, look for culinary style sinks, especially those with pull-down faucets to streamline your counter space. High tech faucets (like Delta’s Touch 2O faucets) are a plus if you do a lot of messy cooking, but the most important thing is to get a simplified, restaurant style tableau packed with practical utility.

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Seamless Glass Backsplashes

Last but certainly not least, 2013 is a good year for glass. High gloss abounds everywhere, from cabinets to appliances, but nowhere is this more striking than in the rise of single-sheet, back-painted glass backsplashes. These are seamless, easy to clean, and slightly reflective (great for picking up all that ambient light!) and add a lovely polished finish to your kitchen. If you don’t like the look (or the expense!) of a single glass sheet, look for the also-popular glass mosaic tile sheets like those from Martini Mosaic (the Blocco Crystal Ice is a nice copycat!)  for a quick, easy, and inexpensive weekend project that will dramatically update your kitchen for the new year.

Which 2013 kitchen design trends are you most looking forward to? Are you planning on doing a major kitchen remodel this year, or do you just need to do minor touch ups? Let me know in the comments!

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