Kitchens are a wonderful balance of functionality, timeless beauty, and innovative design. At Rowe & Wood Kitchens, we love how the kitchen has evolve from a purely practical space to become the heart of the home. Each year, as we start another spin around the sun, new kitchen design trends emerge – here are the ones we’re most excited about in Tauranga, the Bay of Plenty, and Waikato in 2023.
Social kitchens
Kitchens have been getting bigger and more open-plan for a while, as Kiwis turn their backs on the shut off cupboard-like kitchens of the past. And now, with the cost-of-living sky high, and people having spent too much time alone over the last few years, we are seeing the rise of the social kitchen.
We love the idea that kitchens are no longer simply functional, and they’ve even evolved past being the heart of the family home. Kitchens are now being designed with entertaining in mind, creating curves and open space to allow this room be part of the party.
Expect to see rounded island benches, open-plan kitchens with multiple entrances, and bifold windows and doors that connect the kitchen to the outdoors.
Playful and unique shelving
We’re still digging the minimal and hidden shelves that have become commonplace in recent years, but we are starting to see homeowners branch out when it comes to their kitchen shelving and cabinetry.
You might see playful shelves with dips and curves built in, bold colours, and space for potted plants. Exposed and unique shelving creates the opportunity to display functional essential kitchen items alongside quirky ones, like family heirlooms and vintage scales.
Backsplashes that continue to surprise us
At RW Kitchens, we’re suckers for a bespoke backsplash. The kitchen backsplash needs to protect the wall from water, cooking oils and other kitchen-related messes, particularly behind the sink and stovetop, but it is also an opportunity to add some of your personality into the room. We’ve seen all sorts, from etched glass to bold colours, varnished wallpaper to hexagonal tiles. We can’t wait to see what other inventive backsplashes our Bay of Plenty and Waikato customers can come up with this year!
Metallic detailing
Metal in the kitchen is having a real moment this year, with brass and gold becoming increasingly popular for tapware, cabinetry handles, light fixtures, and small appliances. A metallic finish brings some vibrancy and shiny sophistication into any kitchen.
White designer kitchens and cabinetry have been a fan-favourite for years and adding some metallic detailing can lend the kitchen a regal feel. When paired with natural wooden cabinets, a golden sparkle on the handles brings out the natural hues within the wood. And when used with black cabinetry, brass can create a striking space.
What kitchen design trends are you excited about in 2023?
We’d love to hear about your kitchen plans for the year ahead! For designer kitchens and cabinetry in the Bay of Plenty or Waikato, give Tauranga’s RW Kitchens a call today.