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Design Trends for 2023

Design Trends for 2023

Written by Y2 Designbuild

As we step into the new year, it’s evident that both enduring design trends and emerging preferences are shaping the world of renovation and interior design. Let’s explore some of the noteworthy trends that are making waves, particularly in the DMV area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia), with a keen focus on how they’re transforming homes. Flooring Evolution: In many DMV homes, the prevailing flooring style consists of natural-stained 2-1/4” red oak. This classic choice still has a strong presence, with homeowners opting to preserve existing hardwood floors and seamlessly integrating matching hardwood into their kitchens. The key transformation comes in the form of sanding and refinishing these floors with a matte or satin warm walnut-brown stain. This approach offers a sense of cohesion throughout the home, eliminating the patchwork of various flooring materials like tile, linoleum, or laminate. The result? Kitchens and Great Rooms become beautifully interconnected. For those with a more flexible budget, the desire for wider plank white oak hardwood is gaining momentum. Meanwhile, for those seeking cost-effective solutions, durable Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is no longer confined to basements; it’s finding its way onto main levels, often in cooler grey or brown tones. An interesting shift in color preferences is the decline in orangey tones (akin to golden oak), less use of dark ebony, and a departure from high-gloss finishes. Bathroom Elegance: In bathrooms, elongated plank tiles and 12×24 tiles remain popular, especially those resembling Calacatta marble patterns. However, there’s a growing fascination with square encaustic tiles featuring repeating patterns. These tiles aren’t limited to floors; they’re also finding their place on shower walls and kitchen backsplashes. Additionally, 6×6 hexagonal tiles, whether patterned or in solid colors, are gaining traction.

While kitchen backsplashes still predominantly adopt the classic subway style (typically 3×6 or 3×9 size), we’re witnessing the rise of modified shapes like picket and elongated hex. A touch of glamour is introduced through the use of brass and mixed metals, combined with marbles and glass, creating a chic look, especially when paired with brushed gold fixtures and hardware.
Countertop Marvels: The supremacy of white Calacatta-look quartz for countertops endures, but don’t be surprised to see stunning marbles and quartzites making a comeback, often utilized for countertops with matching full-height backsplashes or waterfall sides. Thinner porcelain slabs are also entering the scene, promising to gain more popularity in the coming year. Cabinet Chronicles: Raised panel doors have largely given way to shaker or modified shaker styles, with ultra-thin shaker profiles and slab doors becoming the new norm. While bright painted whites are still a popular choice, there’s a shift away from an all-white aesthetic. Navy blues and various shades of gray are becoming more prevalent, especially as accents on islands and secondary cabinets. Another exciting development is the increased use of walnut or white oak for range hoods, matching island cabinets, or island tops. This tri-color scheme, combining white, gray, and walnut or white oak, introduces character through clean lines and contrast, all without unnecessary complexity.
Shelving Innovations: Thick matching wood shelves are emerging as replacements for traditional wall cabinets around sinks or range hoods. Dining rooms are now accommodating bar spaces, replacing smaller furniture-style buffets or hutches. These spaces are being designed with tall customized pantry cabinets, flanked by base cabinets housing wine coolers and extra storage. Kitchen Dynamics: Customized range hoods have evolved into focal points within kitchens, featuring matching paint colors and wood accents that harmonize with the overall cabinetry. The demand for spacious islands with barstool seating remains strong in open concept layouts. Modern families appreciate the proximity of guests or children to the chef, prompting innovative storage solutions like laptop/iPad cubbies beneath island counters or countertop “appliance garages” for smaller kitchen gadgets.
Hardware and Fixture Trends: Brushed gold and matte black continue to dominate the plumbing fixtures and hardware scene, adding a touch of industrial glam. Traditional lighting fixtures are being replaced by those with exposed Edison-style bulbs, creating a more contemporary ambiance. Additionally, there’s a rising demand for black-framed windows, whether in a traditional divided-lite style or a more modern full-panel glass format. This design choice effectively bridges the gap between the charm of older homes in the area and the latest design trends. Notably, black is becoming an increasingly accepted upgrade for homeowners, particularly when it comes to replacing door hardware and light fixtures throughout the entire home. In summary, the DMV area’s design landscape is constantly evolving, reflecting a blend of enduring preferences and fresh ideas. These trends not only enhance the aesthetics of homes but also contribute to functional and efficient living spaces. As we move forward, it’s exciting to see how these design elements will continue to shape the homes of the DMV and beyond.
While kitchen backsplashes still predominantly adopt the classic subway style (typically 3×6 or 3×9 size), we’re witnessing the rise of modified shapes like picket and elongated hex. A touch of glamour is introduced through the use of brass and mixed metals, combined with marbles and glass, creating a chic look, especially when paired with brushed gold fixtures and hardware. Countertop Marvels: The supremacy of white Calacatta-look quartz for countertops endures, but don’t be surprised to see stunning marbles and quartzites making a comeback, often utilized for countertops with matching full-height backsplashes or waterfall sides. Thinner porcelain slabs are also entering the scene, promising to gain more popularity in the coming year. Cabinet Chronicles: Raised panel doors have largely given way to shaker or modified shaker styles, with ultra-thin shaker profiles and slab doors becoming the new norm. While bright painted whites are still a popular choice, there’s a shift away from an all-white aesthetic. Navy blues and various shades of gray are becoming more prevalent, especially as accents on islands and secondary cabinets. Another exciting development is the increased use of walnut or white oak for range hoods, matching island cabinets, or island tops. This tri-color scheme, combining white, gray, and walnut or white oak, introduces character through clean lines and contrast, all without unnecessary complexity. Shelving Innovations: Thick matching wood shelves are emerging as replacements for traditional wall cabinets around sinks or range hoods. Dining rooms are now accommodating bar spaces, replacing smaller furniture-style buffets or hutches. These spaces are being designed with tall customized pantry cabinets, flanked by base cabinets housing wine coolers and extra storage. Kitchen Dynamics: Customized range hoods have evolved into focal points within kitchens, featuring matching paint colors and wood accents that harmonize with the overall cabinetry. The demand for spacious islands with barstool seating remains strong in open concept layouts. Modern families appreciate the proximity of guests or children to the chef, prompting innovative storage solutions like laptop/iPad cubbies beneath island counters or countertop “appliance garages” for smaller kitchen gadgets. Hardware and Fixture Trends: Brushed gold and matte black continue to dominate the plumbing fixtures and hardware scene, adding a touch of industrial glam. Traditional lighting fixtures are being replaced by those with exposed Edison-style bulbs, creating a more contemporary ambiance. Additionally, there’s a rising demand for black-framed windows, whether in a traditional divided-lite style or a more modern full-panel glass format. This design choice effectively bridges the gap between the charm of older homes in the area and the latest design trends. Notably, black is becoming an increasingly accepted upgrade for homeowners, particularly when it comes to replacing door hardware and light fixtures throughout the entire home. In summary, the DMV area’s design landscape is constantly evolving, reflecting a blend of enduring preferences and fresh ideas. These trends not only enhance the aesthetics of homes but also contribute to functional and efficient living spaces. As we move forward, it’s exciting to see how these design elements will continue to shape the homes of the DMV and beyond.