Colour on the cards

A rainbow of colours, texture, porcelain – designed with a contemporary look and feel – are set to take centre stage in kitchen design trends for 2023 according to the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association of New Zealand (NKBA)’s annual design survey

The annual NKBA Trends Survey explores the trends predicted by New Zealand designers for kitchen and bathroom spaces, while also examining the average cost and time frame for delivery.

According to NKBA designers, colour will be on the cards for kitchens in 2023. 

Executive Officer of NKBA Suzie Restieaux says though 28% of NKBA designers said white will still dominate, the remaining 70% of designers were split across many hues.

“NKBA designers are predicting a varied use of colour including timber, grey, shades of green, sand, desert, blue and beige. Only 1.8% of designers suggested black was on trend for the upcoming year.”

Joneen Rodgers of Hello Home Interiors in Wellington 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. We are lucky to have brave clients, who want their personality and the atmosphere they desire to shine through.”

Bold is beautiful

NKBA Kitchen Design Student Alyx Turner says though white is still in favour, there are other colours coming up the ranks.

“I don’t think white will ever not be the most popular, but I think the biggest trends on the rise will be green, mint and sage alongside blue.”

Finish is also important. 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 in Canterbury says that matte is still very popular but predicts there is one trend that is on its last legs – battens.

“Battens are big right now, but I predict this trend will phase out over the next 12 months and something else will take over. I think textured timber melamine will be in favour with its cost effective and true-to-life options. Melamine is just amazing, and the timber options are so authentic with deep grooves, and more random patterns – they are a game changer.”

For splashbacks, NKBA says we are going to see much more of what we have seen in recent years, with the most popular trend a seamless look from bench top to splashback.

Porcelain still the favourite

Restieaux says NKBA survey results showed that benchtop materials will continue to favour porcelain.

“Once again, our 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.” 

Integration is on-trend

Other interesting NKBA survey results included that 35% of designers believe kitchens of 2023 will be modern and contemporary and that 19% of designers predict integrated appliances, followed by plenty of storage and innovative technology will be the most in demand items for kitchens in the year to come.

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

“Pretty is no longer enough. They want a point of difference, with smart technology and plenty of storage incorporated into a home. 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.” 

Craig Hooper of Cooper Webley says he is finding NZ-made is in demand.

“The importance of sustainable considerations in kitchen design and manufacturing is only improving, and clients are pushing for a greater focus in this area. I am finding that knowing where products and materials are sourced is essential. Our clients want to source NZ made products where practical.”

Work in the pipeline

Over the past two years, supply and demand issues have been leading to cost increases and delays in delivery. Though 2023 will still see some pressures, NKBA designers are noticing a drop off in demand and lessening of product delays.

The survey showed that 48% of NKBA designers are busy, but keeping up with demand, 20% of designers said work was consistent and 44% of designers said supply of materials has improved. However, 28% said there are still some products that are difficult to source, including stone and appliances.

Humphreys says many designers and joiners are still flat out, though she is starting to see change ahead.

“The new leads are not there like they used to be, and we are seeing a definite decrease. It seems that many clients are fearful about the recession and mortgage rates and are putting the brakes on. Unfortunately, some products and materials are still increasing in price, and we are still seeing some issues with stock.”

More than 55% of work completed by NKBA members are renovations, followed by 35% working on new home builds. The average kitchen is currently taking 3-4 months to complete from design to install.

Hooper says he is finding most kitchens are taking approximately six months. 

“There are several factors that drive delivery, including builder availability for renovation work and council consent timelines. We are in Nelson and currently consent times vary from four to ten weeks. Right now, we are ordering products in December for an April install, but some items are not available until June, and this causes delays. Planning is very important, and therefore it is vital to work with a designer to manage and oversee the project from start to finish.”

The biggest question on everyone’s lips is, what about the cost? According to NKBA members, 31% of kitchens designed in 2022 cost $40,000-$60,000, 24% said $30,000-$40,000 and 7% cost over $80,000.   

The National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA) strives to recognise and promote excellence and set industry standards. Find out more at nkba.org.nz .

 

Photo credit: Natalie Du Bois of Du Bois Design helped bring this stunning kitchen to life