December 31st 2022

With the new year comes the promise of improvement. For many of us, that means improving one of your most used, high-traffic rooms: the kitchen.

Whether the near future holds a light revamp or a gut remodel, there’s nothing more fun than gazing at impeccably designed kitchens to help you get inspired.

For this week’s Instagram decor roundup, we’re showing you five of our current favorite kitchens and highlighting the trendy features that make them stand out.

From eye-catching dark hardwood floors to a chandelier that suits a variety of design styles, the following looks are bold and beautiful—two sentiments we all want to carry into the new year.

1. Banker’s light

Nothing ups the sophistication of a space quite like new light fixtures, and this museum-inspired, wall-mounted banker’s light from @lizmearns is no exception.

“When used in a kitchen, banker’s lights are often placed above the sink to provide good lighting for tasks. The look is also very forgiving and can complement nearly any design style,” says designer Doreen Amico-Sorell, of Sorrell Interiors.

2. Dark-wash hardwood floors

Moody wood tones are here to stay in 2023, especially for kitchen hardwood. We can’t stop staring at the floors done in a sumptuous dark wash in this kitchen designed by @heidicaillierdesign.

“Mid- to dark-brown hardwood floors are again growing in popularity and finding a resurgence with homeowners looking to create a cozy space reminiscent of years gone by—but with a modern touch,” says designer Courtney Wollersheim, of FLOOR360.

“It brings back fond memories of homes from the past and complements a collection of meaningful family heirlooms and antique finds,” adds Wollersheim. “Consider luxury vinyl plank or laminate wood looks in a uniform shade to get the look in 2023.”

3. Black cabinetry

Speaking of moody, black cabinetry like this feature from @tominteriordesign is another huge trend taking over kitchens in the new year.

“This hue makes popular metallic hardware finishes like copper and brass fixtures really stand out,” says Wollersheim. “The color sets boundaries and defines spaces, which is something homeowners are seeking to do more and more.”

4. Marble backsplash

Organic and elegant in appearance, a marble backsplash, like this one from @kelseyleighdesignco, will continue to be hot in 2023.

“Nothing says sophistication and quality like a great slab of marble,” says designer Robin DeCapua, of Madison Modern Home.

Marble—and manufactured stone that looks like it—is the designer material of choice for countertops and backsplashes.

“Drama and gravitas are key elements to 2023 kitchen design, and marble checks all the boxes,” says DeCapua.

5. Globe chandelier

We love a good chandelier, but something about this rustic-modern spherical piece seen on a post from @home_decor_daily is really doing the work to create a dramatic and cohesive focal point in this traditional kitchen.

“Large spherical lighting is the height of drama, and in a kitchen, it makes a more powerful statement than the ubiquitous trio of hanging pendants over a kitchen island,” says DeCapua. “A single, large chandelier like this provides ample lighting while imbuing a vintage glow.”

DeCapua recommends sourcing a large globe chandelier in an oil-rubbed bronze or a matte black finish.