From marble-clad backsplashes to mixed warm woods and streamlined cabinetry, the kitchen is an ever-evolving space. This essential heart-of-the-home fluxes with our changing lifestyles, functionality needs, and storage demands. Plus, a modern kitchen remodel is one of the top home improvement projects that can drastically increase the value of your lake home. So, what’s on trend for 2023? We went to kitchen expert Cristie Schlosser, RID, ASID, owner of Schlosser Design Group, LLC in Dallas, TX, for her top picks. Cristie is a seasoned design expert and the former president of the North Texas Plains Chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry.
“I immediately feel a space when I enter it,” she says. “Interior design is very intuitive for me. It is about function and flow first—and style follows.”
Sculleries & Butler’s Pantries
If you love entertaining, a scullery or butler’s pantry is an ideal addition to your home. Plus, it is one of the top kitchen remodel trends for 2023. Typically located just off the kitchen, this space offers a place to discreetly store dishes on open shelves for easy access. “You can even opt to install a second sink and dishwasher that keeps the clutter out of the main kitchen area,” says Cristie. “With an open-concept floor plan, a butler’s pantry or scullery greatly improves your ease of entertaining because the heavy work is done behind the scenes.”
A scullery or butler’s pantry is a great space for caterers to prep for your special events. It also gives the family another cozy spot for grabbing a morning coffee and light breakfast fare.
Walk-In Pantries
Similar to the butler’s pantry, a walk-in pantry is also on the must-have list for the modern kitchen. “Open pantries that you can walk into and keep all your small appliances on shelves that can easily be seen and reached enhances the cooking experience,” says Cristie.
Here, a beverage refrigerator offers extra space to store cold drinks for family and guests. In addition, walls of open shelving offer plenty of room for dishes, utensils, cookware, and dry goods.
Snack Stations
A snack bar or station is a perfect option for a home theater or a large open kitchen. You can use a series of baskets, containers, and shelving systems to stash chips, nuts, candy, and popcorn—along with a built-in microwave at counter height placed near open counter space.
“The number-one reason to include a snack bar in your lake home is to accommodate your guests,” says Cristie. “Many lake homeowners have visitors for long weekends and holidays, and it’s great to let guests feel at home without asking for a snack or drink.”
This one was designed in a chic gray palette for a movie room and includes a stainless-steel stove, range hood, and refrigerator, and a microwave drawer installed beneath white quartz countertops. A dramatic black marble backsplash complements the dark gray cabinetry.
In-Wall Filtered Water Stations
“Along with today’s trend of using refillable water bottles, I love the in-wall water filter,” says Cristie. “This makes it super-easy to refill your bottles, and it can be installed close to an outdoor exit. One of our favorites is the ezH2O Liv Built-in Filtered Water Dispenser from Elkay.”
Convenient Coffee Bars
Another kitchen remodel trend must-have is an independent coffee bar that’s conveniently located and doesn’t disrupt other kitchen prep work. “This coffee and drink station includes an under-counter beverage fridge and microwave so family and friends can easily access them at any time,” says Cristie.
This coffee bar, designed by Schlosser Design Group, is outfitted with elegant white marble accented with soft gray cabinetry. Brushed nickel hardware coordinates with the sleek aesthetic, and extra drawers and overhead cabinets provide storage space for table linens, utensils, and decorative accessories.
Stone Slabs
Gorgeous stone slabs bring a sense of organic beauty to your kitchen while creating depth and visual interest. Cristie’s tips include:
- Using a natural stone slab with lots of movement and earthy colors to bring the outdoors inside and connect with nature
- Try soapstone and treat it with oil to keep the finish rich and prevent it from absorbing spills
- Onyx and aggregates can be backlit and add vitality to a bar or island front
Mixed Metals
Mixing metals—faucets, light fixtures, cabinet hardware, seating frames—is gaining popularity in modern kitchen updates, especially in 2023. “We love to use mixed-metal finishes in our projects,” says Cristie. “They are particularly good for a lake house because you can pull in a more industrial look, which lends itself to a rustic environment. In addition, many appliance and plumbing brands have started to add color options to their appliances and kitchen sink lines, which is a great way to punch up a lake home retreat.”
With that advice in mind, Cristie offers these additional tips:
- Mix oil-rubbed bronze, black, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and antique brass to add depth and interest to your space
- Use different finishes on lighting and cabinet hardware versus matching finishes
- Add earthy metal tones with bright white to create dynamic contrast
We hope these ideas inspire you to update your lake home kitchen in 2023. For even more kitchen remodel trends, check out The Spruce.