23 trends to look out for in 2023

What can we expect to see in the world of self-building and renovating in 2023? We put that question to a panel of design and construction experts and found some fascinating answers, with ways to build and retrofit homes to make them greener, more energy efficient and flexible being top of many people’s lists

1 Less energy, used better

The big trend is how to use less energy. So with that in mind everyone is checking how much solar PV they can install, how to optimise the use of that generation and then how to limit the use of energy in the home and manage the energy we do use.

David Hilton, director of Heat and Energy Ltd

2 Pre-loved kitchens

One emerging trend that's gaining traction is buying a secondhand kitchen. According to the Used 2 Kitchen Exchange, sales of used and ex-display kitchens have grown 40% year on year since 2019 and I think we'll see this trend continuing to gather momentum. Not least because of the eco credentials that buying used provides but cost, too: in some instances you can save up to 75% off the retail price, which is huge when you bear in mind how costs have spiralled for build materials in recent years. And buying ex-display or secondhand doesn't mean scrimping on style and design, either - many examples are designer. If I was undertaking a kitchen reno this year I'd most certainly be looking at this buying route.

Check out companies like the Used Kitchen Exchange or the Used Kitchen Company who help make the process of viewing, choosing and buying a lot simpler.

Michelle Guy, deputy editor, HB&R

3 Tackling overheating