Kitchens tend to get overlooked by many homeowners. Kitchens are the unsung heroes of a home —not getting the attention they deserve.
But that doesn’t mean you should neglect your kitchen, too.
It’s time to shift your focus and give your kitchen the love and priority it deserves.
Considering how 2024 is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to update this space.
New trends are emerging, and it’s essential to stay up-to-date with what’s new in the world of interior design.
So, what will be the biggest kitchen trends in 2024?
Keep reading to find out!
Kitchen Trends 2024: 12 Kitchen Design Ideas
Embracing Colours
Monochromatic or all-white kitchens are trends that have been around for a while, but they’re starting to lose their appeal.
Why? Because they lack character. People love colour, and kitchens are no exception. Almost everybody has hopped on the trend before, and their kitchens all look the same.
Although this kitchen design trend still enjoys popularity, it’s high time to introduce fresh hues into the mix.
By 2024, more kitchens will utilise colour to add personality and interest. Expect these hues in accessories like placemats, rugs, and pot holders. Not only that, but more dramatic color tones will also appear on dinner tables, countertops, kitchen cabinetry, and splashbacks.
It might seem like a bold statement to introduce a bright colour palette into your kitchen, but trust me; it will be worth it.
The Beauty of Marble and Natural Stone
Marble and natural stones are a classic and popular choice for kitchens. The beauty of these natural materials is undeniable, and they are extremely durable.
As the name suggests, natural stones like marble and granite naturally come from the earth. This makes them one of the most environmentally friendly options for your kitchen.
Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that can take on many different colours and veining patterns.
Natural stones are also incredibly easy to maintain. So, I don’t see why they wouldn’t be a popular trend in kitchen design next year or even further down the road.
Unveiling the Magic of Layered Lighting
Lighting fixtures are not just for illumination. You can also use lights to create a stunning visual effect in your kitchen.
Lights are not as plain as they used to be. From wall sconces to chandeliers, lights are no longer just functional— they are also decorative. You can also use light to make your statement pieces stand out.
With all these new designs of lighting fixtures, it’s no surprise that layered lighting is becoming one of the hottest kitchen trends in 2024.
But what is layered lighting exactly?
Layered lighting uses various light fixtures to create a visual effect. It creates the illusion of depth by placing different light sources in your kitchen.
The concept involves utilising three main layers of lighting: overall, task, and accent lighting. Overall or ambient lighting is the primary illumination and provides general visibility in your kitchen space.
Task lighting illuminates dedicated spaces where specific activities are performed, such as eating and cooking. Accent lighting highlights specific architectural features, decorative elements, or focal points in a room.
So, if you think your current kitchen lights are not doing the job well enough, it might be time to upgrade your lighting system. Try layered lighting for your kitchen, and you will be amazed by how much of a difference it can make.
The Ongoing Trend of Sustainability
Of course, sustainability is a trend that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.
As we get more clued up on our environment and the impacts of our deeds, businesses will feel a greater push to go green.
Homeowners are doing their part, too.
Did you know that sustainable design can reduce up to 50% of energy consumption? Sustainable design can also raise your property’s value by 6% [1].
Since sustainable home design and eco-friendly materials are becoming more accessible for regular homeowners to implement, this trend will likely keep growing over the next few years.
If you want to jump on this bandwagon, I have some tips for you.
For starters, maximise natural light in your kitchen by installing larger windows, mirrors, or skylights. This will minimise your need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.
Another way to incorporate sustainable design into your kitchen is by installing energy-efficient appliances and fixtures. Using less energy is an ongoing trend across the world, particularly in the face of ever-rising energy and living costs.
My final tip is to install low-flow taps and aerators to reduce water usage, again helping to reduce those energy bills, too.
If you embrace sustainable choices in your kitchen design, you’ll be on the winning end.
The Charm of Eat-In Kitchens
Eat-in kitchens can make your house feel more like a home, allowing you to dine together with your family or even host dinner parties for friends in your new kitchen. Incorporating a dining table or breakfast bar can also provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy a casual cup of tea with guests who drop by unexpectedly.
With social media’s prevalence, many people crave meaningful connections and interactions rather than a formal dining experience.
Many homeowners also want to engage with their kids or guests while they cook. Eat-in kitchens are a great way to do that.
In addition, this style of kitchen can help make your home feel more spacious since you merge the dining room and kitchen into one area.
This kitchen trend will likely grow in popularity as people look to downsize and simplify their lives.
Blurring The Line Between Indoors and Outdoors
One kitchen trend worth keeping an eye on in 2024 is blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. This means creating a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
One popular way to achieve this is by having a glass wall or large sliding glass doors that open your kitchen to the outdoors.
The trend also reflects how we use our space. More people are choosing to spend time outdoors for dining and entertaining. You can see this in restaurants where guests enjoy drinks at the bar or beverage stations and then move onto al fresco dining spaces rather than sitting indoors.
Not only that, people are now focusing on biophilic design, shaping their homes to be more in sync with nature rather than being overly synthetic.
Imperfect Perfection
We’ve seen straight lines and smooth curves on everything from furniture to architecture, so what’s next? Imperfection.
In 2024 and beyond, expect to see more irregular shapes and less perfect looks in kitchens.
Japanese art like wabi-sabi, which focuses on the beauty of imperfection, has inspired designers and homeowners to embrace imperfections in their kitchens.
In fact, it’s not just design trends embracing imperfection; the homeowners themselves are, too. Thanks to social media’s surge, we’re more open about our flaws and fears online, creating a society that embraces imperfections.
The Wonders of Smart Kitchens
Expect to see more smart kitchens in the coming years —not just in 2024. Smart technology is becoming more prevalent in all aspects of life, and it’s no different in your kitchen.
This kitchen trend is already gaining momentum. Companies like Samsung and LG released their own smart fridges, which you can connect with other appliances (including your smartphone) to make life easier [2].
Dual cook ovens are also an innovation where you can cook and steam different dishes simultaneously.
How about virtual flame technology? Induction cooking stoves don’t tell you how hot the flame is. With this virtual flame technology, you can get a visual representation of the heat level through LED lights—and adjust the cooking functions accordingly.
These smart innovations are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to kitchen technology.
Envision a future kitchen that is not just smarter but brilliantly efficient and simpler to navigate than you ever hoped.
Splashbacks Take the Center Stage
Splashbacks are an essential element in a kitchen. They protect your walls from water splashes, grease, and dirt and add beauty to your space. The good news is that you no longer have to settle for plain splashbacks.
A splashback as the focal point in kitchens is slowly becoming a trend. Splashbacks are no longer just the finishing touch at the end of your kitchen but rather a design element that gives your space an extra oomph.
You can turn your splashback into the centre of attention using intricate tile patterns, bold colors, veined marbles, or mix of materials.
But if you think that your splashback isn’t getting the attention it deserves, using LED lights around it can help.
You can also try keeping the surrounding area minimalistic to let your splashback stand out.
Enhancing Spaces with Texture
Texture has always been a familiar element in living rooms and bedrooms, but kitchens have recently jumped on the bandwagon, too.
Rich wood species like walnut, cherry, and oak are all the rage. Their bold wood grains and deep, rich colouring give a natural and outdoor feel to your kitchen. Just imagine running your hand across a wooden countertop or a rough stone slab splashback.
And why stop at countertops and splashbacks? Textured kitchen cabinetry, such as shiplap or beadboard, can add a cosy, country charm to the room.
The Elegance of Floating Shelves
Have you ever noticed that when you walk into a kitchen, all those cabinet doors from the floor to the ceiling can make the space feel a bit overwhelming? That’s where the beauty of floating shelves comes in.
They have become quite the trend in kitchens, and for good reason.
By simply getting rid of just one set of upper cabinets or built-in pantries, you can instantly make your kitchen look and feel so much lighter and airier.
Wood floating shelves have been a hit and will continue to be popular, but keep your eyes peeled for the rise of marble shelving in 2024.
Here’s a little tip to take it up a notch – consider adding a brass rail to those floating shelves.
It’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference. The polished brass will really stand out against the marble, and the contrast will add some warmth to your kitchen.
Timeless Allure of Kitchen Islands
I’m sure you’ve seen homes with multipurpose kitchen islands already. They offer an opportunity to add extra storage and prep space while also being a design focal point in the kitchen.
Most traditional kitchens have some sort of island or peninsula and can come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. You might have seen one made from high-quality wood or stone, for example, which looks great but can be expensive.
In 2024, these types of islands will still be popular. So, it’s not too late to add one in your kitchen.
Conclusion
Is your kitchen ready for 2024?
If not, it’s time to start planning. As we enter a new year, we’re likely to see a lot of new trends, not just for kitchens.
Don’t let your kitchen get left behind!
Even if a few of these trends don’t apply to your kitchen now, they still provide a glimpse into what the dream kitchen design will look like in the coming years. Hopefully, this list will help you prepare.
So, what do you think about these hottest kitchen trends? Let us know!
