Do you ever feel like you can’t stay on top of the kitchen design trends because they change so often? It’s true that trends do roll in fast … and sometimes roll out just as quickly. But some trends stick around for a while. The year 2023 brought trends that included an emphasis on natural elements, mixed metals, and stone slabs galore. Read on to find out which kitchen trends we think will have staying power in 2024 (and beyond, maybe).
Monochromatic Color
Single-hue and tonal palettes in kitchens work for both light-filled and darker spaces. There’s something so satisfying about a seamless transition in a workspace like a kitchen. This trend can incorporate bold colors or neutral colors, as long as you follow the main concept of limiting contrast.
Mixed Materials
The past year was all about mixing metals and other elements. Brass faucets with black cabinet hardware and stainless-steel light fixtures work well together when chosen with intention. This look is easy to pull off when you let go of old beliefs that say everything must match.
Stone Slab Backsplash
Slab backsplashes are sticking around. Whether it’s marble, quartz, or granite, the continuous, seamless look of these slabs gives kitchen spaces a clean, elevated aesthetic. And just because it looks luxurious doesn’t mean it’s necessarily more expensive. In some cases, it’s less labor to install than tile and grout. Another benefit: It’s easy to clean and care for.
Integrated Appliances
This trend puts the focus on cohesion, something many consumers are wanting. Microwaves, blenders, and toasters go behind a panel or a cabinet door. Integrated appliances have a clutter-free and clean look.
Increased Storage
There’s an emphasis on organization that has taken over social trends, and the kitchen — the heart of the home — is most impacted. An organized kitchen that both holds and hides necessities is not only a pleasing aesthetic, but it’s also efficient. Increased storage in the kitchen comes by way of a smart cabinet design that includes multiple large drawers, slide-out shelves, and hidden spice racks.
Beverage Stations
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or an amateur mixologist, craft beverage making is an elevated experience deserving of its own area. A corner in the kitchen with shelving or cabinetry, drawers, and a beverage refrigerator are some of the elements that make this stayover design trend work.
Open Shelving
This trend won’t disappear in 2024 — and we can see why. It’s practical, beautiful, and downright affordable. Open shelving replaces upper cabinets to house kitchen essentials and other beautiful items like art, serving pieces, and plants. Open shelving works especially well in smaller kitchens where you want to create a light and airy feeling in a tight space.
Layered Lighting
Gone are the days when the kitchen sported only recessed can lights. Layered lighting is a trend that makes a lot of sense in the kitchen. Ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting are the three key elements of layered light. What does that look like? It might mean strategically placed can lights in the ceiling combined with pendant lights over an island and an accent light above the sink window.
Kitchens That Open to Outside
With a recent leaning toward biophilic design, indoor-outdoor kitchens are certainly on trend. They’re a winner for giving your kitchen a bit of extra space — at least for part of the year, when the doors can open and extend the dining area into the outdoors.
Disguised Range Hoods
Every kitchen needs a good range hood, and a well-disguised type allows the focus to rest on other design elements like cabinets, lighting, and countertops. This can be done inside a wall-mounted cabinet or inset in the wall and surrounded by drywall. Match paint or tile to the surrounding wall for an integrated look.
Built-In Dining Nooks
Maximizing space in the kitchen is a trend that will last. This trend makes use of a corner or even a side wall, creating built-in seating on one side paired with a dining table and a couple of chairs on the other side. There are no rules for how to create a comfortable dining nook — just use cozy furniture like a small sofa or armchairs to encourage lounging.
Natural Elements
Natural wood cabinets, earthy colors, and ample light are a trend that, when done right, can lend a comfortable and easy vibe to your kitchen.
White Appliances
For years, stainless steel finishes ruled the kitchen appliance world. Now white appliances are back, and they look clean and modern paired with a timeless all-white kitchen design or with cabinets painted mint green, navy blue, or light coral.
