Every year, my dream kitchen wishlist gets longer and longer. An island, statement surfaces, fluted glass cabinets, a pot filler tap and a generous larder – check, check, check. If you’re like me, wait until you see the kitchen trends 2024!
I’ve looked high and low, and consulted the experts, to compile a list of kitchen trends that are going to be popular in 2024. “As we enter the new year, it’s clear that vibrant patterns, collages, soft and cosy fabrics and all that lovely dopamine dressing we are currently obsessed with will dominate design,” explains Melissa Klink, creative director at kitchen manufacturer Harvey Jones.
“Grey is gone and super warm tones and shades will be the new go-to shades – we’re talking rich burgundies, aged brass, muddy golds, warm terracotta, fresh greens, and crisp teal hues, among others,” adds Melissa. Intrigued? I know I am!
Ready to explore the kitchen trends for 2024? Let’s begin…
Kitchen trends 2024:
- Colour confidence
- Slab splashbacks
- Spa kitchens
- Newstalgia
- Stainless steel everywhere
- Highly functional kitchens
Colour confidence
Is 2024 the year we’re going to become more daring with our kitchens? Well, the experts say yes! “We expect to see homeowners gain more colour confidence in 2024, introducing colour throughout the kitchen, through cabinetry, worktops and even inside cupboards and pantries, creating unique elements of surprise,” says Al Bruce, founder of kitchen company Olive & Barr.
I spot a micro-trend right there – mixing and matching complementing hues for your cabinets’ doors and interiors. Painting the interior of your pantry is a great way of adding a subtle pop of personality to your kitchen. You can take this one step further by going for patterned wallpaper inside of your breakfast cupboard or larder.
Wallpaper and soft furnishings brand Graham & Brown‘s interior expert James Greenwood agrees: “High drama and bold use of colour is on the horizon for next year and we are here for it. The kitchen is already a space that stimulates through the colour of food and aromas so play into this by introducing vivid colour.”
I, for one, am excited to see charming kitchen designs adorned with joyful paint – an instant mood booster.
Slab splashbacks
“Slab backsplashes are making a big statement in 2024 kitchen design,” says Richard Davonport, managing director at kitchen company Davonport. This trend is all about creating a seamless look with the help of a single, large slab for your splashback.
How can you achieve this look, you ask? “Whether it’s a marble slab or a more budget-friendly porcelain or quartz alternative, the use of a single material for both countertop and splashback adds an elegant and timeless touch to the kitchen. Our pick would be Calacatta voila marble or viola marble for your slab splashback as they have intricate swaths of veins in either black, deep purple or brown which make them more interesting than a plain alternative,” explains Richard.
Spa kitchens
Love a pared-back look? In 2024, our kitchens will get a spa makeover, says Richard Eaton, design director at British pottery brand Denby. As the heart of our homes, the kitchen should feel grounding and comforting.
“Neutral, organic hues have long been a popular option for kitchens. Going into 2024, we’ll be taking this to the next level, incorporating natural materials to create a more rustic and serene space,” he says. “Taking inspiration from the pared-back luxury of spa décor, the kitchen will become a space for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. Neutral colour palettes will form the basis of this trend, with stony grey, cream, and serene cashmere tones being a popular choice for cabinetry.”
To get this desirable look, opt for tactile lighting solutions. Plus, rustic tableware, raw wood elements and handcrafted ceramics can help you add a spa-like element to your design.
Newstalgia
I love a bit of classic English farmhouse style with a modern twist. This is what I like to call the ‘Newstalgia’ aesthetic. “The trend for ‘nostalgia with style’ will continue, and kitchens with freestanding elements, stone-topped table islands, dresser style pantries, tongue and groove and rich, heritage colours will be the height of chic – an ideal marriage of traditional looks and bespoke craftsmanship with contemporary individuality and functionality,” says Lois Riley, designer at kitchen manufacturer Mowlem & Co.
“Timeless and elegant, shaker kitchens remain a popular choice for period homes,” says Elizabeth Sherwin, creative director at Naked Kitchens. “Don’t be scared to integrate contrasting elements to elevate their look and feel.”
Freestanding kitchen islands have recently started regaining popularity for their charming appeal. Large Shaker-style larders painted in a daring colour make for a chic centrepiece in any kitchen – pretty as well as highly practical. And, antique lighting fixtures, aged brass handles and a moody colour scheme are ideal for embracing this trend in 2024.
Stainless steel everywhere
Stainless steel is one of the staple materials in any kitchen. Just take a look around yours and you are guaranteed to spot it somewhere. Whether it’s a kitchen appliance, sink or tap, stainless steel is one of the most used materials in modern kitchens.
And, it comes with plenty of benefits, too. “Stainless steel has been used in professional kitchens for years, as it is easy to clean, resistant to stains and even prevents bacteria from building up on surfaces,” says Simon Ribchester, head of design at Beams.
“In part thanks to the Netflix documentary Beckham, viewers have become obsessed with stainless steel kitchens like the clean and tidy kitchen in David Beckham’s London home,” explains Thomas Hopper, category manager at Miele UK. And, I have to admit – I also had an instant crush on the Beckham’s pro-style kitchen.
“Where steel was once thought of as perhaps too stark and cold for a domestic kitchen, it’s actually a really practical material that can be combined with warmer materials elsewhere to make the space inviting and welcoming for kitchens,” suggests Thomas.
A great way of welcoming stainless steel into your kitchen is through a durable worktop, statement range cooker and hood, or a stylish sink and tap combo. Pair it with natural wood and natural stone or marble-effect surfaces to soften the look.
Highly functional kitchens
Last, but not least, kitchens are becoming even more hardworking in 2024. “As the kitchen has become a multi-purpose hub not just for cooking, but also relaxing, working remotely and hosting friends and family, the need to keep this space more organised has increased. Introducing hidden elements such as a breakfast pantry can make all the difference,” advises Tom Howley, creative design director at the eponymous kitchen brand.
“Similarly, walk-in pantries, bootilities and back kitchens have been gaining popularity, our customers now see them as central aspects to their kitchen designs. These highly functional spaces hide all the clutter of the main kitchen – think linens, cleaning products, dry goods and appliances,” adds Tom.
So, if you’ve got the space, it’s worth sitting down in the new year to analyse what tweaks you can do to improve the functionality of your home. Perhaps you can transform an awkward, unused corner or nook into a second prep kitchen. Or you can reconfigure your utility room’s layout and storage to make the most of every inch.
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