Kitchen trends come and go, and styles come and go so quickly that it's hard to keep up. One moment we're all in love with deep, dark kitchen colors, and the next we're fawning over a bright white pantry. This is a fickle business, but if there's one thing we know to be true, it's this. It's about decorating just for you, just for you.
High-gloss contemporary slab-front cabinets were all the rage not too long ago. However, it has waned in popularity over the past few years and has been replaced by more traditionally styled kitchen trends. But in 2024, this seemingly outdated kitchen trend is making a comeback. So what do you think?A shiny kitchen Really will be What will be the trends in 2024?
Today, the trendiest interior designers and kitchen manufacturers are turning to glossy finishes to add a punch of style and add an old-world charm to more distinctive kitchens. So we asked them what they thought. Here's why you should incorporate beautiful lacquer into your kitchen this year.
Are high-gloss kitchens a trend for 2024?
(Image credit: Emily June Designs / Claudia Casbarian / Julie Soefer)
Shiny kitchens are not a new concept. Futuristic glossy kitchens first became popular in the '70s and had a bit of a resurgence in the 2010s, but that was before everyone fell in love with today's popular matte or semi-gloss kitchen cabinet styles.
If you're looking to refresh your kitchen this year, a glossy finish may be the answer. Designers enjoy the luster and reflective quality it brings to the kitchen. “I'm drawn to high-end lacquered kitchens for their elegance, transforming any space into a sophisticated culinary haven,” says Jenna Chused of Brooklyn-based interior design firm Chused & Company. says.
Richard Davonport, managing director of Davonport, agrees. “If you’re looking for impact and class, a high-gloss kitchen delivers both. 2024 is the year that trends emerge from the ashes. First we saw a resurgence of wooden kitchen cabinets, and now we’re seeing a return of high-gloss kitchen cabinets. A certain kitchen is in high demand.'' But is it really that shocking?
Shiny surfaces have a timeless appeal that is difficult to recreate. It creates a sense of spaciousness and makes even a small kitchen feel larger and more inviting. Reflections from glossy surfaces enhance natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. This is a highly appreciated feature in modern kitchen design.
Glossy kitchens are especially suitable for small or north-facing spaces, as they reflect light and create a bright and airy room. However, this does not mean that glossy cabinets should be used only in this situation. And of course, don't forget that gloss makes cleaning easier. Because it can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth. It’s a low-maintenance option for people with busy schedules and family lives,” says Richard.
But in 2024, we're not talking about slab fronts or ultra-modern, ultra-sleek kitchens. Instead, designers are giving way to more distinctive, traditional British kitchen styles, giving them a shiny, bold shine to bring them into a new era.
How to achieve a shiny kitchen in 2024
(Image credit: Chuused & Co / Photo Jeff Holt)
The high-gloss kitchen trend feels especially fresh. Trends in color application and shine are a little more subtle, as kitchen color trends move back and forth between muted and bold colors. Similar to the stainless steel kitchen trend, it provides a sense of sophisticated space where professional chefs and professional hosts can relax.
We all know that what is considered trendy today may be outdated tomorrow. But for now, we asked interior designers to find out the most trending ways to treat and style a shiny kitchen in 2024, and how to create it at home.
1. Paint the front of your Shaker-style cabinet with a gloss finish.
(Image credit: Chuused & Co / Photo Jeff Holt)
Although typically used for minimalist slab-front cabinets, using a gloss finish on shaker kitchen cabinets is the way to go in 2024. It can enhance the overall feel of a classic kitchen and create a sleek, sophisticated look that appeals to those looking for a mix. Timeless charm with a little modern edge. Plus, it's an easy DIY upgrade by simply painting your existing kitchen cabinets.
Jenna Choused, founder of Chuused & Co and designer of the beautifully sparkling kitchen seen above with a generous coat of red paint, chose to paint the cabinets with a high gloss lacquer. Thanks to this process, the finish is incredibly durable and easy to wipe off, so it's a win-win.
A plaster range hood with brass hardware and open shelves maintains the look and feel of a transitional kitchen, while a marble countertop lends a modern feel brought by lacquer.
Merlin Wright, Design Director at Plain English Design, says: “When used carefully, gloss paint can really elevate any interior by reflecting light and adding depth and interest to any color scheme.'' “I can do that,” he says. “Glosses are never out of fashion for us, but we are using them more these days because water-based gloss technology has improved dramatically in recent years. Previously, gloss paints were oil-based, so It required a dust-free environment and had long drying times, making it difficult and time-consuming to paint.”
2. Give your walls and ceiling a glossy finish
(Image credit: Hollie Bowden / Genevieve Lutkin)
If the idea of glossy cabinets doesn't particularly appeal to you, a way to balance this trend is to mix and match finishes. “The use of high gloss on cabinetry is used as a statement scheme to accentuate accent areas and is gaining a lot of attention,” says Joa Studholm, color curator at Farrow & Ball. “Balancing ultra-matte and full-gloss is an unexpected but gorgeous way to give a space a modern, sophisticated feel.”
Applying a glossy finish to the walls and ceiling and keeping the cabinets flat can create a striking effect while amplifying light in a more subtle way and adding depth to the room. It's a bold and simple way to inject charm into your space.
“We often use gloss in combination with other finishes, as a wall-to-wall gloss can be a bit much depending on the space,” Marlin says. “A typical approach might be to paint the taller cupboards glossy, either in a contrasting color or a glossy version of the same, versus a series of eggshell floor cupboards.” he suggests. “Gloss also acts as a very minimal, wipeable splashback when used on blocks behind sinks and stoves as an alternative to stone, steel and tile.” Glossy finishes are easier to wipe off than matte finishes and are more durable in areas with heavy traffic or in humid rooms.
3. Combine with shiny appliances such as stainless steel
(Image credit: Victoria Holly Interiors / Photo Lauren Engel)
When working with a glossy finish, you don't want the look to be dulled by boring appliances. Therefore, our best advice is to convert your range cooker, dishwasher, freestanding refrigerator and even your sink to stainless steel. Yes, it will sink.
Stainless steel offers a timeless elegance that complements the smoothness of its polished finish for an industrial-meets-professional look. Additionally, the reflective properties of stainless steel improve the brightness of shiny surfaces. If you're wondering what color is best for stainless steel appliances, the answer is basically “everything.” Suitable for both dark and moody palettes as well as neutral color schemes, the silver cooktop will complement any kitchen style.
However, stainless steel appliances are known for showing fingerprints and smudges, which can ruin the original appearance of the shiny surface. Therefore, be sure to follow our guide on how to clean stainless steel appliances.
4. Choose a freestanding island or pantry and paint it with lacquer.
(Image credit: Plain English Design)
Instead of glossy cabinetry that has no connection to the walls, try lacquering to infuse a freestanding kitchen island or pantry with a luxurious sheen. This gives it a strong presence in the kitchen, especially in contrast to flat walls and matte cabinets.
Using a combination of finishes allows you to bring out architectural details and play with color without overwhelming the entire kitchen. “It's all about mixing textures and introducing interesting details,” explains Tiffany Duggan, founder of Studio Duggan. “If your color palette is very tonal, mixing rough and smooth or matte and glossy finishes is a great way to add interest,” she suggests.
Lacquering allows you to customize freestanding furniture with a pop of color. Like the kitchen above, this Plain English-designed kitchen features a glossy crimson island and a dusty pink glossy pantry. Simply use paint to breathe new life into existing items or use it as a standout accent in your kitchen redesign.
“For us, it all comes down to the overall interior planning and a more traditional style of kitchen,” says Tom Rutt of TR Studios. “While we feel gloss is more suited to more contemporary kitchen styles, there's always a place to use gloss paint and add gloss paint to the inside of cupboards for an unexpected surprise. It often happens.”
A shiny kitchen is not for everyone. Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste and how much your style resonates. High shine may be making waves in kitchen design right now, but trends are always evolving. So whether you want to dive all in or create something new, we've shown you plenty of ways to put your own spin on the trend. A subtle nod to gloss.
