A clean look is on trend for kitchens in 2024. Use Pantone's color of the year, peach fuzz, to add even more appeal.
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The most functional, valuable and essential room in the home is the kitchen. It's a sacred space where families gather regularly to prepare and enjoy meals and socialize. Given the kitchen's growing importance, experts agree that it makes sense to stay on top of what's new and different in kitchen design.
“The kitchen is considered the heart of the home, and staying on top of kitchen design trends can help ensure that your space is both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” explains Brad Smith, interior designer and CEO of Omni Home Ideas. “Smart design improvements can also impact your home's resale value, preventing your kitchen from becoming outdated or lacking in modern functionality.”
Diana Melichar, owner of Melichar Architects in Lake Forest, Illinois, says kitchens continue to evolve as a reflection of a homeowner's personal expression and lifestyle.
“As we spend more time living and working at home, we're rethinking how we eat and entertain at home, and our individual, eclectic style is reflected in our kitchen design choices,” she says.
So what will be popular in kitchens in 2024? Here are some of the trends we expect to see in the coming year.
“In 2024, we expect kitchens to get smarter,” says Ginadi Feldman, CEO of Feldman Construction, a custom home builder in the San Francisco Bay Area. “In my experience working with clients in the Bay Area, more of them are asking for smart kitchens than ever before. This trend means that the kitchen will become more of a space for working, socializing and exercising, not just cooking. Think integrated workstations, smart appliances that seamlessly sync with devices and multi-purpose dining areas.”
Seattle interior designer Cammie Anderson expects to see a cleaner look at kitchens in the coming months.
“Homeowners will look to eliminate visual clutter by incorporating built-in appliances instead of countertop appliances such as espresso makers, steam ovens and speed ovens,” she predicts. “Also, large, premium ranges with dramatic hoods reminiscent of old-fashioned fireplaces will replace countertop and wall-mounted ovens.”
According to Danielle DeVoe Harper, senior creative style manager at Moen, kitchen faucets are also expected to be upgraded.
“Kitchen faucets are becoming increasingly customizable to fit any home's aesthetic, and from the variety of handle designs and finishes to innovative touchless technology, I think this high sense of customization will continue to evolve,” says Devoe Harper. “And with the retro revival kitchen design trend, homeowners are leaning toward chrome, matte black, or brushed gold finishes to create beautiful contrasts. Combining metals to create contrast in the kitchen can subtly draw attention to the room's most commonly used fixture.”
Smith expects to see open shelving in more kitchens next year, allowing homeowners to display their dishes.
“We'll also see more smart kitchens integrating the latest technology, from smart refrigerators to voice-activated lighting. As homeowners are increasingly drawn to sustainable materials, they will also demand eco-friendly countertops, cabinets and appliances. Natural colours and tactile finishes will also reflect the broader trend of biophilic design, with earthy colours and textures becoming more popular,” Smith notes.
Melichar believes there are several key developments happening that will gain momentum next year.
Diana Melichar of Melichar Architects in Lake Forest, Illinois, says homeowners are looking for color in their kitchens this year.
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“Kitchens are no longer perceived as bleak and cold spaces, with more homeowners embracing warmer palettes with layers of color, texture and finishes, and bold accents of color that add playfulness and focus. Organic, saturated colors like ink blue, dark forest green and charcoal gray are especially popular, as they exude a timeless feel and pair well with classic furniture, natural accents and transitional cabinet lines,” she says. “Deep browns, saffron yellow and terracotta colors are often paired with neutrals like beige and off-white.”
Internal layering is another prediction from Melichar.
“We're seeing more furniture-like cabinetry in the home, from decorative toe risers and bottom cabinet feet to cupboard-style cupboards. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and low-profile small appliances are also popular, while fabric, metal mesh panels and stained glass on doors are making a comeback,” she continues.
Overly decorative design and glossy finishes are expected to be replaced by a more natural, minimalist aesthetic, says Smith, and all-white kitchens are also slowly moving out of this realm.
“We predict a decline in monochromatic and overly industrial-looking kitchens. A cold, inorganic aesthetic doesn't exude an inviting atmosphere. This means we'll see a move away from excessive stainless steel in favor of warmer materials,” Feldman says.
To get kitchen inspiration, browse design magazines and websites, look for ideas on social media, and even watch home renovation reality shows.
Ginadi Feldman of Feldman Construction in the San Francisco Bay Area says warmer materials are making a comeback in kitchen design.
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“Also consider consulting with a kitchen designer or design-build firm. An experienced professional can help bring your ideas to life, achieving both beauty and functionality,” adds Feldman.
