From show-stopping lighting to a stainless steel revival, these emerging kitchen trends are set to reshape our culinary spaces for 2024 and beyond.
As we look ahead to summer 2024, entertaining is most certainly set to be back on the agenda. Is it any surprise then that kitchen design trends are undergoing a remarkable transformation marked by a fusion of a need for nature and futuristic functionality?
Be it the resurgence of statement tiles, where bold patterns and vibrant colours reclaim their place as focal points within kitchen spaces, the advent of stainless steel for a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic, or an even greater shift to homeowners embracing the warmth and versatility of an eco-friendly approach to interiors, we’re most certainly seeing a shift in preferences with a deeper appreciation for sustainable materials and innovative design solutions.
Here’s exactly what is trending for 2024 and beyond:
Adventurous tiles and flooring
The world of kitchen tile design is constantly evolving, with new trends seemingly emerging each year. “This year – and I predict next year too – I find our clients are wanting to incorporate more of a sense of play in their spaces, which I think has translated into seeing more bold colours and patterns. Kitchen tiles are a great way to channel this energy,” explains Vancouver-based interior designer Gillian Segal.
Bold and patterned, large or small, tiles are increasingly being used to add colour, texture and character to the modern-day kitchen, with brands now releasing more creative collections than ever before. Minneapolis-based designer Kelli Fontana has recently collaborated with The Tile Shop to develop a range of statement-making tiles that supply a big, bold hit of vintage glam, for example, while a newFired Earth and Nina Campbell collection will ensure tiles are the star of the show. “We also love Zellige tiles by Ann Sacks,” add Segal. “There are options that have a monochromatic effect with lots of variation due to the handmade nature of the tiles. We have added extra drama to the tile feature by tiling the entire hood fan as well as the sconces too.”
In a similar vein, if you’re looking to introduce patterns into a kitchen, updating your flooring is an ideal way of adding visual interest. “Consider opting for medium to small-scale patterns that are more proportionate to the size of the room,” explains Carly Greening, creative product manager at The Floor Room.“Luxury vinyl in particular is available in a wide variety of patterns as well as being durable and easy to clean, making it ideal for kitchen floors. For those who wish to incorporate colour, the design possibilities are endless, from classic checkerboard designs to Moroccan inspired motifs, there are now options for every style interior.”
Showstopping lighting
As understated kitchens start to take a back seat, homeowners will be turning their attention to often-overlooked kitchen design elements that can spice up a space. Case in point? Designers are seeing an increase in the desire for layered lighting and oversized or irregular statement pieces that take pride of place on any ceiling.
“The kitchen is one of the most important – if not the most important – rooms in the home,” explains Venetia Rudebeck, partner at the London-based Studio Vero. “It is increasingly not just a secondary space for just cooking, but a place to hang out and entertain, so we are naturally seeing an increase in clients wanting to invest in amazing statement lighting. Low hanging pendant lights above an island are proving particularly popular – visually they look stunning and can be as impressive as a piece of art.”
Like any room in the house, lighting at different heights and layers is key. “For those pendant lights above the island we love oversized designs and tend to always hang low for a big impact while, if there’s space, wall lights can have a beautiful decorative effect,” adds Rudebeck, who highlights lighting from New York-based design studio Apparatus among her key suppliers. “Finally, if you have space on a worktop, an oversized table lamp can also look fabulous.”
A wood resurgence
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, more and more homeowners are ditching their simple all-white kitchen cabinets for warm wood finishes, including walnut and white oak. “The natural beauty of woodis quickly becoming a hallmark of sustainability and aesthetic appeal,” says London-based kitchen designer Kate Feather. “Utilising wood resources not only adds warmth and texture to the kitchen but also contributes to a sense of harmony with nature.”
While once considered outdated and unattractive, the new breed of wood-infused kitchen is instantly approachable and inviting, with an increasing number of people forgoing the orange-stained oak cabinets of yesteryear in favour of more natural finishes that add subtle dimension and texture to a space. The trend doesn’t just stop at wooden cabinetry either, with designers also incorporating water-resistant wood floors and opting for wood countertops for a unilateral finish. “Designing with timber is our favourite choice, as it seamlessly complements both classic and modern aesthetics,” adds Feather. “Whether used in traditional cabinetry or contemporary furnishings, timber adds a touch of sophistication, serenity and charm to any design scheme.”
Stainless steel
“As we all know, fashion, including interior design fashion, has its cycles,” explains designer Olga Ashby. “After a fascination with copper a while ago, then brass and bronze, it’s about time that stainless steel has its moment in the spotlight.”
Not only extremely durable, stainless steel is also an easy material to work with as it can be cut, welded and shaped without much effort, while its strength makes it a perfect material for kitchen fronts, hoods and work tops. “It also lasts much longer than other options and, presuming you are using a high-quality steel, it won’t scratch or dent over time, a treat which passionate home cooks will appreciate a lot,” adds Ashby. “If the kitchen is big and free standing, going full stainless will certainly be a statement and bold move which will never go unnoticed.”
Ziggy Kulig, CEO atGRAFF Designs, also reports an increase in customers opting for stainless steel elements throughout their kitchens. “Metal finishes, particularly cool-toned silver and chromes, provide a sense of warmth and luminosityin a spacethat is eternally appealing,” he explains. “Silveris a timeless finish and ideal for adding a sleek contrast to a warmer colour scheme or to elevate a cooler space with chic metallic accents.”
Rustic retreats
An extension of the popular Cottagecore trend, cosy kitchens with an emphasis on soft lighting, comfortable seating and natural materials will continue to grow in popularity well into 2025 as people increasingly want to reconnect with nature and live a more sustainable lifestyle.
“Introducing elements such as exposed beams and soft colour palettes on the cabinetry is a great place to start, as are materials such as beaten brass and textured leather,” explains Chelsea-based interior designer Juliette Byrne. “In one of our recent projects we opted for natural slate worktops in the preparation area and solid oak worktops on the island to give a striking contrast. The cabinetry is painted in a Farrow and Ball lime white and has vertical shiplap in the island to soften the area.”
Other design highlights include using door fronts in a shaker style to set the country rustic ambiance while marrying your natural colour scheme with hard finishes such as stone and hand-made ceramics. “Flooring can be reclaimed tiles, natural limestone or wood, but avoid highly polished finishes or polished concrete as this can give a more urban feel,” adds Byrne. “Similarly avoid anything too sparkly or glamorous as it will just look out of place.”
Read more:Interiors|Trends| Kitchens|Sustainable Design|Design
