by Jan Rutgers
It’s that time of year again! Time to predict the kitchen design trends for 2024.
Every January I scour the internet, talk with my designer clients, and reflect on my past year’s projects to predict what will be trending in kitchen design for the year.
And then I compare my predictions with what I see at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas in February.
On that note, if you are attending KBIS 2024, you will want to check out the session Sarah Reep and I are presenting called “No More Free Design”. Love to see you there!
Back to the trends!. Trends are design directions that emerge and take hold for a few years.
Looking back on my trends blog posts from 2022 and 2023, many of these trends are still going strong in the world of kitchen design.
This year I have identified 7 kitchen design trends that I predict will be popular in 2024.
Here is what I see emerging for 2024.
The Classic English Kitchen
The Classic English Kitchen is a kitchen decor style I predict will replace the Modern Farmhouse look.
This look has been popularized by a British kitchen firm called DeVol Kitchens, who have a series on the Magnolia Network called “For the Love of Kitchens”.
It echoes some details from Modern Farmhouse but takes kitchen design to the next level.
It is a simple design aesthetic that relies on classic details such as bead board, pilaster posts, open shelves, corbels, paneled cabinet ends, custom hoods and simple mouldings.
The color pallet tends to be subdued, with a preference for muted tones that create a serene and inviting atmosphere.
With craftmanship top of mind for this look, it is the perfect place to introduce an antique or reclaimed piece of furniture.
It definitely is a kitchen design aesthetic that will appeal to consumers looking for a inviting, non-pretentious kitchen with classic details that won’t date.
Natural Wood Cabinets
The allure of natural materials will be a dominant force in kitchen design, with a particular emphasis on natural wood cabinets.
I see this as a reaction to the all white kitchen that has been so popular in the past decade.
Both clients and consumers are looking for something new and fresh.
I saw this occur in the 90’s when the all white gloss kitchen was everywhere. White cabinets, white countertops, white backsplash, white floor and even white appliances was the go-to look.
The reaction of the kitchen industry then was to pivot to dark kitchens in wenge and cherry.
While the switch this time will be more subtle with light natural woods dominating, it will be great to see how designers will approach integrating wood grains rather than defaulting to a safe painted white kitchen.
The industry is also being influenced by the “Organic” decor style movement and natural wood fits right in.
And, having designed over 1000 kitchens in my career, I know a light wood stained cabinet is much more durable than a painted kitchen.
The Color Green
Even though stained wood cabinets will be trending, painted cabinets will still be popular.
I predict the number one new color for kitchen cabinetry in 2024 will be green.
Green has a natural fresh feel, it brings the out-doors-in and it pairs extremely well with wood cabinetry.
Just think a wood tree trunk and green leaves!
The green tone will lean towards soft pastels to deep moody greens all with warm undertones. No electric vibrant greens!
Watch for green to show up as cabinets, backsplashes, decor elements and even countertops.
Also, the color green is celebrated for its ability to create a refreshing ambiance, making the kitchen space that not only nourishes the body but also the soul.
Cabinet Details
The devil is in the details, and nowhere is this truer than in the realm of kitchen design.
Cabinet details play a pivotal role in defining the character of a kitchen.
In 2024, intricate detailing such as raised panels, beaded board, arches, mouldings, pilasters, posts, plinth feet and elegant hardware are gaining prominence.
These subtle elements transform ordinary cabinets into statement pieces, adding depth and personality to the overall design.
The emphasis on cabinet details underscores a commitment to craftsmanship and a desire to create kitchens that are as visually appealing as they are functional.
These kitchens will look different from the overly detailed kitchens of the early 2000’s with classic detailing the goal here.
Soon the plain kitchen with shaker doors, flat end panels and no mouldings will feel very dated.
Appliance Garages
With so many small kitchen appliances hitting the market I am predicting the return of the appliance garage.
The traditional tambor wood roll up can be integrated into a contemporary kitchen and would feel right at place in a Classic English kitchen.
For a transitional or modern look a metal roll up appliance garage could be specified.
I do however see more flip-up and pocket door styled appliance garages, that look like a standard cabinet doors, being the choice for designers.
Both consumers and designers want to cut down on the clutter of countertops so a functional solutions such as an appliance garage makes a lot of sense.
For the ultimate small appliance storage a tall unit with retractable doors complete with counter surface would be perfect!
Real Stone Countertops
Many of the trends I see emerging in 2024 are reactions to past kitchen design trends that need an update.
Designers and consumers just want something new, and countertops fall into this category.
Manmade quartz has been the dominate countertop choice for several years and I predict natural stones taking some of that market share away in 2024.
Granite, marble, and quartzite can bring a timeless and opulent quality to a kitchen.
The natural veining and unique patterns of these stones make each countertop a one-of-a-kind work of art.
The natural stone industry has also introduced better sealers in recent years making natural stone a much more functional countertop than it was 20 years ago.
Natural stone also slots well into the Organic style aesthetic popular with many designers and homeowners.
The Back Kitchen
This last trend is really a rethinking of the butler’s pantry or the “spice” kitchen.
The COVID shut down put pressure on the open concept kitchen and consumers building or remodeling their kitchens now will be talking to their designers about the issues of the open concept kitchen.
Things like noise control, odour control, clutter and extra food storage being part of the discussion.
This is where the “Back Kitchen” comes into play.
My prediction is that designers will implement these spaces into their designs to meet a variety of client’s needs.
These space will be multifunctional, with tons of storage, extra appliances and additional counter space.
This will help keep the main kitchen in the greatroom to remain clutter-free and focused on its aesthetic integrity.
As homeowners seek efficiency and organization, the back kitchen will emerge as a practical solution that complements the overall design while enhancing the functionality of the space.
As we navigate the exciting landscape of kitchen design trends in 2024, it becomes evident that the convergence of elegance and functionality defines the essence of contemporary kitchens.
From the enduring appeal of the Classic English Look to the embrace of natural materials, thoughtful details, and innovative solutions, designers are presented with a diverse array of choices to create kitchens that reflect their client’s unique style and cater to their practical needs.
As the kitchen continues to evolve into a multi-functional and aesthetically pleasing space, the trends of 2024 offer a glimpse into a future where design meets functionality in perfect harmony.
If you want to read about how the KBIS 2024 (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) displays support or don’t support my predictions, subscribe to my blog below. My VESTA KBIS trends blog will post a few weeks after the show.
Jan Rutgers has been designing for over 25 years. Developing functional layouts for every area of the home is her passion. She has designed more than 1000 kitchens in her career, learning valuable skills with each one! Her experience in Kitchen Design, Millwork Manufacturing and Product Development has led her to create VESTABUL SCHOOL OF DESIGN where she educates and mentors people passionate about the Kitchen Design Industry.
I think you nailed the 2024 Trends … I’m in total agreement! Hope it doesn’t take long to sway this little city I live in to step out of the 2010 box. It will be a fun year if they can!
I hear you Celeste! I’m hoping my predictions are validated at KBIS 2024 next month!
Love your blog! This is so well crafted!
Thanks Irene!
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