Our kitchens have undoubtedly become the focal point of our homes, beautifully designed yet practical and functional. More than ever, our kitchens need to be a welcoming space for cooking and eating as well as a place to share moments with loved ones.
Each year we wonder which styles and trends will prevail in new and renovated kitchens
From earthy colour palettes to multifunctional kitchen islands, kitchen trends for 2024 are varied..and exciting. Read on for a discussion of the kitchen trends we will see more of in the new year.
1. Warm colour palettes will continue to trend
The trend of embracing warm colour palettes in the kitchen will continue to gain momentum in 2024. It could well be a continuation of our collective desire to feel joy and to be cocooned and nurtured within our homes. Warm tones create a sense of coziness.
Colour
Homeowners are moving away from all white and cool toned kitchens and embracing earthy colours and warm under toned neutrals.
Warm shades like deep terracotta, muted oranges, and soft yellows are being incorporated into cabinetry, splashbacks, bench tops and accent pieces, even appliances.
David Flack
I just love David Flack’s latest project, Tamarama House, where the kitchen is a beautiful mix of materials and finishes in warm colours.
The combination of rich, warm colours adds a touch of comfort and also creates visually appealing vibrancy especially when paired with natural materials like wooden textures, stone surfaces and metals.
2. 2024 will (again) feature the statement island
This year has been all about the curved island with intricately-veined, colour-infused stone bench tops…and who doesn’t love that look!
The statement kitchen island will remain popular in 2024. We will see more creative designs incorporating sculptural elements, interesting materials and additional storage.
3. Silica-free, alternative benchtop materials
We are becoming more aware of the risks of silica based benchtops to manufacturers and installers. I, for one, am looking for alternatives that are just as as durable and aesthetic.
The options below are great alternatives and are also on par budget wise.
Sintered stone
This material is garnering increased attention and I spent some time researching its features and benefits.
Sintered stone is made by fusing and compacting natural minerals under high pressure. This results in an extremely strong product that withstands heat, scratching and staining.
Sintered stone is also a sustainable material as it's recyclable.
The range of colours and patterns means there is an option to suit the most creative of designs.
Compact laminate
Compact laminate is a very solid material that is heat, scratch and impact resistant as well as hygienic and easy to clean as it's non porous.
Compact laminate is made from layers of paper that have been dipped in resin and dried. The layers are stacked and pressed between laminate before being compressed under high pressure and then heated to permanently fuse together.
4. Layered lighting in the kitchen
Kitchen lighting is usually an after thought - install some ceiling LEDs and pick a pendant or two for the island. However, I believe that in 2024, there'll be a shift away from this approach.
The transformative effects of good lighting can’t be overstated and more thought and better planning will ensure that all the lighting in the kitchen is both functional and flattering!
Crafting the perfect lighting scheme is an art. It's not just about illumination, it's about strategically placing each light source to maximise its impact and effectiveness.
In 2024, lighting will be very layered. It won’t be just ceiling lights and pendants over the bench top. Lighting will become softer and more diffused to create a feeling of cosiness and comfort - mimicking the dining room and lounge room lighting.
Some kitchen lighting options include:
Wall sconces
Bench top lamps
In 2024 we will see the use of beautiful sculptural lamps on the bench top.
Accent lighting
It will be about adding accent lighting to create vignettes of loved treasures. We will shine the light on small artworks or beautiful features such as a stone or tiled ledge. We will see more recessed lighting in glass fronted cabinetry or under shelves.
5. Creative range hood covers
In 2024, we will see more creatively designed range hood covers.
Gone will be the days when range hoods were hidden behind upper cabinetry or purchased as a fixed canopy (unless they’re unique and stylish). They will increasingly become focal points in the kitchen and are an opportunity for creativity as well as providing an extra element in the design mix.
6. Butler's Pantry
The butler's pantry has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, becoming a desirable feature in modern homes. Their popularity coincided with the move towards open plan living with the kitchen now in a central spot and in full view of the main living areas.
Traditionally designed as a space for storing staples such as flour, sugar and other groceries as well as pots, pans, dishes, silverware and serving ware, the butler's pantry has now become a place to keep bulky items, small appliances, possibly a secondary sink, oven and fridge.
A butler's pantry allows the main kitchen to remain tidy by offering another area for meal preparation, cooking, cleaning and storage.
7. Relaxed Luxury
In kitchen design for 2024, the concept of Relaxed Luxury will take centre stage.
Picture a kitchen space that blends luxury materials and aesthetics with a touch of tranquility, comfort and style. That, to me, is relaxed luxury in the kitchen. The layout, colours and materials are carefully considered but the effect is understated.
From plush sofas nestled near sunlit windows adjacent to the kitchen to the use of textured detailing and accents, the relaxed luxury kitchen of 2024 exudes elegance and feels effortlessly chic.
The kitchen below incorporates smooth marble bench tops with warm, earthy tones to create a space that feels calm and sophisticated, more like a holiday retreat than a utilitarian kitchen.
The move towards relaxed luxe is all about indulgence without the fuss and here are some ways to achieve this look:
Imperfect tiles
Art in the kitchen:
I personally love placing art in the kitchen. Do you have a favourite ceramic vase or bowl? A memento collected from a favourite holiday or a treasured gift? When styling your kitchen adding these personal pieces create a focal point and make the space warm and inviting.
Which looks from my Kitchen Design trends 2024 predictions are you excited about?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below. Let me know what you’re loving.
This was a great read Grace!