The kitchen remains the heart of the home, and in 2024, this essential space is all about blending function, style, and a deeper connection to nature. The trends for this year bring fresh inspiration, ensuring that your kitchen not only stands out but also stays relevant for years to come.
Whether you’re looking to make bold changes or prefer subtle updates, the key to a successful kitchen renovation is balancing aesthetics with practical design choices that will endure over time.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Kitchen trends for 2024 focus on a harmonious blend of functionality, style, and natural elements. Sleek storage solutions, including handleless cabinetry and multifunctional islands, remain popular.
Combining industrial and natural materials like timber and stone is key, while benchtops in materials such as quartz, laminate, and concrete-look offer both practicality and beauty. Bold and seamless splashbacks make a statement, and open shelving continues to add personality and space.
Two-tone kitchens, terrazzo, marble surfaces, and darker, richer colour schemes create sophisticated, dynamic designs, while broken-plan layouts provide flexible, multifunctional spaces.
Storage Solutions With A Sleek, Modern Touch
Creating a kitchen that combines style with practicality has become increasingly important. In 2024, clever storage solutions that promote a minimalist and uncluttered look are gaining popularity, especially for those with open-plan homes.
- Handleless cabinetry continues to be a standout feature in modern kitchen design. These cabinets offer a clean, seamless look while maintaining a functional and easy-to-use storage system. The absence of handles creates a sleek and contemporary appearance, fitting well with the minimalist trend.
- Kitchen islands are not just for cooking anymore. These central hubs are being designed with ample storage, creating more space to keep clutter out of sight. Many islands are being used for additional dining, seating, and socialising areas, making them a versatile component of the modern kitchen.
- Butler’s pantries and extended storage spaces are back in vogue. These areas are perfect for keeping the kitchen free from clutter while providing an extra spot for preparing meals, storing appliances, or even doing laundry.
Industrial And Natural Elements: A Harmonious Blend
In 2024, the marriage of industrial materials with natural elements continues to thrive, bringing a perfect balance of raw and refined to the kitchen space.
- Timber, bamboo, and natural stone are becoming increasingly popular for creating a welcoming yet stylish kitchen environment. These materials add warmth, texture, and durability while also being environmentally friendly and sustainable.
- Stainless steel and chrome accents are still very much in fashion, particularly when combined with natural materials like timber or stone benchtops. This mix of man-made and organic materials creates a sense of balance, with the cooler tones of industrial elements playing against the warmer, earthy tones of timber and stone.
- For those who enjoy a more rustic, natural look, consider using reclaimed or recycled materials such as old timber beams or brickwork to add authenticity and charm to your kitchen.
Benchtops: A Balance Between Aesthetics And Function
When it comes to kitchen benchtops, 2024 offers a range of exciting materials that are not only practical but also visually stunning. Whether you’re looking for something low-maintenance or more luxurious, there’s a benchtop material to suit every kitchen.
- Laminate benchtops are a fantastic choice for those who want the look of more expensive materials, like marble or timber, without the high price tag. Modern laminate surfaces are incredibly durable and come in a variety of styles and finishes that mimic natural materials.
- Quartz benchtops continue to be a popular choice for homeowners seeking both style and functionality. Quartz is highly durable, resistant to scratches and stains, and available in an array of colours and textures. This makes it a versatile option for any kitchen design, whether contemporary or traditional.
- Marble-look benchtops are another trend that is set to dominate in 2024. These surfaces add a touch of elegance and luxury to any kitchen space with their timeless appeal and classic beauty. If you prefer a more modern look, consider pairing a marble-look island with simpler, block-coloured benchtops in other areas of the kitchen.
- For a contemporary and industrial feel, concrete-look benchtops are becoming a go-to option. The neutral tones of concrete provide a perfect base for a minimalist kitchen, and they can be paired with brighter colours or natural materials to add texture and depth.
Splashbacks: Adding A Creative Touch
In recent years, kitchen splashbacks have become a key feature, and in 2024, they will continue to take centre stage. Gone are the days when splashbacks were purely functional—now, they offer a chance to make a bold statement.
- Bold splashbacks are an exciting way to add character to your kitchen. Whether it’s through vibrant colours or eye-catching patterns, a well-designed splashback can turn your kitchen into a visual masterpiece.
- Seamless splashbacks are a great option for those who prefer a more understated look. These splashbacks blend seamlessly with benchtops, creating a cohesive and sleek design that’s easy to maintain.
- In terms of materials, glass, metallic tiles, and ceramics are all popular choices. Each material offers a unique texture and finish, helping you achieve the specific look you’re after, whether it’s modern, rustic, or industrial.
Open Shelving: A Trend That’s Here To Stay
Open shelving has made a strong statement in recent years, and it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere in 2024. This trend provides a wonderful opportunity to showcase your style while keeping your kitchen functional.
- Steel-framed shelves with metallic accents are a fantastic way to add an industrial touch to your kitchen while also creating an open and airy feel. These shelves are perfect for displaying dishes, glassware, and even decorative items, making the kitchen feel both practical and inviting.
- Timber shelves, especially in natural finishes, can warm up your kitchen space, complementing the modern trend of using natural materials. They also provide a perfect platform for showcasing cookbooks, plants, and decorative pieces that add personality to your kitchen.
- Open shelving also has the added benefit of making smaller kitchens feel larger. By eliminating upper cabinets and replacing them with shelves, you create a sense of openness that can make even the tiniest kitchen feel more spacious.
Two-Tone Kitchens: Playing With Colour
In 2024, two-tone kitchens continue to be a popular design choice, offering a way to inject colour and contrast into your kitchen.
- Contrasting cabinets are a great way to introduce depth and variety into your kitchen design. For example, dark lower cabinets can ground the space, while lighter upper cabinets create a sense of airiness.
- Two-tone benchtops are another way to play with colour. Pairing a bold Caesarstone surface with more neutral benchtops in other areas of the kitchen allows you to create a design that is both cohesive and visually interesting.
- This trend works particularly well in smaller kitchens, as the contrast between light and dark can create the illusion of space while maintaining a stylish, luxurious feel.
Terrazzo And Marble: Timeless Elegance
Terrazzo and marble-inspired surfaces are still making waves in 2024. These materials add both texture and sophistication to any kitchen space, creating an atmosphere of luxury without sacrificing durability.
- Terrazzo benchtops are a fun yet refined option for those looking to add some personality to their kitchen. This material combines multiple colours and textures, making it an excellent choice for both modern and traditional kitchens.
- Marble-look surfaces continue to be a timeless favourite. Whether used for benchtops, splashbacks, or even flooring, marble-inspired surfaces add elegance and a touch of luxury to any kitchen design.
Broken-Plan Living: A Flexible Space
In 2024, the trend towards broken-plan living is gaining momentum. This design concept involves creating distinct zones within a larger open space, allowing for both privacy and functionality without losing the benefits of an open-plan kitchen.
- You can achieve a broken-plan layout by using shelving units, partition walls, or different floor materials to create separate zones for cooking, dining, and socialising.
- This trend is ideal for multifunctional kitchens, where the space is used for more than just preparing food. For example, a kitchen island can serve as a dining area, a workspace, or even a place for kids to do homework, making it the perfect addition to a family kitchen.
Rich, Deep Colour Schemes For A Bold Look
While white kitchens are timeless, 2024 brings a shift towards darker, moodier colour schemes.
- Deep greens, navy blues, and charcoals are becoming more popular for cabinetry, adding a sense of sophistication and drama to the kitchen. These colours work particularly well in larger kitchens, where natural light can balance out the darker hues.
- To avoid making the space feel too dark, consider adding timber accents or brass hardware, which will warm up the space and add a touch of elegance.
- Moody colours also pair beautifully with light benchtops, creating a stunning contrast that elevates the overall design of the kitchen.
Conclusion
The kitchen trends for 2024 offer a wealth of possibilities for homeowners looking to refresh or completely renovate their kitchen space. From modern storage solutions to the blending of natural and industrial elements, this year’s designs are all about creating spaces that are both functional and visually appealing.
Whether you’re drawn to bold, deep colours or prefer the simplicity of a two-tone kitchen, there’s a trend that will suit your style. Embrace the new possibilities and create a kitchen that not only reflects your personality but also enhances the way you live.
FAQs
What Is The First Thing To Do When Updating A Kitchen?
The first step of any kitchen remodels is tear-out and demolition. Before you are ready to create a beautiful new space, it is important to demolish and get rid of what’s outdated or worn out.
Should I Do Flooring Or Cabinets First In My Kitchen?
Installing flooring before your cabinets are the best choice for most hardwood floors. When professionals install floors and cabinets, it’s easier to get everything to standard heights.
What Flooring Is Best For The Kitchen?
In terms of practicality, vinyl is the best option. It’s built to withstand a high level of wear and tear, and any spills can quickly be wiped up without the worry of water damage. Waterproof laminate – If you want something a little more luxurious, waterproof laminate flooring is a great choice.
Do You Put Tile Flooring Under Kitchen Cabinets?
Installing your tiles before your kitchen cabinets will cut down overall labour costs. Putting in your tiles first will help prevent water damage in your kitchen. Cabinets can be installed first if you’re placing delicate tiles that might get damaged during cabinetry or appliance installation.
What Is The Best Flooring For A Kitchen?
The best flooring for a kitchen has the visual appearance and feel you prefer and suits your household and lifestyle in terms of durability and maintenance. Balancing up these elements when choosing the best kitchen flooring for you is crucial for a successful room design and flooring that stands the test of time.