As we step into 2024, the kitchen continues to solidify its role as the heart of the home, where functionality meets aesthetic innovation. This year promises an array of captivating trends that redefine the modern kitchen space, blending practicality with a dash of luxury and sustainability. Join us as we delve into the top kitchen design trends of 2024, offering inspiration and insight for creating your dream culinary sanctuary.
Maximum, but Controlled Natural Light
One kitchen design trend to come out of the pandemic that seems to be here to stay, is the fusing of indoor and outdoor living space. Sliding glass doors and larger windows make grilling out and entertaining a breeze, plus you get the advantage of maximum light and space. Homeowners are capitalizing on these areas by controlling light and temperature with coordinating window treatments for day to night hosting.Skyline Window Coverings has a great selection of window coverings like these.
Don’t Just Select the Light Fixture, Select the Lighting
Hoiland Studios Lighting Design are our experts when it comes to all things lighting. They remind their clients that it’s not just about the light fixture when planning the lighting of a kitchen, there are so many more factors to consider, such as the reflectivity of the surfaces.For instance, a polished stone countertop or backsplash will reflect the image of the light sources in the space.For softer, more diffused illumination, they suggest honed or matte surface materials.
When considering an under cabinet light specification, ensure it matches the color temperature of the recessed lights, has a diffused lens to eliminate diodeimage on reflective surfaces, is located near the front edge of the upper cabinet for an even distribution on the counter below, and is fully concealed from all viewing angles across the room.
And of course we want aesthetically pleasing fixtures, especially when it comes to decorative lighting in a kitchen, but in addition to the aesthetics, consider the quality of light they will produce. While some fixtures provide adequate task lighting, others that are more sculptural may require supplemental architectural lighting to properly illuminate the task surface.
Buzz Word of the Year: Sustainability
After attending the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) last month, Mobili Möbel‘s biggest takeaway in terms of 2024 design trends was sustainability and how to incorporate it into your kitchen and bath design in innovative ways
Kohler is prioritizing leveraging recycled materials in its products, including cast iron, brass faucets, and water conservation. Additionally, Kohler and Nada Debs, a prominent Lebanese designer, have launched a partnership called “Transcendence” which features custom tiles made from nearly 100% recycled manufacturing waste by KOHLER WasteLAB.
Another area of innovative sustainability was in the hardware space. In particular, Mobili Möbel saw vegan handles being showcased instead of leather, with handles and pulls available in multiple colors. They are made from linseed oil, felt paper, wood flour, and calcium carbonate and these materials create a sustainable, durable, non-allergenic, and naturally antibacterial surface!
Practical Yet Versatile
O’Brien Harris has identified trends for 2024 highlighting a continued focus on function, practicality, and versatility. From space-saving solutions like pocket doors to integrating innovative sink designs and customized storage, these trends cater to the evolving needs and preferences of homeowners seeking to create functional and enduring living spaces.
Pocket Doors are Here to Stay
Pocket doors, known for their space-saving functionality and sleek appearance, continue to be a popular choice in interior design. These doors slide into a recess in the wall or cabinetry, eliminating the need for clearance space required by traditional swinging doors. O’Brien Harris uses pocket doors in their designs as a way to offer flexibility in floor plan layout and they can be used to divide spaces while maintaining a seamless transition between rooms. Their versatility and aesthetic appeal make them a timeless design element that fits well with a variety of architectural styles and room configurations.
Multi-Functional Sinks
O’Brien Harris recognizes the growing demand for sinks that offer more than just a place to wash dishes. The Galley workstation sink exemplifies this trend by incorporating a range of practical features designed to streamline kitchen tasks. With integrated mixing bowls, colanders, drying racks, cutting boards, and condiment serving boards, this sink serves as a central hub for food preparation and entertaining. Homeowners can customize the sink according to their needs, whether it’s using it as an ice-filled wine cooler or covering it with graphite wood composite panels to extend the countertop surface. This trend reflects a desire for efficiency and convenience in the kitchen, with an emphasis on versatile design solutions.
Open Shelving
Open Shelvingis another storage trend that O’Brien Harris has seen over the past few years and continues its popularity.Clients are sometimes worried about items getting dusty however if you use the items on a regular basis that is a non-issue.
By collaborating closely with clients to understand their lifestyle requirements, O’Brien Harris delivers fine fitted cabinetry that maximize usability, efficiency, and aesthetics, creating personalized spaces that reflect the individuality of each homeowner.
European Influence in Design
Scott Dresner of Dresner Design is known for his innovative designs, and he draws inspiration from European trends, which often emphasize sleek lines, minimalist aesthetics, and functional efficiency.The following are a few hot trends in 2024 he shared with us.
Colorful Appliances
A departure from the traditional stainless steel, white, or black appliances, colorful appliances are making a statement in kitchen design. Vibrant hues like red, blue, green, and even pastel tones are being embraced by consumers seeking to infuse personality and style into their kitchens. Dresner Design believes that colorful appliances can serve as focal points in the kitchen, adding visual interest and creating a playful atmosphere. This trend reflects a shift towards more expressive and personalized design choices, departing from the neutral color schemes of the past.
Downdraft Technology
The partnership between European luxury brand Bora and Whirlpool Corporation to integrate downdraft technology into kitchen appliances signifies a significant advancement in ventilation solutions. Downdraft ventilation systems, which pull smoke, steam, and odors downward and away from the cooktop, offer a sleek alternative to traditional range hoods. By combining Bora’s expertise in innovative kitchen ventilation with Whirlpool’s extensive reach and manufacturing capabilities, this partnership aims to bring cutting-edge downdraft technology to a wider audience. This trend, one of Dresner Design’s favorites, underscores the importance of effective ventilation in modern kitchen design, balancing aesthetics with functionality.
Statement Marble
Statement marble continues to be a sought-after material in kitchen and bath design, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to interiors. Characterized by striking veining, bold patterns, and rich colors, statement marble creates visual interest and elevates the overall aesthetic of a space. Whether used for countertops, backsplashes, or flooring, marble makes a dramatic statement and serves as a focal point in both traditional and contemporary settings. This trend can be found in many Dresner Design kitchens and reflects a timeless appreciation for natural materials and the enduring allure of marble in interior design.
