1. Minimal luxe
The minimal luxe aesthetic has been trending for a while, but it's predicted to boom into 2024. The design experts at Wren Kitchens note how searches for the term 'minimaluxe' have increased by over 3,000 per cent in the past year. So how does that translate into kitchen design? Expect to see beautifully made cabinetry in muted colours that feature 'luxe' elements, such as gold fixtures and marble countertops. Minimal luxe is not at all showy, but rather leans into highly elegant, polished and refined finishes.
2. Bold and bright
'2024 is the year we dare to be fearless with our kitchen colour schemes,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca' Pietra. With a renewed confidence in tackling decorating projects and embracing the dopamine dressing effect, we've been welcoming more bright colours into our homes over the past few years to make the most of their mood-boosting powers, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down.
3. Back to black
This is perhaps one of the most talked about trends predicted to dominate kitchen design in 2024. We're learning to embrace the velvety depths of dark colours – deep blues, rich greys and blacks – with more of us choosing to design our kitchens with black cabinetry and countertops. In fact, in the last year, black kitchens have become Magnet's fastest-growing cabinet colour with a 112 per cent uplift in sales. It's timeless, looks super smart, and when combined with softer elements such as wooden floorboards, a black kitchen can still feel spacious and airy.
4. Durable plywood
Plywood has been on the rise for years now, and in 2024 it will continue to be a popular choice for cabinetry. Made from layers of veneer (very thin sheets of wood glued together), plywood is an affordable alternative to solid wood. It's also a good choice for those who are embarking on their own DIY kitchen journeys, as it's durable but relatively easy to work with. Its pale colour is perfect for achieving the Scandi minimalist style (wood is a cornerstone in Scandinavian interior design) that so many of us desire in our homes.
5. Stainless steel
Searches for 'stainless steel kitchens' have increased by 200 per cent in the past year. Rooted in professional kitchens, the stainless steel look has gained popularity as more of us fancy ourselves to be high-quality home chefs, deserving of spacious, pared-back and easy-to-clean prep areas.
6. Warm and textural
With the increasing appreciation of wabi-sabi (the celebration of the imperfect beauty of organic forms and materials), we can expect to see kitchens that embrace the visual effect of natural materials. Try layering stone and marble to achieve a striking look full of colour, texture and irregularity.
7. Statement slabs
Slab splashbacks are high up there on the list of kitchen trends expected to dominate this year. Unlike traditional splashbacks that just cover the area above your stovetop, slab splashbacks are larger, rectangular pieces of stone that run across the wall behind. They're both a luxury statement, and a way to create a more seamless look in your kitchen.
8. More curves
Much like in interiors, curves will continue to take centre stage within kitchen design, championed for delivering a 'harmonious ambience to the hustle and bustle of the modern home', say the designers at Harvey Jones.
9. Slatted and ribbed wood
For 'an instant style update that brings depth, texture and character', in the words of the team at Husk kitchens, get ahead of the curve and introduce ridged wooden cabinetry into your kitchen. Predicted to boom in 2024, slatted and ribbed wood is a way to make your space feel super refined and chic, and it's especially ideal if you love entertaining at home.
10. Subtle backlights
Lighting is one of the most important elements in interior design. In the words of the kitchen design team at Benchmarx: 'The impact that lighting can have on a space is significant – not only does it improve the functionality of the kitchen, but also the overall aesthetic. Particularly important if you plan to use your kitchen for multiple purposes such as cooking, working from home, entertaining or spending time with the family.'
11. The elevated kitchen island
Both a practical and social component in a kitchen, the central island has been elevated for 2024, particularly when it comes to seating and storage. The designers at Nordiska Kök liken the kitchen island to 'a piece of jewellery', explaining that it'll take on the role as 'the statement piece' of the kitchen in 2024, with careful choices of colour, shapes and materials being a focus.
12. Practical pot fillers
One of the ways we will manifest the practicality of a kitchen in 2024 (it's not all about looks) is the increase in pot fillers. These handy fixtures allow us to easily fill up saucepans without needing to lug a heavy pan to and fro the sink.