There were some simply sensational developments in kitchen decoration in 2023. Design devotees have enthusiastically hopped onboard the latest trends to create culinary spaces that ooze both refinement and functionality. Now that the start of another new year is upon us, it’s time to reveal the 2024 kitchen décor trends. Explore our ideas to create the look of the ultimate mecca in your home.
1. Stone backsplashes
There has been a monumental rise in stone backsplashes being included in kitchen design. It looks oh so sophisticated and comes in a wide range of colours and patterns. Unique veins in the material and inspired options make this an instant eye catcher and conversation starter. We say ‘sign us up’ for this elegant design trend!
How to include it First, you need to determine the type of stone you want: marble, granite, slate or quartz? Ask about upkeep requirements for each, then pick the one that tickles your fancy. A popular trend in recent years has been to use the same stone (in large slabs) for the countertop and backsplash to create a uniform look.
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2. Smart kitchens
You don’t have to be a fortune teller to predict that smart kitchens are here to stay and will be even more in vogue in 2024. Technological integration to improve convenience and efficiency is the standard and monitoring household energy consumption is the name of the game. Daily tasks are now controlled or automated, making your life a whole lot easier, right down to the logistics of making the shopping list. You heard right! New fridges are equipped with touch screens and internal cameras to check items on (or gone from!) the shelves. As for smart ovens, you can now manage temperature and cooking time remotely. How brilliant is that!
How to include it Picture this… you want to set the scene for the perfect romantic dinner. Start with including an automated lighting system to dim the lights just right. Then adding a voice assistant allows you to control devices with just a few words. Take a tour of the big-box stores in your area to shop for smart appliances and other items – fridges, stoves, dishwashers, coffee makers, garbage cans, scales, faucets, etc. You go about your business and let them tell you when action needs to be taken.
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3. Natural elements, organic shapes
Focusing on natural elements like solid wood, stone and plants, this trend brings the outdoors inside to stimulate a soothing atmosphere in the room. Nourish your senses with a nature-inspired colour palette. Mix and match earthy shades and comforting greens for a meaningful design when choosing paint colours, kitchen cabinets and rounded decorative items.
How to include it Have you always wanted to grow herbs indoors? Now’s your chance! Surround yourself with nature by including some vertical planters and rounded-edge wooden furniture. How comforting to watch your own organic garden grow. Wood, cork or stone are the natural flooring choices here. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, you could always choose wood imitation ceramic tiles.
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4. Colour palettes: a balm for the soul
Recent kitchen trends have played it safe with tried-and-true shades of white, black and wood. Bolder shades burst onto the scene in 2023, heaps of greens and blues. Although still on the radar, the move this year is toward more calming, soft and creamy tones. Pistachio and mushroom are the shades to watch. This trend arises from the urge to create a mellow and inviting home, a safe retreat in this wild world.
How to include it Metallic combinations can be integrated with your feature colour choices. An especially interesting option to consider is rose and rose gold. Why not dare to mix gold and chrome or go even further and match rose gold and black. Then take the time to experiment with wooden accessories to break up the uniformity, such as adding stools or a cutting board.
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5. Colourful pantries
Your mission: add character to your surroundings while keeping clutter out of sight. Welcome to The ABCs of an organized pantry 2024 version. Darker shades of paint project personality and bring this forgotten space out of the shadows. No white melamine to see here, bold colours (we’re talking forest green or dark blue) give the space a warm, appealing look. Say hello to colourful pantries!
How to include it Pantry colours should stand out and be distinct from kitchen colours. Express your individuality with a complementary colour scheme. You could place an aubergine-coloured vase on the kitchen island that highlights the shade used in the pantry. Finish off the look with adequate lighting – pendant fixtures or LED strip lights – that will bring the room to life.
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6. Oversized handles
There is a booming movement in kitchens these days. Hardware has become a key design element not to be overlooked. People are taking the time to invest in the smallest details and that has pushed this trend to the front of the pack. The décor gets a fresh look that doesn’t break the bank. Integrated handles and handle less cupboards are also rising in popularity. It’s up to you to decide…
How to include it Keep in mind that choices here should respect your kitchen’s general style. The rule of thumb is that handles and knobs should gel with the rest of the décor, while keeping in mind that they would also contrast very well with plain-coloured cabinets. It’s all about the balance. Go out on a limb with cabinet knobs: prioritize leather, Lucite, acrylic, wood and stone.
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7. Vintage faucets
Retro and nostalgic design is making waves. Aged brass, oiled bronze and brushed nickel are reasserting their place among kitchen faucets. It’s stronger than a passing trend due to a heightened interest in timeless and sustainable features.
How to include it Choose an unvarnished finish that will develop a natural patina over time. We find that this type of faucet goes well with natural materials and earthy shades (off-white, greige or that infamous mint green, why not?).
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8. Black overlays
Although black kitchens won’t be to everyone’s taste, they do introduce a striking aesthetic and create an impressive visual impact. An elegant option, they provide a chic alternative to traditional kitchens. This trend is constantly evolving but we’re finally witnessing its golden age this year. Black cabinets, islands, appliances and accessories… on your mark, get set, decorate!
How to include it So, the million-dollar question is whether you go for a completely black new kitchen or settle for a few accents? The choice is ultimately up to you. Whatever you decide, remember to add enough light sources in the room so it doesn’t get too dark and gloomy. There needs to be balance among the chosen features. You could match a black concrete workspace with an on-trend kitchen backsplash in white marble or granite. We love noble materials!
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9. Kitchen extras
Kitchen cabinets and drawers are no longer just for storing stuff. They’ve become unique pieces trimmed with metallic detailing. As we see in the fashion world, it’s the details in stylish trends that make all the difference. They’re decorative and insert parts of your own personality into the kitchen’s overall look.
How to include it Frosted glass cabinets adorned with metal trim are in. The same goes for brass knobs and handles, which deliver a definite touch of style to dark cabinets. Thin drawer handles and pulls are incorporated for added class.
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10. Colourful islands
Many homeowners decide to infuse their interiors with colour. Colour-bathed islands (or those in a different shade than the cabinets) stand out and have swung the pendulum away from the timeless white kitchen trend. Your island becomes even more inviting by making it the star attraction draped in colour that really pops. Your home’s most important gathering place deserves nothing less.
How to include it Single out a shade that complements the kitchen’s existing colour scheme – you can’t go wrong by testing a few paint samples first. Then, play around with the lighting to put the island on display and counterbalance with a neutral colour on the walls. Finish the look with matching accessories. The ultimate goal: the art of visual balance. If you’re unsure where to start, an interior designer can guide you with some professional advice.
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11. Black countertops
Pale countertops not your cup of tea? Perhaps these will be more to your liking. Make a bold statement by choosing black for this central kitchen element to give it an edgy and striking visual effect. The trend is toward matte and lightly textured finishes.
How to include it Glossy finishes are out. Matte finishes are this year’s top pick to contribute added warmth to the space. Opt for a smooth satin finish if you’re aiming for a minimalist and modern look. Thin countertop thickness is a must for the ultimate distinction. Also know that dark cabinets, such as those made of dark wood, pair well with a black countertop. Or you could also decide to create contrast with light colours on cabinets and walls. So many choices…!
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12. Architectural pendant lighting
Lighting trends are always shifting to better illuminate the kitchen space. Hanging light fixtures are one option to help you simultaneously shine a light on various zones, like the counter, dining table or breakfast nook. Pendant lighting allows you to turn each zone into an individual focal point. Trio light fixtures didn’t make the cut this year as we turn to a more distinctive composition. The overall objective stays the same: to provide appropriate lighting for gathering and meal prep areas.
How to include it You can’t go wrong with modern architectural pendant lighting to really define the room. The resulting look will create a refreshing contrast with the kitchen’s more traditional elements. How to brighten other areas? Install recessed lighting strategically around the rest of the room to avoid competing for attention. A single pendant fixture should be the showstopper here!
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13. Textured surfaces
Texture has long been a tactile presence in our living spaces. It makes its way into the kitchen this year through use of noble woods in deep hues. Walnut, cherry and oak are highly sought after, as their patterns reflect nature – one of the most popular kitchen trends of 2024.
How to include it Combine dark wood surfaces with natural materials in light shades, like marble.You should consider the direction of the wood grain (vertical for traditional style, horizontal for modern). Opt for matte, the finish at the top of the class this year. The central island can be made of unfinished wood, same goes for the backsplash and shelves. Fluted panels are also used.
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14. Freestanding multifunctional storage
We’re always on the lookout for storage solutions. Great news: the latest trends include freestanding and multifunctional furniture. This trend looks set to take off, in part because it helps the kitchen flow better with the rest of the home. This is another spot to store various kitchen items, which helps you stay better organized.
How to include it We think it’s perfectly fine to mix styles – chests of drawers, glass cabinets, wooden shelves – as long as you orchestrate an overall visual harmony. Place furniture based on available space in your kitchen: along a wall or position as an island. It must be accessible, even better if it’s modular, in order to allow for easy rearranging over time.
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15. Kitchen wallpaper
You heard right. Another popular interior design option back in the limelight: wallpaper, especially made for kitchens in 2024. This is a clever way to easily transform your surroundings by experimenting with cool pattern and colour trends. Simple to change over time, you can add dashes of your personality into the space.
How to include it Hang wallpaper to liven up a back wall with no cabinets or the adjoining dining room. Make sure to pick a type that’s suitable for various surfaces, particularly since this room falls victim to a lot of splatters and grease stains! Above all, avoid installing near the stove. Read up on how to properly install wallpaper, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
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16. Trees in the kitchen
Want to jump on the kitchen tree bandwagon? You know, a little green can go a long way! Including life-sized potted trees has become a popular trend spread mainly through social media. It really does up the elegance factor. The trick is to pick a species that’s adapted to your kitchen environment. A tree won’t like being exposed to cold drafts and requires a lot of natural light.
How to include it It’s recommended to set small trees on the ground near the kitchen or in the dining room. Put them in assorted pots that complement the surrounding décor and boost their growth with regular pruning. You might need to add some grow lights if the kitchen doesn’t get enough natural light.
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17. Stained wood with coloured cabinets
Wood, much more than just a jumble of browns. It provides a richly textured natural canvas to turn your kitchen, and your cabinets, into a feast for the eyes. Boring is banned; it’s time to have fun with shades. Dare to pair an eye-catching colour with stained wood to highlight its natural grain pattern. Trivia fact: this revolution was launched by Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio in London. This cabinetmaker has made a name for himself as a designer of bespoke kitchens.
How to include it Once you’ve picked your cabinet colour, it’s best to stick to similar wood tones to finish off the room design. The goal is to select a shade of wood that matches the surrounding floor and furniture. The resulting combination will make all the difference. If you opt for a table and chairs reminiscent of the kitchen’s wood tones, it will only add to the room’s character and charm.
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18. Drink stations
Drink afficionados, consider yourself served! Coffee stations, smoothie bars, wine corners are very in this year. They are specially designed spaces in your home where you can organize, prepare and, most importantly, enjoy sipping on various beverages. These unique areas are totally customizable and can be as basic or elaborate as your heart desires.
How to include it Choose a spot that makes sense in your kitchen design. You might set up a small alcove or even a full-fledged corner with a mini-fridge and sink. Remember to add enough power outlets to power various appliances as well as whatever other equipment you’ll need for it to function as an independent zone. Finish off the look with some objects that have personal meaning for you, then get to work becoming a master smoothie maker, barista or mixologist!
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19. Multi-level lighting
The fact of the matter is that lighting should never be an afterthought. This holds particularly true for this year’s new buzzword: layered lighting. We now make a distinction between general lighting, decorative lighting and night lighting. This method involves using several strategically placed light sources that meet the varied needs of your entire family.
General lighting
Envisage lighting that will uniformly light up the kitchen. In most cases, light fixtures will fulfill this essential role. Pendant lighting is ideal to hang over an island. Just make sure to properly position recessed lighting so it doesn’t cast shadows on work surfaces. Finally, think about including several sockets and dimmers to control light intensity.
Decorative lighting
It puts a spotlight on specific features you want to highlight in the room: artwork, decorative objects or architectural features. The perfect lighting to help this layer shine would be directional recessed fixtures, spotlights, LED strips and wall sconces.
Night lighting
Good evening, recessed lighting! Whether installed around the island, under cabinets or cornices, recessed lighting means you’ll never stub your toe in the dark again while wandering through the cozy evening ambiance you created.
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20. Silent designs
Shhh! Now entering a quiet zone. In 2024, special attention is paid to the level of noise made by appliances, in particular. Other loud elements are also on the cancel list, like cabinet doors that easily slam and garbage compactors that rumble. Discretion has morphed into a small luxury in today’s contemporary kitchen.
How to include it Some high-tech appliances, such as dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and air conditioners, now come equipped with advanced noise reduction systems. Modern fridges often have improved sound insulation. Check the manufacturer’s specifications before going ahead with this big-ticket purchase. You can also use shock absorbers and acoustic buffers to limit shock echoes in your kitchen.
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To learn more about what will shape the kitchen in 2024, browse these style, material and layout trends, by RénoAssistance.
Old-fashioned decorative trends
All-white or all-grey kitchens
The current trend is toward customization, warmth and the use of natural materials (like wood). The move is away from all-white and all-grey kitchens, especially those with cooler hues.
Shelves instead of cabinets
Open shelves are exposed to dust and that means more cleaning, less relaxing. They aren’t as practical as cabinets and can make the room look messy.
Non-functional corner storage
Poorly organized corners quickly become overrun and undermine the sleek design we’re aiming for in 2024. Streamline the space while ensuring that all kitchen and cooking utensils remain within easy reach.
Small appliances on the counter
If you want a harmonious décor, you’re going to have to stop storing small appliances on the counter. Find a way to discretely store them or integrate them and rely on wireless technology or power outlets installed in drawers and cabinets.
Do you want to go even further and transform your entire kitchen? Discover these latest renovation projects, all done by RenoAssistance’s 53-point Verified Contractors.
