10 Kitchen Design Trends Shaping the Design Industry in 2024 & Beyond
Top styles for kitchens will vary from transitional/timeless looks to contemporary, organic and Midcentury influences, according to the 2024 Kitchen Trends Report released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
Composed of data generated from a survey completed by more than 600 industry experts — including designers, manufacturers, remodelers, architects and more — the findings also reveal innovative personalized designs will be at the forefront, as will simple, clean designs that focus on healthy living and a connection to the outdoors. Read on for other trend highlights:
1. GOING FOR GOLD
Looking ahead to the next three years, 49.5% of respondents identified gold as the top color for kitchen faucets, taking the lead over stainless (48%) and black (45%) finishes. In particular, matte (63.9%), brushed (54.3%) and satin (48.9%) finishes are expected to be the most popular. Similarly, respondents reported gold, bronze and copper as the most popular finishes for lighting fixtures (54%) and sinks (18.5%) in the next three years.
Shown in satin brass, the new Bridge Collection from California Faucets stretches the style gamut from traditional and transitional to contemporary and industrial with myriad handle options.
Hudson Valley Lighting Group’s Richford Linear Pendant — shown in aged brass — has a clean, modern silhouette that feels fresh.
From the Garrison Collection for Top Knobs, the Prestwick T-Knob offers a hint of knurled texture in aged brass.
2. TEXTURE IS IN
Texture is clearly a growing trend. Of those surveyed, 52.1% agree that textured backsplashes are on the rise and 35% expect to continue seeing natural, high-texture wood grain on cabinetry. Additionally, 52.1% predict more honed and matte finishes on countertops, compared with 36% still favoring a smooth, polished surface.
A chevron stone backsplash is paired with cabinetry in a high-textured wood grain. Photo: Adam Kane Macchia Photography | Design: Sara Robertson, AKBD
The countertop surface from Artistic Tile features a honed marble blend. Courtesy of Artistic Tile
3. GREEN REIGNS SUPREME
Green was the top answer (31%) when respondents were asked about color trends for kitchens. In terms of integrating statement colors into the kitchen, nearly half of the respondents selected the backsplash (46%) followed by the island (43%), cabinets (38%), wall paint (36%) and wallpaper (34%).
A green-hued marble mosaic backsplash and emerald accents make a bold statement balanced by black and warm wood finishes. Photo: Peter Vallie | Design: Jeanne Chung
Hip 2B Square from Artistic Tile presents an ombré glass mosaic in a different dimension with green glass squares each outlined in brass. Courtesy of Artistic Tile
4. WOOD USURPS WHITE
While white cabinetry has been a staple in kitchens for years, designers now say that wood cabinetry is making a comeback. Asked about popular kitchen color trends, 28% of respondents said “wood” while 25% chose “white.” The report also identified a connection to the outdoors as an emerging theme, with designers layering warmer whites, earthy greens and wood tones to create a sense of nature, calm and harmony.
Ongoing trends sport warm wood finishes, enlarged windows for a greater connection to the outdoors, integrated and decorative vent hoods, and a mix of materials in the kitchen. Photo: Adam Kane Macchia Photography | Design: Sara Robertson, AKBD
Designers will often use modern flat-panel or Shaker-style door cabinets in medium or light wood tones. Photo: Rebecca McAlpin | Design: Lori Kurnitsky, NCIDQ, with co-designers Olga Carson and Michele Plachter
5. A FRESH TAKE ON REFRESHMENTS
According to nearly 60% of respondents, a dedicated beverage area in the kitchen will be in demand. Whether used for wine, smoothies or coffee, designers said homeowners are choosing more drink-focused storage, with 43.8% of respondents including refrigeration drawers in their kitchens and 44.2% of pantries incorporating bottle- and can-specific storage.
Drink-focused beverage centers are in high demand, as are flexible integrated refrigerator drawers. Photo: Dustin Peck Photography | Design: Vicky Serany
Built-in undercounter refrigerator drawers from KitchenAid add extra refrigeration space to the kitchen and keep drinks, snacks and meal-prep ingredients organized and easy to access.
6. DINING: OUT WITH THE TABLE AND IN WITH THE ISLAND
About half of designers say clients are downsizing and opening their floor plans to feature eat-in kitchens with a maximized island rather than closed-off, formal dining rooms. Fifty-seven percent of respondents prefer an eat-in kitchen, and 20% said stand-alone kitchen tables are an outgoing trend, making room for a multifunction island. Islands — in addition to serving as a gathering space, work surface and dining table — are a top place for a statement color, according to 43.8% of respondents.
Islands are getting larger with new features to help with storage, managing electronics, seating, meal prep and clean up. Photo: Adam Kane Macchia Photography | Design: Sara Robertson, AKBD
7. WELL-CURATED LIGHTING
According to the report, designers will use multiple layers of lighting to support different functions: ambient lighting to create different moods (84.7%), decorative statement lighting (80.2%) and nighttime lighting for safety and aesthetics (69%).
Some lighting will serve as a design statement, while other lighting is expected to blend seamlessly into the overall design. Rounded and linear fixtures are notably popular. For more on this kitchen, see “Double Vision.” Photo: Christian Garibaldi | Design: Lori Kurnitsky, NCIDQ, with co-designers Olga Carson and Michele Plachter
8. QUIET LUXURY MEETS THE QUIET KITCHEN
The kitchen is as quiet as it’s ever been, with designers eliminating noisy appliances and banging cabinet doors to make the space even more suitable for everything from entertaining to working. When looking for new dishwashers, 64.5% favor an ultra-quiet model while 40.6% are ditching the noisy trash compactor for standard pull-out receptacles. Soft push-to-open cabinet technology remains popular, with 43.3% agreeing that homeowners are enjoying this clean approach to hardware.
Miele’s G7000 Series dishwasher is Energy Star® qualified and runs at a quiet 43 dB so your home life remains undisturbed.
Without visible hardware, cabinets blend in seamlessly with the kitchen, a design aesthetic that’s becoming increasingly popular with the rise of minimalism and a focus on clean lines. Photo: Mike Chajecki | Design: Maria Nazzicone
9. SEEKING STORAGE SOLUTIONS AND MULTIFUNCTION DESIGNS
Usability is the Number One goal across almost all kitchen categories, including storage and organization. More than 50% of respondents are looking for walk-in, butler and built-in pantries for more space and function, while standalone and open shelving options come in at less than 15%. Additionally, 37% of homeowners want cabinets with customizable drawer dividers and partitions. Survey respondents also noted that workstation sinks will be popular (62.9%), serving double and triple duty with built-in cutting boards, drying racks and strainers.
Black-stained oak veneer doors fold back to reveal a hidden pantry tucked into the space off the main kitchen. Photo: Christian Garibaldi | Design: Lori Kurnitsky, NCIDQ, with co-designers Olga Carson and Michele Plachter
Customizable dividers and partitions turn chaotic drawers into a model of efficiency. Photo: Adam Kane Macchia Photography | Design: Sara Robertson, AKBD
Workstation sinks will be popular, especially with cutting boards, strainers and drying racks. Photo: John Bessler | Design: Courtney Zanelli, CMKBD
10. SUSTAINABILITY IS HERE TO STAY
Eco-conscious choices continue to be top-of-mind for designers and homeowners as the industry and consumers become more dedicated to reducing, reusing and recycling. Top sustainability practices will also include selecting long lasting, energy efficient/water conserving products and donating old cabinets.
Selecting countertops made from recycled or sustainable materials plays into environmental consciousness. Photo: Chris Reilmann | Design: Megan Tennant
Integrated cooling technologies work in tandem to reduce temperature fluctuations and preserve whole foods in Dacor’s 48-inch refrigerator, accommodating concerns for sustainability, healthy eating and overall wellness. Photo courtesy of Dacor