Probably all of us can agree that a kitchen is the most important room in any home, as it is an area dedicated not only to eating but also to unwinding after work, gathering with family to enjoy a delicious meal and make memories, and socialising with friends over a glass of wine.
Now, modern kitchens have multiple purposes, and they should accommodate every homeowner’s needs. And since this space is the centre of daily living, it only makes sense to ensure it radiates positivity and allows you to unleash your inner chef! Suppose your kitchen doesn’t make you happy; this is your sign to start a remodelling project. And if you need some inspiration (which you probably will), check out the 5 biggest kitchen trends for this year.
1. Minimal luxe aesthetic
According to kitchen designers, people have increasingly searched “minimaluxe” on search engines in the past year (there’s been an increase of over 3,000%, which is quite impressive!). It’s worth noting that this trend took shape a while ago (since 2020, to be more precise), but 2024 is predicted to be the year when it will gain more momentum.
But what is this trend about? Although it may remind you of minimalism, it’s not exactly the same. Minimalism is about including as few items as possible, while minimal luxe is about choosing wisely the elements you want to display in the kitchen while ensuring there’s sufficient space around them so that you can admire their beauty. It’s about creating a sophisticated space that is also comfortable. The Japanese wabi-sabi principle is applied here: beauty lies in imperfection, and choosing organic materials and textures helps create a space that promotes a mindful way of being, bringing more joy into your life. Subtle contrast is very powerful and essential in the minimal luxe trend, and it’s all about creating balance – for example, combining smooth and textured materials results in a more elevated space.
2. Stainless steel
If you take the time to do a bit of research, you’ll find modern kitchens in different styles designed to fit each homeowner’s preferences and needs. Among all of these styles, there is one in particular that has seen over 200% of searches in the past year: stainless steel. This kitchen style has become quite popular, and for a good reason: many homeowners seek to become high-quality chefs, and in order to achieve this dream, they need a spacious and easy-to-clean area.
The stainless-steel trend is not limited to small accessories and appliances, as often portrayed in traditional kitchens – the style incorporates elements of minimalist interior and modern industrial trend and stands out for essential features, like ease of maintenance, hygienic properties, and durability (a feature that many homeowners value deeply). Besides, stainless steel is exceptionally beautiful as a material, and that alone is a good reason why many would consider incorporating it in their kitchens in 2024. It offers elegance and a distinctive charm, and you can mix natural materials like natural stone and wood to achieve an exciting contrast that softens the look and creates a warm feeling in the room.
3. Uplifted kitchen island
In 2024, the kitchen island isn’t going anywhere, as it’s a must-have for all modern kitchens. However, it will no longer be characterised by a traditional block design. Instead, bar-style designs with complementary seating and split-level countertops will be popular, turning the kitchen island into a “piece of jewellery”. This element is particularly important in the kitchen, allowing you to create a central hub in the home, as well as a visual barrier between the living space and the kitchen.
According to interior design experts, kitchen islands will incorporate banquette seating this year as part of their configuration. Unlike bar stools, this type of seating allows for a more comfortable socialising area where having conversations becomes easier. Kitchen islands have evolved to adapt to the needs of the modern homeowner, so in 2024, they will integrate features like appealing split-level countertops and display shelving, offering an extravagant look.
4. Sustainable lighting
Who says you have to compromise on style to design a sustainable kitchen? That’s really not something you should worry about, as there are solutions you can incorporate into your culinary space that can help you create a stunning design while also protecting the planet. For example, LED pendant lights are perfect for saving energy in your home and are incredibly versatile, meaning they can fit into various kitchen designs.
By switching to eco-friendly lighting, you can conserve energy resources. LEDs don’t contain toxic elements such as mercury, so they don’t cause much harm to the planet when they are disposed of. And the best part is that there are many design ideas when it comes to incorporating eco-friendly lighting in your kitchen, from placing pendant lights above kitchen islands to using recessed ceiling lights to create a modern look.
5. Natural materials
2024 is the year that will celebrate nature-inspired design trends. In a world where sustainability has become more critical than ever, it becomes imperative to look for ways to reduce your carbon footprint – and homeowners are seeking to do that by embracing biophilic design. Simply put, this is an approach that aims to connect humans with nature, and it is all about incorporating natural materials and elements into the home.
One way to do this is to choose nature-inspired cabinetry. It’s a good idea to opt for kitchen cabinets made of natural wood, as this helps you design an eco-friendly culinary space. Flooring is another area where you can incorporate sustainability in the kitchen by opting for materials like solid stone. This is a practical solution that will not only reduce your impact on the planet, but will also withstand any amount of use while also ensuring excellent aesthetics.
6. Bold colour schemes
In 2024, homeowners will fearlessly embrace bolder colour schemes in their kitchen design. The dopamine dressing effect has gained popularity in the past years due to its mood-boosting impact, and it will be big in 2024 as well. Simply put, dopamine décor is about using colour pairings that invigorate – namely, achieving a kitchen design that evokes feelings of happiness.
It’s no secret that colour has a significant impact on your mood, and over the past years, there’s been a rise in kitchens that use rich hues, creating a luxurious feel in the culinary space. The top choices for the kitchen colour scheme will include crisp teals, burgundy reds and emerald greens. They are jewel-like tones that can create a sense of depth while also providing a timeless design, meaning that you will be happy with your kitchen design for a long time.
The bottom line
Trends may come and go, but some of them are here to stay, and they are stunning! So, it may be worth it to consider them for your next kitchen remodel project, achieving a design that you will be happy with for the years to come. Besides, if you want to make some upgrades in the kitchen but feel uninspired, these trends will help you make the right choices and bring to life the kitchen of your dreams.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
