Kitchen Design Trends - What Are the Decor Must-Haves in 2024?

Are you planning on refurbishing, redecorating, or renovating your kitchen? You can always make this key area, also known as the heart of your home, more user-friendly and ergonomic while still considering your budget and personal preferences. Have no fear, unless said area is stuck in time, there’s no need to demolish everything and start from scratch for a little aesthetic revamp.

What are the leading trends seen in modern kitchens? Without further ado, here are the top kitchen design trends to focus on in 2024, sparing you a remodel.

Trendy Kitchen Designs for 2024: Decor Ideas

1- Organic, biophilic look

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This type of kitchen is one with nature. By using items reminiscent of the outdoors, an atmosphere of well-being, something organic and natural is created. Note that there are many ways to design a biophilic decor.

First off, you can add some greenery by, for example, creating a green wall or mounting suspended shelving above your kitchen island to showcase your plants, brightening the space. For those more hardcore lifestyle followers, choosing plants will be done according to what’s commonly found in your region or those that adorn your flowerbeds.

Next, if your windows look out onto trees or a tree-lined landscape, getting bigger windows might be worth it. Or, at least, ensuring that the view isn’t obstructed. For the more daring ones with a budget to match, one of the most-seen trends is the kitchen extension that spills out onto an outdoor terrace. Big doors or a bar/countertop situation leading to an outdoor kitchen decorated with the same shades as the indoor one is a way of communicating with both tightly linked worlds. However, you may have to plan for an insect-contingency plan to keep the creepy crawlies away from your food. 

Lastly, the decor will be based on what's indicative of nature. The colours will evoke either a coastal, forest-inspired, or beachy vibe. The materials used will also reflect what’s found outside (stone, wood, linen, cotton, wicker, rattan, etc.).

2- Scandinavian-inspired minimalist look

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This design trend has been well-established over the last few years and seems to be going nowhere. Straight lines, sober aesthetics, abundant lighting, and elegance are all timeless characteristics. In Scandinavian-inspired modern living spaces, wood and light colours are it, whether featured on walls or kitchen cabinetry. Furthermore, the keyword is “clean.” Everything has to be in line with the minimalist guide, meaning everything has a place and a purpose. Even the knobs and handles are discreet, subtle even, to enhance the vastness and peacefulness of the space. 

3- New trend: A dramatic decor

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The prevailing concept behind this style is creating a theatrical undertone that has character, using bold colours (dark green, plum, navy blue, brown, etc.). Throw in some dark wood, some stone with a distinct veining, and some vintage decorative pieces, and there you go! You can also pull out your favourite keepsakes and silverware for an even more personalized look!

Modern and Trendy Kitchen Essentials for 2024

1- Unique backsplashes and ceramic tiles

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When it comes to backsplashes, this year, it’s all about texture and colour.

• First things first, sought-after tiles are small and square-shaped, very much like Zellige tiles (glazed terracotta tiles that are hand-carved in Morocco). It’s very monochromatic; each tile has a slightly different, unique hue.

• Large, oversized tiles even, are also trending. They’re low-maintenance and don’t require as much joint grout, such backsplashes will make the space appear bigger. You can also choose a single slab, where the material is a large, continuous piece rather than tiles, much like a countertop.

• Lastly, retro-inspired grooved ceramic tiles are also very trendy.

2- Timeless cabinet colours

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White is as iconic and timeless as ever. However, beware of using slightly glossy, and nondescript, cool shades of white. When it comes to kitchen cabinets, it’s best to favour neutral, warmer tones, mixed with wood and beige, while also considering natural lighting. Such hues can be paired beautifully with just about any style, from Scandinavian-inspired to farmhouse-like, with contemporary and industrial styles in between. It all comes down to the materials used to set the tone in your kitchen. 

On the other hand, dark wood, green hues, blue or even black cabinets will add a touch of luxury and character to your space.

3- Sizeable items

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LIGHT FIXTURES

Lighting becomes the focal point, especially if you have a kitchen island. Pendant lights might actually serve as the starting point to create the entire decor. This year, chunky bronze, gold, or mixed materials like iron and wood are the way to go. If needed, add recessed lights to further complement the room's lighting.

BOOTH

A comfortable booth, why not? Straight lines and padded booths are all the rage and the latter is an interesting way to use up space or claim an unused corner. The material chosen will obviously differ depending on whether you live alone or have little rugrats running around. Consider velour or pleather if given the chance! For reference, standard kitchen booths are 18 inches high with 38- to 42-inch backrests.

PLUMBING

In regards to faucets, broadly speaking, matte finishes tend to be more appealing, however, there’s a strong liking for a lot of unique colours. As such, it won't be too shocking to see fancy purple, white, green, or light pink faucets.

PANTRY

If the planned work is more large-scale and consists of remodelling the entire kitchen, consider creating a separate space for a walk-in-type pantry. This area, that’s often hidden away behind glass doors or a cabinet door, is an extension of your main space. Along with the perks of tucking away breakfast stuff or a few smaller, less complimentary appliances, one can store larger quantities of food. If your house allows for it, you can even build an additional countertop, add a small sink, store your less-often-used dinnerware, and have a second fridge and freezer. The list goes on... 

RANGE HOOD

Last but not least, what are you supposed to do with your range hood? The latest trend calls for a built-in or concealed range hood or, on the flip side, for it to be a downright centrepiece due to its imposing size and chic design. Overall, anything but the standard, narrow white range hood that’s very reminiscent of an awning.

What Common Kitchen Design Errors Should Be Avoided in 2024?

Far be it from us to tell you what to do, or steer you away from your personal preferences. Let's just say that the following items are no longer recommended by interior and kitchen designers.

1. While tiled kitchen countertops are harder to clean, stainless steel ones aren’t in line with a nature-inspired design.

2. Overuse of an open kitchen cabinet concept or shelving is also a no-no. Such shelving accumulates dust and cleaning becomes very time-consuming to keep everything neat and aesthetically pleasing.

3. Over-the-range microwaves are often too high. There are increased risks of accidents and it’s often difficult to stir anything that’s already inside the microwave.

Now that you hold much knowledge to create a living space that’s up to your standards—your dream kitchen—have fun with it! Highlight your personality but bear in mind: just like a fine wine, moderation always tastes better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the kitchen colour trends for 2024?

As for colour schemes, terracotta and warmer hues are as timeless as ever. As for the last decade’s design trends, we saw a lot of dark greens and blues. However, this year, top paint brands are also steered toward:

• Pink-tinted orange

• Peppered grey/black

• Slightly off-white

• A shade of yellow

• Purple-like blue

Satin or matte finishes, including epoxy coatings, are very sought-after.

For more ideas, check out our article 10 Kitchen Paint Colours.

What’s trendier—a closed or open kitchen concept?

Without a doubt, this year is still all about open-floor kitchen plans, those combining the kitchen and dining room, kitchen and living room, or a pairing of all three. Open-floor plans are appealing for their brightness, user-friendly setting, and seamless transition between all living spaces. It allows for better social interactions between family members and guests. Moreover, in small homes, it tends to make the space look bigger.

However, closed kitchens are also appreciated by those preferring to have a clear distinction between the kitchen and other areas, preventing excessive noises and smells, or keeping the kitchen out of sight during meal times.

In a nutshell, while open-floor kitchens are trendier, closed kitchens have undeniable upsides. As such, your decision must then be guided solely by your personal preferences.

What will kitchens look like in 2025?

Interior designers are predicting a lot of beige and cream kitchen cabinets, including a modern take on wood oak cabinetry, honing in on the Scandi-inspired, farmhouse look. When it comes to choice of materials, sustainability is still a strong trend, which is likely to result in quite a few remodels, geared on eco-friendly and smart appliances. Another key feature is the built-in hutch, standing right above the countertop. Designers are also predicting that bold marble counters will take hold of many kitchen renovation projects. The biggest talked about trend is the "concealed" kitchen, featuring a lot of clean finishes, flush cabinetry, and built-in appliances, which are perfectly suited for the ever-so-coveted open kitchen.