England, Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland
Kitchen Design
Top Trends Shaping Kitchen Spaces in 2024
By Matt Ayres, Appliance Expert at
At RDO Kitchen and Appliances, we are at the forefront of kitchen design, and as we step into 2024, the world of kitchens is poised for some exciting changes. Kitchens, long considered the heart of the home, are evolving into more than just a place to cook. They are becoming spaces where families gather, friends socialise, and design takes centre stage.
In this article, I'll explore the kitchen trends that are set to define 2024 and beyond.
Colour contrast
Warm and inviting colours will dominate kitchen designs in 2024. Earthy tones such as terracotta, taupe, cashmere, and muted greens are gaining popularity. Two-toned kitchens, with contrasting shades on upper and lower cabinets or islands, continue to be popular as homeowners seek depth and visual interest.
Mixing light or dark stained woods with saturated colours is a key trend, emphasizing the importance of a mix of painted and wood cabinetry.
For those looking to dip their toes in this trend, start small by staining or painting cabinet knobs or introducing accessories of similar colours.
Natural Materials
The use of natural materials, such as marble, is on the rise for countertops and flooring. White marble, once considered risky due to susceptibility to stains and chips, is making a comeback. Homeowners are embracing its natural veining movement and its ability to complement various colours.
We’re also seeing an increase in upstands throughout kitchens. A small portion of worktop material that continues up the wall and extends the entire length of the worksurface, creates a seamless finish where the counter meets the wall.
Embracing the natural imperfections of stones aligns with the increasing prioritisation of sustainability and low maintenance in kitchen design.
Storage
As kitchens become more of a living space, dedicated and clutter-free zones are becoming essential. Innovative layouts like 'hidden' kitchens and pantry walls allow for a tidy cooking area when not in use.
Highly functional kitchens incorporate drawer inserts and drawers for organisation, while multi-functional, flexible, and free-standing furniture is in high demand for easy space adaptation.
Super-size fridge freezers are becoming the norm in new kitchen designs, offering extra space for families and reducing trips to the supermarket. The fridge freezer is evolving into a focal point, no longer hidden but celebrated for its convenience.
3D surfaces
A move toward non-transparent materials is expected in 2024, with ribbed and scalloped surfaces gaining popularity. These surfaces not only add depth and character to a room but also maintain a modern aesthetic.
With the ever-increasing rise in popularity of open-plan living, contrasting surfaces allow personality to be injected into the kitchen, using a range of different textures and patterns.
For those wanting to test the waters, you can add texture on the countertops and island, as well throughout the kitchenware like cutting boards, stools and lighting.
Hardware
Hardware is getting a major upgrade in 2024. Oversized, eye-catching designs are becoming more popular instead of the handleless designs we’ve seen in recent years.
While handles should function well and feel natural in the hand, they do have the ability to embellish even the most basic of cabinets.
It’s no longer about mixing textures but instead the shapes. Budding DIYers should look to embrace a mix of knobs, pulls, latches and cup pulls when deciding on the hardware for their kitchens.
Aged brass will remain a popular fixture in 20214, especially in its unlacquered form which allows it to naturally patina over time.
