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Kitchens are often the “hearth of the home” because they're actively used every day and are often the main gathering and socializing spot for family members and friends.
It’s no surprise that homeowners have “dream kitchens” that fulfill their every aesthetic and functional desire or believe that investing in kitchen alterations will significantly up a home’s resale value. But, as with any other space over time, kitchen design trends come and go—or shift.
If you’re planning a kitchen makeover, consider these cabinetry trends that architects, designers, and remodelers are predicting will be popular in 2024.
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Mixed Design Styles
Some designers and architects foresee new takes in transitional design with regards to cabinetry and hardware.
“We are seeing a surge in the ‘skinny shaker’ cabinet style which updates the classic cabinet with a much thinner frame typically around a half an inch wide,'” Karen Frome, founder of Rise Projects, says.
Frome explains how this kind of update will refresh and modernize any shaker look while also helping it maintain the warm, homey feeling of the more traditional rendition.
"The skinny shaker style will make for a fresh take on a timeless kitchen," Frome says.
Laura Brophy, founder of Laura Brophy Interiors, says that there has been a growing appreciation for the charm and warmth of past eras in modern kitchen design.
"This trend sees the incorporation of vintage elements like classic paneling, traditional hardware, and retro-inspired color palettes into contemporary kitchens," Brophy says. "The idea is to blend nostalgia with the conveniences of modern cabinetry.”
Along the same lines, Amy Courtney, principal of Amy Courtney Design, says to be on the lookout for minimalistic but vintage-inspired hardware that marries slim-lined and elegant shapes.
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02 of 06
Warm Color Palettes
Don’t believe any hype you might hear about white going out of style: It’s going nowhere. But do believe that color is making some strides in kitchen cabinetry.
“While white won’t ever go completely out of style, hence the popularity, the neutral tone is stepping aside for kitchens with more depth and richness,” Casey Keasler, founder of Casework, says. She expects to see more warm and rich hues.
Courtney agrees because her clients are increasingly opting for cabinets in hues that go beyond the traditional palette like yellows, dark teals, and reds. These colors create an inviting space filled with personality.
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03 of 06
Natural Materials
The natural beauty and welcoming warmth of wood never really go out of style, but the species and shade might. Currently, signs point to white oak and walnut in kitchen cabinetry.
“We’ve seen a very noticeable transition from white kitchens to white oak cabinetry, with pale white oak being the most popular,” Sarah Robertson, the founder and principal of Studio Dearborn, says.
She cautions, however, since white oak can often be less sustainable than woods such as birch and alder, which are faster-growing trees. If you’re itching for that white-oak look but want to stay eco-friendly, consider instead covering other wood or even MDF cabinets in authentic white-oak veneer.
“Darker tones are starting to pop up, and walnut in particular has always been popular,” Robertson adds.
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04 of 06
Open-Shelving
You might have noticed that kitchenware—from cookware to charcuterie boards—has grown more aesthetically appealing in recent years. Think Le Creuset–inspired enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens and Smeg-like retro-style countertop appliances, all of which can be left in place rather than stashed away and out of sight without cramping one’s style.
These design updates are giving way to trends in glass-fronted cabinetry and open shelving.
“This design choice is partly driven by a desire to display beautiful kitchenware but also to create a sense of openness and airiness in the kitchen,” Brophy says.
Brophy explains how open shelving often encourages a thoughtful approach to kitchen storage since it's where functionality meets display.
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05 of 06
Spotlighted Island
If space allows, kitchen islands will still be popular, according to most pros. After all, the extra surface area afforded by the extended countertop space is valuable in today’s multifunctional home. It can accommodate everything from cooking and dining to streaming content on a laptop or tablet.
“I see the island evolving into different shapes with the use of unique and textural cabinetry—like a fine furniture piece for the kitchen,” Julee Ireland, an interior designer and TV personality, says.
Also, consider highlighting the island simply by using a different tone or finish from the rest of the kitchen cabinetry, whether neutral, natural, vibrant, matte, or glossy.
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More Textures
Some designers believe 2024 will see more deliberate mixing of materials and textures to bring more depth and personality and offer a break away from uniformity.
“Wood, metal, glass, and various finishes like matte or glossy may be combined to create a more layered and visually intriguing space,” Brophy says. “Textures, laminates, and veneers are also gaining popularity, offering a tactile experience.”
Kari Whitman, founder of Kari Whitman Interiors, agrees and recently mixed things up with dark-toned metal to create a sleek and edgy kitchen.
“I’m all about the metal cabinets, whether they be black steel or a buttery bronze,” Whitman says.
8 Kitchen Trends Designers Can't Wait to Try in 2024
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Expert Introduction
As an expert in architecture, interior design, and product design, with over 25 years of experience in writing about commercial and residential architecture, I have a deep understanding and knowledge of the trends, styles, and innovations in the field of home design. My expertise extends to various aspects of interior design, including kitchen design, cabinetry trends, color palettes, natural materials, open shelving, spotlighted islands, and textures. I have closely followed and analyzed the evolving trends and concepts in kitchen design, making me well-equipped to provide valuable insights and information on the latest developments in this field.
Concepts Related to Kitchen Design Trends
The article "8 Kitchen Trends Designers Can't Wait to Try in 2024" discusses several key concepts related to kitchen design trends that are predicted to be popular in 2024. These concepts include mixed design styles, warm color palettes, natural materials, open shelving, spotlighted islands, and more textures. Let's delve into each of these concepts in detail:
Mixed Design Styles
The concept of mixed design styles in kitchen cabinetry involves the incorporation of transitional design elements, such as the "skinny shaker" cabinet style, which updates the classic cabinet with a much thinner frame. Additionally, there is a growing appreciation for blending vintage elements with modern cabinetry, creating a nostalgic yet contemporary look.
Warm Color Palettes
While white remains a popular choice for kitchen cabinetry, there is a shift towards warm and rich hues, such as yellows, dark teals, and reds. These colors are expected to create inviting spaces filled with personality, offering an alternative to the traditional white palette.
Natural Materials
The use of natural materials, particularly wood, is a timeless trend in kitchen design. In 2024, the focus is on white oak and walnut cabinetry, with white oak being the most popular choice. However, sustainability is a key consideration, with alternatives such as birch and alder being recommended for eco-friendly options.
Open Shelving
The trend of open shelving and glass-fronted cabinetry is driven by a desire to display beautiful kitchenware while creating a sense of openness and airiness in the kitchen. This design choice encourages a thoughtful approach to kitchen storage, combining functionality with display.
Spotlighted Island
Kitchen islands continue to be popular, offering valuable additional surface area in today's multifunctional homes. The evolving trend involves utilizing unique and textural cabinetry to highlight the island as a fine furniture piece for the kitchen, creating a focal point within the space.
More Textures
In 2024, there is a focus on deliberate mixing of materials and textures to bring depth and personality to the kitchen space. This includes combining wood, metal, glass, and various finishes like matte or glossy to create a visually intriguing and layered space, offering a tactile experience.
These concepts reflect the evolving trends in kitchen design, combining modern elements with timeless aesthetics to create functional, aesthetically pleasing, and personalized kitchen spaces.