In the kitchen, connections and comfort are more important than ever. However, given the constant introduction of new finishes, layout concepts, and equipment, you might be wondering which kitchen trends are here to stay. What then is a worthwhile investment? And what ought you to omit? Continue reading to learn about nine crucial trends that industry insiders believe pros would be well advised to adopt right now.
Read More: kitchen trends for 2024
1. The Return of Wood
Designer Peti Lau, located in Los Angeles, says, “My clients are showing a lot more interest in wood cabinets and finishes, specifically, really beautiful natural ash wood, which renders a rustic contemporary vibe.” Wood, which is earthy by nature but can be utilized in more contemporary ways, adds levels of elegance to the kitchen. According to Lau, “people are longing for a sense of calm and for soothing palettes.” The Los Angeles design team of Lucia Bartholomew and Cayley Lambur of Electric Bowery echoes that position: It’s crucial to have plenty of warmth and texture in the kitchen. Less white and greater richness are prevalent in the palette as a whole. A more individualized approach to the kitchen is made possible by straying from strictly neutral color schemes, whether that is due to the wood’s richer, deeper hue.
2. Little Details
AD100 designer Brigette Romanek of Romanek Design Studio in Los Angeles says, “Kitchens are becoming as detailed as possible.” And that is advantageous. Customers are customizing their kitchens to suit their needs, without always adhering to the well-known triangle that divides the space between the stove, sink, and refrigerator. The discourse about bespoke work is frequently sparked by the art of details. Lau continues, “I think there are more alternatives for customization so that clients and designers may choose different finishes for the appliances. The most common requests from clients are for utility and modification for their everyday routines, and there are now more customisable façades and coverings available. Details like juice bars and coffee are typical.
3. Make it a Double
Designers are going big in the kitchen, whether it’s with workhorse equipment or built-ins like islands.
Designer Nina Magon of Contour Interior Design, located near Houston, explains the twin island obsession. According to her, “this trend gives your kitchen more storage and more space for food preparation and entertaining.” Double islands are the ultimate luxury because of their streamlined sight lines and abundant counter space. According to Lau, “double islands are the ideal gathering places and make a huge difference in kitchens.” “Having room for them is what really defines luxury.”
And things don’t stop there. “Currently, double ovens, two dishwashers, and oversized or multiple refrigerators are a must-have,” says Judy Dunne of the design firm Butter and Eggs, located in New York City. “After the pandemic, people are more excited to entertain and spend time with friends and family. These appliances boost entertaining potential and make cleanup easier.”
Designer Cara Woodhouse, based in New York, advises against discounting this style just yet if your client has a smaller area. “People assume you have to live in a mansion to have multiple refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances, but it’s all about getting creative with the placement and concealment of pieces,” the woman says. According to Eileen Kathryn Boyd, true home entertainers in particular should double up for effective large-scale party prep. However, clever planning is essential: “It is our responsibility as the design team to create a unified feel for the area with a purposeful flow.”
4. Smarter Kitchens
Romanek observes, “Appliances are getting smarter.” Technology is making significant strides in the kitchen and is no longer limited to media rooms and sound systems. “The integrated smart-technology systems and options that cater to end users’ lifestyles have been revolutionary and seem to be getting better every day,” Lau remarks. “Most appliances and functions today come with built-in technology, ranging from basic touch-closing cabinets to smartphone-controlled stoves and smart faucets. According to Magon, smart kitchens are actually the direction that luxury kitchen design is heading. With the majority of clients spending more time at home, Magon points out that their desire is for their kitchens to make daily duties easier. As a result, technology is enabling more environmentally friendly kitchen settings, replete with air filters for pure air.
5. Mix it All Up
According to Bryan O’Sullivan of London, “there is definitely a move away from the fitted kitchen look—where everything looks very homogenous.” “We always like to change the different elevations and approach each kitchen and area differently when we design kitchens.” His company is renowned for deviating from the conventional built-in approach by combining a variety of finishes and materials. “We want it to feel more personal than just built-ins; our London town house serves as an example of this, as we’ve used a variety of materials there,” he explains.
Variety really does appear to be the flavor of life. According to Boyd, “we are seeing a mix of materials used in unique and creative ways.” “Dark and light, shiny and matte, painted and wood tone—everything is a mix-and-match these days,” she says, explaining that the top and bottom cabinetry are purposefully meant to coordinate together as well as stand alone. According to her, designers are catering to consumers’ need for a unique, handcrafted style by incorporating metal trim into cabinets and drawers, as well as combining custom hardware and hinges. In addition, Dunne is seeing more requests for finishes that deviate from the standard. According to the designer, “another trend is incorporating metals into our kitchen designs in a huge range of finishes and myriad applications.” “We have really been able to elevate our designs because kitchen trends have expanded far beyond stainless steel,” the statement reads.
6. Out of Sight, Out of Mind
“We’re getting a lot of requests these days for a back-of-house, annexed kitchen,” says Gachot Studios’ designer Christine Gachot, who is headquartered in New York. “Our clients want to be in a space free of dirty dishes where they can host dinner parties, finish their meals, and mingle with guests.” Step inside the scullery kitchen, which may be used for private chef services, cooking, or prepping food before visitors come. A big “show” kitchen, which is frequently open to the house’s public spaces, can continue to be a part of the celebration in the meantime. The way a room works for entertaining is really maintained at the center of most of our design ideas in the kitchen, and no one wants to see a mess, Boyd continues. “Butler pantries and ancillary prep areas are almost becoming staples for clients.”