Feb 27 min read

2024 KITCHEN TRENDS

Updated: Apr 26

Now the new year has arrived, it is clear to see that there are several new kitchen trends on the horizon. Here at System Six Kitchens, we always ensure that we are up to date on the latest kitchen developments as well as the ever-expanding range of technical innovations. Kitchens are of integral importance in the home, simply because they have so many uses. We not only cook and eat in the kitchen, but we gather, socialise and welcome others into that space. Kitchens are also deeply expressive of their owners, which is why we will be providing an all-encompassing guide to this year’s kitchen trends, including an analysis of their attributes and benefits and some simple suggestions if you are new to kitchen design.

GREEN KITCHENS

Green is an elegant and versatile colour in many ways. It can be lightened and deepened depending on individual taste, and these changes have the power to entirely transform the aesthetic feel of a space. Due to this, it is not surprising to see that green kitchens are such a significant trend predicted for 2024. To create a classic countryside kitchen look, lighter greens, such as Sage, Cardamom and Viridian, pair well with natural woodgrain elements and vivacious indoor plants and greenery. The green kitchen is one that emulates the feel of the natural world; therefore, woodgrain is the optimal pairing. Colour Psychology highlights that green is “most often associated with growth and renewal, and it promotes optimism, hopefulness and balance.” [1] The combination of wood, white and light green connotes the distinctive hues of the outdoor forests and hillsides, connecting one to the calmness of nature which is then reflected in the home. Brilliant White is a perfect companion to lighter greens, as it illuminates a space with its reflective attributes. White is also entirely versatile and complements both traditional and modern doors, cabinets and drawer fronts.

Farmhouse style green kitchen with baking shelves — Manston in Reed Green

Darker greens, such as Olive and Deep Forest, have a very different effect on the kitchen and subsequently the rest of the home. Darker tones in most colours add a sophisticated and luxurious depth to a kitchen, but especially in a green kitchen. Although, their light-absorbent properties can overwhelm or darken a space, especially if there is a lack of natural light. For this reason, darker shades should be introduced to a green kitchen space with precision and care. To create a balance in your kitchen, ensure that the wall colour and worktop are a lighter shade to contrast the dark cabinets. The cabinet colour will still define the space with elegance and sophistication, whilst catering to the natural light that the space allows.

Should you wish to be more adventurous with colour, small installations of vibrant green can liven a previously dull space without overwhelming the eye. Individual elements such as splashbacks, freestanding appliances and furniture can alter the atmosphere created in your green or neutral kitchen.

TRADITIONAL KITCHENS

Traditional In-frame walk in pantry with open shelving and x-box units — Powderham in Taupe Grey & White Oak

Traditional kitchens are as timeless as they are elegant. Architectural Digest reinforces that, historically, “the kitchen was a utilitarian space, existing for food prep and little else.” [2] This means that traditional in-frame or shaker kitchens were scarcely accessorised and displayed several open-shelving units for functionality. Typical traditional kitchens that feature in modern designs still incorporate the practicality of those of the past but accentuate the elegance of the structure through bespoke design elements and colour variation.

Most traditional designs are centred around a kitchen island due to their versatility and unrivalled charm. As well as giving the kitchen a distinctive character, the design is timeless and consistently on-trend. Kitchen islands structure the space and are particularly receptive to open-plan arrangements. They can be used for preparation and for social gatherings, especially if elements like bar stools or elevated seating are implemented. Natural materials are also an integral part of traditional designs. Pair rustic wooden elements with bright bursts of colour to add a unique, bohemian twist to your in-frame or classic shaker kitchen.

Grey in-frame open plan kitchen — Tamworth in Dust Grey & Light Grey

WOODEN KITCHENS

In this upcoming year, the wooden kitchen trend is due to make a significant return, as modern woodgrain cabinet and door designs celebrate the versatility and quality of natural materials. Al Bruce, the managing director of Olive & Barr, highlights that “wood kitchens create a warm, inviting atmosphere, the natural grain and texture add depth and character to the home and provide the perfect backdrop for an abundance of natural textures.” [3]

Pink and Grey family style kitchen — Veryan in Vintage Pink & Light Grey

Real wood kitchens have a multitude of aesthetic benefits, including authenticity, elegance and patterned

woodgrain design. However, an attribute of real wood to consider is its tendency to respond to moisture. Were real wood materials to be used around a sink or area which comes into contact with water regularly, the moisture could cause warping or expansion if appropriate measures are not taken. The best way to care for wooden inclusions in your home is to install durable and non-absorbent materials, such as quartz and stone, around sinks and basins. Keeping the space properly ventilated is also integral in caring for a wooden kitchen. If the home environment itself has a moisture content that exceeds 60%, it is not advisable to include real wood in the room due to potential warping. However, there is a wide range of beautiful, engineered wood alternatives available for more humid spaces. These are intended to be almost impervious to humidity and with a woodgrain painted finish, to the untrained eye, it can be very difficult to tell the difference between the two door styles.

View kitchen styles

KITCHEN STORAGE

Kitchen storage solutions are constantly evolving to make efficient use of the smaller spaces in our kitchens that we may not always consider. Custom-fit cutlery inserts are becoming increasingly popular. The bespoke measurements make compartment drawers aesthetically pleasing to the eye, whilst offering a practical organisational element.

Larder storage — Veryan in Porcelain walk-in pantry

Walk-in pantries are sophisticated and effortlessly versatile. As well as being accessible for practicality, the interiors of a walk-in pantry are entirely up to your own design preferences. A variety of inserts are available, including condiments drawers, wine bottle inserts and wine glass racks, so your hidden pantry can be personalised and suited to your own taste. Decorative components such as sensor lighting are also an available addition to this unit, giving your kitchen a subtle and modern feel. Elle Decor mentions that a hidden pantry “is a prime opportunity to embrace a bold décor scheme”[1], so if you are looking to experiment with bold colour choices, a hidden pantry could be a brilliant investment for your original kitchen design.

Luxury In-Frame Kitchen — Rougemont Luxurious in-frame pantry

The satisfaction of having a visibly organised space is attainable with open shelving. Open shelving is appearing more regularly in modern kitchen designs due to their uniformity and design flexibility. Identically labelled glass jars, imagery of this in the small houseplants and kitchen utensils decorate these units beautifully, creating an eclectic, yet minimalist, display. Some opt to include open units as opposed to wall fixtures for practicality and ease, whereas others choose to incorporate floating open shelving units. Both are distinctive and fashionable inclusions and can be suited to your kitchen space accordingly. Living Etc reinforces that “As the needs of the kitchen change, and it becomes more of a living space than ever before – multifunctional, flexible furniture becomes an essential part of the design.” [4]

Book a FREE design appointment with our team

COUNTERTOPS & WORKTOPS

Worktop Library seems to predict that “Quartz kitchen worktops with veined patterns will take over kitchen designs in 2024. Not only are quartz worktops more affordable than most worktop materials, but they are also heat-tolerant and stain-resistant.” [6] Modern trends for the coming year lean towards the benefits and aesthetics of natural materials. With an increasing number of households taking strides towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly kitchen design, Quartz is a leading material for kitchen worktops. The worktops themselves are made up of 90-95% natural quartz, one of the hardest and most durable minerals on Earth, meaning that it is resistant to the wear-and-tear of everyday kitchen use. It is also non-porous, preventing moisture damage and long-lasting stains. [7] This on-trend choice will not only offer maximum practicality, but will be a fashionable and sophisticated addition to your home. Whilst more affordable alternatives like Corian are still available on the market, Quartz worktops are becoming the favoured option, as they are less likely to display scratch marks or furrowing.

ENERGY SAVING APPLIANCES

Brass Quooker tap — Read more about Quooker Taps

As we look to make environmentally conscious decisions in relation to our homes, energy saving appliances can be helpful elements to consider when aiming to reduce a household’s overall energy consumption. Quooker boiling water taps are a current favourite in the energy-efficient appliance market. Quooker themselves say “Although it might feel like a luxury to have filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water on tap, a Quooker is a sustainable purchase.” [8] This is due to the system’s vacuum tank which allows water to be kept at 108 degrees under pressure as opposed to having the water constantly boiling and wasting valuable energy.

Alongside this, the Siemens iQ300 dishwasher has been ranked highly among the BBC Good Food’s ‘Best Dishwashers Buying Guide 2024’ contenders. As well as having the space for 13 place settings’ worth of dishes, it is also compatible with smart homes, with WiFi enabled features and voice control. The Siemens iQ300 has a unique feature: the VarioSpeedPlus option. This essentially allows the owner to intensify and shorten the wash cycles with a specific setting that targets the more challenging dishes. [9]

Entering into the rest of 2024, these key decisions surrounding sustainable appliances and eco-friendly kitchen materials can have a big impact on the future of sustainable kitchen design and contributing to positive environmental change in the kitchen design sector.

Throughout 2024, we can expect to see far more kitchen designs that reinforce the hues and materials of the natural world. Real wood remains as popular as ever, alongside a variety of lush and lively shades of green being chosen for central cabinet colours. Based on this year’s trends, kitchens are being recognised for their utilitarian nature as well as their social, meaning that designs are ever more considerate of space usage and general energy output. To explore how you can implement some of these trends in your own ideal kitchen, book a free design appointment with one of our expert designers. With such a large range of options available, practical and aesthetic goals for your kitchen are guaranteed.

Purley in Light Grey