Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a sleek and functional masterpiece? Well, get ready to be blown away by the top kitchen design trends of 2024. In this article, we will discuss the trends expected on the horizon as unveiled by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Don't miss out on these must-have elements for your kitchen remodel—it's time to elevate your culinary haven!

In general, we’re going to see a lot more warm neutrals, lighter woods, and earth tones, with a lot less stark white kitchens, grey cabinets, and over-the-counter microwaves. The key takeaways from the report are:

A connection to the outdoors
Innovative personalized designs
Minimalistic designs that are easy to maintain
Islands are the heart of the kitchen
A place for wellness and nutrition
Increased focus on sustainability
Well-curated lighting

1. Gold

Although matte black has been very popular for the past few years, it looks like gold faucets and hardware will be the new trend, followed by stainless steel and black. Typically, we will see matte, brushed, or satin finishes on the gold fixtures and hardware.

To go along with those gold faucets, work station sinks that include cutting boards, strainers, and drying racks are gaining in popularity.

2. Solid Surface Backsplashes

Solid surface backsplashes have been gaining in popularity over the past couple of years (and coming down in price too!) Most often, they are an extension of your counter, having the same material on your backsplash as what’s on your counter. However, they can also be completely different materials, such as quartz for the countertop and painted glass or mirror for the backsplash. Either way, they offer clean, sleek lines and a seamless transition. With no grout lines to clean, solid-surface backsplashes are easy to maintain.

3. Green

With a trend toward earth tones and bringing the outdoors in, we’re going to see a lot more green in kitchens. For those who are bold and risk-takers, we’ll see green cabinets, sometimes paired with creamy white and natural wood cabinetry. Picture natural wood perimeter cabinets and a green island, or olive green base cabinets with uppers in a creamy white. If you’re not quite ready to commit to green cabinetry, consider a green backsplash or green-painted walls with neutral cabinets.

I was talking about this trend with a client who immediately turned her nose up at the thought of bright Christmas green cabinets. However, green can have many shades. Consider Benjamin Moore’s wide selection of greens such as Camouflage, October Mist, Soft Fern, or Georgian Green (my personal favourite—an olive tone with muted yellow undertones—great for cabinets or a terrific wall colour with neutral cabinets).

If green’s not your favourite colour, consider some of the other popular warm, rich tones we’ll be seeing in 2024: smoky blue, burgundy, rich brown, red, and even purple.

4. Wood Grain Cabinets

Knowing that kitchens will be steering away from white and toward warm, earthy tones, it’s not a surprise that we’re going to see a lot more wood-grain cabinets. White oak and walnut wood cabinets will add a lot of warmth to kitchens.

We’ll also see more alder wood cabinets. Alder is a relative of the birch family and is also white when first cut. It quickly changes colour upon exposure to air. Alder wood stains beautifully and has a great grain pattern that suits both modern and traditional kitchens. The grain pattern isn’t as heavy or dated as some wood species.

Not ready to commit to all wood-grain cabinets? Consider balancing light and dark wood stained or even a mix of painted and wood cabinets. Think about an island in a natural wood grain finish with painted perimeter cabinets or a beautiful matte black island paired with wood grain perimeter cabinets. The possibilities are endless! The stained wood will provide an element of warmth, while the painted cabinets incorporate personality and charm.

5. Storage

Making storage a priority will be important in 2024. I’ve always told my clients that you can’t have enough storage in a kitchen (or any room, for that matter). We always try to use every available spot for more storage options. You’re going to see more walk-in pantries, drawer dividers, tray dividers in narrow cabinets, pull-outs, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.

6. Beverage Stations

We’ve been installing lots of beverage stations for over a year now, and they are gaining popularity! Often, they are simple 24” base cabinets with either open shelves above them or additional upper cabinets. They are often positioned in areas that would otherwise be an unused, useless space (like next to a patio door or in a corner). A dedicated counter receptacle ensures you have the ability to plug in kettles, cappuccino machines, or coffee makers. If the space allows, consider a small bar fridge integrated into the base cabinets or even a bar sink that can double as a prep sink when needed. This is the type of luxurious extra that improves the functionality of your kitchen and helps provide more storage space as well.

Another way we’ve been incorporating beverage stations for our clients is into alcoves in finished basements. These beverage stations can fit into small spaces, like under the stairs. Check out the photo at the right of our client’s North Oshawa basement.

7. Layered Lighting

Lighting is so important in a kitchen, and we’ll be seeing the use of more layered lighting with combinations of task, ambient, decorative, and even nighttime lighting in kitchens. Designer and NKBA member Julee Ireland says, “Lighting is the jewellery to your home, and creating layers from the ground up is so important. I love to use soft LED base lighting, especially around the island, under-cabinet lighting, cove lighting, and then something unique and spectacular over the kitchen island, and some wall sconces depending on the design.”

We’ll see less of a focus on bold, statement pendant lights and a shift toward integrated undercabinet lighting or toe kick lighting that can provide nighttime lighting.

You don’t typically see sconces in a kitchen, but they are starting to make an appearance. Sometimes LED recessed pot lights can cause a glare in a kitchen, whereas sconces add some lower light and, if on a dimmer, can add some gorgeous nighttime lighting too.

Lighting will also incorporate the newest technology with voice activation, motion sensors, and programmability. As for the materials we’ll see in light fixtures, there will be more gold, copper, and brass.

8. Stainless Steel Appliances

Despite seeing more gold in faucets, hardware, and light fixtures, stainless steel is still dominating the kitchen in appliances. A close second choice is panel-ready appliances to match cabinet faces. If you’re considering this, then just make sure you purchase the right appliances for this application. This option creates a seamless flow of cabinet doors.

French door fridges and even refrigerator drawers are remaining popular, but we’re going to see fewer gas ranges in lieu of sleek induction cooktops that are integrated into countertops.

9. Statement Range Hoods

We’re going to see a rise in fancy, custom-made range hoods in wood, stainless steel, or a mix of metals. This will often be the focal point in the room.

10. Eat-In Kitchens

THIS IS A COSENTINO DEKTON 'ENTZO' COUNTERTOP. INSPIRED BY THE CALACATTA GOLD MARBLE. REALISM AND NATURALNESS ARE BREATHED BETWEEN THE RANDOM SHAPES THAT DRAW THEIR GOLDEN VEINS.

Kitchen islands have been popular for over a decade, but we’re going to see them become bigger and better. There’ll be more storage in them and, most importantly, more seating, allowing for eat-in kitchens and social time in the kitchen. The island will become a focal point, truly making it the heart of the kitchen, where we not only prep but also eat and sometimes just spend time entertaining.

Want to make the island even more of a focal point? Consider a waterfall countertop or a bold, statement colour.

We’re also going to see less row seating at islands and more of a wraparound look with overhangs on three sides of the island. Don’t like the idea of an island? Keep your kitchen table in place, and it becomes a family focal centre.

Bonus Trend: Sustainability

At the heart of this kitchen revolution lies a deep commitment to sustainability. This trend for 2024 places a strong emphasis on eco-friendliness. As our awareness of environmental issues grows, homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint and create more sustainable living spaces. This trend responds to that demand by incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient appliances, and smart technology that helps conserve resources.

This trend represents a shift towards a more harmonious and integrated kitchen experience, where every element seamlessly blends together to create a space that is both visually stunning and highly practical. Gone are the days of choosing between aesthetics and efficiency; 2024 will witness the rise of kitchens that effortlessly embody both.

Imagine a kitchen where every design feature serves a purpose beyond mere aesthetics, from countertops made from recycled materials to lighting systems that adjust based on natural daylight. With an emphasis on reducing carbon footprints and creating more environmentally friendly living spaces, this game-changing kitchen design revolution brings us closer to a greener future.

In summary…

As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, "A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." So, let your kitchen design be a testament to the art of simplicity and purpose, where every element serves a function and ignites a sense of wonder.

Now, it's your turn to embrace these trends and unlock the full potential of your kitchen. Whether you're renovating an existing space or starting from scratch, remember the power that lies in infusing style and functionality. Seek inspiration, collaborate with experts, and most importantly, let your imagination run wild. Your kitchen is more than just a place for cooking—it's a creative canvas waiting to be transformed into something truly remarkable.

So, take that first step today. Embrace the fusion of beauty and practicality, and watch as your kitchen becomes the heart of your home, a testament to your impeccable taste, and a source of inspiration for others. The future is here, and it's time for your kitchen to shine.