Buzz
A beautifully renovated kitchen, complete with modern appliances and a sleek design, is the perfect space for cooking and enjoying family time. However, a kitchen remodel is a significant investment that requires months, or even years, of preparation. It's important to plan carefully and ensure your kitchen is as contemporary as possible. While it's always best to decorate in a way that brings you joy, to keep your kitchen design from feeling outdated in the near future, you may want to avoid certain trends. Here are five kitchen trends we won't see in 2024.
Image Source/Getty ImagesGas Appliances
Mindy O'Connor, the principal and founder of Melinda Kelson O'Connor Architecture & Interiors, mentions that gas appliances are becoming less popular. “With more alternatives available and increasing legislation encouraging homeowners to move away from gas, induction cooktops and electric ovens are expected to grow in popularity in the U.S. market,” she shares. “A wide variety of induction cooktops and ranges with electric ovens are being introduced, including 36-inch models and even 48-inch versions as these technologies gain traction with homeowners.”
If you’re planning a renovation in 2024, it’s wise to explore various options for cooktops, whether you’re considering selling soon or settling in your home for the long term.
Open Plans by Default
For the last ten years, open-plan kitchens have been the go-to layout for new homes and remodels. However, this trend is expected to shift soon, according to O'Connor. “In some cases, an open kitchen that blends with the dining or living area creates a modern and functional atmosphere, offering a seamless connection to the rest of the home. But ultimately, the layout should be determined by the architectural features of the house, its intended use, natural light, and the homeowner’s goals. Good design principles should guide how the space is used.”
If you're torn between an open and closed kitchen, O'Connor offers a clever solution. “Pocketed glass doors allow for open spaces that can still be closed off when needed, offering flexibility for different occasions and helping control noise between rooms, such as when there’s a TV or a party.”
All-White Kitchens
All-white kitchens have been dominant in recent years, but by 2024, they’ll start to feel outdated. “All-white kitchens have been a design staple for the past decade. However, we're seeing a shift as consumers move toward warmer tones for cabinets and darker countertops,” says interior designer Audrey Scheck. “Mushroom beige and earthy green cabinetry paired with dark gray or black countertops are becoming more popular.”
Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops were a key element in the all-white kitchen look because they resemble marble but are more durable and affordable. As the all-white trend fades, so does quartz. “While quartz countertops will always be a practical and cost-effective choice, we're noticing a preference for natural stone surfaces like marble and quartzite. There's a growing appreciation for stones that showcase unique, imperfect beauty,” Scheck explains.
Stainless Steel
While stainless steel appliances remain classic, panel-ready options are expected to gain popularity next year. “Panel-ready appliances let you install a custom panel on your refrigerator or dishwasher, allowing them to blend seamlessly with the kitchen cabinetry,” says Scheck.
Stainless steel vent hoods are also becoming less common. “The days of neglecting the vent hood as a design element in the kitchen are over. Expect to see more sophisticated and carefully planned vent hood designs using materials like plaster, wood, and tile,” Scheck adds.
