The year 2024 has merely begun and the kitchen design industry is abuzz with the latest trends that are set to redefine the heart of every home. From sustainable and eco-friendly designs, to innovative lighting concepts, the future of kitchens is indeed looking bright.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Kitchen Design Trends

One of the most prominent trends in kitchen design for 2024 is the emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly choices. Homeowners are increasingly seeking sustainable design choices, such as energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendly materials, to create a more environmentally conscious kitchen space. This trend reflects a growing awareness of the need for sustainable living and is expected to dominate kitchen design in the upcoming year.

The National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2023 Design Trends Report revealed that not only is sustainability growing in importance, but also that certain environmentally-friendly products will become more popular in the kitchen and bath industry in the next three years. Homeowners are seeking to create beautiful and functional kitchen spaces that align with their values and have a positive impact on the environment.

Some specific features of sustainable kitchen design include the use of energy-efficient appliances that are ENERGY STAR certified, which can help reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. In fact, NKBA reports that nearly 60% of designers want cooking, cleaning and cooling appliances that conserve energy and are earth friendly, and choose EPA/ENERGY STAR appliances.

Homeowners are opting for eco-friendly materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled glass for countertops, flooring, and cabinetry to minimize the environmental impact of their kitchen renovations. In addition to eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances, homeowners are also incorporating sustainable practices into their cooking and food storage routines. This includes the installation of smart thermostats, lighting, water-saving fixtures to reduce energy and water consumption, and investing in composting and recycling systems.

With the increasing focus on climate change and sustainability, this trend is expected to continue to shape kitchen design for years to come.

Smart Home Technology

Another popular trend we will continue to see in 2024 is the steady growth of smart home technology to monitor and manage energy usage. It is estimated that 63.43 million homes used smart devices actively in the U.S. in 2023. With rising demand for smart homes, the popularity of smart kitchen appliances is set to surge.

According to Grand View Research, the majority of home buyers seek a smart home and are willing to pay more for it, as the U.S. smart kitchen appliances market is expected to grow to just under $20B by 2030.

As smart cities and infrastructure gain traction, smart refrigerators are increasingly prevalent, holding the maximum share of about 33.5% of the U.S. smart appliance market in 2023.. The IoT sector has witnessed significant growth, fueled by products like Google Nest, Ring, and Alexa, which enhance home intelligence. Consequently, more and more companies are enhancing current offerings or launching new ones to cater to the expanding demands of tech-savvy consumers.

Look for key smart kitchen appliance companies to introduce new technologies and models in 2024, including:

• Whirlpool Corporation
• LG Electronics
• Electrolux AB
• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
• Haier Group
• Panasonic Corporation
• BSH Hausgerate GmbH
• Breville.
• Miele & Cie. KG
• Dongbu Daewoo Electronics

Drawers in Lieu of Lower Cabinets

When it comes to kitchen storage, drawers can sometimes be a more practical and efficient choice than lower cabinets. Drawers allow for easier access and better organization of kitchen items, as they provide full visibility and accessibility to the contents.

In contrast, lower cabinets often lead to items getting lost in the back of the cabinet, requiring a lot of bending and reaching to retrieve them. Drawers also make it easier to maximize storage space, as they can be outfitted with dividers, inserts, and organizers to keep everything neatly in place. Additionally, drawers are more ergonomic, as they eliminate the need to bend down and reach into dark, low spaces.

Overall, the use of drawers in lieu of lower cabinets can create a more functional and user-friendly kitchen space, making daily tasks easier and more efficient. Whether it’s organizing pots and pans, utensils, or food storage containers, drawers can offer a more convenient and accessible way to store and access kitchen essentials.

In line with the growing demand for convenience and functionality, the use of drawers in lieu of lower cabinets is set to gain traction in 2024. This trend offers improved accessibility and organization, providing homeowners with practical storage solutions that optimize kitchen space.

Here’s one kitchen expert sharing her reasons for preferring drawers over cabinets:

Colors: Bold vs. Beige

Depending on whom you ask, there are two very different takes on kitchen color trends homeowners and designers can expect to see in 2024. According to Jessica McConnell, Director of Color, Material, and Finish, as well as Global Consumer Design at Whirlpool, warm neutrals like earthy beiges ranging from light to dark, alongside warm-hued tinted whites, will remain popular choices for kitchen paint colors for the year.

We tend to believe 2024 will be the year of more color “pop” than subdued. While the once-popular all-white kitchen trend diminishes, there’s a growing desire for inspiring colors, and appliance colors that add personality are set to take stage this year. Colored appliances can serve as focal points in the kitchen, drawing attention and creating interest. Homeowners in 2024 will be crafting kitchens to reflect their personal style, incorporating bold, dark hues for added contrast and ambiance.

Kitchen manufacturers are responding to the diverse demands of homeowners and designers by offering a wide range of appliance colors, including bold hues. Many leading brands are enhancing their products to set them apart from competitors. Bertazzoni’s Professional Series ranges, for example, draw inspiration from race cars and are meticulously applied by hand by Italian artisans. They are available in three sizes and five colors: black (Nero), white (Bianco), yellow (Gialo), orange (Arancio), and red (Rosso).

BlueStar, with a legacy dating back to 1880 in Pennsylvania, offers appliances in over 1,000 colors. For 2024, the company announced “Honey Yellow” the color of the year.

Surprisingly, Samsung has emerged as a pioneer in colorful kitchen appliances with their Bespoke Series refrigerators. Unlike any other option on the market, their range of standard and 4-door French door refrigerators allows for custom color options for each individual door panel.

Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain countertops are poised to make a significant impact in the realm of kitchen design in 2024. These durable and versatile surfaces offer a luxurious yet practical option for homeowners, with a wide range of color palettes and finishes to complement various design styles. One of the key advantages of porcelain countertops is their durability. They are resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making them an ideal choice for a high-traffic area like the kitchen. Porcelain is also non-porous, which means it is easy to clean and resistant to bacteria and mold. This makes it a hygienic choice for food preparation areas.

In addition to their practicality, porcelain countertops offer a sleek and modern aesthetic. They can mimic the look of natural stone, such as marble or granite, but with the added benefit of being more affordable and easier to maintain. They also come in a variety of colors and finishes, from matte to high-gloss, allowing homeowners to find the perfect fit for their design vision.

Porcelain countertops are more cost-effective than standard alternatives, as well. Porcelain countertops typically cost between $55 and $120 per square foot, inclusive of installation, below the average price of granite and quartz. Granite countertops range from $45 to $200 per square foot installed, while quartz countertops range from $75 to $150 per square foot installed. The final price for porcelain countertops is influenced by various factors such as color, pattern, texture, edge style, and the complexity of the installation process.

Some homeowners who’ve transitioned to porcelain countertops absolutely love them, as one reviewer wrote:

I renovated my kitchen 16 years ago. I used 12×12 porcelain tiles on the floor and countertops. I LOVE my countertops!! I put pots straight from the stove and broiler pans straight from the oven on them with no problem. I cut and dice on them. I clean the area where I do most of my food prep with a mixture of water and bleach. There is a double window that gets afternoon sun over this section. The color of the tiles looks just the same as when they were installed. I know because I have a box stored away and recently compared them to the installed ones. I’m moving and renovating another house to live in. My new kitchen will have porcelain tiles for the countertops. This time I’m using 24×24.

Overall, porcelain countertops are set to make a big impact in kitchen design in 2024 due to their durability, versatility, and aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, porcelain countertops are environmentally friendly. They are made from natural materials and are fully recyclable, making them a sustainable choice for eco-conscious consumers. As more homeowners discover the benefits of porcelain, it is likely to become a popular choice for those looking to update their kitchen with a luxurious yet practical surface.

Minimal Backsplashes

Minimal backsplashes are a popular trend in modern kitchen design. Instead of extending the backsplash all the way up to the upper cabinets, minimal backsplashes typically only cover a small section of the wall behind the stove or sink. This creates a clean and sleek look that allows for more emphasis on other design elements, such as the countertop or cabinetry.

Minimal backsplashes are often made of simple, yet elegant materials such as glass or stainless steel, adding a touch of sophistication to the kitchen. Additionally, by only covering a small portion of the wall, minimal backsplashes are easier to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for busy homeowners.

Whether you prefer a monochromatic look or want to add a pop of color, minimal backsplashes offer a versatile design option that can easily complement any kitchen style. Overall, minimal backsplashes are an excellent choice for those looking to create a stylish and functional kitchen space.

Illuminating Kitchen Innovation

Lighting will play a pivotal role in shaping the ambiance of kitchens in 2024. LED will continue to be a dominant trend, as it offers energy efficiency and long-lasting performance. In fact, NKBA reports 82% of both kitchen and bath designers are using LED lighting in all their projects. Homeowners, too, are looking for lighting solutions that enhance the overall design of their kitchen while providing adequate illumination for cooking and meal preparation.

With a focus on illuminating innovation, the latest trends in kitchen lighting are geared towards creating a harmonious blend of functionality and visual impact. Pendant lights, for example, are expected to remain a popular choice for adding a touch of elegance and style to the kitchen, with a focus on unique and statement-making designs. From integrated LED fixtures to statement lighting pieces, the future of kitchen lighting is set to be both dazzling and practical.