Kitchen Chic 2024: Unveiling the 5 Hottest Trends in Modern Culinary Space
The heart of the home is evolving, and the kitchen is no exception. As we step into 2024, it’s time to embrace a new era of kitchen design that seamlessly blends style, functionality, and sustainability. Join us as we explore the hottest trends shaping the culinary spaces of tomorrow.
Scandinavian styles
In the last three months of the year, we’re seeing a big increase in searches relating to Scandinavian style kitchens up 102% YOY (Year on Year). Be it [danish style kitchen] up 200%, [rustic scandi kitchen] up 50%, [modern scandinavian kitchen design] up 100%, or [nordic style kitchen cabinets] up 100% – this is clearly a trend that’s going to gain further traction in 2024.
Creating a Scandinavian style kitchen is all about embracing simplicity, functionality and a sense of warmth. Scandinavian design is known for its clean lines, neutral colours and a focus on natural materials. Here are some tips to help you achieve a Scandinavian style in your kitchen:
Colour Palette – Stick to Neutrals with Pops of Colour:
Start with a neutral colour palette dominated by whites, greys, and light wood tones. These colours create a bright and airy atmosphere. You can add pops of colour through accessories like kitchen towels, small appliances or even colourful dining chairs.
Lighting – Embrace Natural Light and Simple Fixtures:
Maximise natural light by using light, sheer window treatments or no window treatments at all. Incorporate simple pendant lights with clean lines and natural materials, such as wood or metal, to complement the overall aesthetic.
Cabinetry – Opt for Clean Lines and Light Colours:
Choose flat-panel, finger pull edge or shaker-style cabinets with clean lines. White or soft beige cabinets are popular choices, contributing to the bright and open feel of a Scandinavian kitchen. Consider open shelving with decorative metal brackets to display simple and functional kitchenware and consider adding panelling with lines running horizontally for a rustic look. Coordinate metals within your spaces so that socket covers, handles and lighting share a minimal palette.
Functional Design – Prioritise Utility and Organisation:
Scandinavian design is renowned for its emphasis on functionality. Invest in smart storage solutions, such as pull-out drawers and cabinets, to keep the kitchen organised. Choose appliances that are both practical and stylish, or that can be integrated so that they don’t disrupt the look of the cabinetry..
Minimalistic Decor – Less is More:
Keep the decor minimalistic. Avoid clutter and opt for a few carefully chosen accessories. Scandinavian design often features clean, simple lines in furniture and decor items, as well as the use of natural materials, such as wood, bamboo or even leather.
Textiles – Add Softness with Simple Fabrics:
Introduce softness to the space with textiles. Use simple, natural fabrics for curtains, tablecloths, and seat cushions. Consider incorporating textures like wool or linen to enhance the cosy feel. Sheepskin throws on bench seating are also practical and offer excellent neutral texture.
Indoor Plants – Bring Nature Indoors:
Add a touch of nature with indoor plants. Scandinavian interiors often incorporate greenery to create a sense of freshness and connection to the outdoors. Choose easy-to-maintain plants like succulents or ferns.
Artwork – Focus on Simplicity and Nature:
If you choose to include artwork, opt for pieces that reflect the simplicity of Scandinavian design. Nature-inspired art or simple geometric patterns can be excellent choices.
Dual colour kitchens
It’s fascinating to see the growing interest in dual-colour kitchens, with searches surging by 200% in both the past three months and year-on-year. If you’re considering embracing this trend and exploring mixed-colour kitchen cabinets, here are some inspiring combinations that go well together:
Classic Contrast – Navy Blue and Crisp White:
Create a timeless and sophisticated look by combining navy blue cabinets with crisp white countertops. This classic duo adds depth and elegance to the kitchen while maintaining a clean and fresh feel.
Modern Elegance – Deep Green and Soft Pink:
For a modern and calming aesthetic, pair deep green cabinets with soft pink accents. This combination strikes a balance between contemporary design and a tranquil atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for both urban and suburban spaces.
Warm Neutrals – Greige and Warm Wood Tones:
Blend the warmth of greige (a combination of grey and beige) with rich, warm wood tones for a cosy and inviting kitchen. This neutral palette provides a versatile backdrop that can be easily complemented with various decor styles.
Bold and Beautiful – Amber and Brass Accents:
Infuse your kitchen with vibrancy by combining amber cabinets with brass or gold accents. This bold and luxurious pairing adds a touch of opulence to the space, creating a visually striking and on-trend kitchen design.
Timeless Charm – Sage Green and Soft Grey:
Achieve a soft and timeless look by pairing sage green cabinets with soft grey elements. This combination exudes a sense of tranquillity and works well in kitchens seeking a harmonious and inviting ambiance.
Sustainable kitchens and energy efficient choices
In a world where environmental consciousness is on the rise, it’s heartening to see a surge in interest for sustainable kitchens and eco-friendly cooking equipment. With online searches for these topics up by an impressive 50% compared to the previous three months and 250% year-on-year, it’s evident that the trend toward sustainable living is gaining further momentum.
Here’s some pointers to consider when designing an eco friendly kitchen:
Energy-Efficient Appliances:
Start with selecting energy-efficient appliances. Look for the Energy label, which indicates the appliance’s energy usage credentials and how economical it is.
Water Conservation:
Choose water-efficient taps and fixtures to reduce water consumption. Incorporate a water filtration system to minimise the use of bottled water, reducing plastic waste.
Recycled and Recyclable Materials:
Opt for materials that have a high recycled content, such as Medite MDF, which is brilliant for creating kitchens made from the leftovers from the wood industry. Additionally, choose materials that are easily recyclable at the end of their lifespan.
Locally Sourced Materials:
Use locally sourced materials to reduce the environmental impact of transportation. This supports local economies and decreases the carbon footprint associated with shipping materials over long distances. James Mayor Home produces all of our kitchens from our factory in the midlands, handmade by our master craftsmen. We use MDF for our cabinetry, which is then hand painted, offering an unrivalled finish that can be repaired or changed as trends evolve, giving you a kitchen that will stand the test of time.
Energy-Efficient Lighting:
Implement energy-efficient lighting solutions, such as LED bulbs. Incorporate natural lighting by strategically placing windows or skylights to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.
Sustainable Flooring Options:
Choose flooring materials that are sustainable, such as Amtico Bio, made with renewable biomass from sustainably managed forests. These materials are renewable and have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional hardwood.
Cabinet Materials:
Cabinets are a significant component of kitchen design. Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is a popular choice due to its sustainable benefits:
- Recycled Content: MDF contains recycled wood fibres, reducing the demand for virgin wood and promoting recycling
- Versatility: MDF is highly versatile, eco friendly, CARB2 compliant, and can be used for various kitchen components, including cabinet doors and panels.
Energy-Efficient Ventilation:
Install an energy-efficient ventilation system to improve indoor air quality. Choose a system with variable speed controls to optimise energy usage based on actual needs.
Waste Management:
Design a waste management system with separate bins for recycling, composting, and general waste. Consider incorporating pull-out bins in the cabinetry for easy access and segregation.
Green, green and more green
Green is definitely the colour of trend in 2024, with searches up YOY by 156%, 133% and 88% for [modern sage green kitchen], [dark green shaker kitchen] and [dark green kitchen ideas] / [green kitchen ideas], respectively.
Here’s some pointers to consider when planning your dream green kitchen:
Choose the Right Shade:
Green comes in a variety of shades, from soft pastels to deep emeralds. Consider the mood and atmosphere you want to create. Lighter greens are a traditional and timeless choice and can make a space feel airy and open, while darker greens can add a sense of sophistication and cosiness, creating a more intimate space.
Combine with Neutral Colours:
Pair green with neutral tones like white, grey, or beige to create a balanced and harmonious look. Neutral colours can help prevent the green from becoming overwhelming and provide a timeless appeal.
Contrast with Bold Accents:
Consider adding bold accents in contrasting colours to make the green pop. For example, brass or gold hardware, black or white countertops, or vibrant accessories in reds, oranges and mustards can add visual interest and balance.
Use Green on Cabinets or Islands:
Apply green to cabinets or kitchen islands to make a bold statement. This can be particularly effective if the rest of the kitchen has a more neutral colour palette. Green cabinetry can become the focal point of the space and our hand painted cabinets mean the finish you’ll get will have the appearance of a smooth sprayed surface.
Green Backsplash:
Install a green-coloured backsplash to add a splash of colour and personality to the kitchen. This can be achieved with green tiles, glass, natural quartzite or even painted walls in a shade of green that complements the overall design.
As with the whole green trend, [green tile backsplash] searches are up 75% YOY and 40% over the last three months of 2023. [green kitchen backsplash] is up 200% YOY, so this choice is very much in vogue!
Green Accents in Lighting:
Incorporate green accents in lighting fixtures. Pendant lights or chandeliers with green elements can contribute to the overall colour scheme while providing functional illumination.
Consider a combination of Gloss and Matt Finishes:
Experiment with mixing gloss and matt finishes for green surfaces, whether it’s matt cabinetry combined with polished countertops, or gloss painted tongue and groove backsplashes. Mixed finishes can create a sophisticated and modern aesthetic, adding texture to the green colour.
Biophilic Bliss: Bringing Nature Into Your Kitchen
Connect with nature in the heart of your home with the biophilic design trend. Discover innovative ideas for indoor herb gardens and plant-friendly spaces that seamlessly integrate greenery into your kitchen’s aesthetic. Explore how natural light and the presence of plants can enhance the overall atmosphere, creating a fresh and inviting space for culinary adventures.
Although search volume is low across the UK, there’s been a 200% YOY increase in the last three months of 2023 leading into 2024 in searches for [biophilic kitchens], so it’s certainly on trend for this year.
Here’s some pointers to consider to seamlessly blend the outdoors with your kitchen interior:
Abundant Natural Light:
Maximise natural light by incorporating large windows, skylights, or glass doors. This not only enhances the connection with the outdoors but also improves the overall well-being of the kitchen occupants.
Indoor Plants:
Introduce indoor plants to your kitchen space. Consider placing potted herbs on window-sills, hanging planters, or creating a dedicated area for a small indoor garden. Plants not only add a touch of nature but also contribute to improved air quality.
Biophilic Colour Palette:
Choose a colour palette inspired by nature. Earthy tones such as greens, browns, and blues can create a calming and grounding effect. Integrate these colours into your kitchen through paint, tiles, or accessories.
Organic Shapes and Patterns:
Incorporate organic shapes and patterns in your kitchen design. This can be achieved through the use of curved countertops, nature-inspired patterns on tiles, wallpapers or curtains, or even in the design of furniture or fixtures.
Natural Views:
Position your kitchen to take advantage of natural views. If possible, arrange countertops or seating areas to face windows with views of gardens, landscapes, or other natural elements. This not only connects the kitchen to the outdoors but also provides a visually pleasing environment.
Water Features:
Consider integrating water features into your kitchen design, such as a tabletop water garden. The sound of flowing water can create a soothing atmosphere, contributing to the biophilic experience.
2024 will continue to see the kitchen as more than just a space for preparing meals; it’s a canvas for self-expression. Embrace the trends and make your kitchen the stylish and functional hub it deserves to be. Stay tuned for a year filled with gorgeous greens, Scandinavian design choices and sustainability and biophilic aesthetics high on the agenda for many choosing their dream kitchen.