As we approach another year, the heart of the home - the kitchen - continues to evolve. The latest advancements in interior design come with a blend of aesthetics and functionality. Many homeowners aim not only for a kitchen that is beautiful but also sustainable and highly practical. In this article, we will explore the kitchen trends for 2023 and 2024. As always, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at AceKitchen Surrey for all your affordable kitchen renovation needs. Without further ado, let’s get right into it.
Utility Room
If you have a big kitchen, incorporating a utility room might be a great idea. It will serve as a hidden storage for cleaning supplies, laundry facilities, and shoes, among other things. The goal is to keep all items that may interfere with your kitchen experience out of sight.
This will also make the room more pleasing to look at. After all, nobody wants to see laundry supplies and coats as they prepare food.
In 2024, expect to see more built-in utility rooms that blend with the rest of the kitchen in seamless fashion. They will improve efficiency without necessarily compromising on style.
Pantry In Place of Open Shelving
If you don’t have enough space for a utility room, don’t despair. An interior designer always has a few tricks up their sleeve. In this case, a pantry will make do. Forget about overflowing kitchen shelves. Instead opt for a full-height pantry grouped with the fridge or other appliances. It can also be freestanding.
The return of the pantries shows a desire for a minimalist and well-organised kitchen. No wonder it’s becoming more and more popular these days. Don't get this the wrong way, you can still have some open shelves above the sink if you wish.
Even though pantries are used for storage, they could accommodate the dirty dishes. This is great during parties since not everyone wants to see a sink full of kitchenware when their friends are over for dinner.
Downdraft Extractors
A downdraft is a built-in range hood that comes up on demand. It absorbs the odours and fumes at the source, just as they are drifting away from the pot or pan.
There is no need to pull or turn anything on, as the extraction automatically goes up and then disappears when the cooking is over. You can usually see it during the process only, which means it saves space.
On that note, it takes much less space than a massive oven hood and it also has the benefit of a nice, sleek kitchen design. Another advantage of downdrafts is that they are relatively easy to clean. One thing to consider is that you need to allocate space under the countertop for the engine that comes with the downdraft.
Gold Touches
If you are looking for a contemporary glam kitchen design, implement gold touches in your kitchen. The metal can add a touch of luxury to your dining and storage space. Think cabinet hardware, a gold faucet, and pendant lights to bring a sense of sophistication and opulence.
By carefully selecting each element, you will give the heart of your home a stylish hue without depriving it of functionality. After all, gold is an overly sturdy material that will not be going away any time soon.
Shelving Shape
The majority of kitchen trends for 2024 focus on making the kitchen less chaotic and easier to handle. The shape of furniture and shelves can play a role.
If you want to create something different, try some unconventional kitchen design strategies. There is plenty of choice. For example, you can go for asymmetric shapes or make the kitchen spaces less angular by introducing curves to the shelving and freestanding furniture. This will add an artistic element to a traditional kitchen layout.
Moreover, you can buy oval chairs and other furniture to match the overall kitchen design. Another way to go is to get your hands on rounded-edge furniture and a curved island. This will make a huge difference in the way the room appears by softening the look.
Marble for the Cooking Space and Kitchen Island
Marble has dominated kitchen designs for a long time and it will continue to hold the top spots in the upcoming years. If you want to achieve a finished look, it’s recommended to use marble not only on the worktops but also on the sides of the kitchen island or the splashback.
Marble isn’t just an aesthetic material. It’s super resistant to cracking, scratching, and breaking, making it one of the top materials for kitchen surfaces.
One thing to keep in mind is that marble is an exorbitant material so if you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution, you can give composites a try.
Mirrored Elements for a Stylish Upgrade
Mirrored elements serve double duty by making the room appear bigger than it is and disguising everyday tableware or other items that for some reason aren't display-worthy.
For instance, if you pick mirrored glass in lieu of transparent glass for your wall cabinets, you don’t have to concern yourself with proper storage and organisation inside those cabinets. You might also want to consider getting a mirrored backsplash.
In addition, mirrored glass reflects light which can create the illusion of a brighter kitchen. It can also add a touch of sophistication. It’s a contemporary design that might stand the test of time if you do it right.
Permanent Ladder for a Contemporary Twist
At first glance, this may seem like a terrible idea. Why would anyone want to have a permanent ladder in their kitchen for those floor-to-ceiling cabinets and high ceilings?
But on second thought, it can prove quite practical. This unexpected addition to the cooking and living space provides a great solution to high storage (upper cabinets) while contributing to a unique aesthetic. As long as the ladder is beautifully incorporated into the design, it can become a wonderful centrepiece.
Aluminium Hardware for Cabinet Doors
If you are looking to spruce up your kitchen on a budget, replacing the existing hardware with modern pieces is one way to do it. Aluminium is a material that comes with a slew of advantages. It’s environment-friendly and affordable. Most of all, it’s durable and offers great flexibility.
The best part is, it looks expensive. Plus, aluminium works well with other materials, such as glass, wood, and composites. It comes in various finishes, meaning it can match numerous designs and fit different tastes.
Even if you use cheap materials, try to bring out their natural beauty by mixing materials carefully, and always keep them clean.
Boiling Water Taps
Boiling taps are also gaining momentum due to their time efficiency. These days, we are used to getting everything we want in an instant. Waiting for the kettle to boil some water is a time wasted.
Having a boiling water tap is extremely beneficial when you are cooking or making coffee. It lets you use just the right amount of water, instead of over- or underdoing it. Not to mention, it allows you to adjust the water temperature so that it is warm enough rather than boiling. This way you can suit different needs.
As there are more and more boiling tap providers on the market, you get a great variety of modern designs that can complement your kitchen design. The best part is, it works for a traditional style kitchen as well as a luxury kitchen with a modern twist.
Speaking of taps, did you know that there is another trend around them? Apparently, brass taps are getting all the rage these days.
Wood Cabinetry
Wood never gets old. Its timeless appeal has worked great throughout the centuries and it can do wonders in your modern kitchen. First of all, it offers sustainability, therefore your kitchen space will be more eco-friendly. Second, it’s versatile.
There is a plethora of styles to choose from, no matter if you are going for a rustic look or a modern look. The pieces can be customised to suit various preferences.
Wood provides a sense of comfort, making the space cosy and pleasant to look at. Natural materials generally give a relaxing feel.
Plus, they are easy to repair. Scratches can be sanded and refinished in a cinch. Last but not least, there is a multitude of wood species, from walnut to cherry to maple, etc. Oakwood seems to be gaining momentum.
Wood Floors and Natural Elements
Wood floors are not a new trend but they will continue to take center stage for 2024 due to their aesthetics, practicality, and durability. The material is easy to clean and it can still look good for many years, with a minimum amount of maintenance, just like natural stone.
As mentioned above, wood has a calming effect on our senses. This gives the feeling of being refreshed and promotes health. It also provides better air quality.
The good news is that you don’t have to buy expensive real wood if your budget doesn’t allow much spending. You can always stick with vinyl, laminate, and engineered wood flooring, to name a few.
Double Islands
For big kitchens, double islands can provide additional worktop space, which equals more cooking space and more space for your cooking equipment in general. What are these kitchen islands about? Well, you have a central island, the usual island so to say, and an additional piece that could be positioned next to a wall or the dining table.
Layered lighting
Any interior designer will tell you that it's not easy to arrange lighting properly in the heart of the home. This year expect to see more layered lights in the kitchen. Focus on task lighting in the right areas to create a bright kitchen design that accentuates the spaces you want.
Pink Kitchen
While this may be off-putting for the majority of folks, hot to blush pink seems to be making its way to kitchen trends this year. This can make any kitchen unforgettable. The downside is that you may get tired of this look pretty soon. So, you might want to put some accent pieces to create a focal point in the room.
Dining Rooms
The latest kitchen trends state that the hub of the home should effortlessly transition into a dining room for delicious family meals and fun chitchat.
FAQ on Luxury Kitchen Trends
What makes something a luxury kitchen?
Bespoke luxury kitchens stand out from the rest with their high-quality materials and wise planning. Modern technologies are used all over the place and all items blend beautifully with each other.
There may be a high kitchen ceiling, heavily veined marble, bar stools, deep drawers, worktop dressers, custom cabinetry, wood paneling, glass bakers tables, glass cabinets, statement lighting, double ovens, built-in breakfast nook, vaulted ceilings, clean lines, and whatnot.
It goes without saying that an expensive kitchen design has high-end appliances and clever storage solutions. Lately, we have seen worktop material carried right up the wall. An industrial-style kitchen is trending as well.
How can you make a kitchen design seem more luxurious without spending a lot of money?
An interior designer will tell you that there are different ways to make your kitchen exude a luxurious feel without breaking the bank. For example, you can pick various LED lights, update the taps and cabinet hardware, hang some artwork, go with vinyl, and use glass cupboards. Letting lots of natural light in is another good idea.
What colour kitchen cabinets never go out of style?
According to interior designers, kitchen cabinetry colours that can stand the test of time include elegant white, classic blue, deep green, and bronzed brass.