New year, new kitchen design: top trends for 2024

Things are changing in the world of high-end kitchens.

As homeowners look for luxury interiors that adapt to their lifestyles, a plethora of trends relating to storage, facilities and style are emerging — offering greater functionality, comfort and luxury. 

Whether you’re a homeowner planning a kitchen revamp, an interior designer looking to wow clients or a housing developer hoping to deliver sought-after spaces, these trends could spark some inspiration and help you create a space that feels premium and current in 2024.

So, what exactly are the latest kitchen design trends and how can you implement them in your upcoming project?

Bigger, better storage solutions

With new high-tech kitchen equipment and utensils hitting the market all the time, storage solutions will be a priority in 2024 — allowing homeowners to kit out their homes without causing clutter.

As such, something our experts expect to see is space-saving kitchen islands with multiple levels for different uses. Lower levels are ideal for eating, unpacking shopping or baking, whereas higher levels can be used to prepare food or perhaps act as a raised breakfast bar.

Large, deep drawers with internal dividers will be the storage solution of choice, and vented hobs like the BORA X Pure -- an innovative extractor system that sits flush within kitchen hobs -- will ensure kitchens continue looking sleek whilst functioning optimally.

Still, this trend isn’t just about hiding paraphernalia. As kitchens open up into dining and living rooms, there’ll be plenty of floor-length kitchen island frontages with open niches to provide beautiful built-in display zones, creating a more homely feel without busying surfaces.

In the right places, high-end features like drink-making stations can also offer an eye-catching means of making (and storing the equipment used for) beverages like smoothies, coffees and cocktails.

Durable and easy-to-clean surfaces

We’ll see lots of glossy kitchen appliances and design features that are easy to keep spotless in 2024, giving homeowners the freedom to really live in their luxury spaces without fear of damage.

​Elegant yet durable quartz countertops and backsplashes will be in particularly high demand, as they resist stains, scratches and other imperfections and can be wiped clean in seconds — all whilst oozing style and elegance. And we can’t talk about upcoming kitchen trends without mentioning modern refrigerators...

Smudge-proof stainless-steel fridges (specifically those with French doors) will be everywhere in 2024. That’s because these appliances boast the premium finish of a traditional metal appliance without the risk of fingerprints, ridding homeowners of the frustration of constantly removing marks and preserving the grandeur of high-end kitchens.

‘Green’ facilities and design features

The world’s been all about sustainable living for some time now. And with COP28 still fresh in our minds, we imagine the passion for the planet will continue into the year ahead.

As people look for convenient ways to be eco-friendly, the environment will play a huge role in luxury kitchen design. We expect high-end spaces to implement built-in recycling systems and the latest energy-efficient appliances to help homeowners minimise waste and reduce their carbon footprints.

We’ll also see high-end kitchens draw aesthetic inspiration from nature -- satisfying peoples’ cravings for oneness with the outdoors as many work remotely and continue to spend more time at home. Think calming high-textured wood cabinets, invigorating shades dark forest green and striking window walls, which provide convenient access to al fresco dining facilities and ample natural light.

Statement pieces

To ensure maximum impact with minimal clutter, it’ll be trendy to have a small number of bold statement or ‘hero’ pieces in kitchen designs in 2024.

Signifying a turn towards minimalist home interior design, we’ll see items that balance aesthetics with functionality proving the most desirable; they’ll elevate kitchens without wasting space. These pieces include awe-inspiring marble slabs, impressive patterned backsplashes, decorative cooker hoods, streamlined handleless cupboards and gorgeous floor-to-ceiling cabinets.

Custom furniture will also prove central to on-trend kitchens in the months to come, as homeowners look to implement statement pieces that work seamlessly with their space. As such, brands like Warendorf, which produces handcrafted bespoke high-end kitchens, will be in high demand — providing flawless, unique focal points you can’t get anywhere else.  

​Warmer, richer colour schemes

We’re currently witnessing a turn away from the whites and greys that were once at the forefront of home interior design trends, as designers swap monochromes for vintage-looking alternatives.

Emulating a more comforting, cosy scheme that evokes feelings of relaxation and nostalgia, we expect to see high-end kitchens feature a selection of highly saturated warm-toned shades. Our top colours for 2024? Rich browns, oranges, reds and purples, which perfectly complement understated neutrals.

Gold and brass handles, taps and other hardware in matte, satin and brushed finishes will also help provide the final touches to these warm colour palettes in the coming year, having overtaken black hardware in popularity. These bright, reflective metals promise to bring homeowners back to the good old days and enhance the luxe feeling in kitchen designs.

Layered lighting

Echoing the growing dissatisfaction with stark, cool aesthetics, we anticipate that opulent lighting schemes will be another top trend in 2024.

Rather than having singular statement pendant lights, which can be bright, harsh and cause glare, designers are layering sophisticated architectural lighting that highlights statement pieces with concealed under/over cabinet bulbs. In turn, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful, understated ambience and a more laid-back atmosphere.

Modern remote-controlled lighting fixtures, such as the wireless audio-visual solutions from Zuma, are the perfect way to nail this kitchen lighting trend as the year goes on.

These ultra-compact recessed downlights feature immersive loudspeakers, allowing homeowners to adjust the brightness and tone of their lights and play music to suit the mood without messy-looking wires or speakers -- elevating socialising experiences in any high-end kitchen.

Farnham Furnishers is an independent kitchen and home interior design studio providing bespoke kitchen furniture for homeowners, interior designers and high-end property developers. Call 01252 715 000 or email [email protected] to learn more.