Watch for the fusion of nature, technology and personalization to make a bigger statement in kitchens, with attention to sustainability, functionality and aesthetics, says Jen Nash, head of design at Magnet, a U.K.-based kitchen retailer. Nash offers her predictions for the kitchen trends she expects to catch on in 2024, including:
Black Kitchens
Over the last year, black has become Magnet’s fastest-growing cabinet color, posting a 112% uptick in sales. The term “black kitchens” has surged in online searches, receiving more than 40,500 monthly hits on Google searches, and “#blackkitchen” has generated more than 138 million views on TikTok.
“A classic yet bold design statement, black kitchens offer enduring appeal and will stand the test of time in home design,” Nash says. Also, “the versatility of black allows for effortless pairing with various colors and materials, and its practicality shines through, as it conceals dirt, stains and scratches.”
Moving Beyond White
Meanwhile, white-and-gray kitchens are quickly becoming outdated. Magnet reports a 46% decline in sales involving the color scheme and an even larger drop for gray kitchens—down 56% compared to the previous year.
“The pervasive popularity of white-and-gray kitchens in recent years has made them less desirable,” Nash says. “Although these colors are acknowledged for their timeless appeal, they can give off a clinical feel.” Instead, homeowners in 2024 are looking for more daring designs that showcase their individuality by adding in personalized design choices, Nash adds. “White and gray fail to deliver the desired level of flair and personal expression homeowners are looking for.”
One-Wall Kitchen Layouts
L-shaped, U-shaped and galley-style kitchens have dominated design, but homeowners appear to be increasingly focused on optimizing their available space and, in some cases, downsizing. One-wall kitchens are seeing a surge in popularity, with Google searches up 170% over the last month alone, Magnet reports.
“There has been a misconception that links the practicality of a kitchen with its size,” Nash says. “The common assumption is the larger, the better. However, homeowners are beginning to realize that practicality and functionality hinge more on how space is utilized rather than sheer size.”
Homeowners are prioritizing multifunctional use geared toward cooking, socializing and relaxation. One-wall kitchens allow homeowners to optimize their space by condensing the kitchen along a single wall and reallocating space to other purposes in the kitchen besides cooking.
‘All in’ With Sustainability
Magnet predicts that sustainability will be at the forefront of kitchen design in 2024. “There will be a big emphasis on bringing the outdoors in, as well as an increased focus on environmental responsibility,” Nash says. “The use of recycled and natural materials, such as wood, stone and plant-based accents, will become commonplace and will create a sustainable environment that echoes the serenity of the outdoors.”
The sustainability trend moves beyond just aesthetics, however. Nash notes that water-saving fixtures and innovative waste management solutions also will emerge as “indispensable kitchen features that’ll transform the space into an eco-conscious sanctuary.”
