Kitchens are constantly changing, both in how they look and how we use them. What used to be just a place for cooking is now the heart of the home, and 2024 trends focus on making them feel more personal and lived-in.
This year’s design trends are all about being unique and full of character, moving away from plain white spaces to more colorful, cozy looks. Kitchens are becoming more social and comfortable places to hang out.
If you’re thinking of remodeling or giving your kitchen a refresh, here are the 2024 trends that designers are loving—and how you can bring them into your own home.
20 biggest kitchen trends of 2024
1. Unlacquered brass
Brass is a classic choice for kitchens, but there’s a new twist on this timeless material.
Interior designer Marie Flanigan loves the trend of using unlacquered brass. It brings a warm, elegant look that ages beautifully over time. Its golden tones add a mix of sophistication and character, making it feel both classic and modern.
Unlike polished metals that can feel too shiny or cold, unlacquered brass develops a natural patina, giving it a lived-in, authentic charm. It’s perfect for those who want a touch of luxury with a warm, welcoming feel.
2. Skirted cabinets
More kitchens are going back to traditional styles, and one trend making a comeback is using cabinet skirts instead of doors. These fabric panels are softer and work well in smaller spaces.
Interior designer Emily Vaughan loves this idea: “I’m always looking for ways to soften a kitchen, and using fabric instead of cabinet doors is a fun way to add color and patterns without changing anything permanent.”
She also suggests thinking about where to put them: “Skirts are common under sink cabinets, but if you want them to last longer, try using them in less busy areas, like a coffee or beverage station, away from the main mess.”
3. Chrome and metallic details
Kitchen hardware is like jewelry—small but makes a big impact. This year, chrome and metallic finishes are trending because they add a shiny, high-end look while staying simple and clean.
Kailee Blalock, co-founder of House of Hive Design Co., says this style works for both bold and more subtle designs. To try it out, you could start small with chrome handles or lights. For a bigger effect, use metallic cabinet panels. Mixing metallics with wood or painted cabinets creates a nice balance between modern and classic styles.
4. Stone veneer backsplashes
To make kitchens more interesting, backsplashes are becoming a big focus. While classic tiles are still popular, people are starting to use new materials.
Designer Becky Shea says that stone veneer and rock are becoming trendy for backsplashes. They add a timeless, classic look and make the kitchen feel sophisticated and rich.
She recommends using stone for a backsplash or on a large wall if you have the space. It gives a beautiful, natural texture and makes the kitchen look special.
5. Veined marble countertops
Marble is a classic choice for kitchens and it’s still popular, but this year it’s getting a bolder look.
Katherine White from Teass/Warren Architects says that veined marble countertops and backsplashes are in style because they make a strong statement, especially when paired with neutral materials and colors.
To make the most of bold marble, keep other materials and colors simple so the marble stands out. For an extra touch, book-match the marble slabs to create a beautiful, symmetrical pattern.
6. Colorful cabinetry
In 2024, kitchens are all about adding color to your cabinets. Instead of just one or two popular shades, there’s a wide variety of colors trending right now.
Emily Vaughan believes that more homeowners will go for colorful cabinets this year. With blue and green kitchens already popular, expect to see even bolder colors like deep aubergine, warm yellow, and earthy terra cotta. People are more confident about making strong design choices.
To keep your kitchen looking stylish and timeless, even with bright colors, Emily suggests sticking to a cohesive color palette and balancing the bold hues with natural elements like wood and marble.
7. Take kitchen tiles to the ceiling
Kitchen tiles are getting more daring each season, with one new trend being tiling all the way up to the ceiling. This is great for those who love bright colors and bold patterns.
What started with simple subway tiles in light shades is now evolving into full-wall designs with more exciting patterns. You can either keep the walls bare to let the tiles be the focus or use glass-front cabinets to show off the tiles behind them.
Texas designer Annie Downing says, “Tiling the entire wall makes a big impact. For larger kitchens, we use tiles with subtle patterns that look textured from a distance. In smaller kitchens, you can go for more striking designs. It always looks fresh, is easy to clean, and feels welcoming.”
8. Break up blocks of color with checkered pattern
Checkerboard tiles are making a comeback for kitchens in 2024. This classic pattern works well in both modern and traditional kitchens and is a versatile choice for flooring.
In one kitchen design, Jennifer Hamilton from Vawdrey House used two types of tumbled marble to create a nostalgic and cozy feel. She chose a black-and-white color scheme for a classic look, and the tumbled stone helps soften the contrast so it doesn’t look too harsh.
To update this classic style, Jennifer suggests adding a border tile. This creates a rug-like effect and adds extra interest. It’s also great for masking any uneven walls, which is common in older homes.
9. Double up on islands
One kitchen island is old news—now it’s all about having two! This trend is getting popular in 2024. The main advantage of two islands is that they improve how you move around the kitchen, rather than just adding more prep space. A single big island can block your path, so two smaller ones can make it easier to get around.
Designer Bradley Odom used two islands in a kitchen because the room was long and narrow. The two islands kept the space looking open and made it easier for a professional chef to work comfortably.
Two islands are also great for cooking together. You can use one island for cooking and the other for eating and hanging out, so everyone has their own space.
10. The open-plan back kitchen
Forget about hidden pantries you can’t see or use. Open-plan back kitchens are now in style, and they’re designed to be practical and beautiful.
A back kitchen is a separate space where you can store small appliances, extra fridge space, and keep your main kitchen tidy. Kristine Renee from Design Alchemy says these spaces are great for hiding dirty dishes and keeping the main kitchen clean when you’re hosting. They also help keep prep and storage clutter out of sight.
Kristine likes to make these back kitchens look good, too. She suggests having fun with wallpaper, tiles, and cabinetry to make the space look special. At the entrance, she recommends adding a stylish coffee bar, cocktail bar, or breakfast station to make the area inviting and convenient.
11. Oversized range hoods
When it comes to kitchen ventilation, you can either hide it or make it a standout feature. If you like bold designs, you’ll probably choose the latter.
A popular trend is the large canopy hood, which looks like a classic fireplace. It’s a big hit because it adds height and makes the cooking area the focal point of the kitchen.
Tanya Smith-Shiflett from Unique Kitchens & Baths says, “We love the tall, chimney-style hoods. They make the kitchen look more dramatic and stylish.”
12. Countertop cabinets
Filling that awkward void between base cabinets and uppers with style, the countertop cabinet is a future design staple that’s set to change the fitted kitchen install as we know it.
Generally the same depth as upper kitchen cabinets (i.e. narrower than base units) but taller, these sit-on units lend a freeform dresser-style look when made from contrasting materials to the rest of the kitchen cabinets.
This gorgeous example by Unique Kitchens & Baths demonstrates exactly why the countertop cabinet is catching on. ‘Using stained oak on the countertop cabinet gives it a more furniture-like feel while introducing warmth to the scheme and visual interest,’ says Tanya.
Some iterations feature bi-fold doors that stack back to reveal small appliances, others are more about storing glassware and decorative collections. Tucked in the corner, countertop cabinets can also prove far more practical than empty, dead space.
13. Curved kitchen features
Arches, pill shapes, lozenges… whatever you want to call them, these tall curves are shaking up kitchen design, bringing a softer aesthetic in their wake. As the modern way to break up lots of blocky cabinets, it only takes one or two arched moments to break free from the rigidity of fitted cabinetry.
‘An arched cabinet is a great way to create a focal point, adding a classical element to an otherwise new kitchen, or bathroom,’ says Emily Ruff of Cohesively Curated Interiors.
‘The popularity of arches is a trend that follows the revival of arched doorways, which we’re seeing more and more. This home had arched doorways throughout, so we added an arch on the kitchen cabinets to tie everything together.’
14. Show-stopping decorative lighting
Want to elevate your kitchen design? Try adding high-impact lighting. Big, bold light fixtures are becoming a popular choice for modern, open-plan kitchens because they make a strong impression.
Interior designer Elizabeth Krueger shares that in her open concept home, they chose dramatic lighting because it would be visible from every angle. They kept the upper cabinets simple and minimal, allowing the lighting to stand out.
It’s not just about size; great kitchen lighting also brings texture, shape, and color. Combining these elements can make your kitchen lighting a real conversation starter.
15. Fluted stonework
Just when we thought fluted designs were everywhere, fluted stone has come along and wowed us again.
Fluted stone, especially carved marble, combines texture, elegance, and luxury in a timeless yet modern way. Ginger Curtis from Urbanology Designs says this design element isn’t just about looks; it shows off the skill and beauty of natural materials.
Fluted marble adds depth and character to any space. The way the lines and shadows play with light makes it a unique and sophisticated choice for kitchen interiors.
16. Blending rustic and luxurious style
Forget about rustic wood; the latest trend for kitchens is to use timber in a more refined and sophisticated way. Think soft cashmere colors and elegant, matching tones. Sabra Ballon from Ballon Studio is a pro at this natural luxe style. She says the key to success is using a simple mix of natural materials and warm, neutral colors. For her project, she aimed for a soft, California Modern look with materials like leather, oak, limestone, and washed textiles. The white oak cabinets run from floor to ceiling and hide everything behind a sleek surface. The stone island has a draped look that resembles a durable tablecloth. The light color scheme and balanced design create a calm, powerful atmosphere. Subtle hues, like those on the stools and custom banquette, contribute to the serene feel of the space.
17. Wood kitchens
Wood kitchen cabinets are a favorite for their classic and timeless appeal, so it’s no surprise that walnut and oak are trending this year. Many homeowners are seeking kitchen ideas that feature these elegant woods.
Mike Fetherston, design director at Hetherington Newman, drew inspiration for a kitchen island from a 1960s slatted screen owned by the client. The island was crafted with stained walnut strips and finished with Calacatta Rosato marble. Wood kitchens add warm tones and work well with nearly any color palette and countertop materials. Designers also recommend using wood to bring a bit of the outdoors into your kitchen, enhancing the natural feel of the space.
18. Bring mirrors in to bounce around more light
Metallic finishes aren’t the only new trend for kitchen cabinetry this year. Antiqued mirrored glass, a popular choice for backsplashes, is now making its way onto cabinets.
In a Manhattan home, David Howell of DHD Architecture and Interior Design used handblown silvered glass for the wall cabinets to reflect the cityscape inside. He explains that the mirrored cabinetry helps extend the view of Manhattan from the room. Plus, mirrored glass has a practical benefit: it hides the contents of the cabinets, so there’s no need to keep everything perfectly organized.
19. Create character with antiques
Future kitchen trends are about dispelling any notions of a show home, and introducing some antique or vintage furniture into a kitchen has the immediate effect of creating a warm, lived-in home environment.
Farmhouse kitchen furniture in the form of a scrubbed kitchen table or dresser is the obvious choice for a traditional look. Timeless, built to last and often inexpensive to find at vintage fairs, antique pieces will introduce character to a new space.
This design by Ben Pentreath was a 21st-century take on a Welsh farmhouse kitchen. Simple joinery, including a large larder cupboard and open shelves, combines with a butler’s sink, Delft tiles, period-style lighting – which is very much on trend for this year’s kitchen lighting trends – and antique furniture to create a timeless feel, perfectly in keeping with the house’s architectural style.
20. A return to closed plan layouts
After years of making open-plan spaces, we’re now appreciating having rooms we can close off for quiet. Glazed partitions can divide rooms while still letting in light and keeping a sense of openness. They also help contain kitchen smells.
Thomas Cox from Ham Interiors used an old Georgian shop front as a glazed partition between his kitchen and sitting room. He says that glazed partitions can define areas without closing them off. Even a small glazed panel can add style and act as a backdrop for furniture.
In 2024, kitchen trends focus on creating timeless and personal spaces that fit your style, not just following the latest trends. The goal is to make kitchens that are both modern and classic.
