Every year comes with new trends, and this applies not only to apparel and accessories but to interior design as well. An increasing number of homeowners gravitate towards timeless, simple designs that will stand the test of time and will continue to look amazing even in a few years’ time. Minimalism has steadily become more popular but has begun to evolve and include new design elements in order to become more complex and elegant. Some people can also feel like the style is too impersonal and cold, so their house feels more like an office or a waiting room than a home.
The kitchen is not exempt from the influence of these trends, and this area frequently sees considerable changes and redecoration since it is much more likely that the signs of wear and tear will show up here. The effect of steam, stains, and harsh cleaning agents can affect the quality of your furniture and flooring, leading you to look for replacements much more often. With that in mind, let’s have a look at some of the trends that are not just fashionable this year but are likely to maintain their appeal in the future as well.
Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/a-dining-room-with-a-table-and-chairs-jqyXMfuCBqs
Kitchen Island
The kitchen island is a feature that doesn’t just serve an aesthetic purpose but is actually incredibly practical as well, making it an ideal solution for those who want both pleasing aesthetics and functionality. The kitchen island also serves as a social component, allowing your entire family to gather in the same place and spend quality time together. You can also use it as a place to entertain guests. Since islands are becoming increasingly popular, the marketplace has also become more diverse, and you can now find kitchen islands made from a variety of different materials. Depending on your choice, the kitchen island can either follow the same colour palette as the rest of your furniture or be a contrasting piece.
For instance, if you like black kitchens and want to integrate this dramatic style into your home, you can get an island in warm wood tones, or one that is also black but comes with some white or chrome accents in order to set it a little apart from the rest of the furniture. If you’re looking for something a little more rustic rather than elegant, wood is the best option, but you can also take stone islands into account, although the general design matters quite a lot since stone can also appear quite futuristic. A quirkier alternative is that of the kitchen island with legs, a look that isn’t as popular but might be the best solution for you if you’re unsure about the positioning and believe you might change your mind about the exact placement of the island in your kitchen.
Wood
Love for natural materials has grown over the past few years, becoming a cornerstone for several interior designs such as Scandinavian or Japandi. There’s an increasing push toward going back to the basics and returning to nature, so it only makes sense that wood will see a resurgence in popularity. It’s important to remember, though, that it has never gone out of style, and this is precisely what makes this material a timeless classic. Its appeal comes from the warm, welcoming and relaxing atmosphere it can create, as well as the fact that it is both durable and sophisticated. In 2024, interior designers say that light-coloured wood will be more popular.
It helps lighten the mood as well, making smaller rooms and spaces appear larger and airier. Adding other natural materials will create a look that feels organic and simple but sophisticated at the same time. For instance, you can get a limestone kitchen sink to go with the wood or a quartz worktop that looks dainty and elegant but is actually incredibly resilient and sturdy.
Storage
Since minimalism has been growing in popularity, so has the search for additional storage options that can house all your items and appliances comfortably. This is the best option if you want to create a seamless look completely devoid of clutter. Many feel that having things strewn all over the place actually makes them feel more anxious and distracted, so putting everything away and tucking it safely out of view can naturally solve this problem.
Built-in pocket door cabinetry and hidden storage behind cabinets will create the illusion of a perfectly streamlined space. Pantries, adjacent rooms and concealed doors can also be used for storage. These “secret entrances” can hide laundry room washing machines and dryers as well.
Craftsmanship
People are increasingly looking for personalization and high-quality items. And there’s nothing that can blend both quite like craftsmanship. When choosing to get such pieces for your home, make sure to support local artisans, as you’re far more likely to discover some unique hidden gems that fit your personal vision of what the ideal kitchen should look like. Custom-built shelves can be created based on your needs and requirements, or you can get stoneware dishes, a durable and beautiful-looking alternative, as the plates, cups and bowls can be painted or tinted in whatever hue you choose.
Colours
While the minimal look is typically associated with neutral shades like beige, ecru and grey, with the only splashes of colour typically being sage green, brown, and some light blue, 2024 is looking at a more vibrant look. However, it’s essential to make sure that the combinations you choose actually go well together and that you don’t just choose them for a trend. Teal and gold are a mixture that works incredibly well, just make sure not to overdo it with the gold and keep it for the accents like the faucets, drawer pulls or lighting fixtures.
Powder pink goes well with light grey and white, and it’s also best for the countertops or an accent cabinet. If you’re a fan of blue, the deep, cobalt shade pairs perfectly with olive green. Black or white finishes will make for an incredible, retro-inspired space. For a sunny, yellow kitchen, opt for dark wood cabinets and floor tiles for a pleasing contrast.
It’s no simple task to create the kitchen of your dreams, especially if you want to take the trends into account as well. Remember that however you choose to decorate should also fit your personal taste and style, otherwise you’ll get bored of the whole ensemble pretty quickly.
