Elliott Fairlie, product lead at Bushboard, outlines the latest trends set to dominate kitchen design in 2024:
Stainless steel
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“Stainless steel was once associated with industrial kitchens, but developments in kitchen design means that a refreshed approach to the finish is taking over. The material recently hit the spotlight following the release of the David Beckham’s new documentary on Netflix, where we caught a glimpse of the Beckham’s family’s kitchen. It features an abundance of stainless steel – resulting in it becoming one of the fastest emerging kitchen trends for 2024.
“The Beckham’s kitchen combines a classic Sharker style cabinet door and dark stone worktops with a stainless steel splashback. Complemented by shelving and a vast kitchen island made of rustic wood, the space balances warm and cool tones beautifully.
“Stainless steel’s resurgence is thanks to its clean, polished aesthetic which elevates any kitchen. Not only does it pair well with warm materials, but it can also look gorgeous when paired with cool tone stones, like white marbles and blue cabinetry.
“Stainless steel can be an expensive material, so if you’re working to a budget, it’s worth considering an aluminium option which offers a similar finish. Alloy Brushed Steel, for example, looks identical to stainless steel but is a fraction of the price.
Rich and warm
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“Warm, rich colours like plum, burgundy, dark blue and brown are gaining popularity in kitchen design due to their ability to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The palette embodies moody, dramatic warmth, with colours possessing dark undertones which create a luxurious feel. This colour palette can be dialled up or down, depending on personal preference and style.
“If you’re looking to embrace the warm, deep colour palette fully, then pairing dark cabinet doors with equally rich worksurfaces and splashbacks creates the ultimate opulent scheme. Dark wood worksurfaces add texture, infusing the space with a finish that takes inspiration from the natural world. Alternatively, using dark, deep-veined marble finishes across worksurfaces and splashbacks, creates a lavish, luxurious design.
“For those not ready to commit to a rich colour palette across the entire kitchen, consider using your worksurfaces and splashbacks to create balance. If you prefer a more neutral colour for your cabinets, then incorporating a wood, patterned splashback could be a great option to add interest and depth. Balancing deep kitchen cabinets with a lighter worksurface can bring balance and keep the space looking light and airy.
High drama marble
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“Natural stones, such as marble, are a popular option for worktops, splashbacks and flooring due to the luxury finish they provide, and this is set to continue well into the new year. The veining present creates movements and direction in the space, in a way that other materials cannot, resulting in a tranquil, clean aesthetic that is perfect for creating harmony in the home.
“A material known for its high maintenance nature and susceptibility to chips and stains means that, some homeowners are reluctant to include it in their space as they’re not ready to deal with the upkeep. There’s also the high price point to contend with, which means it’s not always within budget.
“Opting for a marble finish worktop or splashback, rather than the solid raw material, has its advantages. You can achieve your desired look within budget, while having an easy-to-clean and easy-to-maintain space. The options available span both dark and light marbles, as well as light and deep veining, meaning there’s something to suit any taste.
Layers of black
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“A black kitchen can seem like a daring option, but when executed well it can create a highly impactful design, which is why black kitchens are set to continue to rise in popularity in 2024.
“Not only are designers incorporating black kitchen cabinets into designs, but they’re layering the scheme up with black worksurfaces and splashbacks to reflect a moody, considered feel.
“I’d recommend playing around with texture and colour to keep the space interesting and to avoid the different kitchen elements blending into one another. For example, dark Grasmere oak and Laurent marble worksurfaces are both effective options for incorporating texture into a black kitchen.
“If you’re not ready to commit to a fully dark scheme, there’s the option to welcome lighter worktops and splashbacks into the scheme too. Grey marbles are the perfect option for this as they introduce a lighter hue while still playing into the colour palette nicely – the same can be said for cool-tone woods.
Texture
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“Incorporating texture is a popular tactic used by interior designers to elevate a space and add depth and interest. In 2024, they’ll be an even greater focus on welcoming textural finishes through work surfaces, splashbacks, cabinets, accessories and furniture.
“Welcoming tactile materials into the kitchen can transform the look and feel of the space, adding visual interest and flow. In both colourful and neutral kitchens, texture breaks up block colour and can be a useful tool for zoning the space.
“Combining different materials is an effective way to introduce variety, without committing to strong colours. Pairing exposed brick with natural wood and stone finishes adds variations in surfaces.
“If you’re looking to create a statement through texture, carrying a fluted-effect splashback across your entire kitchen can create a gorgeous feature. Paired with neutrals, such as beiges, whites and blacks, it creates a timeless design with added interest.”
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