Kitchen Trends for AW24

Molly Chandler, Kitchen Designer, at Willis & Stone talks us through the hottest kitchen trends for the new season ahead.  

Countertop Cabinets

Love them or hate them, countertop cabinets are definitely on trend. Sitting directly on the worktop, they offer additional storage and organisational benefits, utilising vertical space without the need for more floor area. Items stored in them are easily accessible when compared to higher wall cabinets and placing frequently used items in them such as small appliances can help to keep counters clear. This is particularly useful for those who love a clean, minimalist look. 

Things to bear in mind with countertop cabinetry is that you will lose worktop space and so they may not be suitable in smaller kitchens, particularly if the worktop is narrow. Also, if you have chosen a particularly high end or stand out worktop such as a veined marble or granite, you may not wish to cover it up with cabinetry.    

Warm and Earthy tones

Warm woods and earthy colours work beautifully in a kitchen and bring a comforting, homely feel to the space. With a timeless appeal, earthy tones are known for their calming effect, which can make the kitchen a more relaxing space to cook and spend time in. They are also known for their positive connection with nature and from a practical perspective, they are better at camouflaging dirt, spills, and stains compared to lighter or cooler colours.

There are many ways to incorporate these tones into a kitchen design, perhaps the most obvious being to choose cabinetry painted in warm tones such as beige, terracotta, soft yellows, or warm greys. For worktops, both natural stone and oak will work well and further elements of wood may be added through bar stools, open shelving and flooring. Terracotta or other warm-toned tiles can also be used for flooring or splashbacks, bringing a rustic Mediterranean vibe. 

Fluted Elements/Grooved Elements

Fluted or grooved elements are a popular choice for modern kitchen design, adding texture to the space. They help to break up runs of flat surfaces, creating subtle shadows and highlights to enhance the overall design. This detail lends a sense of craftsmanship and sophistication, making cabinets, islands or backsplashes stand out. Functionally, fluting can also help disguise minor imperfections and wear over time, maintaining a cleaner appearance. Additionally, fluted glass used in cabinetry does make it harder to see what’s inside, taking the pressure off having perfectly displayed contents.

Stone Drenching

Stone drenching refers to the design technique of covering multiple surfaces with the same type of stone. This can include worktops, splashbacks and flooring and using a single stone such as a quartz, granite or marble for all areas, can result in a very luxurious, upmarket look. Stone drenching gives a very coordinated appearance and the continuous use of one stone minimises visual breaks for a very sleek style, which can also make the kitchen feel larger and more open.

There are some things to consider with this look however, as depending on the particular stone chosen, it can be costly. You also need to ensure the chosen stone is suitable and durable enough for use in a kitchen, checking any ongoing maintenance that may be required. Some stones can also be very heavy which may also influence where and how it can be used.

Molly Chandler, Designer, Willis & Stone, www.willisandstone.co.uk