12 Kitchen Design Trends to Inspire Your Renovation

The kitchen has always been an integral part of our homes. Since these spaces are often the heart of a house, they should dress the part, too. To help give your space a much-deserved and perhaps much-needed makeover, we asked several designers and home experts about the kitchen trends they think will make it big in 2024.

As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder—so it's important to decorate your kitchen with your taste in mind. However, understanding the latest trends in the world of design can offer ample insight into how best to refresh your space. Luckily, these designer-approved styles run the gamut from rich cabinets to well-appointed accessories, which means you're bound to find a current idea that speaks to your aesthetic and budget.

Pizza Ovens

This year may very well be the year of the pizza oven. "Whether built-in, outdoor, or as freestanding appliances, I am continuing to see a lot of pizza ovens," says John Cialone, chair-elect of the American Society of Interior Designers National Board of Directors. "The idea is entertainment or 'eatertainment' in the home. I think the optimal use here is not only pizza, but high-heat roasted food is also very popular, and at-home cooks can now experience something only restaurant chefs could achieve in the past. It’s a fun experience promoting connectivity with your guests."

Ample Seating Areas

While dining out will never go out of style, eating in is in, which means having plenty of seating is essential for anyone who likes to host. "Socializing and casual dining are emphasized with kitchens featuring ample seating areas," says Meredith Huck, owner and principal designer at House of Huck. "Whether it's a spacious island with barstools, built-in banquettes, or cozy breakfast nooks, creating inviting spaces for family and friends is a key trend."

Silver and Stainless Steel Cabinets

If you think appliances are the only kitchen features that come in sleek silver, think again. "I anticipate that silver or stainless cabinets will be on trend. The look is forward and directional—it takes from the past, but mixing it with wood, travertine, tile, etc, makes it feel more current," says Michelle Zacks, owner of Michelle Zacks Design. "It may not be for everyone, particularly if the home's architecture doesn't suit that style; in that case, I might introduce touches of silver via a metal backsplash, plumbing fixtures, or some decorative lighting."

Multi-Functional Islands

Gone are the days when kitchen islands simply offered additional counter space. "Kitchen islands are evolving into multifunctional hubs," Huck says. "Beyond providing additional workspace, islands now often incorporate storage, built-in appliances, and even seating areas, serving as the focal point of a modern kitchen." Some kitchen islands feature built-in sinks, additional stovetops, and serve as breakfast bars.

Pigment-Packed Cabinets

Goodbye, all-white kitchens. According to Christopher Peacock, owner and CEO of his eponymous cabinet company in San Francisco, we'll be looking at a brand-new kitchen palette. "Whether it is custom cabinetry or designing a complete living space, neutral tones paired with strong colors, like deep greens, rich reds, and blues, will continue to be a go-to color scheme for most," he says.

Not ready to repaint all your cabinets? Peacock has the perfect compromise. "Many of our clients still opt for neutral cabinetry colors in general, but take a color risk for their island cabinetry or in their butler's pantry," he says. "It allows homeowners to keep most of their space very calm and relaxed while simultaneously introducing a strong color element for a bit of interest."

Unique Range Hoods

Range hoods can be far from your standard stainless steel hood. "I think unique or custom range hoods are still big," says Zacks. "This can be anything from a custom-made enclosure that conceals a range hood that is then either tiled or plastered over, or a range hood in an interesting shape or material."

Concealed Coffee and Tea Bars

Space and function go hand-in-hand for most kitchen renovations, especially those that are on the smaller side, making elements like concealed coffee bars a real asset. "Both of my [current] kitchen projects are Manhattan apartments, so space and function will forever be key," Zacks says. "For these in particular, both requested concealed coffee/tea bars—some kind of countertop cabinet that can conceal those types of small appliances and accessories."

Textured Materials

If you're not craving a pop of color, you can always make a statement with some texture. "I'm personally loving the use of wood tones (like light oak) in kitchens, as well as less hardware," says Susana Simonpietri, owner and creative director at Chango Co. She notes flat panel doors are being integrated more often (they speak to a more traditional sensibility) and new stones, like travertine and quartzite, are on the up.

These sophisticated upgrades are typically straightforward, says Simonpietri—adding a new texture isn't as big of an undertaking as it may seem. "Replacing countertops is relatively easy and not very costly in a small space," she says. "In my own kitchen, I recently painted my cabinets a very faint creamy gray and added a beautiful travertine topper."

Fresh Ovens

If you want to bring your kitchen straight into the present, you might want to consider updating one of your most prized appliances: your oven range. "Right now, induction ranges are a hot topic," says Emily Henderson, a designer and stylist. "I'm actually getting one put in my new house, but I've been seeing them in more and more home reveals, which is so great. I'm so happy to see the design industry heading in this direction."

As an electric alternative to the typical gas ranges, induction cooking is considered a safer option that causes less air pollution. Admittedly, upgrading your oven range is expensive—especially if you have your sights on an induction style. However, if you're working with a generous budget, this switch can be well worth the investment.

Tiled Treatments

Never underestimate the power of strategically-placed tile. For years, tile has served a strictly utilitarian purpose; an easy-to-clean layer that can protect your walls from spills and splashes. However, Henderson believes this medium will now be front and center. An unexpected place to give the tile treatment? Your window jamb. "In searching for inspiration for my own kitchen, I've noticed that window jam tiling is in and I don't think it's a fluke," she says. "It's so pretty, simple, and easy to clean—all requirements for me in how I design."

With so many shapes, colors, and styles to choose from, dwellers can certainly give this up-and-coming design fad some personalized flair. "Designers are getting creative with tile applications, exploring unique patterns and arrangements," says Huck. "Stacked tiles in various formations, herringbone layouts, and unconventional patterns bring a fresh and artistic touch to kitchen backsplashes."

Details, Details

Backsplashes, cabinet colors, and countertop materials might transform your kitchen in a snap, but it's those smaller finishing touches that can make your space feel even more special. For designer Breegan Jane, this means paying close attention to where you plug in your food processor or slow cooker. "I think clients will pay more attention to the details in the [kitchens] they redesign," she says. "Elements that function as impactful accents—like designer wall plates from Legrand—take on more of a role, instead of playing the background." To integrate the look and create a warm and welcoming kitchen, keep these finishing details neutral, says Jane. And, should you want to add a pop of color later, do so with vibrant dish towels or dinnerware.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

As the world in general moves towards a more sustainable way of life, so does interior design, especially within the kitchen. "There's a growing focus on sustainability in kitchen design, with an emphasis on eco-friendly materials," Huck says. "Recycled and upcycled materials, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable cabinetry options are gaining popularity."