The heart of the home, the kitchen is one of our most used living areas, and it's not just for cooking either. A place to unwind after work, entertain friends, or catch up with our loved ones over an evening meal, the kitchen requires a scheme which fuses function with cutting-edge design. So, if your hub is looking a little worse for wear, click or scroll on to discover 2024's biggest kitchen trends and start reimagining your space…

The concept of a secondary or ‘back kitchen’ is becoming a hot trend. Often located behind the main kitchen, these are an extension of the cooking space, and provide a discrete area for prep work as well as providing storage for smaller appliances and everyday essentials. This trend not only enhances the kitchen's efficiency but also means the main kitchen remains organised, even in a busy household. 

Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr says: “Back kitchens are ideal for those who love to host. Often tucked away through a pocket door, they are perfect for practical tasks like cleaning dirty dishes, laundry or preparing food. Featuring a large sink, plenty of storage and sometimes even a second fridge, these added spaces allow your main kitchen to remain clutter-free and ready to entertain guests.”

As homeowners look to invest in timeless and sustainable design that is ‘trend-proof’ and upholds daily use, inframe kitchens will be a popular choice in 2024. According to Wren Kitchens, searches for this traditional style of kitchen increased by almost 90% in the last 12 months. Inframe refers to cabinet frontals that sit within a frame, rather than being fixed to the front of the carcass. This design strengthens the unit, making it both a practical and versatile choice.

Mark Sellars, Head of Product Design and Development at Wren Kitchens says: “As storage becomes a huge focus within the kitchen interior space, the inframe design captures and emulates a timeless quality and elegance, which continues to grow in popularity and demand.”

According to trend forecasting company WGSN, warming woods will be a leading trend in 2024. From embracing wood’s natural beauty and imperfections to pairing light and dark tones with reclaimed elements, wood will continue to bring a timeless feel.

Alex Main, Director at The Main Company, explains how to introduce this trend effectively in the kitchen: “Wooden cabinets can help to absorb sound, reducing noise levels in the kitchen, which is particularly beneficial in open-plan spaces. Reclaimed wood is particularly popular due to the unique character it can offer, with each piece contributing to a one-of-a-kind appearance. The imperfections give the furniture a sense of history and its natural beauty can enhance the overall aesthetic of a room.”

Shaker-style cabinetry is an enduring favourite, proving that classic styles aren’t going anywhere. Keep it from feeling stale with the addition of modern elements like brushed brass hardware in contemporary silhouettes, large-scale statement lights and bold colourways.

Al Bruce, Founder of Olive & Barr says: “Shaker kitchens are timeless in their design, durability and practicality and are also highly versatile. They can be styled traditionally, or given a modern twist with bold colours, contemporary worktops and metal handles, so they’re a great choice for most properties – new builds and character properties alike.” 

Sharp edges are out in 2024 and curves and scallops are in, and this will be seen in everything from smaller details to key kitchen design elements.

Melissa Klink, Creative Director at Harvey Jones says: “We’re predicting more smooth curves in kitchens. From extractor canopies that double as sculptures, to backsplashes that resemble framed paintings, each can be enhanced with organic textured panels and swerving lines for added character and balance."

2024 will see a lot of love for the humble kitchen larder. Those that don’t have built-in pantries won’t be left behind, with statement standalone pieces offering a simple no-build solution. Whether you go for a butler's pantry or a corner larder, these functional additions add plenty of space-saving storage, while making any kitchen feel more homely to boot. 

Kitchen tech continues to innovate and ovens are getting an upgrade, too. Steam ovens in particular are set to have a big moment in 2024, thanks to their ability to cook super-nutritious, healthy meals. As well as steam, we’re seeing more appliances with finger-touch and swipe controls, removing the need for old-fashioned controls. 

We've seen a flurry of pinks on the kitchen scene in the last few years, and the trend is showing no sign of disappearing, thanks to the box office hit Barbie movie. The hue is warm, fun and delicate. Pink may seem an unusual choice for the kitchen, but blended with warm wood or other playful pastels, it allows you to create a fun and unique space. Expect to see earthy shades of pink that evoke a sense of calmness. Ben Burbidge, MD of Kitchen Makers says: "We're seeing a resurgence in the popularity of raw plaster, and with that has come a demand for a finish that mimics the appearance."

We’re going to see more built-in joinery this year, with bespoke dining booths and breakfast nooks taking centre stage. If you’ve got an unused or unloved alcove or nook in your kitchen, these are a great practical addition, for in-kitchen eating, and can add function and style to any space, big or small. Alternatively, if you’re short on WFH space, you could build a mini home office, perfectly located for tea breaks…

In complete contrast to dark and neutral trends, colourful kitchen ideas to raise dopamine levels will continue to shine bright next year. These raspberry pink and sea green cabinets set against a wall of jade green tiles certainly lifts our spirits. 

The coffee station is the latest feature to add to your kitchen wish list. Whether you have a dedicated cabinet to hide away your beverage nook or simply carve out a corner of a counter, having an allocated space for your coffee machine, kettle, coffee pods and cups is most desirable.

With more people working from home, a coffee station is an enviable addition to a kitchen that will make mornings and coffee breaks streamlined and the kitchen space functional.

Rich and punchy reds are coming back into the kitchen. This rosy kitchen look is vibrant, but this update on the 1980s kitchen is refined, welcoming and designed to work well with traditional kitchen staples such as Shaker cabinetry. 

Stained wood-panelled kitchens tick so many trend boxes. The rough, tactile surface adds texture, it's sustainable, and by using a simple wash instead of block colour you enhance the natural grain. We love this farmhouse-style take that blends three earthy tones. 

To make a marvellous and natural impact in your kitchen next year, choose kitchen tiles that pop with greenery. It seems that biophilic design will still bloom in 2024. This beautiful splashback features the bold and fresh 'Grain Leaves Mural' pattern. 

Pared back upper cabinetry opens up any kitchen and looks ultra-stylish, but is it always practical? 'No' is the short answer. So next year, expect to see a blend of both open and closed storage solutions to get the best of both worlds. If you still need to keep all those storage jars and carefully curated crockery collections out on show, opt for glazed cabinets as a compromise. 

Although gold-effect brushed brass finishes will be hot in 2024, if you fancy a splash of colour, then opt for a vibrant tap instead. Taps in pink, mint, teal and even cobalt make will make washing up more fun next year. They create an eye-catching element in neutral kitchens, but we also love how this curved creation in Miami pink from Dowsing and Reynolds pulls in the dazzling kitchen wallpaper in @lovelane_jp's colourful kitchen. 

In the pursuit of timeless and seamless kitchens, tiled splashbacks are being replaced in 2024 with continuous slabs of pattern and colour. This panel replicates a continuous stream of smooth marble that is uninterrupted by joins or grout for a luxurious and flawless finish. 

We've loved large houseplants such as fiddle figs and rubber plants, but the desire to turn your home into a botanical oasis is about to super-size with this kitchen trend. Believe it or not, house trees are becoming frequent social media feed staples. These structural and silvery olive trees are particularly popular, as Mediterranean plants are very happy to grow in warm environments. 

Expect to see uniform precision in the kitchen with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. The look is a storage-lover's dream, yet to get the contemporary feel, everything, including appliances, should be seamlessly hidden behind smooth doors without handles. 

Style trends for every room have and will continue to look to nature, and it's inevitable that green decorating is staying firmly on the scene. In addition to forest tones, soft hues such as sage and mint will be key colours, too. This compact kitchen uses modern mint to maximise the sense of space, and the hue is soothing against both modern appliances and country expressions. ​

White kitchens are classic and we get why they are so often the first choice; they’re soothing on the eye, feel spacious and hygienic and are unlikely to ever put a future buyer off. However, they can sometimes feel a little dull. That’s why we're predicting a rise in white kitchens with character details, such as natural warm wood, black industrial-style accents or statement lighting. 

If you’re over chrome, consider brass. "Brass finishes are an excellent way to draw attention to your cabinetry as well as adding warmth, especially when combined with a dark paint colour," says Tom Howley Design Director at the eponymous kitchen company. "Create a cohesive look and go for brass hinges, taps and even statement lighting."

Organic shapes and arched designs have been growing in popularity, and this year they’re set to influence kitchen designs in the form of fully rounded islands and peninsulas. Expect to see plenty of curves and organic shapes integrated into kitchen spaces.

Texture is a word usually associated with bedrooms or living rooms, but we're anticipating an increasing focus on embracing it in kitchens, too. It doesn’t necessarily mean rugs and table runners. Instead, mix up the materials used throughout your kitchen design to add interest and depth. Think rustic timber with visible grains, tactile ceramics and durable materials like leather for stools, chairs and cabinet handles. 

This kitchen trend incorporates retro colours and structure alongside modern design for a fun mix of old and new. Annica Wallin, Executive Creative Director at Desenio says: “The Newstalgia trend combines the rich history of the past with fresh hope for the future – and we’ve seen this become popular in UK homes in recent months. By mixing retro items with contemporary designs, you can create a sense of style and playfulness bringing intrigue into your home for the new year.”

Dark kitchens are set to intensify in 2024 as interior designers pair black kitchen cabinetry with moody shades on walls for a complete blackout, almost. Amy Jones from Greta-Mae Interior Design has layered this dark kitchen with bottle green walls which can appear black in some light. "Many people are scared of using colour as bold as black in their kitchen but I love it. It can provide drama, sophistication & moodiness to a scheme. We were blessed to have incredible ceiling height in this project and as such this large airy space could take a strong colour on the walls."

The metallics movement may not be new, but copper will be coming into its own next year, as its warmer hue is perfectly in keeping with our love affair with cocooning neutrals. Expect to see pendant lights, hardware and taps turning russet. 

2024 will see more focus on kitchen lighting, with a structural and multi-layered approach. As part of a traditional layered kitchen lighting plan, bring in a single drop pendant. The recently popular trio of lights is making way for a wow-factor solo star. 

The way we live now means multifunctional kitchen spaces are on the rise. Several zones are useful within the kitchen, from a workstation with a desk nook to multifunctional living spaces, incorporating a kitchen sofa or armchair for family-friendly cooking and dining.

Love interesting detailing? We think we’ll see a lot more fluting in 2024. It's an easy way to add interest to a kitchen, as we look to add interesting shapes, textures and patterns to the heart of our home.

Standard sinks are so 2023. Next year, it’s all about the sink station! Whether you opt for a wider-than-standard sink or go for a double sink set-up, it’s all about allowing yourself the space you need to get all the jobs done. You might add specialist taps that offer filtered cold and steaming hot water as well as regular, or even integrated food waste disposers which will make food preparation and clean-ups a breeze. 

When it comes to kitchens, taupe and cream palettes are safe but stylish bets. Homeowners are favouring a more muted colour palette, paired with space-saving ‘smart’ appliances to make family life easier. If you’re looking for a kitchen that will stand the test of time, you can’t go wrong with a pared-back neutral. 

However, if neutrals make you shudder, don’t worry, green and blue are both set to be popular kitchen shades in 2024, too. From teal to fresh green, these earthy shades are not going anywhere.

Terracotta kitchens are also set to be big. With its green credentials, this material is an environmentally friendly choice, plus it adds an earthy, grounded vibe. Terracotta is also part of the ‘bring the outside in’ trend, according to Ben White at Swyft, who predicts that “we will see green and natural tones blended into our interiors through the use of plants, timber and terracotta."

Alternatively, embrace the vintage look and put your preloved pieces front and centre. Whether it’s bakeware passed down through the generations, your grandmother’s recipe framed on the wall or an heirloom dresser housing your finest china, using vintage pieces adds warmth and depth to any space. Love the look, but don’t have any family pieces? "A vintage farm table is a great way to add an island to your kitchen without a major renovation,” says Amy Sklar from Sklar Design.

With many of us becoming better acquainted with our homes we’re all looking for spots where we can add more joy. According to designer Kristin Kong, we should turn to art even in the most functional of rooms: " From humble to fine, today's collections only need to catch your eye, provoke a thought, or recall a memory to be worthy of an artful presentation."

Statement surfaces are on the rise, from waterfall islands to intriguing extractor fans. We think these dramatic, visually arresting designs will only become more popular into 2024, with homeowners experimenting with more materials. We can’t get enough of this black marble and metallic beauty. 

While there are more options for kitchen flooring than ever before, 2024 will welcome back a trend of yesteryear with the return of large flagstone tiles. "For centuries, estates and country homes have used flagstone flooring, thanks to their hardwearing characteristics and classic appearance that have stood the test of time," says Isabel Fernandez, Business Manager at Quorn Stone. "Now more than ever, people are wanting to create this timeless look in their kitchens by choosing large format flagstones.” 

But for those of us on a budget or looking for a kitchen to withstand a busy family life, vinyl flooring is an attractive option. “Vinyl flooring is a great and inexpensive way to add colour, pattern and personality to a room without compromising on safety or quality," says David Snazel, Hard Flooring Buyer at Carpetright.

Marble has been a classic material for years, but 2024 will see a surge in popularity for both the real McCoy and high-quality lookalikes. While we love the real deal, marble can be expensive and a little high maintenance, making durable engineered quartz with its scratch- and stain-resistant surface an appealing alternative.   

While tiles will always be practical, a wow-factor wallpaper can provide the ultimate design statement in a kitchen. Opt for a non-woven paper and ensure you have good ventilation to keep your new paper in good condition. You could even coat it with a lick of matt water-based varnish to seal it in place and minimise wear and tear.

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