3 Kitchen Trends on Their Way Out This Year (and 3 Taking Their Place)

published Jun 15, 2024
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
A beautiful kitchen with grey cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
Credit: Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images

Spring cleaning is complete, summer is just beginning, and fall will be here before you know it. All together, that means it’s now the halfway mark for 2024 — and it’s time to check in on this year’s hottest (and coolest) design trends. Whether you’re redesigning your own space or just taking stock of what’s happening in the world of interiors, the experts have got you covered.

We asked interior designers for all the details on what they’re seeing and hearing from vendors, clients, and colleagues alike about what’s on its way out and what’s in this year when it comes to kitchen design trends.

3 Kitchen Trends on Their Way Out This Year

Credit: Jin Odin/Shutterstock

1. Industrial Style

“Harsh, industrial aesthetics with exposed pipes and faux finishes are definitely out,” Sarah Brady, founder and principal designer at Salt Design Company, says. People want to feel cozy and calm in their home, and stainless steel countertops don’t cut it. Concrete floors and Edison bulbs have a severe look to them as well (and although exposed brick technically falls under the industrial style, designers would never ask you to give that up).

Credit: Sheila Say/Shutterstock

2. Oversized Islands

This trend is tempting — you gain a lot of counter space, and it certainly makes a statement, but it can also be uninviting. “It’s unrealistic to line up six or seven seats and have everyone sit and eat facing the same direction,” Teri Clar, owner of Nafasi Interiors, explains.

It’s also worth considering what you might lose in order to tack on a couple extra feet. Can you move comfortably throughout the kitchen? Will guests be able to gather? Are you sacrificing cabinetry?

Credit: Image Supply/Shutterstock

3. Stark and Sterile

The merits of all-white kitchens have been debated time and time again, but the gist, in Brady’s words, is that they can feel current as long as you still create “a warm and inviting atmosphere.” The same goes for cold hues like gray and minimalist design — they can work if you infuse character that makes them feel more homey. Details like crown molding, built-ins, and colorful wall art can all help accomplish this.

3 Kitchen Trends on Their Way in This Year

Credit: Erin Derby

1. European Style

A favorite look for Brady, European-inspired kitchens are only growing in popularity, with no sign of slowing down anytime soon. One of their hallmarks is cabinetry “reminiscent of traditional British kitchens with furniture-like bases and fewer uppers.” Three more: unlacquered brass, arches and curves, and a tight color palette.

2. Double Islands and Long Tables

For entertainers with enough square footage, Clar is a fan of double islands. “One is used more for meal prep and cooking, and the other is more for seating,” she explains. “It allows for more space around the sides of your kitchen to walk through as well.” Not every kitchen can accommodate a duo, though — even if you technically do have the space — and in some cases, it might not even be useful.

Another favorite for Clar is placing a long dining table in the center of the kitchen with seating surrounding it. “This gives a more vintage European kitchen appeal that’s always classic,” she says. It also turns the kitchen into an undeniably welcoming space for everyone to gather.

Credit: Amanda Oleri

3. Mother Nature

Is there anything more timeless than taking inspiration from the great outdoors? For Brady, the answer is no. Mother Nature, she says, is informing a lot of kitchen updates this year. Kitchen plants, natural light, stone countertops, woven materials, and wood accents all check the box. The great news is that most of those elements are fairly simple to incorporate, making this the trend to try if you’re a renter.

What’s your favorite trend on its way in or out? Let us know in the comments below!