Showhome Editor Joseph Clarke unveils the kitchen trends that are poised to redefine functionality, aesthetics and innovation in new homes throughout 2024
The kitchen is often described as being the heart of the home. Given that the home is where the heart is, the kitchen is most definitely a room to be given great levels of thought, love and consideration. With each passing year, kitchens evolve, embracing new technologies and design concepts, as well as functional elements. With 2024 upon us, the culinary landscape is poised to witness a blend of innovation, sustainability, and style, so what better time than now to take a read through the kitchens that are set to become a recipe for success?
Smart Kitchen Appliances
Smart technology continues to revolutionise kitchens. In 2024, appliances are expected to become more interconnected and intuitive. Imagine stepping into a kitchen where every appliance is interconnected, working in harmony to streamline daily tasks. Voice-controlled ovens, for instance, allow users to effortlessly adjust temperature settings, set timers, and even initiate cooking processes using simple voice commands. You can say, “Preheat the oven to 350 degrees,” or “Set a timer for 30 minutes,” making cooking more hands-free and intuitive than ever before.
Bosch are just one of the many companies that housing developers are turning to for their smart ovens’ Home Connect feature, which helps speed up mealtimes and promotes and aids healthier cooking. With smart appliances like these, homeowners can also monitor and control their cooking progress remotely, receive personalised notifications, or take inspiration from thousands of recipes available via an app.
Refrigerators have also undergone a transformative upgrade, now equipped with cutting-edge technology that goes beyond mere cooling. These smart fridges boast inventory tracking systems, using cameras or sensors to monitor food supplies. They not only keep track of what’s inside but also suggest recipes based on available ingredients. Imagine receiving recipe suggestions on your smartphone based on the fresh produce and items stocked in your fridge, allowing for efficient meal planning and reducing food waste.
Moreover, smart faucets have become a staple in modern kitchens, offering precise control over water temperature and flow. They adjust instantly to your desired temperature, ensuring an ideal setting for various culinary tasks, from washing delicate vegetables to brewing the perfect cup of tea. These faucets also contribute significantly to water conservation by minimising wastage and promoting efficient usage.
Beyond convenience, these innovations prioritise energy efficiency. Smart appliances are designed to optimise energy consumption, reducing utility bills and environmental impact. For instance, they might adjust settings based on usage patterns or employ energy-saving modes when not in active use, contributing to a more sustainable kitchen ecosystem and responding to growing customer demands for eco-friendly living solutions.
This interconnected web of smart kitchen devices not only simplifies daily chores but also fosters a more mindful and efficient approach to cooking and food management. With their intuitive features and energy-saving capabilities, these appliances redefine the kitchen as a hub of technological prowess, making cooking an enjoyable and eco-friendly experience which is what more and more house buyers will be looking for in 2024.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Designs
Homeowners are increasingly prioritising environmentally friendly options that not only elevate the aesthetics but also minimise the ecological footprint of their kitchens.
Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt confirms that “some of the best climate friendly kitchen solutions in 2024 will feature a range of ideas including furniture made of recycled materials, along with indoor herb gardens and an emphasis on better air quality. We can also anticipate furniture which works with smart home systems that help to conserve energy and assist homeowners through energy-efficient lighting.”
One of the pivotal changes that is expected to continue throughout the coming year revolves around the materials used for cabinetry and countertops. Sustainable options like recycled materials are gaining significant traction. Sleek kitchen cabinets crafted from reclaimed wood or innovative composite materials made from recycled glass, plastic, or even reclaimed metal are on track to becoming much more prevalent in kitchens. These materials not only exude a unique charm but also reduce the demand for virgin resources, lessening the environmental impact of kitchen construction.
Moreover, countertops are undergoing a sustainable revolution. Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode explains:
“There is no doubt that sustainable and eco-friendly designs are standing strong in 2024. We are seeing it as a growth area and noting that a strong focus on material and finish is key to meeting market demand for both personalisation and sustainability. In fact, we anticipate that granite sinks will be a big hitter in 2024 as consumers will be weighing up longevity and value for money in light of the economic squeeze as the cost-of-living crisis continues. Granite is set to appeal to the savvy end-user and with premium manufacturers offering a wide range of shapes and sizes in trending black, white and grey.”
But homeowners are also exploring alternatives to traditional surfaces like marble or granite. Outlined in more detail in this issue’s Surfaces feature, housing developers and house builders are embracing innovative materials like engineered quartz, which incorporates recycled content while offering durability and aesthetics akin to natural stone. Additionally, eco-friendly options such as bamboo, cork, or concrete countertops are becoming increasingly popular due to their sustainability and distinctive designs.
Energy-efficient appliances are another cornerstone of sustainable kitchen designs. In 2024, these appliances will set new standards in energy conservation. We can expect to see more refrigerators equipped with advanced insulation technologies and variable-speed compressors that significantly reduce energy consumption without compromising on performance. Additionally, induction cooktops, known for their precision and rapid heating capabilities, will continue to be the preferred choice over conventional gas or electric stoves due to their energy efficiency.
Furthermore, as homeowners are increasingly opting for kitchen designs that incorporate sustainable practices beyond material choices, new build kitchens are predicted to be fitted with more smart water-saving fixtures, LED lighting, and even integrated composting systems, fostering a holistic approach to sustainability within the kitchen space.
Jonathan Stanley, VP of Marketing at Caesarstone, adds, “Over the last few years, sustainable interior design has emerged as a key aspect of responsible living. This trend goes beyond aesthetics, emphasising the importance of materials and designs that are not only visually appealing, but also environmentally conscious. In 2024, consumers will continue to choose products that are made with quality and longevity in mind, ascribing to the ‘buy once, buy well’ philosophy.”
Stephen Johnson, Managing Director Quooker UK & Ireland, observes, “As we move into 2024, energy efficiency and sustainability continue to be at the forefront of consumer purchasing habits. Not that sustainability is a trend per se, but it is dramatically shaping how brands operate and which products are made. As climate change continues to pose a significant threat to our planet, products that can offer real, tangible solutions to help save precious resources and keep energy-costs down will continue to lead the market.”
Bold Colours and Patterns
The anticipated colour and pattern trends for 2024 mark a departure from the subdued colour palettes that have reigned supreme in recent years. Housing developers and interior designers alike are pivoting towards a renewed appreciation for vibrant colours and captivating patterns, infusing kitchens with a sense of individuality and personality.
The traditional dominance of neutral tones is poised to take a backseat as bold and daring colours step into the limelight. Imagine entering a modern kitchen where deep blues are reminiscent of midnight skies, rich forest greens reminiscent of lush foliage, and warm terracottas evoking the essence of Mediterranean landscapes grace the cabinets, walls, and backsplashes. These colours, once considered unconventional for kitchen spaces, are now embraced for their ability to infuse energy and character into the heart of the home.
Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval Furniture, says that we can also expect to see “rich blues, natural greens and quintessential greys to complement the classic painted kitchen. For the contemporary kitchen, slab fronted furniture in quality raw materials like charred wood and sintered stone will be in high demand, as well as super matt lacquers all helping to add functionality to open plan environments. Mixing and matching mineral-effect finishes will be a sure-fire way of enhancing the contemporary kitchen for bringing pattern and added luxury on island units and cabinets.”
Intricacy and detail are key focal points in 2024’s kitchen designs. Captivating tile patterns adorning backsplashes, intricately designed mosaic arrangements, or hand-painted tiles showcasing artistry and craftsmanship serve as bold statements, transforming kitchen spaces into galleries of creativity and individual expression.
Texture plays a pivotal role in elevating the visual allure of kitchens. Developers are exploring textured surfaces that captivate both the eyes and fingertips. Cabinets and countertops are not just about colour; they’re about tactile experiences. Textures range from rough-hewn wood finishes that evoke a sense of rustic charm to sleek matte surfaces with subtle patterns that invite touch without compromising on aesthetics.
Furthermore, this resurgence of bold colours and intricate patterns signifies a departure from the minimalist approach that has dominated design philosophies. It’s a testament to a more expressive and emotionally resonant approach to home spaces, where the kitchen transcends its utilitarian function to become a canvas for self-expression and creativity.
Collaborations between housing developers and interior designers foster a new era of kitchen design where experimentation thrives. Developers are increasingly attuned to the desires of homeowners seeking distinctive, non-conformist kitchen spaces. They’re incorporating versatile design elements, offering customisation options that allow homeowners to curate their kitchens as an extension of their personal style. In essence, the trajectory of kitchen design in 2024 reflects a collaborative effort between innovative housing developers and design visionaries. Together, they’re steering kitchens away from the safety of neutrals and towards a brave new world of vibrant colours, artistic patterns, and tactile textures, reshaping kitchen spaces into captivating hubs of individuality and artistic flair.
Biophilic Design Elements
Bringing nature indoors is a trend that’s here to stay and is one that is penetrating every room of the house, kitchens being no exception to the rule. Biophilic design principles will continue to be incorporated into kitchens through the use of natural materials, indoor plants, and ample natural light. Living herb gardens, vertical plant walls, and large windows are just a few ways in which the kitchen can be connected to the outdoors, fostering a sense of tranquillity and well-being.
Matt Phillips, Head of UK Operations at Rotpunkt believes that “bringing nature indoors to enhance the wellness kitchen is big news in 2024. Incorporating a combination herb box in the kitchen is perfect for injecting the natural world into an urban environment, as it is both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. Although it is a relatively small detail in the kitchen, its overall impact is significant. Creating a dedicated area to cultivate organic food and ingredients to cook with, this unique kitchen element is ideal for growing fresh herbs that you can tend daily or cultivating fragrant flowers to add natural aroma and beauty to the space.”
Paul Illingworth, Design Manager at Abode, adds that “biophilic design elements are coming to the fore of the wet zone as filtered taps are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Look out eco-conscious designs such as 3 in 1 domestic filtered cold water taps along with hot and cold water which have tactile FSC-approved wooden handles to bring the beauty of sustainable wood to the kitchen living space.”
Multi-Functional Spaces
Kitchens are evolving beyond mere cooking areas into multifunctional spaces. Integrated dining and lounging areas within the kitchen space allow for seamless transitions between cooking, dining, and socialising. Flexible layouts and adaptable furniture cater to various needs, making the kitchen a versatile hub of activity.
Simon Bodsworth, Managing Director at Daval Furniture, predicts that “the ground floor will become an increasingly multi-functional space in 2024 to support today’s busy lives from hybrid working and pet care to entertaining. Careful planning for storage solutions in public and private spaces will ensure that there’s extra flexibility for family life with extras like pet grooming stations in boot rooms and walk-in larders with room for appliances and even sinks. We are finding that more and more homeowners are looking to create a luxurious signature style at home which extends from the kitchen into the boot room, utility area, home bar and living room and there’s a definite trend towards using bespoke solutions to deliver this.”
The kitchen trends of 2024 embrace innovation, sustainability, and individuality, transforming this essential space into a dynamic and inviting hub within the home. As technology continues to advance and design preferences evolve, kitchens will remain at the forefront of modern living, catering to the diverse needs and desires of homeowners.
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Joseph Clarke
Editor, Showhome
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