2024 Kitchen Design Trends: Embracing Heritage and Innovation

As we dive into the world of kitchen design for 2024, we're seeing a pivot back to tradition, coupled with modern innovations that redefine the heart of the home.

Here's a look at what's on the horizon, from the perspective of our Hawke's Bay joinery design studio.

  1. A Nod to Nostalgia

In the world of kitchen design, the pendulum is swinging back to a more traditional aesthetic. The minimalist kitchen, with its integrated appliances and hidden features, is making way for designs that celebrate functionality and beauty, pointing out the trend towards kitchens that showcase feature cooktops and exposed appliances.

This approach not only adds character to the space but also aligns with a growing preference for kitchens that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

In these spaces, every element, from the cooktop to the coffee machine, is part of the decor, contributing to a kitchen that’s as inviting as it is functional.

2. Innovative Lighting Solutions

Gone are the days of stark, linear lighting dominating kitchen spaces. The trend is moving towards softer, diffused light sources that enhance the ambiance without overpowering it.

I am a big advocate for the use of lamps on kitchen islands, creating a more intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

This sentiment is echoed with a shift towards unconventional lighting choices that lend a more homely feel to the kitchen, often reserved for other living spaces.

3. Material Innovation

The heavy stone slabs traditionally favored in kitchen design are being reconsidered in favor of materials that offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Interior designer Brahman Perera predicts a move towards lighter, more sensitive materials that speak to both functionality and conviviality. Stainless steel, mixed with soft tones and timber, is becoming increasingly popular, offering a balance between modernity and warmth, and aligning with a trend towards spaces that are designed for family life and social gatherings.

We design functional, thoughtful,

and beautiful homes, fit for real life.

We design functional, thoughtful, and beautiful homes, fit for real life.

At FBD Interiors, our main focus is creating spaces that are both elevated and realistic for your lifestyle. And we walk through every step of the process right alongside you - whether it’s a room refresh, a new kitchen, or a full home makeover/build.

4. The Evolving Office Kitchen

The concept of the office kitchen is being redefined to include more than just basic amenities.

The growing trend of integrating fully functional kitchens into office environments.

These spaces are equipped with high-end appliances and are designed to cater to the needs of employees and guests alike, blurring the lines between home and office and enhancing the overall work experience.

6. Bold Marble Statements

Marble remains a staple in luxury kitchen design, but with a twist. The trend is leaning towards more dramatic uses of marble, with bold colours and unique veining patterns taking center stage.

There is an increasing demand for marble features that serve as focal points in the kitchen, suggesting creative applications like continuous marble slabs for countertops and backsplashes or bespoke marble hood vent covers.

7. Elevating the Hood Vent

The hood vent, often overlooked in kitchen design, is poised to become a centerpiece in 2024.

I believe there will be a surge in creative and custom hood vent designs. The idea is to integrate the hood vent into the kitchen's overall aesthetic, with custom cabinetry shapes and textures like plaster or wood fluting adding depth and interest.

Bold options, such as marble hood vents, are expected to add a fun and luxurious touch to the kitchen, proving that even the most functional elements can be a focal point of design.

8. Lived-In Luxury

The concept of the kitchen as merely a cooking space is evolving; the future sees it as an extension of the living area.

I envision kitchens becoming more akin to living rooms, complete with art displays, rich textures, and alternative seating arrangements, like comfortable kitchen tables replacing islands.

This trend towards a more 'lived-in' look emphasizes the kitchen's role as a central hub for family gatherings and social interaction, reinforcing its importance in the home.

9. A Return to Colour

The era of ubiquitous white cabinets is waning, with color making a triumphant return to kitchen cabinetry.

As designers we are celebrating the reintroduction of colour, with lacquered cabinets in hues of grey, green, and blue becoming increasingly popular.

This move towards colour brings a personalized touch to the kitchen, allowing homeowners to express their style more vividly and adding a dynamic layer to the kitchen’s aesthetic.

10. The Warmth of Wood

Wood, a material often overlooked in contemporary kitchen design, is set to make a significant comeback in 2024.

I personally am championing the inclusion of medium and dark wood tones, such as walnut, to transform the kitchen space. This reintroduction of wood, known for its warmth and life, marks a departure from the stark, minimalist kitchens of the past, moving towards a design that’s both inviting and stylish.

The use of different wood cuts and stains, like rift-cut or quarter-sawn with medium brown stains, is gaining popularity, bringing a cozy yet modern feel to the kitchen.

The kitchen design trends for 2024 in New Zealand, especially in Hawkes Bay, are shaping up to be a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity, functionality, and flair.

As a kitchen designer in this vibrant region, we are at the forefront of these changes, embracing the shift towards more personalized, sustainable, and aesthetically diverse kitchens.

From the revival of bold colors and natural materials to the innovative use of space and lighting, these trends reflect a deeper understanding of the kitchen's role in our lives.

They cater to the evolving needs of homeowners who seek spaces that are not just for cooking, but for living, entertaining, and expressing personal style.

As we navigate these trends, our goal is to create kitchens that resonate with the unique character and lifestyle of each client, ensuring that each space is a true testament to the dynamic world of kitchen design in New Zealand's Hawkes Bay.