Keeping an eye on trends is relevant because evolving ideas, philosophies, and societal changes drive changing tastes. For example, we have moved into an era where living sustainably is important and that is reflected in architectural and interior design trends.
In 2024 and predicted for 2025, in the home, we value self-expression and creating spaces that feel like a comforting hug. These subtle changes have ushered in an aesthetic trend for sophisticated calm and gentle playfulness in the domestic nerve centre of our homes – the kitchen.
For architects and kitchen designers, of course, sustainability and energy efficiency are top trends for every kitchen remodel or extension, but for 2024-2025 it must also be elegant!
Maximising space and natural light are priorities.
Clever storage solutions replace wall cabinets.
Clutter is carefully curated onto slim shelves.
Natural stone and designer tiles add luxury.
Three overarching aesthetic kitchen trends for 2024 look set to stay with us well into the future:
A mixed palette of pastels or neutrals.
For the bold, some cabinets and walls can be painted or tiled in deep, rich colours to create a focal piece or statement.
Mixing different metals, stones and woods add interest and self expression.
Sustainable elegance
First on the kitchen trends list are your eco-credentials because who wouldn’t consider integrating the most sustainable technology in a new kitchen?
From water-saving taps and filters to energy-efficient appliances, suppliers are racing to design exceptional, sustainable, and environmentally efficient solutions.
Mindful healthiness and minimising our environmental footprint are reflected in how we use our kitchens, like choosing a fridge-freezer with a circadian rhythm which preserves nutrition in fresh food. According to the Lakeland 2023 report, batch cooking has been thoroughly embraced by millennials, 21% more people are hosting at home, and sales of air fryers increased by a whopping 1175%.
When it comes to kitchen design, we also expect new kitchen cabinetry to be made from sustainable or eco-friendly materials, and we want them supplied by companies with proven ethical credentials.
For added ambience in our kitchens Zuma supplies and fits energy-efficient sound and light systems that combine mood-sensory circadian lighting within hidden smart speakers.
Even the ‘statement piece’ now has an ethical angle and we are choosing sustainability and durability over fast furniture.
Goodbye clutter, hello Back Kitchen
If there is one thing we’ve learned from open-plan kitchens, it is that all our cooking mess, smells and chaos are on show.
Enter… the back kitchen. Back kitchens are the modern equivalent of the Victorian scullery or butler's pantry, where fish were cleaned, chickens plucked, and the family silver was polished.
It turns out that having a small back kitchen–or second kitchen if space allows–can be both a practical and desirable option. It means the main kitchen seamlessly integrates with the living space while the back kitchen acts as a hidden engine room where the messy end of cooking happens.
These hard-working spaces are incredibly versatile and function as a small hub where food prep and post-cooking chaos are tucked out of sight. Depending on space, they can house an additional hob, a large sink for washing up, and a spare fridge or freezer if there's room. Unsightly or ungainly countertop appliances can also be relegated to the back room. It also makes sense to use the back kitchen as a pantry or larder.
A back kitchen is all about function over form so your main kitchen can function as an aesthetically pleasing home hub and relaxing space. In homes where there is the space, back kitchens are trend that is here to stay!
Take it to the top!
Even in compact kitchens, the trend for removing some or all of the upper cabinetry continues as it creates a feeling of spaciousness. Cunningly clever storage solutions or slim open shelves mean you can still operate as normal in your kitchen without feeling closed in by cupboards.
When you remove some of the upper cabinetry, you suddenly have expanses of wall to play with. You can paint the walls… or you can tile to the top! For too long, the humble tile has been relegated to a wipeable splashback between the counter and cupboards, but that has changed.
Tiles are a creative statement! Pastel porcelains create an elegant art-deco vibe; metro tiles with marble worktops hit a note somewhere between a Manhattan brownstone apartment and a 1920s Parisienne boulangerie; Middle Eastern geometrics are expressive and colourful.
The choice of tiles is stunning, with every conceivable colour, shape, and pattern available. Ribbed textures, earthy colours, and warm Moroccan inspired patterns are trends that are here to stay. Terracotta is having a revival (although, to be frank, it is a kitchen trend that never really went away).
If you prefer recycled tiles, the reclaimed tile marketplace is thriving. With a little internet detective work, you’ll discover UK companies importing salvaged and cleaned tiles from Spain and Morocco. Check out Bert & May for an exquisite collection of reclaimed tiles. They are pricey, but every tile is imbued with heritage.
With so much choice, go high and take the tiles right up to the ceiling.
Bespoke worktops
Bespoke worktops elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Mandarin Stone in Wales has a fine collection of slate and marble slabs. The slate (shown here) is some 500 million years old. Stone of Destiny in Sussex is well worth checking out. They have an astonishing collection of engineered quartz, granites and Italian porcelains.
Whether you choose granite, slate or marble, nothing feels as timeless as a huge slab of natural stone.
A staple in commercial kitchens, stainless steel worktops have entered the home, and beautiful aged copper is finding a place, often as an accent among predominantly stone or wooden countertops.
For the rule breakers, mixing different worktops is a kitchen trend for the bold. Shown above is a custom patinated copper worktop by Arnolds Kitchens butted against a concrete sink-surround.
The minimal luxe kitchen trend
Luxury minimalism has set the tone on the catwalks for a year or so, and the trend for minimal luxe—or minimaluxe—is growing in kitchen design with good reason. In both fashion and interiors, minimal luxe prioritises long life and durability over fast fashion and fast furniture.
Forget ostentatious bling. Minimal luxe is timeless, understated, and chic.
Simple kitchen cabinetry can be given the five-star treatment with the addition of subtle gold handles. A touch of marble is classically elegant, and then suspend graceful lighting and you’ll achieve a minimal luxe look in just a few moves.
Another minimal luxe kitchen trend is to mix your metals. Finally, gold with silver, or brass against chrome is an intentional design choice! For instance, gold taps add a touch of luxe, especially nestled on a stainless steel sink.
The only rule with minimal luxe is to exercise restraint.
I hope this article has inspired you. Bliss Interiors and Architectural Design have a reputation for thoughtfully designed home refurbishments, extensions and new builds.
I'm Julie Bliss. Do follow me for more design inspiration, or get in touch if you have a project you'd like to discuss.
I'd love to hear from you.