In recent years, the kitchen has gone from simply being a place to make food to a spot where you can inject style and personality into your home. 

“Kitchen spaces are very personal and given how much our lives have been altered in the past few years … clients are always looking for spaces that bring calm and peace even in its most sophisticated state,” explains Orienta Di Pietrantonio, an interior decorator with Emerald Interiors in Toronto, Ontario. “

As we head into 2024 with new design and décor trends, here are seven kitchen design trends we’re looking forward to.

Cozy shades

According to Di Pietrantonio, 2024’s colours are all about warmth and comforting hues. 

“Whites will never be a thing of the past,” she explains. “Some may dispute cooler whites are still the way to go, but, in 2024, you can look forward to warmer whites instead.”

She notes the rich jewel tones that dominated 2023’s design trends will continue to be a defining feature in kitchens. This means we’ll be seeing shades of green, red, and burgundy. Orangey topaz and blue are making a comeback and, perhaps due to the massive popularity of the movie Barbie, so is pink. Additionally, brown, Di Pietrantonio reports “is the new black.”

Consider new placemats or table runners in forest green or burgundy, but be careful to balance the red and green scheme—you may run the risk of looking a little too Christmassy. If you’re looking for a weekend project, painting your cabinets or redoing your backsplash could be a bold way to inject 2024’s colours into your kitchen.

Extra touches of greenery

A few years ago, herbs were the most common plants you could find in kitchens. Greenery of all kinds is now being welcomed into these spaces. Di Pietrantonio loves this trend because it’s an easy way to create atmosphere you can change whenever you want. Whether you prefer to make a statement, or keep the décor understated, there’s no limit to the shades and textures you can explore simply by getting a new kitchen plant.

Consider hanging plants in front of your windows, or putting them on your kitchen island. Just be sure they have enough sunlight—and that you still have enough counter space. You can also opt for fake plants, which might be better if your thumb is a little less green than others, or if you have pets who are prone to eating things they shouldn’t. Just make sure you have plenty of space between the plants (real or fake) and your stovetop.

Natural tones and textures

Natural materials will continue to be the tones and textures of choice in 2024. Materials like the ever popular rattan, bamboo, and wicker are still having their moment. Light wood tones, reminiscent of Japandi design, will be used to complement this look. 

As for how to incorporate this trend, Di Pietrantonio recommends you keep it simple. Switching out your chairs and stools with bamboo and rattan, for instance, will give the kitchen a new look without a total redo. You could also look for wooden accessories, like napkin holders or bread boxes. 

Communal kitchens

“Open, multifunctional spaces continue to be in style,” Di Pietrantonio says. “The pandemic has changed relationships so people are looking for more ways to connect. With more people working or studying from home, kitchens are more important than ever given they’re a common communal space.”

You can adopt this trend by switching out your countertops for something shallower, creating more room for people to gather and move around, though admittedly this is a big project. One simple way to embrace a gathering-space kitchen is by adding stools around your island so it can double as a place to eat and relax.  

Retro vibes

We’re going back in time.  

“‘70s vibes are coming forward with browns and wonderful jewel tone colours,” Di Pietrantonio explains. “Retro or vintage-modern vibes are still popular. We’re looking forward to seeing more floral patterns and small geometrical designs in 2024.”

It’s the perfect trend for pattern lovers, especially those who frequently change their kitchen’s backsplash. All you need is peel-and-stick wallpaper and some free time.

Stylish sustainability

Homeowners are looking to reduce their environmental footprint, which means upcycled or thrifted items in their décor. Using recycled or reclaimed wood is becoming increasingly common, due to the increasing popularity of a less ‘polished’ décor. You can also achieve this by visiting a local antique or thrift store to find accessories that match the aforementioned retro vibes. 

Another way to introduce sustainability into your kitchen design is by making items like recycling and composting bins a part of your kitchen décor. Get a stylish recycling bin that complements your theme. Similarly, create a set space for your composting bin that’s hidden yet easy to access. 

“There are affordable ways to achieve these trends without breaking the bank,” Di Pietrantonio says. Her top recommendations? “Paint one accent wall and dress it up with wall art that reflects trending colours and textures. Switch a main light fixture with a bolder statement piece. Get more plants, and accessorize.”