The winds of change
Gone are the days of kitchen designs solely being a functional space. The kitchen is where family and friends gather, stories are shared and meals are prepared. The Kitchen is by far the most used room in the house and more and more people are seeing it’s importance by renovating their kitchen with a gorgeous cocktail of colour, texture, storage and technology. This year we have seen the increase of natural materials and earthy tones. We’ve said bye, bye to Millennial Grey and hello luxurious warmth.
Trending Kitchen Design Materials
As we move through 2024, a few standout elements are being introduced by suppliers ready for the 2025 market
Mixed Materials: Wood and Stone
We’ve long been partial to mixing elements to create depth and visual interest in the living spaces, however kitchen designs 2024 has seen an influx of brave clients using this in their kitchen’s aesthetic to reflect their personal style and have a harmonious blend between furniture and fixtures. Blending the warmth of timber and the sleek nature of stone or mineral surfaces creates balance in the kitchen which is the key ingredient for a designer space.
Balance is the defining factor in any considered kitchen whether that’s avoiding too many “heroes” or making sure the kitchen is highly functional without compromising style. We’re always trying to achieve the harmonious fusion of a streamlined appearance and alluring detail, capturing your attention, without being too fussy and letting the focal point shine without competition to create hierarchy in your design.
Porcelain and Compact Surfaces
With the introduced ban on low crystalline silica engineered stone, stone companies had to rethink their offering to the market. Some companies recreated their loved and trusted colours with their new zero Crystalline Silica, mineral surface formula, while others stepped away from that completely and focused their time and energy on a new range of porcelain or sintered surfaces.
Due to the uncertainty that surrounded the engineered stone industry for the best part of the last 18 months, a lot of clients starting looking at what other products were on the market. This year we have seen in increase of interest into Cosentino’s Compact Surface product Dekton and that doesn’t look to be slowing down. If you are concerned with your environmental impact (as we all should be), Dekton is the product to turn to if you’re looking for something that contains recycled materials and has zero carbon footprint. Dekton and porcelain have a large varied range of colours especially naturals and warmer tones which is where 2025 is going to take us.
Another plus when it comes to these surfaces is they have a level of heat resistance that is not available in mineral benchtops. This also allows your cooking area to seamlessly blend with your alfresco, without having to choose another product. Please check with each product’s user guidelines to make sure it is fit for purpose as every brand varies slightly.
Natural and Neutral
We’re seeing shift in kitchen renovations to bring the outside in, this is achieved by using natural elements and open concept layouts.
Limestone, travertine, terracotta and the windswept patterns of sandstone are all making a big return in the kitchen space and interiors in general. Modern kitchen design is now more reflective of nature and focusing on warmth and texture more than ever. Tile suppliers are discontinuing greys and cool colours in favour of styles that mimic natural materials and are creating various ranges with natural unique stone options. Mineral surface benchtops are being inspired by the on-trend design styles and are currently releasing new colours as I write this.
We’re seeing less rustic wood and more laminates and veneers in contemporary kitchen design. Grey and white washed timber look cabinets have had their time and are being replaced by timber laminates with realistic, natural colourings.
Bold Colours and Textures: Making a Statement
At KBHI, we recognise there are people who like to break away from the norm. Vibrant colours and unique textures are a hot trend in 2024. Mid Century lovers like myself, tend to be drawn to an alluring emerald green combined with a gorgeous warm timber grain for the kitchen cabinets. Clean lines have their place but the demand for rich textures and tactile finishes feeds my soul. Interior designers love to create character and visual appeal by incorporating bold cabinet colours with just the right amount of texture to reflect your individual style. In saying this; there is a balance, you can’t have too many statement pieces or they will fight for attention and you will loose what you set out to achieve.
Warmth: The 2025 Aesthetic
Warmth, whether that be in tone, colour or texture, that’s where we’re heading. But that doesn’t mean you get to keep your beige kitchen from the 90’s. 2024/ 2025’s warm kitchen design trends are the epitome of luxury. Warm tones, and rich textures are being implemented by interior designers to create timeless elegance and highly considered kitchen renovations. We’re not seeing recycled looks from days gone by but European inspired sophistication that will elevate your kitchen style into the next stage of design. I’m not saying white is out, it’s definitely staying, we make sure the white you’re pairing with these luxe finishes, is toned perfectly to compliment the space.
There’s How Many Whites?
Not all whites are created equal and following on from the last point, I feel like the subject of white deserves it’s own section. We’re seeing warmer whites like Dulux White Exchange Half and Dulux Natural White starting to become more common than the very well loved Dulux Lexicon Quarter. There are so many different kitchen styles, there will never be just one white, colour or texture that will appeal to all. During your kitchen renovation we have to take a lot of things into consideration, such as the style of the home, the location and of course, your personal style. This emerging trend of warmth may not be for everyone or every home. When the time comes to lock in your selections, your personal interior designer, yours truly, will step you through the Pandora’s Box of whites should you choose to incorporate this shade into your cabinetry.
Kitchen Designs and Functional Elements
No matter the aesthetic trends, certain design elements are a must for any kitchen layout.
Storage space is the number one consideration in a kitchen remodel. Whether it’s a traditional Kitchen or a contemporary kitchen, storage solutions are a big part of the conversation.
Kitchen islands are here to stay with greater focus on the visual appeal of the bar back and the inclusion of curves and fluted elements.
Integrated appliances are becoming more of the default coming into 2025, with the preference of seamless cabinetry and the removal of stainless steel, hiding your appliances gives a softer, cleaner look to the space. Induction cooktops are on the rise now that more and more models are becoming available on the market. The sleekness of an induction cooktop gives you the minimalist look of a ceramic cooktop and the instantaneous function of gas cooking.
Kitchen Design Trends to Watch in 2025 and Beyond
As we continue to evolve, so too will our kitchen design preferences. Keep an eye out for these emerging trends in the coming years:
- Warm and Neutral Colours: Earthy tones and warm whites will be a magazine worthy staple in 2025
- Mixed Materials: Balancing textures to elevate your culinary space.
- More than Mineral: Looking to what other options are on the market, like porcelain and compact surfaces.
- Storage is Still Hot: Don’t compromise function for aesthetics, it’s all about balance
Ready to Renovate? Bringing Your Dream Kitchen to Life
With so many inspiring kitchen trends to choose from, it’s an exciting time to renovate. Start by envisioning your dream kitchen. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and the overall aesthetic of your home. When it is time to look for someone you can trust with your next renovation, consult with us to create a kitchen that is both functional and beautiful.
