The world of interior design is always changing and evolving, meaning homeowners often find themselves at a crossroads: should they follow the latest trends or stay true to their own personal style? If you’re considering a kitchen remodel this year, keep reading to learn about some of the kitchen trends predicted for 2024, plus the pros and cons of forging your own path vs. following the crowd when it comes to custom cabinets and countertops.
Predicting 2024 Kitchen Trends
While it’s impossible to predict trends with 100 percent accuracy, the National Kitchen & Bath Association has compiled a list of kitchen trends they predict will take the world by storm this year. These predictions include:
Gold Finishes
When it comes to hardware, gold finishes are set to become increasingly popular in the coming months, followed by stainless steel and black. Instead of smooth, shiny gold, though, many homeowners are choosing brushed, matte, or satin finishes for their cabinet hardware and faucets.
Stone Backsplashes and Quartz Countertops
Rather than being made up of individual tiles, backsplashes made of solid stone slabs are on the rise. In addition to adding a touch of luxury to your kitchen, the lack of grout lines makes them easy to clean.
One of the most popular stone choices for both backsplashes and countertops is quartz. It’s stain-resistant and heat-tolerant, making it a great choice for anyone who wants an elegant aesthetic without sacrificing durability.
Wood Grain Cabinets
Instead of painted cabinets, natural wood finishes are coming into vogue. White oak, alder, and walnut are great choices due to their beautiful gain patterns. When it comes to cabinet styles, be on the lookout for more modern, contemporary, Scandinavian, and midcentury designs.
Optimized Storage
Cabinets that optimize storage are in high demand. Custom cabinets are a great way to optimize storage since they take advantage of all the available space. To achieve a greater level of organization in your kitchen, you can also utilize cabinet accessories such as drawer inserts, racks for pots and pans, or pull-out storage for garbage and recycling bins.
Kitchen Islands
This year, you’re likely to see bigger kitchen islands that feature more storage, plenty of seating options, electronic features, and more meal prep space. In addition to serving a functional purpose, these enhanced kitchen islands can also serve as a focal point in kitchen designs, creating visual interest.
The Allure of Following Trends
Now that you know some of the kitchen trends and design details that are set to rise in popularity this year, let’s discuss some of the reasons you may want to follow them. One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate trendy details into your kitchen is that it can increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers are often drawn to recently updated homes, perceiving them as more appealing and move-in ready.
Another reason to follow design trends is because they’re a great way to infuse your home with a fresh, modern feeling. Social media, home improvement TV shows, and magazines are filled with examples of the latest trends, providing inspiration on how to update your home. Plus, following kitchen trends means that you’re more likely to find a plethora of readily available options for materials and finishes, especially when it comes to custom cabinets and countertops.
Sticking to Your Personal Style
While the allure of trendy designs is compelling, there are also many reasons to choose details that align with your own personal style. Kitchen trends may come and go, but when you opt instead for designs that express your unique personality, your home remains relevant and appealing to you in the long term.
In addition to aging gracefully, home designs that reflect your personal style create a deeper emotional connection to the space. Every element — the wood finish for your cabinets, the type of stone for your countertops, and the hardware you choose — reflects your individual sense of style and contributes to a comfortable environment.
Finding the Middle Ground
The good news is that when it comes to trends vs. personal style, you don’t have to choose one or the other. There are ways you can find a balance between the two, combining the benefits of both. For example, you can opt for a timeless foundation, using classic materials and designs, and then incorporate trendy accents you can more easily update with changing fads.
Another option is to interpret trends through the lens of your own individual style. Utilize elements of current design movements that resonate with you, creating a space that feels both contemporary and uniquely personal.
Update Your Kitchen With Custom Solutions
If you’re looking to update your home this year, trust the experts at Out of the Woods to provide custom cabinets and countertops that bring your vision to life. Whether you want to follow the latest kitchen trends or create a space that expresses your personal style, we can help. To get started on your custom solutions, feel free to reach out to us today.