These Kitchen Cabinet Trends Will Be Everywhere in 2024, According to Designers (2024)

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• 01 of 06

  Mixed Design Styles

  

  Some designers and architects foresee new takes in transitional design with regards to cabinetry and hardware.

  “We are seeing a surge in the ‘skinny shaker’ cabinet style which updates the classic cabinet with a much thinner frame typically around a half an inch wide,'” Karen Frome, founder of Rise Projects, says.

  Frome explains how this kind of update will refresh and modernize any shaker look while also helping it maintain the warm, homey feeling of the more traditional rendition.

  "The skinny shaker style will make for a fresh take on a timeless kitchen," Frome says.

  Laura Brophy, founder of Laura Brophy Interiors, says that there has been a growing appreciation for the charm and warmth of past eras in modern kitchen design.

  "This trend sees the incorporation of vintage elements like classic paneling, traditional hardware, and retro-inspired color palettes into contemporary kitchens," Brophy says. "The idea is to blend nostalgia with the conveniences of modern cabinetry.”

  Along the same lines, Amy Courtney, principal of Amy Courtney Design, says to be on the lookout for minimalistic but vintage-inspired hardware that marries slim-lined and elegant shapes.

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• 02 of 06

  Warm Color Palettes

  

  Don’t believe any hype you might hear about white going out of style: It’s going nowhere. But do believe that color is making some strides in kitchen cabinetry.

  “While white won’t ever go completely out of style, hence the popularity, the neutral tone is stepping aside for kitchens with more depth and richness,” Casey Keasler, founder of Casework, says. She expects to see more warm and rich hues.

  Courtney agrees because her clients are increasingly opting for cabinets in hues that go beyond the traditional palette like yellows, dark teals, and reds. These colors create an inviting space filled with personality.

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• 03 of 06

  Natural Materials

  

  The natural beauty and welcoming warmth of wood never really go out of style, but the species and shade might. Currently, signs point to white oak and walnut in kitchen cabinetry.

  “We’ve seen a very noticeable transition from white kitchens to white oak cabinetry, with pale white oak being the most popular,” Sarah Robertson, the founder and principal of Studio Dearborn, says.

  She cautions, however, since white oak can often be less sustainable than woods such as birch and alder, which are faster-growing trees. If you’re itching for that white-oak look but want to stay eco-friendly, consider instead covering other wood or even MDF cabinets in authentic white-oak veneer.

  “Darker tones are starting to pop up, and walnut in particular has always been popular,” Robertson adds.

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• 04 of 06

  Open-Shelving

  

  You might have noticed that kitchenware—from cookware to charcuterie boards—has grown more aesthetically appealing in recent years. Think Le Creuset–inspired enameled cast-iron Dutch ovens and Smeg-like retro-style countertop appliances, all of which can be left in place rather than stashed away and out of sight without cramping one’s style.

  These design updates are giving way to trends in glass-fronted cabinetry and open shelving.

  “This design choice is partly driven by a desire to display beautiful kitchenware but also to create a sense of openness and airiness in the kitchen,” Brophy says.

  Brophy explains how open shelving often encourages a thoughtful approach to kitchen storage since it's where functionality meets display.

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• 05 of 06

  Spotlighted Island

  

  If space allows, kitchen islands will still be popular, according to most pros. After all, the extra surface area afforded by the extended countertop space is valuable in today’s multifunctional home. It can accommodate everything from cooking and dining to streaming content on a laptop or tablet.

  “I see the island evolving into different shapes with the use of unique and textural cabinetry—like a fine furniture piece for the kitchen,” Julee Ireland, an interior designer and TV personality, says.

  Also, consider highlighting the island simply by using a different tone or finish from the rest of the kitchen cabinetry, whether neutral, natural, vibrant, matte, or glossy.

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• 06 of 06

  More Textures

  

  Some designers believe 2024 will see more deliberate mixing of materials and textures to bring more depth and personality and offer a break away from uniformity.

  “Wood, metal, glass, and various finishes like matte or glossy may be combined to create a more layered and visually intriguing space,” Brophy says. “Textures, laminates, and veneers are also gaining popularity, offering a tactile experience.”

  Kari Whitman, founder of Kari Whitman Interiors, agrees and recently mixed things up with dark-toned metal to create a sleek and edgy kitchen.

  “I’m all about the metal cabinets, whether they be black steel or a buttery bronze,” Whitman says.