New trends and features come to the forefront of kitchen design every year. However, some of them are fleeting and quickly fall out of favor – and we're seeing a few kitchen ideas going out of style in 2024, and fast.
A quick look through the on trend kitchen ideas of the past year shows that more and more people are searching for new ways to add personality and unique appeal to their schemes. But, not all of these new ideas have endured, and some of them are even making spaces feel outdated.
So, which designs should you be considering and which should you add to the no pile? We've asked the experts which kitchen ideas are going out of style in 2024, and what they would recommend doing instead.
6 kitchen ideas going out of style
Don't fall into the trend trap – even the most timeless kitchens can be infused with character, but it's important to get it right. So, before designing your kitchen, make sure none of these out-of-style ideas are featured in your plans.
1. Man-made countertop materials
In recent years there has been a shift towards synthetic kitchen countertop ideas, for many reasons. For one, they can be more affordable, and some people see them as easier to care for an maintain. But this year, natural materials are returning to the forefront of kitchen design.
'I think we will be seeing a big swing back to natural materials, especially in countertops. Nothing beats nature in terms of the look and feel. Each slab is individual and unique and truly adds movement and atmosphere to spaces,' says interior designer Tama Bell.
'Besides the aesthetic differences of man-made vs. natural, on a human level quartz products have proven to be hazardous to the fabricators. The silica when cut can cause serious lung issues due to fine particles of silica. As a designer and someone who cares about our partners and the environment, I think it is vital to advocate for the health of our industry,' she explains.
'So, whenever possible, we recommend using a natural product for slabs. We love it when we can incorporate marble or soapstone. And, for those who want a more durable alternative, we recommend a quartzite such as Aravalli, Perlato, or Taj Mahal. We find that when a client is educated on the choices, they are often happier living in a home that comes from nature. So, here is to nature being in and never going out of style!'
2. Colorful faucets
While this year's kitchen trends have favored eclectic style and adding personality to schemes, some of the design ideas have proved to be fleeting and on their way (if not already) out of style.
'2024 has been an exciting year for pushing the boundaries in design. Some trends came in quickly but will not last the test of time. Colorful taps such as bright yellow or red made a quick entry and exit in 2024,' says Jayne Everett, creative designer at Naked Kitchens.
'They can be seen to be a fun addition to a bold kitchen color scheme, however, the novelty soon fades. A much better alternative is to use a timeless finish such as brass, nickel, or black for a more modern look,' she adds.
If you still want to invite colorful elements to your scheme, consider introducing vibrant hues through decor items like vases, fruit bowls, or even artwork. This approach offers more versatility and removes the element of permanency.
A vase is a pretty and practical way to add color to your kitchen. This glass vase brings in a beautiful green hue, and it offers that retro-inspired aesthetic that continues to dominate design trends.
No kitchen feels complete without an eye-catching piece of art on the walls. This orange-themed piece is the perfect addition – it adds a vibrant pop of color and has a truly timeless feel to it.
Don't underestimate the impact simple kitchen linens can have on a scheme. While they're practical, they can be decorative too. This set of four features floral patterns – a design that's always in style.
3. Plain, neutral countertops
While man-made materials are on the way out, there's another countertop style that is falling out of favor. 'Neutral stone selections for countertops and backsplashes – stones with little to no pattern or an all-over neutral color [are going out of style],' says interior designer Kristina Khersonsky.
'We are not necessarily exiling them, but we’ve found that more and more clients are gravitating toward natural stone selections with more veining, patterns, and variation in color,' she explains.
Introducing a stone with a more prominent vein instantly adds interest to the scheme, and offers a brilliant way to add a bold feature to the kitchen. 'When looking to infuse color into a space, traditionally the first place to incorporate color is painted walls or cabinetry, but reversing the application is far more interesting,' Kristina says.
Instead, opt for either a neutral cabinet color or a natural wood finish and pair it with the more eye-catching natural stones. As well as opting for something with more veining, Kristina also notes that clients are gravitating towards more colorful stones, ideal if you prefer a more vibrant kitchen scheme.
4. Cladded cabinet fronts
There's certainly been a shift towards adding more unexpected elements to kitchen schemes to create a more unique feel. However, as with all quirky designs, some fall flat and don't catch on. One such design element is cladding cabinetry.
'Out of style in 2024 is cladding cabinet fronts with marble or similar. This tried to make an appearance, however, it results in a very cold feel for the kitchen and almost looks immediately outdated,' says Jayne.
'A much better look is using bolder countertop finishes which can be used on tall splashbacks as well, rather than overdoing it with the cabinet fronts. Or, using bold colors on cabinets is aesthetically much better and a look that will last the test of time,' she explains.
5. Tile countertops and islands
There is much inspiration to be taken from kitchen designs of the past, and the return of some features from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s have been welcomed recently. However, a few of these once-outdated trends are still very much considered outdated, especially in 2024.
'Tiling the back of an island or even the top surface is a trend that started but soon petered out. It's much better to use tiles for a striking splashback on the wall which will be aesthetically timeless and super practical as well,' says Jayne.
Tile countertops are notoriously hard to clean, and the grout between tiles quickly wears away. Instead, a classic stone countertop is much more timeless – plus, it looks stunning paired with a fun tiles backsplash.
6. One-tone kitchens
While single-tone kitchens have proved popular – especially as the color-drenching trend took center stage – this one-color approach is on its way out, with more contrast in kitchen designs becoming all the more sought-after.
'As we move into the end of 2024, we're noticing a shift away from trends that have remained popular during the past few years, with kitchens becoming a statement within most homes,' says Debra Hutt, of Wren Kitchens.
'Homeowners are increasingly seeking the ‘wow’ factor and personality. Notably, kitchens featuring paler and lighter shades are still popular but are being given the wow factor with contrasting feature units, islands, or statement accent colors,' she adds.
It's perhaps unsurprising that a lot of the kitchen ideas going out of style in 2024 are incredibly trend-led and instead being replaced by more timeless – yet still personality-filled – designs instead. So, abandon the colorful taps and opt for adding color through tiles or cabinetry instead.
