Embracing colour in a kitchen is the fastest way to make it feel warm, inviting and packed full of character, and the terracotta kitchen trend does exactly that.
We've seen navy kitchens become commonplace in many homes and while they've become a classic colour that will stick around for years, it's time for a fresh kitchen colour scheme. if you're on the hunt for a new palette that feels equal parts trendy and traditional, terracotta is going to be the tone to look out for in 2024.
It has a cosy feel that will look just as good warmed up with wood as it will next to crisp white surfaces, and offers plenty of personality that will transform for a timeless feel in your kitchen.
How to embrace terracotta in your kitchen
New neutrals are sweeping interiors and essentially consist of updated tonal shades, like terracotta, greige and even pinker shades. They're all just as easy to style in traditional kitchens and modern kitchens alike, all it takes are the right worktops, flooring and accessories to take terracotta into its own.
Magnet has just released its own take on the warm neutral with its brand new Nutmeg shade. 'In short, Nutmeg is that ideal shade that brings not just colour but warmth to the kitchen, adaptable to personal style and changing trends,' says Jen Nash, head of design at Magnet.
'This versatility makes it suitable as a backdrop to both classically elegant and playfully modern designs. Regardless of how the shade is adopted within the home, its warm and calming character will create a space that feels refreshing and balanced all year round.'
1. Go full traditional
Terracotta works particularly well in Shaker kitchens for a warm and homely traditional look. It's a refresh of classic cream kitchens that are popular in country homes, so if you want to add either a pop of colour to an overall cream design, or go statement with all-over terracotta, it will fit right in.
Wall panelling looks even more premium when painted in muted colours, so consider adding terracotta to a specific section of open shelving to make it stand out. This is also a great compromise if you're wary of opting for all-over colour for your wall and base cabinets.
2. Embrace on an island
If you're hesitant about committing to a trendy colour palette, then incorporating it into an island is a handy way of getting the look on a smaller scale. A kitchen island is where friends and family gather to catch up about their days, eat, drink and cook, so designing it in an enveloping shade will only further this spirit.
'Terracotta is a lovely timeless, warm tone. Currently, following the years of the pandemic, there is a need for these enveloping and earthy shades as they give a sense of extreme cosiness and comfort, which creates an ever-welcoming and warm atmosphere in any space,' says William Durrant, owner of Herringbone.
'When using the various tones of terracotta it's good to keep other warm shades to a minimum and combine it with fresh, cooler colours - like white worktops and lighter cabinets from the rest of your interiors. This also goes for the flooring as the pattern works well with this tone and adds an interesting texture. Varied tones of the floor bring together the terracotta colour of the kitchen cabinets.'
3. Make it modern with copper
Terracotta doesn't just have to be reserved for a classic kitchen design. Its orange hue makes it perfectly placed next to copper and dark wood as it draws the richness out of the shade.
Modern, slab kitchens would work well in this shade, either with a run of cabinetry on the floor or wall that features the colour or as a pop of warmth on a backsplash.
'With its soft and earthy undertone, Nutmeg is a truly versatile shade to style. Opt for creams and browns to create a 70’s inspired palette or for a more striking design pair with darker greens and charcoal shades - black accents will also add a modern and minimal feel,' says Jen.
