Layered lighting

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Gone are the days when a row of bright LED downlights was the go-to kitchen lighting option. Today’s kitchens incorporate a range of light sources for a soft, moody ambience, combined with bright task lighting where it’s most needed.

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Lighting is layered through the kitchen, starting with integrated cabinet or under-unit lighting to create a subtle glow. Wall sconces and table lights add another layer of visual depth, while task lighting ensures there’s more than enough light to work by.

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Bold architectural pendants are an enduring lighting trend, and they aren’t going anywhere. A statement pendant over the kitchen island or main workspace is often the finishing touch on the layered lighting effect, adding character to the space.

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Rich, warm colours

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The classic all-white kitchen has a serious challenger this year: deep, rich colour palettes where emerald greens, navy blues and earthy browns come to the fore. 

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Driven by a desire for interior spaces that feel warm and comforting, this trend moves away from the stark contrasts that characterise ultramodern kitchens. Expect to see fewer monotone palettes and more designs that include jewel tones and lush, deep shades.

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Statement stone

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Dramatic marble countertops, fluted stone kitchen islands, high-impact slab splashbacks: statement stone is an exciting trend with endless possibilities. 

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Natural stone is becoming increasingly popular, in line with the general trend of incorporating more natural elements and materials in kitchen design. As well as adding depth and character to the space, stone surfaces are a celebration of durability and craftsmanship, and often become the centrepiece of the design. 

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While marble and engineered stone might not be within everyone’s budget, affordable options - including porcelain and quartz - make this trend more accessible than ever.

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Natural design elements 

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Following the trend for warmer tones and softer spaces, more and more kitchen designs are incorporating wood, plants, and other natural elements.

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Stained wood cabinets have made a resurgence, supported by organic shapes, timber flooring and textural zellige tiles. The overall effect is calming and serene, transforming the kitchen from a sterile work environment into a communal space that feels relaxing and warm. 

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Indoor herb gardens and vertical planters are also popping up in nature-inspired kitchens, introducing a functional biophilic design element. 

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Hard-working kitchen islands

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As kitchens become more of a social space, the kitchen island has been elevated from a secondary work surface to a gathering place, storage solution, and design centrepiece.

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Larger, rounded islands with wraparound seating are becoming more common, often replacing the kitchen table as the main dining area. 

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Kitchen island functionality is also getting a boost, with more islands showcasing inbuilt sinks and smart, hidden storage to make the most of the internal space. 

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Beverage stations

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Beverage stations - dedicated areas for preparing coffee, smoothies, or drinks - are one of the leading trends for 2024. These carefully laid out zones include appliances (like an espresso machine or ice maker), as well as everything else that’s required for organised, tidy beverage preparation. 

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Normally positioned away from the main cooking area, beverage stations are a functional, elegant way to create an uninterrupted space for drink preparation.

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Back kitchens and butlers’ pantries

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As kitchens become an increasingly social space, butlers’ pantries and back kitchens are on the rise. These secondary kitchens do triple duty as an extra prep space, storage area, and convenient place to clear away dirty dishes when entertaining, keeping the kitchen clean and tidy for the next course.

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These spaces are highly functional, but no less beautiful than the main kitchen; rather than being tucked-away and hidden, they’re often visible from the kitchen and dining area. 

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Statement range hoods

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Once a purely functional item, the range hood is coming into its own as a stylish kitchen design element. Dramatic, oversized range hoods make a bold statement and anchor the kitchen’s style. To kitchen traditionalists, it might seem like the most unusual trend on this list - but designer range hoods are here to stay.

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Feeling inspired?

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If you’re planning a kitchen renovation and would like to discuss how to incorporate your favourite trends into your kitchen design, book a consultation with one of our designers.