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“Functional elegance” is the new mantra in kitchen design.

September 30, 2024

All-white and gray-hued kitchens are fading in popularity. Instead, warmer and darker woods and mixed metals are “creating quiet and understated luxury in the space,” Anna Gibson, owner and chief designer at AKG Design Studio, told the home remodeling site Fixr for its 2024 kitchen trends report.

Fixr surveyed about 70 top interior designers and home staging experts to uncover some of the biggest trends in the kitchen. Here’s what topped designers’ lists:

Mixed Materials

Gold and chrome are coming together—why not?! Incorporating mixed materials can be bold and dramatic—or subtle. Homeowners may opt for contrasting metal finishes or even different countertops, like one material for the outer countertop and another for the island.

“Kitchens are embracing a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary elements, with a focus on functional elegance,” Kerrie Kelly, owner of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, notes in Fixr’s study. “Matte black fixtures and appliances add a touch of sophistication, while sustainable materials and smart storage solutions cater to the demands of modern lifestyles, creating a space that’s both stylish and efficient.”

Photo credit: Hikesterson / Getty Images

Multifunction Islands

Islands have become the centerpiece of the kitchen and are taking on greater roles. Multifunction kitchen islands may incorporate a sink, cooktop, storage and a bar space for homeowners to sit at. Islands also are adding wine racks, a dishwasher and open shelving on the ends for extra storage or decor.

The designs are also morphing, from a long rectangle or boxy square to rounded islands, as they take on more purpose and occupy more space in a kitchen.

Photo credit: PC Photography / Getty Images

Stone Slab Backsplashes

Backsplashes are reaching new heights and adding a dramatic focal point to the kitchen. Thirty percent of designers surveyed by Fixr called “stone slab backsplashes” the hottest kitchen trend of the year. Besides their bold look, they offer some benefits—they’re easy to clean, durable and heat resistant.

Photo credit: Drew Hadley / Getty Images

Statement Lighting

The lights continue to be the crown jewel of the kitchen. Dramatic lighting fixtures are being incorporated to draw the eye to the island or dining table.