New Kitchen Design Trends

White kitchen shaker cabinets with white countertops and a stove

New & Popular Kitchen Design Trends for 2024

Many factors influence homebuyers when they choose a property, but the kitchen is one of the most influential. The kitchen is the center of every home — where meals and memories get made. But more than that, kitchens contain indicators of value, from cabinets and counters to a range of pricey appliances. As a result, homebuyers know that an immaculate functional kitchen is what they should look for before evaluating everything else a property may have to offer. 

Whether you're looking to sell your home or just want to upgrade it, it's important to consider modern trends when designing a kitchen that acts as the heart of a home. Here are some of the best kitchen trends of 2024.

Two-Toned Cabinet Designs

Among the new kitchen cabinet trends are two-toned cabinets. Two-toned cabinets provide a creative way to move light through a kitchen and manipulate space. You can create the illusion of space in a small kitchen using dark lower cabinets and lighter upper ones. This trend also incorporates varying cabinet finishes to add depth.

There are many other creative ways to use two different cabinets in the same kitchen. Black and white cabinets can merge to create a modern, contemporary kitchen design. In contrast, soft gray and white cabinets work well together to create a classy Scandinavian aesthetic. Bold pink and turquoise cabinets can create a playfully contrasting culinary space. 

Pair the two-toned cabinets with a backsplash or tiling in colors that can tie the space together. If you decide to install a backsplash, it's best to keep things minimal. A modern alternative to traditional backsplash involves continuing countertop material onto the backsplash area. This design trend makes it possible to truly show off high-end countertop materials in a classy way.

Workstation Sinks

When renovating any kitchen, the sink is a key feature that significantly impacts the overall design and functionality of the room. The depth, design, and materials of farmhouse sinks made them a top choice for a long time. However, the best kitchen trends favor the multifunctional design of workstation sinks. 

Workstation sinks are far deeper and broader than standard traditional kitchen sinks, and they can support more accessories like serving boards, cutting boards and drying racks. These sinks act as functional prep stations, and the aesthetic works well in most modern kitchen interiors. 

You should consider a few factors when choosing a workstation sink. You'll need to select a material that can withstand the test of time and complement interior details. Stainless steel, copper, brass and bronze are durable options that can last generations. Next, consider dimensions that will fit nicely into the space. Sometimes, custom workstation sinks are best to ensure a proper fit.

Functional Islands

RTA kitchen cabinets installed in a kitchen island

While kitchen islands have always been a go-to upgrade to maximize a kitchen's functionality and value, new trends prefer islands that act as versatile hubs. In modern kitchens, islands are designed for food prep and dining and have built-in charging stations to double up as workspaces. 

Functional kitchen island designs incorporate plenty of storage with cabinet and drawer space. Some functional islands even include space for appliances like dishwashers or ovens. They also often include seating to make islands suitable workspace and dining areas. 

Aside from space-saving seating and adequate storage, the new trends also shy away from bold statement pendant lighting in favor of ambient toe-kick and under-cabinet lighting. Instead of glaring overhead lighting above the island, a countertop lamp or two is a perfect low-light alternative.

Functional Storage

Too much storage can make even a large space feel cramped. Overcomplicated storage systems, excessive wall cabinets, cabinets that reach the ceiling, pantries in tiny places and too many glass-fronted cabinets are less favorable these days. These now outdated storage ideas tend to overcrowd kitchens. 

Newer functional storage ideas are smarter: pull-out drawers, rollout trays, sleek floating shelves, corner cabinets, versatile pantries and, most specifically, customized cabinets. When customizing cabinets for practicality, there's less need to find creative ways to add as much storage as possible. As tempting as it might be to install cabinets right up to the ceiling, the top shelves are too high to reach, so it's not a practical use of space. 

Kitchen cabinet trends of 2024 use cabinets built for the space rather than into the space. Use shelving sparingly and with intention, and minimize clutter with storage that hides appliances. 

Bold Colors

Color is one of the most crucial elements in interior design. The color palette for the kitchen sets the tone for the rest of the home. More than that, the color palette will also dictate which materials are best for countertops, cabinets and even flooring. As we gradually move away from the "sad beige" or neutral interior aesthetic, bold colors are coming back in top kitchen design trends. While traditional white shaker cabinets remain timeless, richer and warmer color palettes are increasingly popular. 

The resurgence of dramatic colors can create contrast in modern designs. Deep emerald green, rich burgundy reds and midnight blues are just some of the moody, bold colors making waves in recent interior design trends. Pair these dramatic colors with light, neutral undertones that can transform any kitchen.

In new kitchen trends, the bulk of the bold color is seen in the cabinets. Instead of layering on bold wall paint or ripping up the countertops, choose natural wood cabinets for their rich red undertones, or you can look for kitchen cabinets in green, gray, black or blue. Contrast the color cabinets with neutral light countertops and mid-tone flooring.

What to Consider When Updating Your Kitchen

Choosing a kitchen design trend to recreate in your remodel project is a bit more complicated than picking a design you like. First, you must consider the size and layout of the kitchen and existing plumbing. You must also consider the interior design intentions for the rest of the home — your kitchen design should coordinate with the rest of your house. The cost of materials will also differ across trends, and some trends might not be as timeless as others.

Choose Panda Kitchen and Bath for Your Kitchen Remodel Project

Green kitchen cabinets with white countertops

Whether your kitchen remodel projects aim to recreate two-toned cabinets, functional islands or bold colors, Panda Kitchen and Bath has an extensive range of modern cabinets to choose from. Shop quality ready-to-assemble (RTA) cabinets, white shaker cabinets, Manhattan olive green cabinets, open-end shelves, pantry cabinets and more. 

Our wholesale range offers quality and cost-efficiency, so you can bring these top kitchen trends to life more affordably. Visit our site to shop our wide selection of cabinetry or learn more about products.