Cabinetry Trends

Sebring Design Build

Keep those counters clean by hiding stuff in shelves!

Kitchen cabinetry is not just for storage. It is an essential element to your kitchen’s style when doing a kitchen remodel.  Cabinetry is the crown jewel that brings everything together.  Cabinet design has not changed much over the last few years; at least not as much as other elements such as countertops or flooring. But here are still a few evolutions that have happened to kitchen cabinets over time.

Today, above anything else, there is a rising movement towards a streamlined look that focuses on simplicity and minimalism. Here and there however, you will find some wild and bold options popping up.  2024 will see both styles get their fair share of love from homeowners. While simple clean cabinetry will keep getting popular, some homeowners will prefer unique customized styles that will make a clear statement.  To design the perfect kitchen, it is important to understand what is imperative to you and then incorporate the latest trends around that. Here are the 11 hottest trends that will dominate kitchen cabinetry design in 2024.

Trend #1. Open Shelving

Sebring Design Build

Floating shelves to help balance out the space.

Open shelves look beautiful in the magazines, but not necessarily a “must-have” for most homeowners.  Lets face it, you have to have a matching set of dinnerware or specialty pieces you want on display.  But with good organization and the right kind of shelves, you can create a really unique cutting edge style for your kitchen.  Open kitchen shelves instead of wall cabinetry is becoming an even hotter trend. While you may find it hard to go without your beloved closed door wall cabinetry, open shelving has plenty of benefits. It introduces a light and airy feel offering the illusion of more space which is especially great in smaller kitchens.  It’s efficient, since you can see and grab what you need without taking the time to open cabinet doors to look inside.   Considering everything is out in the open, be thoughtful about whatever you place on the shelves. Every utensil, bowl or glass has an impact on the overall aesthetic of your kitchens look and feel.

Here is where you might find similar-colored utensils that create a more uniform look. You can also use wine bottles, mason jars, and fruit bowls as decorative elements. If you have a favorite coffee mug or special recipe books, use them to make the shelving more interesting. But as you mix and match all these elements, think about their individual colors and styles. Try to create a harmonious look that minimizes the risk of clutter that comes with open shelving.  For small kitchens, be careful not to overload the wall shelving. Keep only the bare essentials and place the rest in your items in the base cabinets. Not only will it make it easier to keep everything well organized, it will help you maintain a sharp look.

Trend #2. Color Customization

Sebring Design Build

This gray island cabinet has blue undertone for a more personalized feel.

Homeowners are no longer satisfied with cookie-cutter kitchen designs. They want something unique that builds character and personality or provides a bold statement. Color is one of the most effective ways to take notice. A different color of paint on your cabinets can make all the difference and separate you from the pack.  Manufacturing companies are taking notice too.  Even though they provide the latest and greatest finish colors, they are still appealing to the masses.  So, they have teamed up with paint companies to provide a limitless array of color for you to be inspired by.

For cabinetry, homeowners are favoring customized colors that perfectly fit their kitchen spaces. Neutral colors are currently big favorites with tones like grey, yellow and soft greens but don’t count out the darker color pallet. Black, navy, and emerald green has the high-end allure many desire.

There are three major color categories you can choose from: light, medium, and dark. Light tones are mostly the neutrals mentioned above. They are loved for their simple, soft clean look. They project a timeless style, perfectly complementing other elements in the kitchen. Medium toned hues are the most common. Here, standard shades of blue, grey and yellow are popular.  On the extreme end of the scale, there are dark shades. Here, emerald green, inky black, navy blue and jeweled plumb tones are common in kitchen cabinetry. Dark shades are the boldest, creating drama and unsurpassed luxury. Still, they are less popular compared to medium and light shades.

Basically, homeowners are seeking out unique colors that not only stand out but work specifically for their kitchen. If you are ordering custom made cabinets, you can choose any color you want. If you already have cabinets and want to renovate them, either get a professional painter or get ready for some extensive DIY painting work.

Trend #3. Soft Paint Colors

Good Housekeeping

Soft paint colors, featuring hues like dusty greens, serene blues, terracotta tones, and creamy whites, reflects a shift towards tranquil and nature-inspired palettes in interior design.

These gentle, earthy tones evoke a sense of calmness and serenity, bringing the soothing qualities of the outdoors into living spaces. Dusty greens and blues evoke a sense of tranquility reminiscent of natural landscapes, while terracotta and natural browns infuse warmth and grounding elements. Complemented by creamy whites, these soft color palettes create harmonious and inviting environments, allowing for versatile styling and providing a backdrop that encourages relaxation and a connection with nature within the home.

Soft paint colors showcases a desire to create nurturing and comforting spaces that promote a sense of well-being. These gentle hues not only create a serene atmosphere but also offer versatility, blending seamlessly with various design styles and allowing for the integration of different textures and materials. By incorporating these calming and earthy tones, homeowners can create inviting and serene interiors that celebrate the beauty of nature, fostering a peaceful ambiance and enhancing the overall comfort and aesthetic appeal of their living spaces.

Trend #4. Warm Woods

MyDomaine

Warm woods in interior design highlights the resurgence of natural, warm-toned timber as a key element in creating inviting and comforting living spaces.

Characterized by wood species like walnut, cherry, mahogany, and oak, these warm woods infuse interiors with a sense of timeless elegance and coziness. Whether used in flooring, furniture, or architectural detailing, warm woods evoke a sense of natural beauty, showcasing rich, reddish-brown tones and intricate wood grains that add depth and character to rooms. Whether opting for deep emeralds, muted sages, or earthy olive tones, green kitchens bring a sense of natural serenity and rejuvenation, evoking connections to lush landscapes and fostering a calming atmosphere. The use of green hues in kitchen design represents a harmonious blend of sophistication and nature, offering versatility and adaptability to diverse design styles while infusing the space with a breath of fresh air.

A growing appreciation for nature-inspired colors in interior design, elevating kitchens beyond the traditional white or gray palettes. Green kitchens present a stylish and invigorating alternative, injecting personality and character into the heart of the home. These vibrant and soothing tones not only provide a unique aesthetic appeal but also encourage a sense of tranquility and wellness, fostering a lively yet relaxed environment where cooking and gathering become more enjoyable and inviting.

Trend #5. Green Kitchen

Meadowtrail New Build | Oak Story Design

Green kitchens showcases a bold departure from conventional neutrals, incorporating various shades of green into cabinetry, walls, or accents, fostering a refreshing and vibrant ambiance within culinary spaces. Whether opting for deep emeralds, muted sages, or earthy olive tones, green kitchens bring a sense of natural serenity and rejuvenation, evoking connections to lush landscapes and fostering a calming atmosphere. The use of green hues in kitchen design represents a harmonious blend of sophistication and nature, offering versatility and adaptability to diverse design styles while infusing the space with a breath of fresh air.

Growing appreciation for nature-inspired colors in interior design, elevating kitchens beyond the traditional white or gray palettes. Green kitchens present a stylish and invigorating alternative, injecting personality and character into the heart of the home. These vibrant and soothing tones not only provide a unique aesthetic appeal but also encourage a sense of tranquility and wellness, fostering a lively yet relaxed environment where cooking and gathering become more enjoyable and inviting.

Trend #6. Second Smaller Kitchens

The Spruce

Second smaller kitchens represents a shift towards functional and versatile spaces, providing homeowners with supplementary cooking areas that cater to specific needs or lifestyle preferences.

These smaller kitchens, often referred to as “prep kitchens” or “back kitchens,” are separate from the main kitchen and focus on practicality, efficiency, and specific culinary tasks. They are designed for meal prep, beverage stations, or hosting smaller gatherings, featuring scaled-down appliances, ample storage, and sometimes specialized amenities like additional sinks or refrigeration units. The trend towards second smaller kitchens acknowledges the evolving needs of households, offering auxiliary spaces that streamline cooking activities and promote organization while allowing the primary kitchen to maintain its focal point for everyday meals and larger gatherings.

Second smaller kitchens showcases a functional approach to home design, providing dedicated spaces that enhance convenience and functionality without compromising the aesthetics or efficiency of the primary kitchen. These supplementary areas cater to specific tasks or entertaining needs, creating a sense of flexibility and facilitating smoother meal preparations or hosting smaller gatherings without disrupting the flow of the main living areas. By offering specialized spaces tailored to particular culinary functions, second smaller kitchens contribute to a more organized and efficient home environment, providing homeowners with versatile options for different cooking and entertaining scenarios.

Trend #7. Hidden Walk-In Pantry

Better Home & Gardens

Hidden walk-in pantries signifies a shift towards concealed yet highly functional storage spaces within kitchens.

These pantries are designed to seamlessly blend into the kitchen layout, often concealed behind cabinet doors or disguised as part of the cabinetry. They feature ample shelving, drawers, and organizational systems, providing generous storage for dry goods, small appliances, and cooking essentials. The hidden walk-in pantry trend emphasizes both functionality and aesthetics, allowing homeowners to maintain a clutter-free kitchen while conveniently accessing pantry items without compromising the overall design or visual appeal of the space.

Hidden walk-in pantries reflects a desire for streamlined and organized kitchen spaces. By concealing pantries behind cabinetry or walls, homeowners can optimize storage while preserving a sleek and cohesive aesthetic in the kitchen. These hidden storage solutions offer convenience and efficiency, allowing for a tidy and uncluttered appearance while ensuring that essential items remain easily accessible, contributing to a more functional and visually pleasing kitchen design.

Trend #8. Decorative Island End Panels

CliqStudios

Decorative island end panels in kitchen design showcases a shift towards adding personalized and visually captivating details to the often-overlooked ends of kitchen islands.

These end panels, typically placed on the exposed sides of the kitchen island, feature decorative elements such as intricate millwork, unique textures, or contrasting finishes. They serve as statement pieces that complement the island’s design, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the kitchen. Whether adorned with intricate patterns, textured materials, or vibrant colors, these decorative panels transform the ends of the island into focal points, elevating the island’s presence and adding a touch of sophistication to the space.

Decorative island end panels underscores the importance of incorporating detailed and customized elements into kitchen design. These panels offer an opportunity for homeowners to infuse personality and character into their kitchen spaces, enhancing the visual interest while creating a cohesive and stylish look. By paying attention to the often-neglected sides of the island, decorative end panels serve as a means to showcase craftsmanship, artistic flair, and design innovation, contributing to a more visually engaging and personalized kitchen environment.

Trend #9. Bumping Out Cabinets Near Sink Or Range

Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Bumping out cabinets near sinks or ranges in kitchens signifies a shift towards optimizing functionality and design within the cooking area.

This design innovation involves extending cabinets or countertops outward from the main cabinetry, creating a protruding or bumped-out section strategically placed near the sink or range. These additional sections offer increased countertop space for meal prep, accommodate specialized storage solutions for frequently used items, or provide a designated area for placing cooking essentials within easy reach. By maximizing the available space around key kitchen elements, this trend enhances efficiency and convenience while adding a stylistic element that contributes to the overall visual appeal of the kitchen.

Bumping out cabinets near sinks or ranges exemplifies a thoughtful approach to kitchen design, optimizing workflow and addressing the specific needs of the cooking space. These extended sections serve as practical solutions for organizing kitchen tools or enhancing the functionality of the cooking area, facilitating a more streamlined and efficient culinary experience. Additionally, these bumped-out cabinets not only add functionality but also create visual interest, allowing for innovative design configurations that enhance the aesthetics of the kitchen while maximizing the available workspace.

Trend #10. Inset Cabinetry

Julie Blanner

Inset cabinetry represents a resurgence of classic design elements in modern kitchens, showcasing a trend towards precision, craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.

Inset cabinetry is characterized by doors and drawers that are set flush with the cabinet frame, creating a seamless and cohesive look. This style emphasizes meticulous construction and attention to detail, resulting in a clean, tailored appearance that exudes sophistication. The precise fit of inset doors and drawers within the frame offers a refined aesthetic, while the visible frame around each door adds a sense of depth and character, contributing to a visually appealing and high-end kitchen design.

The trend of inset cabinetry celebrates traditional craftsmanship and architectural detailing within contemporary kitchen aesthetics. Its precise and tailored look brings a sense of sophistication and luxury to kitchens, showcasing a dedication to quality and design precision. Inset cabinetry offers a timeless appeal that complements various interior styles, providing a refined and elegant option for homeowners seeking a polished and enduring design choice for their kitchen spaces.

Trend #11. Warm And Natural Woods

Mountain Living

Warm and natural woods in interior design highlights a return to embracing the warmth and organic beauty of wood elements within living spaces.

Characterized by tones that include rich, earthy hues like walnut, oak, maple, and cherry, this trend emphasizes the use of natural wood in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and architectural details. Warm, natural woods add a sense of coziness, depth, and authenticity to interiors, offering versatility in complementing a range of design styles from modern to rustic. Their innate textures and grains infuse spaces with a touch of nature, creating inviting environments that celebrate the inherent warmth and charm of wood.

This signifies a preference for creating harmonious and welcoming atmospheres that evoke a sense of connection with the outdoors. These wood tones provide a comforting and enduring aesthetic, offering a timeless appeal that resonates with the desire for authenticity and sustainability in design. By incorporating warm, natural woods, homeowners can infuse spaces with a sense of character and visual richness, enhancing the overall ambiance and adding a touch of natural elegance to their interiors.

Related: How to Choose The Best Under Cabinet Lighting

Conclusion

In recent years, cabinetry has undergone more changes than at any other time. A rapid change in tastes combined with advanced technology has given rise to a wide variety of styles. For 2023, the general trend is towards personalization. When it comes to color, finishing, and overall design; homeowners want something unique and personal.  If you are building a new home or planning a kitchen renovation in 2023, which trends will you opt for?

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