Are white kitchen cabinets still in style 2024?

Is your kitchen out of style?

getty

They say the kitchen is the “heart of the home,” but when it comes to interior design, sometimes it’s important to take the heart out of it. The right kitchen can make a sale and help a home retain its value. On the other hand, investing in the wrong kitchen renovations can turn off future buyers and potentially devalue a home.

But for anyone currently renovating these spaces, it’s important to have a place that's functional for cooking, eating, and gathering.

2024 will be an interesting year for kitchen design. Some of the aesthetics we’ve been seeing for years will officially look dated, while some of the hottest looks from last year will prove to be fleeting fads. Here are six kitchen trends going away in 2024 and one we’re all on the fence about.

White Kitchens

Kitchens 2024 will be more colorful

getty

White kitchens have been the predominant look for years now. But in 2024, this aesthetic will officially look dated. There’s a good reason for this, explains interior designer Kate Dawson, “People are tired of everything looking bland—and looking the same as everyone else's kitchen.”

She anticipates the kitchen going big and bold in the coming year. “People want color! Design! Texture, and most importantly—they want to make a statement. Whether that's with bold colors or a more sculptural look to kitchen countertops, and of course using shelving rather than upper cabinets. All kitchens are getting more unique, and feel like expressions of art, rather than just your functional run-of-the-mill kitchen.”

The Farmhouse Aesthetic

Farmhouse kitchens are done in 2024

getty

Unless chickens are running around outside the window, most people are going to be avoiding this aesthetic like an impending storm knocking around a weather vane. “The sliding barn door has been dead for a while now, and kitchens that speak to a rustic farmhouse, especially in urban areas, are another trend that will continue to phase out,” explains agent Steven Gottlieb of Coldwell Banker Warburg.

However, according to interior designer Audrey Scheck, what people liked so much about the farmhouse was the charm of the aesthetic. This element isn’t going away, but rater, it will be re-directed into a desire for more cottagecore styles. “Instead of horizontal shiplap, we’re seeing a rise in vertical wood paneling or wallpaper to bring more visual interest to your walls,” says the designer.

Matte Black Hardware

Black hardware is out for 2024

getty

For the past few years, it seemed that it was almost impossible to get away from matte black hardware. But, in 2024, black knobs should be pulled entirely from your kitchen’s design scheme. “Cabinet hardware is an easy way to update a kitchen’s look, and matte black hardware had its day,” says Gottlieb. “We will likely see matte black drawer pulls, faucets and cabinet handles continue to be phased out. In the past few years, black matte hardware seemed ubiquitous in less expensive developments and rentals that had been updated inexpensively, and that can sometimes be the death knell for a trendy look from years past.”

So what will kitchen hardware look like in 2024? Agent David Harris of Coldwell Banker Warburg tells me it will be subdued but yet have its moment as designers will pick places to highlight, such as recessed handles of drawers, outlining the edges of cabinetry, or distinct mixes of materials and textures for cabinet knobs. “Finishes like knobs and handles will follow a more blend-in approach and allow the cabinetry to be the star of the show.”

Combined Stove And Oven Ranges

This kitchen will be dated in 2024

getty

Whether they were high-end like La Cornue or mid-priced like Café appliances, big statement ranges have been a popular look for many years now, but Gottlieb tells me that there's a new gravitation toward separate stoves and ovens. “Kitchen design has been trending toward a more integrated look for years now, with appliances like the refrigerator and dishwasher blending seamlessly with the cabinetry for a sleek look,” says the agent. “In higher-end kitchens, stovetops and ovens are being separated more and more, with ovens and microwaves integrated into the wall and stovetops flush with the countertops.”

Visible Appliances

This kitchen looks old in 2024

getty

Along the same lines, visible kitchen appliances will also be out of style in 2024. “Appliances are certainly necessary in a kitchen, however, concealing them is becoming even more popular. We’re seeing a rise in panel-ready appliances, which allow for a custom panel to be installed on top of a refrigerator or dishwasher to seamlessly integrate them into kitchen cabinetry,” says Scheck. “Butler’s pantries and appliance garages are also becoming increasingly popular, which allow the countertop to remain clear.”

High Contrast Graphic Tile

Tile like this was a fleeting fad

getty

The high-contrast graphic tile started to gain steam around 2019. However, this look was a flash in the pan according to Scheck, with homeowners opting for more subtle options.

“While dramatic backsplashes are certainly fun, we’re seeing an exit from patterned tile as more subdued, simplistic approaches come into play. The new trend is shifting to handmade tile like Zellige, which infuses texture and character into a space.”

On The Fence: The Open Kitchen

Is the open kitchen finally over in 2024?

getty

Perhaps the biggest question these days is whether or not the open kitchen will go away in 2024. Gottlieb tells me the answer remains to be seen. “In lots of high-end new developments in big cities like New York, developers are closing up kitchens again. Some people love an open kitchen for its functionality and that it can become the center of the home for hanging out. However, it’s tough to hide a mess in an open kitchen, and if you’re taking on a big cooking project, you’re basically cooking in the living room and dining room.”

While some people will always love this idea because it’s more practical than other choices for a variety of home layouts and lifestyles, according to the agent—developers, investors, and house flippers will opt for separate kitchens more frequently than they have in previous years.

Crisp white cabinets and grey walls make this white kitchen coffee nook an all-around classic style in this small space. (

Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design

Further reading:
GSM VoIP Gateway: Bridging the Gap Between Cellular and VoIP Networks
What Are The Key Design Considerations for Plastic Injection Molding?
Advantages and Applications of Verification SMS
What are GSM modems used for?
Unlocking Trust Through Verification SMS Marketing
Is SMS verification code secure?
MiFi vs WiFi - What's The Difference?

)

Pros & Cons of an All-White Kitchen Look 

Over the course of the past few years, we’ve all spent more time than ever before in our homes. And that means that some of the most popular design choices for design in recent times have been called into question. Is the fiddle leaf fig really still the “it” plant? Are graphic floor tiles really for me? And of course, the big one: Are all-white kitchens timeless or trendy? It’s an important question to ask, especially if you are thinking of future potential buyers.

So today, we’re diving into the world of kitchen design because this last question has been circulating quite a lot recently in my world as an interior designer. After all, the general color trend has been moving into warmer and more saturated-color territory. So, you may be thinking that white kitchens are totally trendy. But the truth is that they’ve been around since the 1920s and 1930s (in fact, white was the only color offered at that time!). So, it’s not really a surprise that white kitchens do still remain popular in a traditional kitchen or a more modern style kitchen. A 1920s-era kitchen offered little in the way of color; white walls, white cabinetry, and white backsplashes were the norm.

Whichever way you lean, it’s definitely a hot debate, and you won’t want to miss it. Read on – and you be the judge!

RELATED: 9 Modern Kitchen Design Ideas with Honey Oak Cabinets

A 1920s-era kitchen offered little in the way of color; white walls, white cabinetry, and white backsplashes were the norm.

Whichever way you lean, it’s definitely a hot debate, and you won’t want to miss it. Read on – it’s your turn to be the judge!

RELATED: Modern Countertop Colors for Honey Oak Kitchens

Argument #1: White Kitchens are Totally Timeless

When it comes to the “timeless” stance on white kitchens, practicality reigns supreme. Typically, opting for a neutral palette as your base in your home is actually the smartest choice for a classic look and timeless kitchen. No ultra-permanent commitments to a whimsical wallpaper or a shockingly-bold floor tile. No frustration at having to re-paint your cabinets yet again as soon as the latest mint/sage/blue/pink (or fill in the blank) color trend shifts. Neutrality is the key to timeless white kitchens.

RELATED: 23 Best Gray Paint Colors for Cabinets by Sherwin Williams

White Kitchens are Easy to Re-Style

White is, arguably, a classic color. And by using it as a base, you can easily change up your style via all of the surrounding kitchen decor. Tired of a too-traditional look? Update your hardware pulls or light fixtures. Ready to make red your color pop du jour? Pick up a few ceramic bowls and a new teakettle to re-style your kitchen. The possibilities never end. White simply allows you to play with your room’s aesthetic. And for people who get tired of trends easily, it’s a safe bet for your own kitchen.

This bright white kitchen is balanced with a warm wood floor and rattan stools.

White Kitchens are Crisp & Clean

Beyond the functional elements of classic white kitchens, they’re also beloved simply because of their crisp and clean appearance. Ever walk into a too-bold or cluttered kitchen? Automatically feel closed in or unsure where to stand? All-white kitchens feel inherently collected and visually simple. No matter what type of spread or cooking mess is out in full view on the counter, a white bright kitchen manages to seem intentional and show-stopping.

With accents of antique bronze in the cabinet hardware pulls and light fixtures, this warm and inviting white kitchen offers timeless appeal. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)The creamy whites in this renovated kitchen pair perfectly with a mix of greys, brushed nickel pendant lights, stainless steel appliances, and streamlined engineered wood flooring. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

Argument #2: White Kitchens are OUT

Then again, the camp that believes that white kitchens are a trend that’s heading out the door has some solid points in its column, too. Not only are we seeing a bucking of the typical all-white look, but we’re seeing more and more of its exact opposite in very different ways with bold colors in the kitchen.  And while that can feel trendy, it seems that it’s actually a reflection of more and more people embracing their personal styles and an overall vibe of comfort.

Practicality

To bring it back to the question of practicality, too, white kitchens are, admittedly, more prone to scuffs and dirt. And if you’ve got kiddos, you know exactly what we mean. Darker cabinets do tend to hide the more pressing stains and fingertip smudges. 

Families with kids can attest to the challenges of maintaining a white kitchen. It’s a playground for stains and smudges, which seem to appear out of nowhere. Spaghetti sauce splatters, juice spills, and colorful food crumbs can turn a white countertop or backsplash into a canvas of chaos. This constant battle to keep white surfaces clean can be both time-consuming and frustrating.

In contrast, darker cabinets in a stained wood have a distinct advantage in concealing these everyday messes. They act as natural camouflage for stains and fingertip smudges, making them far less conspicuous than they would be on a white background. The ability to hide these imperfections not only reduces the visual stress of constantly having to clean but also extends the time between deep cleanings, which is a practical consideration for busy households. If you have a busy kitchen island in your space, using a dark stained wood or a paint color in the darker tones will add an accent color and will stay “cleaner”  than a white kitchen island.

RELATED: How to Determine Your Kitchen Remodeling Budget

Ready for Something New

Beyond this, though, white hit a major stride a few years back. This means it’s a wave that people have been riding ever since. You know the look – white walls and cabinets paired with brushed brass hardware and subway tile backsplashes. And while it’s actually quite a stylish look, it’s definitely one you see just about everywhere you go – including commercial spaces. So the whole white and neutral kitchen look seems to feel, well, a little tired overall. It does beg the question whether or not the look actually brings people joy, or just feels like a repetition of a Pinterest-popular trend. 

While white still makes an appearance in this open kitchen via the countertops, white tiles, and wall paint, the deep charcoal cabinetry anchors the room in a saturated color that feels fresh and different (yet still neutral). (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

RELATED: Best Greige Paint Colors

Using a dark-stained wood for the cabinets in this kitchen allows it to bring a warm and inviting aesthetic to the space, moving away from the

bright and stark whites

of recent years. (

Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design

)

A hint of white in the white subway tiles and countertops keeps this kitchenette feeling bright, yet the black cabinetry gives it a modern and trend-setting twist. Open shelving gives it a touch of texture and warmth. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

Argument #3: There IS a Middle Ground

But just because white kitchens are being argued over these days, it doesn’t mean you have to either ditch them completely or fight to the bitter end over their value. In fact, there is a happy middle ground that is easily achievable. As far as the color white itself, there are endless variations. And if you love the simplicity and crispness of a white kitchen, but are ready for something a little different than we’ve typically seen, simply stick to those creamy and warm whites instead. That way, you get a soft and neutral white as your base, but your kitchen feels undoubtedly less bright. This allows you to change with the trends in a simple, yet impactful, way. 

Warm It Up

Another great way to keep your white kitchen while adding some warmth and color is to simply update your decor pieces. Bring in hints of wood or woven elements for an inviting and contrasting look. And don’t be afraid to pepper in a few hints of color here and there. You’d be surprised at how something as simple as a new piece of artwork, rug, or a vase filled with flowers can totally transform your space and break up the white kitchen cabinets.

Matte black hardware pulls add a layer of contrast to this bright white kitchen, infusing modern style into the space. (Interior Design: Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

RELATED: Simply White vs Chantilly Lace – Comparing Two Top White Paint Colors

White lower and upper cabinets surround the perimeter of this open kitchen, yet paired with a charcoal island and strategically-placed wood accents, it feels balanced and colorful, avoiding the typical white kitchen look popularized in recent times. (Interior Design by Carla Bast | Carla Bast Design)

RELATED: White Kitchen Ideas for Your Home Remodel

White Kitchen Trends and 2024’s Vibrant Color Palette

Kitchen design trends evolve with each passing year, and 2024 promises an exciting blend of timeless elegance and vibrant color.

Timeless elements like shaker-style cabinets, white marble countertops, and hardwood flooring maintain their popularity, but with a modern twist. Smart appliances and innovative storage solutions seamlessly integrate with classic aesthetics, ensuring both form and function are met with sophistication.

What sets this year apart is the infusion of vibrant color. This colorful injection adds energy to the kitchen style, encouraging personal expression and customization for each homeowner.

In 2024 kitchen design trends deliver the best of both worlds – a classic, elegant foundation enhanced by modern conveniences and a burst of lively colors. The kitchen remains the heart of the home, now more inviting and functional than ever.

Let’s explore the forecasted colors for kitchens in 2024!

White kitchen designs have long been celebrated for their classic and versatile appeal. Their ability to create a canvas of serenity and sophistication is unmatched. In 2024, the white kitchen trend is set to continue, with modern updates and innovative twists that make this perennial favorite even more captivating.

Mixing and Matching Textures

Textures play a vital role in 2024’s white kitchen trend. The interplay of matte and glossy finishes, open shelves of wood, and natural stone countertops adds depth and visual interest. These textures create a multi-dimensional ambiance in your kitchen, making it a true standout.

2024’s Forecasted Kitchen Colors

While white remains a dominant choice, 2024 brings a burst of vibrant colors to kitchen design. Whether you infuse color in your cabinetry or through accents, here are the forecasted shades that are set to bring personality into your kitchen:

1. Ocean Blue

Ocean blue is making waves in kitchen design and is one of my favorite color choices in a kitchen renovation. This rich, calming hue can be incorporated through cabinetry, backsplashes, or even accent walls. It brings the tranquility of the sea into your kitchen, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

2. Earthy Greens

Earthy greens are perfect for those who want a nature-inspired kitchen remodel. From muted sage to deep forest green, these tones evoke a sense of freshness and balance. You can introduce these colors through cabinets or décor items for a revitalizing touch. Make sure you add ample light fixtures even if you have natural light.

Kitchen Rendering with a mix of shaker cabinets in white and sage green. A warm wood floor, and butcherblock top add texture and interest to this open space.

3. Warm Terracotta

Terracotta adds warmth and depth to any kitchen. It’s a timeless and earthy color that can be incorporated into tiles, countertops, or even small appliances. The warm, rustic feel of terracotta brings coziness to your kitchen space.

4. Soft Pastels

Soft pastels like blush pink, pale lavender, and misty blue are perfect for adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to your kitchen. These shades work well as accents through accessories, backsplashes, or small appliances, infusing a sense of playfulness and serenity.

5. Warm Metallics

Warm metallics like brass and copper will continue to make their mark as accent colors in 2024. They add a touch of luxury and sophistication to kitchens, whether through light fixtures, cabinet handles, range hoods, or cookware.

Incorporating these colors into your kitchen design can revitalize and personalize your space, creating a welcoming and on-trend environment.

So, what’s your verdict? Are white kitchens still fabulous enough to rave about for years to come? Or are you firmly convinced that it’s time to shelf the trend? Let us know your vote in the comments below!