This year, many people are settling into their homes and hoping to finalize their kitchen and bath remodel ideas. Taking on a project in an important room in your house makes sense so you can fully enjoy your space.
2024 kitchen designs are all about finding creative ways to prioritize form. The most important room is getting some much-needed love this year, from a small kitchen to a large kitchen.
In this blog post, our experts will share their favorite kitchen remodel ideas for the year. Reading this will guide you to realizing a tantalizing whole space for your kitchen makeover.
Table of Contents
Modern Kitchen Remodel Ideas
When it comes to kitchen remodeling ideas, the modern design look incorporates minimalist features that have a streamlined appearance. This year, it is popular to mix some industrial materials, like bare steel, exposed plumbing, and concrete with some natural elements like wood. If you want to go for the modern look, which actually started a long time ago, just after the first World War, you want to create a certain balance in the kitchen where nothing stands out. Flat cabinets, also called slabs, fit this aesthetic well because they have only a panel with no hardware for the doors. In the end, this style fits many homeowners’ desires. Next, we will cover some inspiring kitchen ideas to make you excited about your project.
Create a Breakfast Nook
Carving out a small corner or section to create a cozy breakfast nook provides a space for quick and simple meals. Choose an area near windows for pleasant views while dining casually. Keep the decor practical yet modern with materials like wood, metal, or concrete for the breakfast bar or table. Counter height for the bar allows it to seamlessly adjoin the kitchen counters and workflow.
Black Cabinets and Wooden Countertops
The warm feeling that wood countertops bring to the room counteracts the darkness of the black cabinets creating a homey vibe. A matte color brings a velvety texture to the black cabinets and creates a rich atmosphere that you’ll love. Overall, this design choice is best in a spacious kitchen. You might even choose pendant lights as a focal point if it makes sense with the layout. Also having some wooden cutting boards can complete this look and make your kitchen seem like an amazing place to cook and enjoy comfy seating with friends. Adding to that, this is a perfect opportunity to show off some exposed beams.
Marble Backsplash Adds Another Natural Element
Enhance this space with a marble kitchen backsplash. The wooden countertops and the stone backsplash together make a brilliant trio with the black cabinets. Next, you can choose black or white for your marble backsplash. Also, you can go for a white stone backsplash with black veining for some added intrigue in your space. The backsplash, countertops, and cabinets all add up to create a contemporary kitchen. Rather than a marble tile backsplash, you might go for a large format backsplash that appears monolithic and expands the grandiosity of the space.
Butcher Block Is Perfect For Countertops
A wooden material that is incredibly popular for kitchen design is the butcher block. It’s made from laminated boards and holds up well in a kitchen. This wooden material makes a good countertop because it is solid for chopping and other kitchen tasks. If you want more counter space, you can make a hinged section that leaves more walking areas under normal conditions. One thing you can say about kitchen designs with butcher blocks is, they sure make it feel like a new kitchen. You will enjoy the effect of the dark cabinetry and the wooden countertops whether you need to entertain guests, or simply prepare a quick snack.
Upgrade Major Appliances
If your current appliances are outdated or worn, be sure to upgrade to new stainless steel models to elevate your kitchen’s style and function. Upgrade your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and other major appliances to bring in contemporary stainless finishes.
Stainless Steel Appliances
The sleek, silvery appearance of stainless steel appliances is great for modern kitchen design ideas. Stainless steel appliances in a room give the space an elegance as few other materials can. Interestingly, stainless steel appliances go well with more than just white cabinets and neutral tones. In fact, you can use them in a bright and energetic space just as well as a more sterile one. In a small kitchen, stainless steel appliances help to reflect more light and make the space feel bigger. You might also add subway tile for some different textures and add reflective surface area.
Open Shelves With Stainless Steel
If you want added storage without taking up more space in the visual field, open shelves are a perfect choice. They complement a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances more than cabinetry. As a bonus, you will save money on your kitchen remodel because shelves are cheaper than cabinets. Additionally, open shelves allow your beautiful stainless steel appliances to be the focal point.
Maximize Every Inch with Custom Storage
One of the best ways to make your remodeled kitchen truly your own is to customize the storage with unique solutions. Start within the cabinets by adding removable cabinet liners in your choice of colors, patterns, or textures to give an unexpected pop when doors are opened. Consider glass-front upper cabinets to display prized dishware while keeping it dust-free. Try open shelving on one wall to simultaneously add architectural interest and easy-access storage. Most importantly, think vertically. Take advantage of vertical space by having floating shelves installed. Hang floating shelves at different heights to accommodate everything from cookbooks to small appliances to wine.
Kitchen Ideas With Plants In Mind
Including more plants in the living space is becoming very popular this year for the splashes of color and lively, yet calming atmosphere that they bring. You might think first about appliances and cabinets, but plants are a great place to start your kitchen design journey. This eye-catching look has a special feeling that connects you with nature. Viny plants are great for hanging over the edge of shelves and creating a jungle in your entire kitchen. Keeping plants in the kitchen is handy because you always have the sink right there for watering. Houseplants inspiring kitchen design is definitely a look that most people won’t expect.
Backsplash With Plants
You can keep your plants in front of your backsplash, and choose the color of the backsplash to match the plants. Additionally, tile backsplashes with geometric patterns on them can look amazing with plants. Go for lively mixed succulents or a miniature herb garden of thyme, basil, and rosemary. A living backsplash like this brings nature indoors and adds a vibrant focal point to your kitchen.
Mix Materials and Textures
Many kitchen design ideas play around with mixing various materials and textures to bring out the best in a space. One popular texture and material to use is the rough edges of reclaimed wood for the open shelves and walls. Open shelving brings a certain rustic and warm feeling to the kitchen. Besides the atmosphere, you get some extra storage space to add to your lower cabinets. With wood on the walls, some super glossy finished quartz countertops can be a great contrast. These two materials together make for a beautiful design and you will surely feel good about it.
Concrete Countertops Or Gray Cabinets
You can also use polished concrete as a material, with some gray cabinets. This is a way to use a lot of smooth surfaces and unify the design of your kitchen. The gray tones of the lower cabinets and countertops go incredibly well with the wooden open shelving and walls. The room can also be enhanced with shiny, modern appliances. Another way to add texture is a tile backsplash. Subway tile can be especially attractive in this atmosphere, but a backsplash with a tile texture is sure to win some fans, regardless.
Use Built-in Structures To Your Advantage
If your kitchen has some built-in features, don’t hide them, embrace them instead. Pay homage to the history of the space and include some new textures and materials in the process. You might have plumbing, beams, conduits, or other structures to work with. All these can be benefits to a mixed material and texture kitchen design. Sometimes, opening your mind to the possibilities that already exist in your kitchen can create a cutting-edge space. It’s best to look at parts of your kitchen as an opportunity, rather than as a hindrance that needs to be covered.
Colorful Upper Cabinets
You can create a fun atmosphere by painting kitchen cabinets and using bright colors. Furthermore, a playful feeling will envelop you and translate into delicious meals. This look is certainly exciting and will keep you and your guests hanging out in your kitchen. You can go with one color to unify the kitchen, or even multiple colors can add some extra spice. Navy blue is always a great color for kitchen cabinets. Paired with some golden hardware can make the kitchen come to life.
Get Creative With Your Layout
A great attribute of colorful upper cabinets is that they free up the lower section of your kitchen for creativity. You might find an interesting spot for your kitchen island that highlights your colorful cabinets. You might also consider putting your sink in an unconventional spot. But remember, you must always provide a good workflow, or else cooking won’t be much fun.
Invest In Quality Materials
While it’s tempting to save a buck or two, you could suffer from this choice in only a few years. The smart remodeler pays for quality materials that will last longer than most of us. Also, you can see the quality of certain materials. If you have low-quality materials in your kitchen, that could lower your mood while you are in that room.
Have Fun With Your Floors
We have been focusing on the upper section of this kitchen design, but the floors are important too. Make a bold statement with your floors, or leave them as a background player. If you want the floors to recede, choose large-scale natural stone or ceramic tile in a subtle tone. Beautiful choices like installing wood floors can add warmth and timeless elegance. Let it elevate the whole look of your redesigned kitchen. Be sure to focus on flooring as an integral part of your kitchen remodeling plans.
Install A Skylight
Getting as much natural light into your space as possible is going to be a great bonus for doing a kitchen remodel. In fact, cooking breakfast by the light of the first rays of the sun is a great way to get ready for the challenges of the day. Skylights especially help in a large kitchen where light from windows might fade towards the interior of the space. This helps you see your cabinets, appliances, cutting boards, sink, and shelves better. Unfortunately, not all kitchens can add skylights. In that case, you might look into solar tubes, which can bring in sunlight and might fit into some kitchens where skylights don’t.
Add Interior Windows
Consider adding interior windows as part of your kitchen remodel for enhanced light and visual appeal. Strategically placed interior windows can make a small, cramped kitchen feel more open and airy. Windows above the sink or along one wall bring in natural light while creating architectural interest. Go for unobstructed views of another room, your backyard greenery, or interesting sightlines across the kitchen itself. Besides lighting, interior kitchen windows boost visual space and create an airier vibe.
Crown Molding With Custom Cabinetry
You can bring your kitchen to remodel to the next level with little details like custom kitchen cabinets. Top it off with some incredible molding, and your cabinets are sure to come to life. Molding with a skylight can be a great way to add elegance to your home. Give your space a little extra love near the ceiling, and you are sure to feel better about your kitchen remodel.
Include Small Appliances In Your Remodel
There are plenty of small appliances that could fit on shelves or near the sink where you need them. Also, you might consider designing an appliances garage in your cabinets to store all the items you use.
White Cabinets and a Stylish Range Hood
This year, many folks are choosing stylish range hoods for their kitchens. These are great centerpieces that can have functional advantages also.
Consider Tiles On the Hood
For a trendy look, consider using tiles on your hood. Tiling your range hood with handmade ceramic tile, Moroccan fish scale tile, or bold geometric designs can provide visual impact. It is an on-trend way to add dimension and draw the eye upwards in an all-white kitchen. Choose a hood in a contrasting finish to the white cabinets, such as stainless steel, matte black, or brass to make it stand out.
Helps With Kitchen Ventilation
Improving the ventilation with a range hood will help the space feel a lot more comfortable. Especially if your kitchen features a dining area, you won’t have to worry about smells from certain meals lingering for a week to the point where you never want to cook some of your favorite dishes. Adding better ventilation to your kitchen is one of those little improvements that can really make your kitchen a lot more enjoyable for the whole family. A kitchen remodel is a perfect opportunity to improve your ventilation so that you won’t be always concerned about setting off fire alarms. If you have the budget to pay for the kitchen remodeling costs, then you can always start with the project!
A Farmhouse Sink Brings Coziness
Sometimes, adding different fixtures to your kitchen renovation can help make your space cozier. That is certainly true of adding a farmhouse sink to a kitchen with white cabinets and a decorative range hood. There is something classical and noble about a farmhouse sink in your kitchen. You will feel happy to clean it and use it each day.
Granite Countertops Add Solidness
Inspire a feeling of solid grounding with natural granite countertops as part of your kitchen remodeling project. There are many colors and geologic patterns in granite countertops to enhance your white cabinets and entirely new kitchen.
Stunning Marble Countertops
People are also turning to marble countertops as an aesthetically pleasing and functional addition to the kitchen. This year many people are installing a matching tile backsplash, which brings a seamless appearance. Some folks are finding success with a waterfall kitchen island. This is when the stone looks like it falls off the edge of the countertop and goes down to the floor, creating a great spot for bar stools.
Be Careful With Spilled Food
One thing to watch out for is that you can change the appearance of marble countertops if the wrong food sits on them. Acidic foods such as lemons, tomatoes, or vinegar could etch the marble. Fortunately, etching can be reversed, but it takes some effort. Do your best to prevent etching by cleaning your marble countertops after every spill.
Commit to a Palette You Love
Choosing the right marble to match your kitchen palette can make a big improvement. You can choose complementary colors or a striking contrast for an intriguing space. There are many options out there to choose from with marble. The only setback could be that some colors are more expensive than others.
Remember The Little Things
Once you have a beautiful ceiling, you can improve small things for a surprisingly thorough kitchen renovation. You might think of decorating shelves or window sills with personal flair. You can also add rugs for some beauty that protects your flooring. Even small appliances might add a new twist that will help you appreciate your space. In the end, your kitchen is your space. If you find a sink that matches the room and your personality, you should go for it instead of letting fear hold you back.
Lighting Sets the Mood
Add task lighting like under-cabinet lighting and pendant lights above counters and islands to illuminate specific work zones. New lighting like recessed cans, track lighting, and decorative fixtures open up and brighten the whole kitchen. Proper lighting is key to creating a beautiful, functional kitchen.
A Kitchen Island Adds Style and Function
This year, we’ve seen many designers add a kitchen island to their projects. This can truly create a new space, without knocking down any walls. Putting a sink on the island can really help you to reimagine your kitchen. Also, your kitchen island can include the cabinetry below. This all adds up to a lot more function. You don’t have to go with the typical rectangular kitchen island, a rounded island can be a stunning look. Regardless, the benefits of adding this feature are tremendous. You can follow some fancy bathroom remodeling trends as well.
Paint Dated Kitchen Cabinets
Adding a simple coat of fresh paint to your cabinets is a great way to help them match your island. You can go with gray cabinets or white, but there is also the possibility to express joy with colorful cabinets! Easy upgrades like dressing up the cabinets with new hardware and paint refresh them affordably. For a more dramatic change, refacing the cabinets with new veneers and doors modernizes the look. Cabinet updates provide a big visual impact without replacing them entirely.
Work With The Best Kitchen Remodelers In 2024
Looking for the best kitchen remodeling contractors? The search is over. Our clients were amazed by kitchen remodels before and after outcomes. Want to see them? Don’t hesitate to contact us today or check us on Instagram anytime.