Stainless steel is expected to join warm colours, marble and texture finishes as the most popular kitchen trends requested of retailers and installers in 2024, according to Bushboard, a leading manufacturer of innovative surfaces for kitchens and bathrooms.
Once associated with industrial kitchens, stainless steel is one of the fastest emerging kitchen trends for 2024. Retailers should prepare for a heightened demand for the finish as more homeowners look to incorporate the increasingly popular option which grew in prominence last year thanks to popular culture references such as its feature in David Beckham’s Netflix documentary.
Stainless steel can be an expensive material that may restrict those working to a budget, but an aluminium splashback, like Alloy Brushed Steel, offers a similar finish, looks identical to stainless steel and is available at a fraction of the price. Retailers are therefore encouraged to offer alternatives of this kind as their customers plan kitchen improvements for the year ahead.
Joining stainless steel is a growing appetite for rich colours like plum, burgundy, dark blue and brown as more homeowners look to create a warm, inviting kitchen space with a luxurious feel. Given their ability to add texture while infusing the space with a finish inspired by the natural world, retailers are advised to prepare for an increased demand of dark wood surfaces and deep-veined marble to complement a sultry scheme.
Simple, understated schemes are also here to stay. Retailers and installers are therefore urged to cater for homeowners who prefer a more neutral colour for their cabinets and may be drawn to a wood, patterned splashback to add interest and depth.
While a new year is anticipated to bring a whole host of new trends to kitchen designs, natural stones like marble are expected to remain a popular option for worktops, splashbacks and flooring well into the new year. A material known for its high maintenance nature and susceptibility to chips and stains, homeowners are often put off by the need to upkeep along with its high price point.
Elliott Fairlie, Product Lead at Bushboard, said: “In 2024, offering on-trend products affordable to homeowners will be crucial to retailers and installers looking to overcome what could be another financially challenging year. For instance, promoting the availability of a marble finish worktop or splashback over the solid raw material, will allow homeowners to achieve their desired look within budget, while having an easy-to-clean and easy-to-maintain space. Choices span both dark and light marbles, as well as light and deep veining, meaning there is something for everybody.”
When executed well, a black kitchen can create a highly impactful design, which is why they are set to continue to rise in popularity in 2024. As a result of the demand, more designers are incorporating black kitchen cabinets into designs, in addition to layering the scheme up with black worksurfaces and splashbacks to reflect a moody, considered feel.
Elliott continued: “Just like homeowners, retailers are always on the lookout for new and upcoming trends to make their product offer as appealing as possible. I recommend that retailers’ product portfolios include worksurfaces like dark Grasmere oak and Laurent marble, both of which are effective options for incorporating texture into a black kitchen.”
“Lighter worktops and splashbacks are also on hand to those unprepared to commit to a fully dark scheme. Grey marbles are the perfect option for this as they can introduce a lighter hue while still playing into the colour palette nicely – the same can be said for cool-tone woods.”
Incorporating texture is anticipated to be a popular tactic to elevate a space while adding depth and interest. In 2024, there will be an even greater focus on welcoming textural finishes through work surfaces, splashbacks, cabinets, accessories and furniture.
Elliott concluded: “Retailers should be prepared to offer their customers fluted-effect splashbacks as more homeowners attempt to create a statement through texture. Increased demand is anticipated particularly in homes featuring beige, white or black tones.”
To discover how to best recreate 2024 trends with kitchen splashbacks and surfaces, visit here.
