Time For a Kitchen Remodel? 2024 Kitchen Design Trends to Consider

2024 brings fresh energy to kitchen design, though you won’t see a complete revolution from what worked in 2023. The farmhouse aesthetic that’s dominated Austin homes (and homes nationwide) isn’t going anywhere. What is changing? The ultra-bold maximalist looks that exploded on social media are cooling off. Homeowners are getting more thoughtful about what works in their daily lives.

So what’s worth paying attention to this year? Here’s what’s gaining traction and what you might want to skip.

Color Is Back (Don’t Go Overboard)

All-white kitchens dominated the early 2020s. Then in 2023, we saw a hard swing in the opposite direction. Barbiecore brought hot pink into kitchens everywhere, and suddenly, people remembered that color exists.

The Barbie trend is fading, but color isn’t. What’s different in 2024 is the approach. Instead of designing a kitchen for Instagram likes, people choose colors that make their homes feel welcoming. You can paint your kitchen walls a bold shade, but the goal should be creating a space where your family wants to hang out, not just take photos.

Warm Colors and Natural Woods Are Taking Over

Blue and green started picking up steam in 2023 for kitchen walls and cabinets. Those colors are still popular, but we’re now seeing rich browns, burgundy, berry reds, and floral purples. These nature-inspired shades create warmth without overwhelming the space.

Natural wood is also returning after years of people painting over it. White oak and walnut cabinets are everywhere right now. Birch and alder are gaining ground, too, because they’re sustainable and have beautiful grain patterns. If you’ve been thinking about stripping paint off old wood cabinets or installing new ones, now’s a good time.

Mix Different Materials

Wood is excellent, but don’t stop there. Layering different materials gives your kitchen depth. Metal accents, especially gold-colored hardware, can tie a room together without dominating it.

Marble and stone are also having a moment. White marble countertops look dramatic because of the natural veining, but they stain and chip easily. If that makes you nervous, quartzite gives you a similar look with better durability. You’re not limited to countertops either. Marble or stone backsplashes and floors can make your kitchen stand out.

Focus on Organization That Works

The best kitchen design isn’t about following every trend. It’s about making your space work for your lifestyle.

If you use small appliances like a coffee maker, toaster oven, and blender daily but hate countertop clutter, an appliance garage solves that problem. Everything stays accessible but hidden. Coffee lovers might want a dedicated coffee bar with beans, mugs, and equipment storage. (You can do this for tea, smoothies, or a home bar.)

A butler’s pantry or scullery gives you extra storage for dishes and silverware, plus a staging area when you’re serving meals. Even small changes help. Adding drawer organizers or extra drawers makes finding things easier when cooking.

Indoor-Outdoor Living (Perfect for Austin)

Indoor-outdoor kitchens have been popular in California and the Southwest for years, and Austin is embracing this hard. Our climate makes it possible most of the year, though you’ll need to plan for those brutal July and August afternoons.

Inside, sliding glass doors or French doors bring in natural light and let you open up the space when the weather’s nice. A large wood dining table reinforces that connection to nature and allows everyone to gather without devices.

Outside, you can go beyond the standard grill. Outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens, prep areas, and comfortable seating are popping up in backyards across Austin. If you have the space, an herb garden with basil, cilantro, and jalapeños (all of which thrive here) gives you fresh ingredients from where you’re cooking. Just make sure your outdoor seating has good shade. Peak summer in Austin isn’t the time to sit in direct sun.

Choose What You Can Live With

Trends are useful for inspiration, but your kitchen needs to work for your life. If you stress about stains, white marble countertops will drive you crazy, no matter how good they look. If you need a calm environment, skip the loud colors.

You cook, eat, and spend more time in your kitchen than any other room. Consider what will make it better for you, not just what looks good in a magazine. When you’re ready to make changes, we can help you determine what makes sense for your space and budget.