Most of us have specific ideas on how we want our kitchen to feel. While it might be lovely to have a trendy kitchen, the problem is those trends can start to date your kitchen. That’s all fine if you aren’t planning on selling in the next few years. Whatever your plans, though, I believe that some of the trends interior designers are claiming to be ‘out’ for 2024 should be retained. Read on to see my reasoning.

Classics for Gloucester region kitchens

1. Bulky kitchen cabinets
   While sleek, modern cabinets might be the new darlings of design magazines, the bulkier style of cabinets seem more in keeping with country living, especially if you have a large eat-in kitchen. Those shiny minimalist cabinets can look cheap while the bulkier style of cabinets offer undeniable advantages. They provide ample storage, they’re often made from real wood, meaning you can update them with paint, and you can customise them with a trim to give them more style. I’ve just finished a new kitchen, and I would have loved the country timber style with panels on doors; however, I thought about the dust on a farm and decided that was not a good idea, so I created my country feel by using more classical country-style handles and dare I say, subway tiles!
   
2. Subway tile backsplashes
   Subway tiles may be ubiquitous – I’ve just used them in my butler’s pantry. There’s a reason for their enduring popularity. Their simple design offers a clean backdrop that complements a variety of styles ‒ from farmhouse chic to modern minimalism. Sure, I love watching YouTube videos of renovations where the designers use something outstanding like Moroccan or brightly coloured tiles.

However, taste in tiles is so individual; if you’re selling your home soon, you’d be better off sticking to something more neutral. As well, your fancy backsplash will end up dating your kitchen faster than a classic backsplash. Subway tiles don’t need to be boring, though. You can play around with grout (I used a darker-coloured grout to add dimension) or you can lay them in patterns like vertical or herringbone. I wasn’t so adventurous, though, and laid them in the traditional brick pattern.

3. Granite countertops
   Recently I read an interior designer’s blog and she listed granite countertops as being out of style in 2024. Yes, we see granite countertops often in magazines and on Pinterest so I can see how some designers might tire of this look.

However, granite’s natural beauty, durability, and resistance to heat and scratches make it a fantastic choice for busy kitchens. You can find a vast selection of colours and patterns within granite and find a slab that complements your overall design scheme. Plus, with proper care, granite countertops can last a lifetime. My tip, though, is to choose a neutral colour and avoid heavy browns that will limit your overall colour palette.

4. Personalised kitchens
   When designers say “Personalisation is out”, they don’t mean your kitchen has to look sterile. They DO mean over-decorated kitschy kitchens are passé.

You can personalise your kitchen without using loads of décor items. The idea is to carefully curate the objects in your kitchen so they reflect you and not what was selling fast in the homewares store. It’s all about balance. Choose a colour palette for your kitchen and display any beautiful cookware you have in the dominant colour. You might want to display some cookbooks and adding a plant like a pot of basil always makes your kitchen look fresh and inviting.

5. Bold colours
   Over the past few years, the trend has been away from neutrals and towards colours named after edibles: turmeric, sage, saffron and the like. The warmer colours were a break from grey and helped in our cocooning while we had limited travel choices. We needed a bit more life in our kitchens and neutral tones can feel bland and uninspiring. From experience, though, I know neutrals don’t concern buyers as much so if you’re thinking of selling soon, stick to the safe neutrals.

You can use colour, though. If it’s easy enough for you, you could paint an accent wall in a bright colour or paint any freestanding furniture. You could also use a removable peel-and-stick wallpaper. This allows you to embrace colour trends without worrying about a permanent commitment.

The ‘unexpected red’ design trend
The idea is relatively easy to pull off and it isn’t forever.
If you aren’t sure what it means, then this definition might help.

“The unexpected red theory is the idea that adding just one element of red,
no matter how big or small, to a room where it doesn’t fit the overall color scheme,
will instantly make the space look more elevated.” Nishaa Sharma, social editor at Real Homes

I personally don’t agree with limiting this option to ‘red; I think you could achieve the same result with any bright colour. I use a vibrant blue pot on my stove; it sits well against the neutral tones and makes the space pop out.

The bottom line

When all’s said and done, your kitchen is your space, so do what you want so you and your family and friends can enjoy it. If you love the trends that designers are telling us are outdated, ignore the designers.

Need advice on selling your Gloucester region property?

As a proud local, I’m here to guide you through the process of selling your home. I specialise in lifestyle, rural and residential properties. I’ve done it myself and helped many families over my career. So give me a call; I’m here to help.