What’s Hot in Kitchen Design According to MasterBrand

Stephanie Pierce, the director of design and trends at MasterBrand, provided insights into the current trends in cabinetry design as revealed in their 2024 Cabinetry Design and Trend Report. These trends offer valuable guidance for planning your next kitchen update or incorporating them into your design mood board. While some of these trends have been prevalent in the design world for some time, their continued popularity makes them excellent choices for kitchen designs with lasting appeal. Additionally, there are a few emerging trends that might surprise you. Read on to discover what’s currently trending in kitchen cabinetry.

Wood Grain Galore

The color brown and anything related to it, particularly various wood finishes, have emerged as a major trend in interior design. This trend extends to the use of wood for wall paneling and incorporating large furniture pieces of different wood species to create a sense of organic warmth and texture in rooms. According to MasterBrand, there is a growing appreciation for the natural beauty and texture of wood, leading to the increasing popularity of wood grain in design, as homeowners embrace nature-inspired aesthetics.

One surprising resurgence in kitchen design trends is the use of unpainted kitchen cabinets. In recent years, kitchens have predominantly featured materials other than wood, making this revival unexpected. To ensure that your choice of unpainted cabinets aligns with the current style, opt for lighter wood finishes such as bleached-out natural woods and white oak with a light or natural tone.

Creamy Taupes and Off-Whites

While white kitchen cabinets remain a popular choice, there has been a shift away from stark white in kitchen design. According to MasterBrand, 40 percent of renovated kitchens still feature white cabinets, but homeowners are now leaning towards warmer tones. The preference is shifting towards creamy taupe and off-white shades that create a cozier and more inviting atmosphere. Many are complementing these warm cabinet colors with wood accents to enhance the overall sense of comfort and warmth in the kitchen, which is often considered the heart of the home.

Orange and Red Undertones

Warm colors with red and orange undertones are making their way into wood kitchen cabinets, adding a touch of earthy warmth to kitchen designs. This trend aligns with the popularity of earthy paint shades like clay and terracotta in interior design. According to MasterBrand, these warm orange-red hues are not only appearing on kitchen cabinets but also on walls, furnishings, and decor. They bring depth and character to interiors, serving as visual focal points that draw the eye and add interest to neutral, earthy spaces without overwhelming them.

Mixed-Color Cabinets

Contrasting cabinets continue to be a popular trend in kitchen design, offering an easy way to introduce color without overwhelming the space. MasterBrand’s research aligns with findings from Houzz, indicating that 46 percent of homeowners are embracing color mixing in their kitchens. This often involves selecting a contrasting cabinet color for the island, deviating from the hue used on the main cabinets with a more dramatic shade. In terms of specific color choices, MasterBrand notes that consumers are gravitating toward earthy, muted, and moody tones. The most popular options include shades of blue, gray, black, and warm brown tones.

Modern-Traditional Styles

Many homeowners are embracing a balanced approach that marries old and new design elements. According to MasterBrand, the top cabinet styles they’re observing are transitional, soft modern, and modern traditional. This trend appeals to those who prefer not to commit exclusively to a single aesthetic. While modern design remains popular in kitchens, MasterBrand notes that homeowners and designers are blending design elements to achieve a harmonious balance between aesthetics, functionality, and personal style. These hybridized styles provide a solid foundation for creating personalized spaces that offer both modernity and timeless elegance, ensuring that the kitchen doesn’t appear dated in the near future.

Kitchen Islands Instead of Dining Tables 

Kitchen islands continue to be a popular feature in modern homes. What’s intriguing is that they are increasingly replacing traditional dining tables in many households, a surprising trend reported by MasterBrand. According to their survey of designers, 83% have incorporated this change in their projects. This shift towards kitchen islands reflects the desire for multipurpose furniture pieces. Islands provide additional countertop space for meal preparation and ample storage while serving as the new family dining table in many homes.