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15 Kitchen Trends to Avoid in 2024 and Their Alternatives

Today, the concept of trends in the interior is somewhat vague – the designers themselves speak about this. Over the past two or three years, no one has already required scrupulous observance of stylistic accuracy within the framework of one direction. In fact, a harmonious and balanced mix of details, a light touch of eclecticism, a sense of individuality – just such a design is relevant today. However, this does not mean that absolutely any techniques are permissible in designing a house or apartment today. Thus, to stay away from gross stylistic mistakes in kitchen decoration and furnishing, designers came up with a list of kitchen trends to avoid in 2024. Explore the biggest anti-trends of the season and their trendy alternatives!   

1. Bar Counter

The bar counter as an element of kitchen design appeared in the arsenal of designers in the early 60s. It immediately became a real find for those who spent a lot of time outside the house and, at the same time, did not mind creating the atmosphere of a stylish loft in their apartment. However, time has shown its impracticality. Gathering as a large family at a narrow high table is inconvenient, and due to the growth in the number of bars and clubs, it becomes less and less necessary to equip a particular area at home for an evening cocktail or a glass of wine.

Consider instead: If the room allows, you should pay attention to the kitchen island, which is many times superior in functionality to the bar counter. A comfortable ergonomic table and laconic light chairs are the best options for a small kitchen.


2. Small Backsplashes

Undoubtedly, small backsplashes limited to the cooking area only or not reaching the upper cabinets are among the first kitchen trends to avoid this year. Besides the fact that it doesn’t look harmonious, it isn’t practical as well. 
Consider instead: Opt for a large backsplash all over the kitchen, from cabinet to cabinet. Preserve your kitchen design consistency and enjoy the well-thought-out kitchen layout.


3. Photo-Printed Backsplashes

Over a decade ago, the color-printed glass kitchen backsplash was at the height of fashion. Manufacturers offered many designs, including flowers of significant sizes, panoramas of the night city, sea views, placers of fruits and vegetables, flower meadows, and even something utterly extravagant like black silhouettes emerging through the matte whiteness. As time has shown, such backsplashes are extremely difficult to fit into any interior: they either make the design cheaper, seem excessive, or create a tiresome color ripple.

Consider instead: Today, backsplashes with photo printing have lost their position as a fashion trend, giving way to tiles, porcelain stoneware, or natural stone.


4. Glossy Surfaces

Gloss is another kitchen anti-trend to be defeated in the run-up to the new season. Such surfaces contradict the critical trend of the season – unconditional functionality and authentically textured surfaces. Facades, backsplashes, and countertops with such a coating get dirty quickly and require constant maintenance – and the continuous play of light over time is tiring and irritating. Moreover, a glossy kitchen constantly shares the desire to wipe everything that comes to hand continually. Avoid it!

Consider instead: Matt surfaces or naturally textured ones will retain their relevance for a long time. And this is by no means something flat and faceless: painted wood and wood with an open texture, ceramics with a pattern for rocks, natural stone – you can set rhythm and harmony to the kitchen without any shine.


5. Appliances in the Picture

There is no doubt that a contemporary kitchen has various smart appliances that save time and add innovation to the space. Nevertheless, do not consider placing them in visible places. It will disturb the visual harmony. So, overly cluttered surfaces are a big kitchen trend to avoid. 

Consider instead: We suggest you keep all appliances in a closed storage place. It will be practical, save space, and preserve the integrity of the design.


6. Artsy Finishes

A classic cabinet with facades decorated with spectacular carvings, metal elements, and rhinestones (sometimes it happens) looks luxurious – however, the designers unanimously admit that such furniture is morally outdated. Ergonomics, comfort, and eye-pleasing restraint reign in trendy modern kitchens, and intricate design looks alien and generally too much.

Consider instead: The solution, in this case, is simple: laconic and smooth kitchen facades are appropriate in any setting – and even complex textures and patterns of wood (including such species as wenge and Zebrano) will look organic. We also recommend replacing furniture handles with a push-to-open system unless you resonate with the classic, traditional, or countryside styles.


7. Cluttered Work Areas

Often, homeowners consider the kitchen a personal space where everything is necessary, convenient, and expensive – just like it should be at hand at once. All kinds of rails, coasters for kitchen utensils and tea sets, spice sets and flower pots, cutting boards, and fruit vases are often located in the kitchen work area. The problems with such an organization of space are apparent – it is a constant feeling of disorder, difficulties with cooking, and the need to wash and wipe everything continually.

Consider instead: First of all – ergonomics. Replace versatile devices with built-in multifunctional appliances. Calculate its dimensions when ordering a kitchen cabinet so all utensils, dishes, and products can fit in. Even more, set aside separate shelves for your favorite accessories and indoor flowers. So, the absence of unnecessary items on the work surfaces will create the necessary atmosphere of comfort and conciseness – just like on the covers of interior design magazines. If you are interested in the topic, check out our ultimate guide on kitchen ergonomics.


8. Full Open-Shelving System

No doubt, a few open shelves on the upper part of the kitchen are quite a fashionable solution, particularly in a contemporary kitchen that strives for as much free space as possible without overload. For instance, Scandinavian kitchens are known for their stylish open shelves above the work area. Still, opting for a fully open upper space is becoming an anti-trend since the solution appears to be not that practical. Everything always gets dusty and requires constant arrangement.
Consider instead: Allow yourself the delight of a few open shelves for accessories or exposing decorative kitchen items; the same cookbooks will do. Leave the rest for the kitchen cabinets for a decluttered and organic layout.


9. Faux Wood Flooring

Although it was a hit a few years ago, the faux wood floor covering will lose its authenticity in the new season when favoring sustainable and eco-friendly trends is a top priority. Avoid wood-replicating tiles for the floor at any cost.
Consider instead: Think hardwood flooring or raw-textured tiles of stone or concrete. The latter suits warm regions by providing a perfect cooling system. In terms of wood, the availability of textures, colors, and styles, alongside the range of layout options, is wide enough to surprise you. Go through the newest hardwood flooring trends for inspiration.


10. All-Gray Kitchen

Gray has been the first color for a long time. Yet, the last few seasons have shown a decrease in its popularity. Now, when maximalist design choices are in full development, there is no place for an all-gray color palette, which is 100% one of the kitchen trends to avoid.
Consider instead: Go with the slightly richer and full-of-character kitchen cabinet colors, including richer neutral shades, natural greens and blues, and cheerful tones of yellow, pastel mint, or peach, to name a few.


11. Yellow Gold Hardware

We cannot deny the relevance of gold accents in today’s kitchen, especially for the hardware. Still, one thing is known for sure – bright yellow gold accessories are outdated since they seem too eye-catching and tend to become tiring for the eyes over time. 
Consider instead: The range of available kitchen cabinet hardware trends is wide enough to replace the yellowish gold tone. Think brass, copper, rose gold, brushed gold, and even silver variations as an alternative; give satin nickel a thought.


12. Blank Walls

Simply painted walls are switching to bold-colored wallpaper in the 2024 kitchen. Designers advise allowing yourself more expression of feelings and emotions through color and shapes. Reject the “like the others” neutrally painted walls.
Consider instead: Add a bit of character to the kitchen and keep pace with the upcoming maximalist design solutions with rich-color wallpaper with unique prints. Check out the new wallpaper trends for inspiration.


13. Mosaic Brick Tiles for the Backsplash

Gone are the days of those hitting mosaic tiles that one could see in almost any kitchen. If you still crave mosaic brick tiles, it is time to find alternatives since designers would say “no” to any endeavor to adopt the long-forgotten trend in contemporary kitchens. Mosaic brick-tiled backsplashes are surely one of the biggest kitchen trends to avoid. 
Consider instead: Not far in terms of shape are the striking subway tiles that seem to be trendier each year. Now, personalize the design with color and tile layout. You can notice the difference we are talking about between mosaic brick tiles (on the left) and subway tiles (on the right).


14. Functional Light Only

Of course, spotlights, track lighting, and under-cabinet LED strips are great assets for the cooking area, and they would be enough, just as they were a few years ago when Minimalism reigned. Yet, the scenario changes entirely in the brand-new season. Don’t limit yourself to functional light sources only.
Consider instead: Don’t overlook the individualization of the space with a gorgeous accent chandelier. The more intricate the shape, the better. In an era of eclectic solutions, allow yourself at least the choice of the most opulent pendant you have ever seen.


The new interior design trends are game changers. Forget overly neutral palettes and minimalist color combinations. 2024 is absolutely the season of surprising and unexpected colorful expressions. Still, it’s easy to make mistakes in this amalgam of bold color alternatives. Here are kitchen colors to avoid and what to try instead:

  • Beige and taupe are the new grays;
  • Swap eye-tiring reds for pastel pinks;
  • Boost your mood with yellow instead of white;
  • Replace dark colors with vivid pastels;
  • Try marine blue shades instead of the traditional navy blue for a change.

Of course, everyone equips their kitchen the way they like. However, it is still worth paying attention to kitchen trends to avoid. Today, designers refer to them as solutions that can disrupt your visual, psychological, and physical comfort and prevent the creation of a truly harmonious and cozy atmosphere. Those may seem like tiny details, yet they have a great impact. Avoid the mentioned outdated trends, and nothing will stay in your way, or precisely, in your trendy kitchen’s way.

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