(Above) Image Credit: Corvino Design
As a designer, I am somewhat cautious when it comes to trends. I have been in the industry for long enough to see certain trends come and go. The last thing I want for my clients is to invest time, money and energy into an extensive renovation/new build project to then feel like their space is dated in only a few years. That being said, I do believe it is possible to lean into a current look or borrow a few elements from a trend while maintaining an overall timeless aesthetic. Most importantly, I strive to design spaces that feel personal, curated and that my clients feel good in and resonate with deeply.
With that caveat in mind, here is a list of what I am seeing in the design world in 2024:
Warm calm interiors
Neutral balanced interiors with a calm colour palette feel so good to spend time in. In my designs, I love to create peaceful soothing spaces that set the stage for the hustle and bustle of busy daily activity. Life is noisy, colourful, busy and messy; I often gravitate toward neutral and cohesive color story as an attempt to bring back balance!
Image Credit: North Vancouver kitchen by Marina Medina Design // Photography by Pinecone Camp
Image Source: April Tomlin Interiors
2. STATEMENT HOOD VENTS
Hood is no longer just a hard working appliance! Most of my recently designed kitchens incorporate a hood in a way that is a design moment in and of itself. Whether it be a plastered drywall hood or one clad with custom millwork or perhaps one that incorporates beautiful tile or a piece of reclaimed wood - today’s options to make a statement are endless. Range and hood are often positioned in a central and most visible portion of the kitchen; therefore, it is one of the most important areas to consider when starting the design process.
Image Credit: LT Homes
3. RETURN TO COOL METALS
While I still absolutely love brass, bronze, copper and other warm metals, I am noticing a lot more cooler metals making a comeback in the design world. Brushed nickel, stainless and polished chrome are starting to become a lot more popular again. I personally feel that most interesting interiors tend to mix several different finishes (such as in the image below).
Image Credit: LT Homes
4. ICONIC RANGES
For those with a passion for cooking and those that appreciate high-quality well-crafted products, there are quite a few options on the market. Classic and sophisticated French ranges such as La Cornue or Lacanche (pictured below) or beautiful Italian Bertazzoni range will elevate the functionality and the aesthetic of any kitchen design.
Image Credit: Studio McGee
Image Credit: Heidi Cailier
6. COFFEE STATION
When space permits, I love to set up a designated space for the coffee station. I find something special about creating small rituals at home. In the morning, I cherish my ritual of pouring that first cup of coffee and sitting down to write in my gratitude journal. Having a specific space for the coffee station (whether a separate coffee bar/station or simply a designated corner of the kitchen) will help to keep things organized and introduce a feeling of order and peace first thing in the morning!
Image Credit: Erin Sander Design
7. soothing sage
Green kitchens are certainly having their moment. However, despite its current “trendiness” and popularity, I consider green to be a color that has a timeless quality. In my opinion, spaces that are curated, personalized and feel good to be in will outlast trends and remain relevant. Humans are drawn to nature. We feel restored by spending time outdoors, by looking out at greenery and by being near plants. For this reason, soothing shades of sage such as Farrow and Ball Pigeon (pictured below) is a long-time favourite that I love to incorporate into my designs.
Image Credit: Glebe kitchen by Marina Medina Design // Photography by JVL Photo
8. TEXTURED BACKSPLASH
Neutral does not have to equal boring. Playing with varying textures is designer’s trick to ensure that neutral spaces feel interesting and not flat.
Image Credit: Corvino Design
9. COUNTERTOP EDGES
In the design world, we are seeing a return to many traditional design elements. One way to incorporate a small traditional element but maintain a current feel is by varying countertop edge detail. Some of my favourites are oversized bullnose, ogee and double ogee variations. I love adding a special countertop edge to the island only while leaving perimeter countertop with a standard square edge (see examples below).
Image credit: Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent
Image Credit: Glebe Kitchen by Marina Medina Design // Photography by JVL Photo
10. PORCELAIN COUNTERTOPS
While looking for the perfect countertop material for a client project, I recently discovered porcelain (pictured below). My client wanted the aesthetic/natural beauty of marble countertop but, having two young children at home, was really worried about durability and maintenance. Additionally, the quotes for marble countertops significantly exceeded those for all other types of countertop materials. We finally settled on porcelain as a great alternative - beautiful, durable, low maintenance and much more reasonably priced. I love the marble-like aesthetic and the honed finish which elevated the look of it even further, in my opinion.
Image Credit: North Vancouver kitchen by Marina Medina Design // Photography by Pinecone Camp