Looking Back on 2024’s Top Kitchen Trends (with Design Tips for 2025!)
As 2024 wraps up, we’ve taken time at Thayer Design Build to reflect on the kitchen design trends that shaped this past year and provide some design tips to consider as you look to remodel your kitchen in 2025. The biggest changes we’ve seen have been in the design and functionality requests for kitchen remodels. Kitchens have become more than just spaces for cooking—they’re where families connect, work gets done, and memories are made. Below, we’re sharing the kitchen design trends we embraced in our projects, why they’ve captured so much attention, and how they could inspire your next kitchen remodel.
Green Cabinetry: Bringing the Outdoors In
One of this year’s most eye-catching kitchen design trends was green cabinetry. Whether it was muted sage or bold emerald, these earthy tones added a calming, natural vibe to kitchens. They’re versatile enough to shine in both modern and traditional designs.
Why Green Cabinets are Trending in Kitchen Designs
Green cabinetry is part of the growing love for biophilic design, an architectural approach that connects people to nature in built environments. Shades of green pair seamlessly with materials like wood, marble, and brass, making them feel timeless yet fresh.
Pro Tip:
Not ready to commit to all-green cabinets? Start small! Try it on an island, pantry doors, or a hutch. Pair with wood and metal accents for a balanced, pulled-together look.
Two-Tone Cabinetry: The Perfect Mix
Two-tone cabinetry stuck around as a go-to trend in 2024, offering a mix of boldness and cohesion. Think darker lower cabinets with lighter uppers for contrast or natural wood paired with painted finishes.
Pictured: Two-Tone Transitional Kitchen Remodel in Corvallis, Oregon
Why Two-Tone Cabinets are Trending in Kitchen Designs
It’s all about dimension. Two-tone cabinetry adds depth without overwhelming the space and works beautifully in open-concept layouts. Plus, it’s a great way to reflect your personal style.
Pro Tip:
Choose colors that complement your floors, backsplash, and countertops. Want a bold statement? Try navy or forest green lowers with white uppers. Prefer subtle? Mix natural wood with soft neutrals.
Natural Wood Cabinetry: Timeless Beauty
Natural wood cabinetry was everywhere this year, offering a mix of warmth, character, and sustainability. Popular choices included walnut, oak, maple, and cherry, each with its own unique grain and tone.
Pictured: Warm, Mid-Century Modern Kitchen Remodel in Corvallis, Oregon
Why Natural Wood Cabinets are Trending in Kitchen Designs
Homeowners are drawn to natural materials for their timeless beauty and eco-friendliness. Wood cabinetry feels authentic and one-of-a-kind because of the wood grain variation, especially compared to painted options.
Pro Tip:
Choose wood that fits your lifestyle. Walnut and cherry are luxurious, while oak and maple offer durability for busy homes. Keep hardware minimal to let the natural grain shine.
Large Format Tiles: Sleek and Easy
For backsplashes and floors, large format tiles were a game-changer. Their streamlined look and minimal grout lines made kitchens feel cleaner and more modern.
Pictured: Timeless White Kitchen Remodel in Corvallis, Oregon
Why Large Format Tiles are Trending in Kitchen Designs
These tiles are stylish and practical. Fewer grout lines mean less maintenance, and their expansive look creates an uncluttered, polished aesthetic.
Pro Tip:
Choose finishes that match your kitchen’s style—matte for subtlety, polished for drama. Add under-cabinet lighting to show off their texture and create ambiance.
3D Tiles: Standout Style
Textured, 3D tiles brought depth and drama to backsplashes and accent walls. They’re perfect for adding visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Why 3D Tiles are Trending in Kitchen Designs
3D tiles create subtle contrast and movement, and their ability to reflect light adds an extra layer of dimension.
Pro Tip:
Keep 3D tiles to smaller areas, like behind the stove or sink, for maximum impact. Choose colors and patterns that tie in with your countertops and cabinets.
Innovative Storage Solutions: Smart and Stylish
Storage took center stage in 2024 kitchen designs, with features like pull-out pantry shelves, blind corner optimizers (as shown), mixer lifts, and drawer charging outlets, making life easier and kitchens more functional.
Pictured: Two-Tone Transitional Kitchen Remodel in Corvallis, Oregon
Why Innovative Storage Solutions are Trending in Kitchen Designs
Smart storage keeps countertops clear and makes kitchens more efficient, which is perfect for busy households. Pull-out pantry shelves and blind corner optimizers make for easy, accessible organization, while a built-in mixer lift can keep heavy appliances out of sight but within reach.
Pro Tip:
Think about your routines when planning storage. Tailor solutions—like drawer dividers for utensils or racks for pots and pans—to fit your functional needs.
Large Islands with Dining Space: The Kitchen’s Centerpiece
Kitchen islands got bigger and better this year, serving as spots for casual dining, food prepping, and socializing.
Why Large Islands with Dining Space are Trending in Kitchen Designs
In open-concept homes, islands are the heart of the kitchen. They offer seating, storage, and workspace, all in one. They are perfect for casual meals and entertaining guests.
Pro Tip:
Plan your island with your lifestyle in mind. Love entertaining? Focus on seating and storage. Avid cook? Add features like a second sink or built-in cutting boards.
What Kitchen Designs Are You Dreaming of for Your Home Remodel?
At Thayer Design Build, we know your kitchen is so much more than just a place to cook—it’s where life happens and where memories are made. From family dinners to catching up with friends, it’s the space that brings everyone together. That’s why we love helping our clients create kitchens that look amazing and work perfectly for their everyday lives.
Don’t be afraid to dream big for your next home remodel, and know that we’re here to bring your ideas to life. We’ll thoughtfully guide you through the process, handle all of the details, and make sure the result is a kitchen you absolutely love. Ready to get started? Let’s chat about how we can make your dream kitchen a reality!