5 kitchen cabinet colours to avoid in 2024 - and what to choose instead, according to experts

The article discusses kitchen cabinet color trends for 2024, providing guidance on shades to avoid and popular alternatives, based on expert opinions and market studies. While acknowledging that personal preference is paramount, the piece highlights specific colors that are becoming outdated and offers more contemporary choices to ensure a kitchen remains stylish and timeless. The 2024 UK Houzz Kitchen Trends Study reveals a decline in the popularity of cool grey and pure white cabinetry, while green units and unpainted medium wood are gaining traction. Dark blue, a formerly bold choice, is now considered less desirable, especially in smaller kitchens that require ample natural light to maintain an airy feel. The current trend favors paler blues, such as pastel or denim shades, often with purple undertones. These lighter blues offer a timeless appeal and are frequently paired with whites, off-whites, wicker, bamboo, and warm wooden furniture to create a bright, coastal aesthetic. For those who still prefer a darker tone, a middle-ground blue, between denim and navy, can be used effectively with both light and dark accents, complemented by light-veined marble work surfaces and dark oak furniture for a modern yet traditional look. Cool grey is another color losing its appeal due to its perceived coldness. Experts recommend opting for warmer grey tones that feature clay, brown, or pinkish undertones. Rosy-hued greys are particularly noted for adding a subtle pop of color and creating a relaxing, tranquil environment. These warmer greys are versatile and can be combined with various finishes, including marble, mirrored surfaces for a luxurious touch, or black and grey accessories for an industrial vibe. Brass handles can further enhance the warmth of these grey cabinets. For a more understated approach, pink can be incorporated on just an island or lower cabinetry, balanced with a neutral color. Pine or orange oak kitchen cabinets are identified as highly outdated, reminiscent of older holiday lets or unrenovated spaces. This style limits furniture integration and can make a kitchen appear stuck in the past. Instead, unpainted wooden cabinets are trending, with a focus on natural wood beauty. Lighter wood tones like oak, birch ply, or ash, or textured foil-wrapped doors that emulate real wood, are recommended for a modern aesthetic. Pure white, while still popular, is evolving. The preference has shifted from glossy finishes to matt finishes. Soft or off-white shades are suggested as alternatives to stark white. A two-tone kitchen design, featuring white or off-white upper units combined with a color like soft blue-green on the lower units, is also a recommended approach. White and other neutral colors remain universally appealing due to their versatility, serving as a foundational base that can be updated with accessories over time, ensuring longevity in design. Dark green, similar to dark blue, is also moving towards lighter variations. Sage tones, soft olive greens, and minty pastels are preferred, drawing inspiration from the natural world. These lighter tones are seen as more soothing and uplifting. Combining softer shades with complementary shapes and textures, such as fluted surfaces on sage green cabinets, can elevate the look. A monochromatic approach using different shades of green, with lighter tones on wall cabinets and darker greens on base units or an island, is also suggested. Sage green is particularly versatile, pairing well with neutrals and other greens and greys, suiting both traditional farmhouse and contemporary luxe styles. Ultimately, timeless kitchen cabinet colors often reflect classic historical hues and enduring neutrals like white and grey, which can be easily updated with accessories. For 2024, kitchen color trends emphasize soothing, warm, earth-inspired hues such as terracotta, sage, cashmere, driftwood blue, and stone grey. Matt black kitchens are also gaining popularity, offering a bold backdrop for statement features and textural contrasts with materials like stone graphite. The advice underscores the importance of considering personal taste, property type, budget, and the longevity of chosen colors, with a strong lean towards natural, warmer, and softer palettes. #KitchenDesign #CabinetColors #InteriorTrends #HomeDecor #KitchenRemodel #ColorPsychology #DesignInspiration #TimelessDesign #ModernKitchen #KitchenDesign #CabinetColors #InteriorTrends #HomeDecor #KitchenRemodel #ColorPsychology #DesignInspiration #TimelessDesign #ModernKitchen