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From natural light to natural-themed colors, five ways the kitchen is bringing the outdoors inside.  

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

From adding larger windows to switching to wood patterns for cabinets, clients are asking designers to use various strategies to feature nature and organic-inspired materials in the kitchen.  The following are five key highlights of this trend, according to NKBA’s 2024 Kitchen Trends Report. 

1. Organic and Natural Design Themes

One of the top kitchen styles —  closely following transitional/timeless and contemporary/modern —  will be organic and natural design themes. Designers indicated that kitchens connected with nature or the outdoors are among the most popular design choices.  The use of biophilic, wood-looking and natural materials was also among the biggest emerging trends.

2. Letting in the Light

Through the addition of larger windows, glass doors, and window walls, the natural world will be part of the ambiance of the kitchen with its sun filled space. And the use of pre-set mood lighting — which will be a common lighting solution  — can adjust to the changing light levels outside.

3. Nature-Themed Colors

The key goal for color will be to create a sense of nature, calm and harmony, so they will play a part in making the theme of the outdoors more prominent. Warmer neutrals, lighter wood tones, earth tones and lighter color tones (but not white) will be the most in-demand, and top-of-mind colors will include greens, woods, whites, blues, grays and browns.

4. Warmer Metals

Like colors, metals will be warmer and create a comfortable atmosphere. Gold and black fixtures will be popular, though though stainless faucets will also be in-demand. Most lighting fixtures will be gold, black, silver, glass and earth tones, while finishes will often be matte, natural or wood, clear/translucent/glass or brushed.

5. Wood and Wooden Patterns

For cabinets, many homeowners will choose natural high-texture wood and wood patterns to create an organic, nature-inspired design. Wooden flooring will also be widespread, with favorites including luxury vinyl wood plank, engineered wood and hardwood, as well as ceramic / porcelain tile and wood-like tile. Wood and painted wood will also be in-demand material for hoods, closely followed by stainless steel and mixed materials.