In 2024, Australian kitchen design continues to evolve, shaped by shifting lifestyles, advancing technology, and a growing emphasis on sustainability. As homeowners increasingly view the kitchen as the heart of the home—a space for cooking, dining, entertaining, and even working—design trends have adapted to meet these multifaceted needs.
Sustainability remains a driving force, with eco-friendly materials and practices gaining prominence, reflecting a broader societal shift towards greener living. Integrating smart technology has become ever-present, offering greater convenience and efficiency in everyday tasks. Yet, despite these advancements, there’s a return to simplicity, as evidenced by the popularity of minimalist designs, natural elements, and craftsmanship.
Stone Benchtops and Alternatives
Engineered stone benchtops became immensely popular in Australia in the past ten years, but in a world first, Australian Commonwealth, state and territory governments agreed to a national ban on the product from 1 July 2024 due to the risk of workers developing a serious lung disease called silicosis.
This engineered stone benchtops ban has led to kitchen builders seeking alternative products, which include:
- Porcelain
- Natural stone (such as marble, granite or sandstone)
- Laminate
- Tiles
- Concrete
- Wood/timber
At Kurmond Homes, we’ve previously provided engineered stone benchtops in our kitchens, but we will now offer our customers alternatives. Our standard new home inclusions package includes 20 mm stone benchtops for the kitchen and the bathrooms. Our Premium Diamond Elite package has 40 mm stone in the kitchen with waterfall ends and 20 mm stone for the bathrooms.
Beyond material selection, the kitchen benchtop trends for larger islands and breakfast bars persist, serving as practical workspaces and social hubs within the home. Whether minimalist or rich in texture and character, benchtops in Australian kitchens of 2024 reflect the desire for sustainable luxury and thoughtful design.
Minimalist Modern Kitchen Design
In 2024, minimalist design continues to dominate Australian kitchens. This timeless aesthetic prioritises clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. Cabinets and storage solutions are seamlessly integrated into the space, often featuring handleless designs or discreet handles for a sleek, uninterrupted look.
High-quality materials such as wood, metal, and stone take centre stage, focusing on their natural beauty and tactile qualities. Neutral colour palettes dominate, with shades of white, grey, and beige creating a sense of openness and airiness, accented by the occasional pop of colour. Multi-functional and space-saving features are also integral to minimalist kitchen design, with clever storage solutions, hidden appliances, and compact layouts.
Energy Efficient Kitchen Appliances
Energy efficiency remains a paramount concern in Australian kitchen design in 2024, reflecting environmental consciousness and the desire to curb costs. A prominent trend is the widespread adoption of energy-efficient appliances, with high star ratings across refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and stovetops. These appliances are engineered to consume less electricity or gas while maintaining high-performance levels.
Lighting also plays a role in energy-conscious kitchen design, with LED fixtures increasingly preferred for their longevity and low energy consumption. Task lighting strategically placed over work areas and ambient and accent lighting enhance visibility and reduce reliance on overhead lighting, contributing to energy savings.
Smart Home Technology in the Kitchen
Smart technology continues to influence Australian kitchen design, offering homeowners convenience, efficiency, and connectivity. Integrating smart appliances remains a prominent trend, with refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, and dishwashers equipped with advanced features and connectivity options. These appliances can be controlled remotely via smartphone apps, allowing users to preheat the oven, adjust cooking settings, or monitor food storage temperatures from anywhere with internet access.
Voice-activated assistants such as Alexa are increasingly integrated into kitchen spaces. They enable hands-free control of appliances and the ability to access recipes, timers, and shopping lists with simple voice commands.
Beyond individual appliances, the concept of the connected kitchen ecosystem is gaining traction, with devices and systems working together to streamline tasks and enhance user experience. Smart kitchen hubs or control panels serve as central command centres, providing real-time monitoring and control of all connected devices and systems in the kitchen. This level of integration not only simplifies daily routines but also enables energy optimisation, as appliances can communicate with each other to coordinate usage based on user preferences and energy tariffs.
Kitchen Cabinet Trends 2024
In 2024, kitchen cabinet colours showcase diverse trends catering to homeowners’ desires for personalised and contemporary spaces. While white kitchens persist as a timeless choice, there’s a noticeable shift towards embracing richer, more saturated tones. Deep blues, emerald greens, and dramatic blacks are gaining popularity, creating contrasts against lighter countertops and backsplashes.
Earth-inspired tones are also prevalent, resonating with those seeking warmth and a connection to nature. Warm neutrals like taupe, caramel, and clay evoke a cozy ambience, while muted greens and blues impart a sense of tranquillity reminiscent of the outdoors. These organic hues harmonise with natural wood accents and textured materials.
Metallic accents, such as brass, copper, or gold hardware, add a touch of luxury and glamour and serve as statement pieces against dark or light cabinetry.
Kitchen Splashback Trends
Splashbacks remain a key element in Australian kitchen design, balancing functionality with aesthetics to enhance the space’s practicality and style. While traditional tiled options persist due to their versatility and resilience, alternative materials are gaining popularity for their unique textures and visual impact. Glass, mirrored surfaces, and metallic or concrete finishes offer contemporary alternatives, adding depth and reflective qualities that amplify natural light and create striking visual effects.
Design innovation extends to patterned and textured splashbacks with intricate patterns and bold geometric designs. Whether through mosaic tiles, laser-cut metal panels, or embossed ceramic tiles, these decorative elements inject style into the kitchen, complementing the overall design scheme while adding character and charm. Moreover, sustainability is increasingly prioritised, with eco-friendly materials such as recycled glass and porcelain gaining traction and offering environmental benefits.
Contact Us About Kitchen Trends
Kurmond Homes has an in-house designer who stays up-to-date with the latest kitchen trends and incorporates these into our home designs. Our team will happily share their expertise when you build a new home with Kurmond.
To discover more about building with Kurmond Homes, please contact us today or visit one of our display homes
