The 2024 Kitchen Trends Research Report by the National Kitchen & Bath Association highlights wellness and sustainability as significant trends during the coming year. In addition, homeowners are looking for design amenities such as indoor/outdoor living, natural woods like oak, walnut, and cherry, biophilic elements, natural light, and energy-efficient features such as LED lighting, Forbes reports.
More eco-conscious design practices include local sourcing of materials to reduce toxins and chemicals and a shift toward induction cooking surfaces, which are more energy efficient. Additionally, a growing number of states are mandating composting to reduce greenhouse gasses, further emphasizing sustainability in kitchen design.
One of the emphases of sustainable design has long been local sourcing, a trend that Serany optimizes, she says, with related benefits for wellness. “Using local materials and craftsmen has always been a priority in our designs.” This approach provides more assurance that her sources are using natural materials that eliminate the risk of toxins and chemicals she doesn’t want off-gassing into her clients’ kitchen and living areas, she notes.