Charlie Smallbones top six kitchen trends for 2024 and beyond

"When it comes to kitchen design, discussing the latest trends can be tricky," says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. "Unlike other areas of the home, such as furniture or decor, kitchens require a significant financial investment. Therefore, homeowners are more likely to choose timeless and durable materials and designs that will withstand the test of time, rather than embracing short-lived fads that quickly become outdated. Here, Charlie identifies six long-term trends that align with the need for durability and sustainability.

1. Transitional design: when old meets new

Transitional design, a perfect blend of classic and contemporary styles, is a great example of a long-term trend. This design aesthetic combines the warmth and elegance of traditional materials with the clean simplicity of modern design. The result is a timeless and versatile style that appeals to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Ledbury Studio's Hampstead kitchen (see featured image, top) perfectly embodies the spirit of transitional design, with its modern interpretation of a classic Shaker kitchen and stunning marble worktops.

2. Magic metallics: harnessing the beauty of metals

Our second trend is closely linked to the first, as metals have always played a key role in transitional kitchens - although primarily in smaller details such as handles or taps. At Ledbury Studio, we were ahead of the curve in expanding the use of metals beyond hardware and giving them a starring role in our kitchen designs. For instance, our signature copper-fronted kitchen cabinets are made by individually aging and patinating sheet copper to achieve a beautiful Verdigris effect. This approach combines the traditional warmth of copper with an on-trend aesthetic resulting in an entirely new look, which nonetheless won't go out of style for years to come.

3. Feel factor: exploring texture and tactility

The rise of tactility in kitchens is not just a passing trend but a reflection of our desire for a more sensory and immersive experience in our homes. This has resulted in the popularity of tactile elements like fluting and reeding, which also add movement to surfaces and, when used sparingly, bring a subtle level of interest without overpowering the overall design. This technique is particularly useful for giving a contemporary kitchen a softer look and can be applied to various materials and surfaces.
This Camden kitchen boasts many show-stopping features, as well as some more subtle additions that lend serious weight to the overall design. Take note of the delicate reeded oak on the ends of the island: it adds texture and depth to the otherwise flat surface.

4. House party: bring the bar home

What could be better than coming home after a long day and heading to your own home bar to make your favourite drink? Or hosting friends and offering them a variety of perfectly chilled beverages instead of relying on what's in the refrigerator? That's why many people are now opting to include a home bar as part of their new kitchen. It's also the reason why Charlie is increasingly being sought after to incorporate these bars into his designs.
The Hackney kitchen features a generously proportioned home bar with a Stone Italian Ambra countertop that provides ample preparation space. There's even room underneath for a pull-out wine rack and a compact wine cooler. However, the true highlight of this bar is the glass cabinet. It has fluted glass doors (another on-trend feature) and can be illuminated from within, creating a visually appealing display and adding fantastic mood lighting in the evenings.

5. Breakfast cupboards: the best way to start the day

If breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, it's no surprise that a breakfast cupboard is becoming a must-have in every Ledbury Studio kitchen. Whether it's freestanding or built-in, a breakfast cupboard is designed to provide space for storing your breakfast essentials and keeping them conveniently in one place.
For this kitchen in an Edwardian home in the New Forest, the design brief was for a contemporary aesthetic. Charlie achieved this by combining beautiful book-matched walnut veneer and hand-patinated zinc panels edged in walnut. The addition of aged-brass handles adds an elegant finishing touch. In line with Ledbury Studio's transitional design style, Charlie also created a spacious breakfast cupboard that pays homage to Edwardian homes while incorporating a modern edge. Inside, there are shelves for a microwave and breakfast items, with pan drawers below and fluted-glass cupboards on either side, illuminated from within.

6: Back kitchen: double the fun 

A second kitchen is gaining popularity because it serves multiple purposes. It can offer additional prep or cooking space, double as a laundry or utility room, or provide storage for various items. Its versatility depends on its size, but its primary function is to relieve pressure from the main kitchen and provide a place to hide everyday clutter. This is particularly beneficial in open-plan kitchens where the main kitchen is always visible. Right: A specially designed brass and oak screen sits beside the stairs to the utility room in the Stroud kitchen.