One way our (shrewd, always-testing) Good Housekeeping Institute experts stay on top of product innovations and trends is by attending industry trade shows, where we can get up close and personal with new-to-market gadgets and speak directly with manufacturers, designers and tastemakers.
Recently, we attended Ambiente, one of the biggest trade shows for home and kitchen trends. The multi-day event takes place in Frankfurt, Germany and brings together more than 4,100 furniture, gifting, and home design companies from over 170 countries to display their current and upcoming offerings.
After scouring this year's show, these are the trends our kitchen gear experts are most excited for in 2024 — and how you can get the look now.
1. The knife block is now a knockout.
Standard kitchen knife storage will become an art moment, serving its purpose while also being a conversation starter. We saw sculptural blocks as well as minimalist magnetic slabs.
2. "Blates” will be on more people's tables.
Is it a deep plate? Is it a shallow bowl? Who can say, but our kitchen experts have loved so-called "blates" for years. They’re functional and versatile, and we’re glad to see them now available from so many companies. Buy them as part of a set or get a standalone group to mix and match, and opt for traditional or organic shapes.
3. Durable dinnerware is getting a glow-up.
Fortessa La Cote Outdoor Amalfi 2-Piece Platter Set
Fortessa La Cote Outdoor Amalfi 2-Piece Platter Set
Pretty dinnerware design has traditionally been reserved for china and ceramics, but now shatter-resistant tableware is looking just as stylish. From faceted glasses and vases to melamine plates and platters that look like hand-painted porcelain, you can go high-end with low risk of breakage, which reduces the need to replace your stuff. They're great for cookouts and when snacking by the pool, but they're elevated enough to work indoors at dinner parties.
For more of this year's hottest design trends, check out our guide to the kitchen trends you'll be seeing everywhere in 2024 and the latest winners of our annual GH Kitchen Gear Awards.
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
