We spend a lot of money on our kitchens: expensive appliances, custom cabinets, and expensive countertops. In fact, according to her 2023 data obtained by Angi, U.S. homeowners spend an average of about $27,000 on kitchen renovations. The trick to ensuring that all this money doesn't end up creating a kitchen that you'll want to update again in five years is to incorporate timeless kitchen design elements that won't go out of style. Choosing features that will stand the test of time will save you money (and retrofitting effort) in the future.
So what kitchen trends won't frustrate you years from now? Stick with ideas that have been loved for decades.
neutral paint colors
Classic white kitchens are sometimes criticized for being boring, but there's one solid reason to choose this color. That means it never goes out of style. Not sure which shade of white to choose? Check out some of the white paints designers swear by. If you want something a little more interesting, taupe, gray, and beige are also colors to consider.
shaker style cabinet
Known for their simple design and recessed panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in fashion for over 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work well with a variety of home decor styles.
drawer and cabinet organizers
Organizations never become obsolete. And features like built-in baking sheet dividers and pull-out cabinet drawers haven't been around all that long, but when hidden behind a simple cabinet front, these functional features can go out of fashion. A kitchen essential that transcends.
vintage appliances
There's a reason the Smeg refrigerator is a classic kitchen appliance. Stainless steel and white appliances always go in and out of fashion, but appliances with a retro appeal remain popular. Brands like Smeg, Northstar, and Laconche continue to make appliances with old-school charm.
Natural materials
Natural materials such as wood and stone stabilize the space and maintain a classic feel. If you want a timeless kitchen, resist the urge to create an ultra-modern look filled with shiny stainless steel and man-made materials.
white marble
White marble is always an elegant choice for kitchen countertops. It's a little more expensive and requires more maintenance than other countertop materials, but it ages beautifully. If marble isn't in your budget, at least stick to natural stone like quartzite. Natural materials usually have a longer lifespan than engineered stones.
butcher block countertops
If you are concerned about the longevity of marble due to its maintenance and possible staining, consider butcher block. Ideal for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block wears beautifully over the years and allows you to cook food directly on it.
subway tile
Subway tiles are suitable for a variety of decorating styles and you'll probably never get bored of them. (After all, this look has been around for over 100 years!) If you want a backsplash that lasts, skip the trendy metal tiles, sea glass, or bright geometric patterns and go for something simpler. Please select one.
nickel finish
Black and brass finishes are very popular right now, but nickel and other silver styles are always top choices for designers. Polished nickel is a particularly reliable choice that won't go out of style even after 10 years.
triangular layout of the kitchen
Yes, there it is teeth A classic kitchen layout that most often works for people is the “work triangle”. It is defined by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as an imaginary straight line from the center of the sink, to the center of the countertop, to the center of the refrigerator, and finally back to the sink. This format is intended to optimize flow and efficiency.
linen and cotton fabrics
There aren't many soft products in the kitchen, but fabrics like window treatments and tablecloths should be timeless materials like cotton or linen. These are easy-to-maintain and versatile textiles that will fit into almost any kitchen aesthetic.