If you're renovating your kitchen soon, you'll want to know which outdated kitchen trends to avoid. We all support individual style, but we want to tell you that some designs just don't work anymore.
However, there is no need to panic. We spoke to design experts to get the low-down on what you should say goodbye to, and what you should say goodbye to. Boring colors and bulky hardware are just some of the no-nos.
When it comes to kitchen trends, knowing what to style is just as important if you want your kitchen to be the coolest place to cook.
outdated kitchen trends
These helpful tips from the experts apply equally to those looking for big kitchen trends and those looking for small kitchen trends.
While our experts recommend alternatives to these outdated home trends, we've hand-picked some products to match, in case you want to get your kitchen style back on track.
The prices below are current at the time of publication of this article.
1. Bulky and ornate cabinets
(Image credit: Nuance Interior Design / Stylist Cozbi Jean / Photographer Anton Benedikt)
Whether they came with your home or were retrofitted, you'll have to let go of those oversized cabinets with fancy patterns.
“One of the most common outdated kitchen trends that clients ask us to update is bulky ornate cabinetry,” says Ricky Allen, interior designer and director of Ever Wallpaper.
Ricky Allen is an interior designer and director at Ever Wallall, a specialist in high-quality wallpaper and murals using non-toxic, odor-free and eco-friendly materials. He is a professional room remodeler.
He continues, “Instead of these outdated choices, we recommend choosing a sleek, minimalist cabinet design using neutral colors like white or gray.”
Even if you don't feel comfortable reshaping your cabinets, painting them a neutral color can give them a more timeless look and make your kitchen appear brighter.
American White 2112-70 paint sample
shape: square
Made from: paper
price: $2.50
White 07 interior paint sample
shape: square
Made from: paper
price: 2 dollars
2. Bright colors
(Image credit: Nuance Interior Design / Photographer Anton Benedikt)
While we're not against adding a pop of color here and there, giving your kitchen a maximalist treatment is definitely a no-no.
Ricky says, “Old-fashioned color schemes in the kitchen include avocado green and mustard yellow.”
Instead, choose a dark natural color combination for a more luxurious and chic finish.
“Kitchen colors like warm woods, moody blacks, and earth tones are making a comeback,” says Sarah Walker, interior designer and owner of Nuance Interior Design Showroom.
Sarah Walker is a certified interior designer and owner of Nuance Interior Design Showroom, Seattle's leading authority in sustainable luxury interior design. She has over 20 years of experience in creating thoughtful styles for kitchen renovations and more.
She also suggests considering European-inspired designs, such as unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures, to give your kitchen a sophisticated feel.
Black HC-190 paint sample
shape: square
Made from: paper
price: $2.50
Stickyart Vintage Wood Peel and Stick Roll
Size (inch): L160
Made from: wood
price: $11.98
Red 03 interior paint sample
shape: square
Made from: paper
price: 2 dollars
3. Granite countertops
(Image credit: Wayfair)
Granite countertops? In the kitchen? groundbreaking. In fact, it's so overdone that design experts strive to avoid it.
“Granite is durable, but its ubiquity has diminished its appeal,” says Danny Margagliano, home improvement expert and founder of Realty Lead.
Danny Margagliano is a home improvement expert and founder of Realty Reads. He is a seasoned real estate agent with over 10 years of experience in home renovation and interior design, including renovating aging kitchens.
He continues, “I encourage my clients to explore materials like natural quartzite for unique veining, or embrace mixed material trends like terrazzo and copper to inject variety in texture and color. I will advise you on this.”
If you are renovating your kitchen, choosing one of these will add shine to your kitchen and make it look even better.
Don't want to throw away your beautiful granite countertops? You can always liven them up with stylish small kitchen appliances and decorative items (the Sanqiahome kettle from Amazon is a great choice).
4. Lack of personalization
(Image credit: Olive & Barr)
Having a stylish and sophisticated kitchen is a dream come true, but that doesn't mean you can't add your own style to it. In fact, personalization is his big interior trend for 2024.
Sarah says: “Cold kitchens are being replaced by a trend that focuses on warm, unique design elements.
she continues. “The kitchen has always been a gathering place, and what better place to express that beautifully?”
You can do this with houseplants and beautiful cooking utensils (for crying out loud) real house Add the Our Place Perfect Pot to your favorites on the Our Place site and add finishing touches like a fruit bowl.
Size (inch): L19.9×D10.5
material: aluminum and ceramic
price: $150
Majestic Ace Crystal Fruit Bowl
Size (inch): Width 23.3 x length 23.3
Made from: plastic
price: $13.55
5. Subway tiles
(Image credit: Ca' Pietra)
Indeed, subway tile is an easy option when decorating your kitchen. However, if you want to keep your kitchen trendy, you need to think outside the box.
“Classic subway tile has saturated the market,” Danny explains.
He continues, “Options like handcrafted zellige tiles and terrazzo tiles (we love Wayfair's Ivy Hill tiles) offer organically rich choices, adding uniqueness and tactile appeal to the kitchen. It will also increase.”
If you're renting, you can still use your rental kitchen until 2024 by adding some peel-and-stick wallpaper over these (I'm obsessed with this cute Roommate peel-and-stick wallpaper on Amazon).
Encore Surface Confetti Terrazzo Italian Porcelain Tile
Size (inch): width 8 x length 8
Made from: porcelain
price: $17.19 per square foot
Square Feet Depot Store Zellige Tile
Size (inch): width 4 x length 4
Made from: ceramic
price: $9.99
Ivy Hill Tile Fusion Terrazzo Tile
Size (inch): Width 9 x length 10.5
Made from: porcelain
price: $10.79 per square foot
Decorating with these outdated kitchen trends in mind will create a stylish space you'll be proud of.
Ricky concluded: “When it comes to kitchen design, it's essential to strike a balance between trendy and timeless to create a space that will stand the test of time.”
Once you've decluttered your kitchen, it's helpful to find some old trends for your living room. Because the living room is the area where you're likely to spend the most time.
