Kitchen Cabinet Trends on Their Way Out - Skip These 5 in Your Remodel

When renovating your kitchen, choosing the right cabinetry is one of the most important decisions. The style and look of your cabinets make a huge impact on the overall design. However, not all kitchen cabinet trends stand the test of time. Some options become outdated quickly, leaving your new kitchen looking tired and dated.

If you want your kitchen remodel to have an updated, minimalist look, avoid these five outgoing cabinet trends.

Open Shelving

Open shelving has been popular in recent years for the styling potential it offers. However, while open shelves provide a place to artfully display your dinnerware, cookbooks, and decor items, this trend also has some downsides.

Items stored on open shelving are exposed and require frequent dusting. It can also be a challenge to keep everything looking neat and organized at all times. For these reasons, closed cabinets tend to be more functional for tidy and convenient storage.

All White Color Scheme

An all-white kitchen palette exploded in popularity over the past decade. The crisp, clean look of white cabinets, walls, and accessories aligns well with the modern aesthetic. However, for some spaces, an all-white scheme can come across as sterile or boring.

We recommend warming up an all-white kitchen by incorporating natural wood accents and neutrals beyond just white. Soft grays, warm taupes, or even black cabinets can complement the white for visual interest.

Granite Countertops

There was a time when granite reigned supreme in kitchen countertop materials. But lately, granite has started to appear dated, evoking 1990s and early 2000s aesthetics.

Instead of granite, consider a countertop material with more visual depth and modern appeal, like quartzite, soapstone, or marble. Butcher block also aligns well with contemporary and farmhouse styles.

Ornate Decorations

Modern kitchen design embraces a paired-down, minimalist look. Busy decorative elements like intricate hardware, carved moldings, and ornamental legs feel out of step with current trends.

Keep your kitchen decor simple and functional. A vase of fresh flowers or some neatly rolled kitchen towels add personality without clutter.

Painted Backsplashes

Painting a backsplash wall used to be a budget-friendly alternative to pricey tile. However, a coated backsplash can compete visually in a minimalist space.

For a cleaner look, opt for a single neutral wall color. Or make a design statement with an unexpected material like metallic or colored glass tile.

Additional Outdated Trends

Beyond the five major outdated trends above, a few other kitchen cabinet approaches can make your new space feel dated.

Overly Ornate Cabinets

While minimalism prevails in contemporary kitchen design, the opposite is true of ornate cabinets with intricate details. Fussy carved elements or insets of decorative glass feel cluttered and old-fashioned.

Instead, opt for streamlined shaker-style cabinets in a solid color. This timeless look suits any style from modern to traditional.

Dated Cabinet Finishes

Along with the design, the finish of your cabinets also impacts how current they appear. For example, oak cabinets with a reddish wood grain laminate read as quite outdated compared to today's trends.

Modern, easy-to-clean finishes with subtle texture bring a fresh, contemporary vibe. Matte options in grey, white, or black suit many home aesthetics.

Key Takeaways

When planning a kitchen remodel, carefully evaluate trendy elements that may not stand the test of time. By avoiding outdated styles, you can achieve a look that feels fresh now and well into the future.

Opt for timeless designs and materials like shaker-style cabinets, quartz countertops, and neutral colors. Focus on creating a space that is easy to clean, maintain, and function in for years to come.

Outdated kitchen cabinet trends come and go, but a truly timeless kitchen has versatility at its core. Skip the tempting trends that will soon look tired. Instead, invest in classic elements with staying power.

The most functional features and an updated, minimalist cabinet design will make your kitchen look stylish for decades to come.