5 Kitchen Styles That Are No Longer in Style, Designers Say

Design styles come and go all the time, so it’s essential to know which upgrades or decor items are truly worth pursuing to ensure your space remains timeless throughout the years. Especially for an area like a kitchen, where you spend a large amount of time cooking or sharing a meal, you’ll want to stray away from styles that may make the space less inviting.

Below, we’ve asked some interior designers to share five kitchen styles that are out of style, so you know what to look out for.

All-White and Gray Kitchens

Designers all agree that all-white kitchens often look basic and sterile. Similar to the all-gray trend, white kitchens can lack character, especially if every surface is bright white, Terri Brien, the principal designer of Terri Brien Interiors, says.

“Instead, bring in depth and interest by layering tones and textures,” Brien says. “Think a white oak cabinet paired with a soft tan or warm taupe island, marble or quartzite with soft golden veins, and a warm-toned wood or stone floor for warmth.”

Camia Brown, the founder of Camia Brown Interiors, agrees and explains how these clinical-looking spaces are being replaced with bold minimalism.

Brown recommends opting for rich jewel tones, statement hardware, or unexpected textures that will help keep the kitchen looking classic.

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Tuscan Style Kitchens

Another kitchen style that’s making its way out is Tuscan style. These types of kitchens often have heavy cherry or glazed cabinetry, ornate corbels, tumbled stone, or tile murals, Brien explains.

“Back then, all the wood tones matched, from the cabinets to the flooring, which only made these kitchens feel darker and heavier,” Brien says. “Today, a fresher approach is to mix tones.”

Brien suggests pairing warm natural wood cabinetry with a complementary painted cabinet in an earthy green or a slate blue to bring additional depth and interest.

Ultra-Industrial Kitchen

Ultra-industrial kitchens often have a cold and unfinished look due to their commercial-looking hood, open metal shelving, and concrete-looking counters, Brien says. Brown agrees and explains how cold-looking kitchens are often disconnected from nature, which is why people are prioritizing more organic elements.

“If you want the look of mixed materials and metals, try combining rich wood cabinetry with a section of black steel cabinet doors with glass,” Brien says.

Builder-Grade Kitchens

Builder-grade kitchens that depend on safe choices like subway tile, standard quartz, and stainless steel appliances often lack personality, Brien says.

Your kitchen needs to work for you and reflect your daily life, so Brien suggests going beyond the aesthetic and personalizing it to better fit your lifestyle.

Farmhouse Kitchens

Although farmhouse kitchens were having a moment for a while, Brien explains how it’s becoming out of style due to how overdone it is. Once popular characteristics like shiplap walls, barn doors, and predictable matte black fixtures are now losing their appeal.

Brien recommends taking some influence from Europe. For example, you can include an apron front sink, but swap out the matte black for unlacquered brass or polished nickel, Brien says.

“These small changes keep the spirit but bring a timeless elegance,” Brien explains.