9 Kitchen Trends on the Way Out
Updated: Dec. 06, 2023
Out with the old, in with the new. Update the heart of your home wisely by noting these waning kitchen trends, plus ideas for what to do next.
All-White Everything
Stark, all-white kitchens are truly on the wane. While they look clean and chic, people are tiring of the cooler, monochrome look and turning toward more homey, nature-based colors such as blue and green. Here’s how to update an all-white kitchen according to the Property Brothers.
Mid- and light tones for wood kitchen cabinets will trend for those uninterested in painted cabinets, according to the National Kitchen and Bath 2022 Design Trends report. Can’t give up the white? Think about a warmer white or even taupe, says Leigh Spicher, national director of design studios for Ashton Woods.
Kitchen Faucets You Need to Touch
Single- or double-handle faucets used to be the norm. Many were beautiful. But with smart technology, we no longer need to touch the faucet to control it — convenient if you’ve just handled raw chicken. Just wave your hand in front of the smart faucet for much more sanitary operation, says Spicher.
Waterfall Edge Countertops
Maybe it’s because we’ve all been home a lot over the last couple of years, but sharp edges and cold surfaces are leaving people … a little cold.
While waterfall edge countertops may keep busy families from dinging up their island woodwork, Spicher says they also obscure places for storage and overwhelm the more natural elements in the room. Look for a return to the more traditional countertop geometry. Here’s what you should know before you get new countertops.
Kitchen Triangle Layout
According to Floor360 interior designer Amanda Oninski, the golden rule of kitchen layouts — where the sink, stove/oven and refrigerator make a perfect triangle for a smooth workflow — is no longer the standard.
Because many remodeled or new-construction kitchens have more square footage than their predecessors, they often feature large kitchen islands that disrupt the triangular layout.
“Kitchens are now used as entertainment rooms where guests can interact with the host as the meals are being prepared,” Oninski says. “That means the floor plans and layouts should allow for that activity and personal interaction.”
Farmhouse Sinks
For a while, farmhouse sinks seemed like the only choice. But modern farmhouse style is waning in popularity, and with it farmhouse sinks. They’re still charming, and when they’re done right, they look great. But Spicher says people are tired of cleaning the rim. Say hello to integrated or seamless sinks instead.
Double Ovens
According to Susan Serra, president of kitchen and bath design firm Susan Serra Associates, homeowners with small- to medium-sized kitchens are rethinking double ovens.
She says they’ve been replaced with built-in steam/convection ovens or small appliances such as the InstantPot or air fryers. These kick out quality food for a fraction of the price and kitchen real estate.
Visible Vent Hoods
The decorative hood over stovetops is rapidly decreasing in favor, Serra says.
“Hoods are now an architectural element, built into the ceiling as the look of a soffit or as a box-type look made in an interesting material,” she says. “This trend follows the desire of homeowners to have a kitchen that looks less utilitarian — less `kitcheny’ — and more seamless to surrounding rooms.”
Typical Windows
Kitchen windows are often small and hung about six to nine inches above the countertop. That standard, Serra says, has “left the station.” She cites the wellness movement for creating a strong desire within homeowners to interact with the outdoors and experience as much natural light as possible.
“Windows are being positioned right near the countertop level to connect even more closely with outside views of nature,” she says.
Shaker Cabinets
Serra says the ubiquitous, crisp Shaker door style seen everywhere for the past 10 years has evolved. Many homeowners have moved beyond Shaker to flat, slab, modern-style doors as warm, modern kitchens increase in popularity. There are lots of ways to update your kitchen cabinets.
But for those who still want a touch of tradition, some of today’s Shaker doors feature more trim on the inside or on the outside of the door panel. Serra calls that “a simple but elegant look.”
