12 Kitchen Trends Fading Fast In California (And 10 Classic Styles Designers Still Love)
California kitchens are going through a major style shakeup right now. What was hot last year might already be on its way out, while some timeless designs continue to impress designers and homeowners alike.
I’ve noticed these shifts while working with clients across the state, from modern Silicon Valley homes to classic Spanish-style retreats in Southern California. Let’s look at which kitchen trends are disappearing and which classics are standing strong in the Golden State.
1. All-White Everything Is Losing Steam
Remember when every California kitchen looked like a blank canvas? Those days are numbered. Homeowners are craving warmth and personality instead of clinical, all-white spaces.
I’ve watched clients actually cringe when looking at photos of stark white cabinets paired with white countertops and backsplashes. The maintenance headache is real too – showing every speck of dirt and tomato sauce splash isn’t practical for busy families.
2. Farmhouse Style Fatigue
Shiplap, barn doors, and rustic signs about coffee are finally taking a backseat in California kitchens. The once-ubiquitous farmhouse look championed by design shows has reached peak saturation.
My clients increasingly view these elements as clichéd rather than charming. The artificial rusticity feels particularly out of place in urban California settings where authenticity is valued. Instead, homeowners are incorporating just one or two farmhouse elements rather than the full-blown theme.
3. Open Shelving Reality Check
Those Instagram-perfect open shelves displaying matching dishes? They’re collecting dust – literally and figuratively. California homeowners have lived with the reality of earthquake country, where items regularly vibrate off shelves.
Plus, keeping everything perfectly styled requires constant attention. I’ve helped numerous clients convert back to closed storage after trying the open shelf trend. Most people simply don’t have the time or inclination to maintain picture-perfect displays while actually using their kitchens for cooking.
4. Industrial Overload Is Exhausting
Exposed pipes, factory lighting, and concrete everything – the industrial look is wearing thin in California homes. What once felt edgy now often comes across as cold and uncomfortable.
My clients complain about the echo in these spaces and the lack of warmth. The industrial aesthetic borrowed from commercial spaces doesn’t always translate well to home environments where comfort is key. Homeowners are now softening these harsh elements with natural materials and warmer lighting instead.
5. Subway Tile Saturation
The classic white subway tile backsplash is no longer the automatic choice for California kitchens. After years of dominance, this safe option is giving way to more creative expressions.
During recent consultations, clients specifically request “anything but subway tile.” The rectangular 3×6 white ceramic tiles have become victims of their own popularity. Homeowners are now exploring zellige, large-format tiles, and unique shapes that bring more personality to their cooking spaces.
6. Rose Gold Losing Its Luster
The once-coveted rose gold and copper fixtures are rapidly falling out of favor across California. These metallic finishes that promised warmth and uniqueness now read as dated trend-chasers.
I’ve had multiple clients specifically mention wanting to replace their rose gold hardware during kitchen updates. The finish shows water spots easily and doesn’t age particularly well. Most designers are steering clients toward more timeless options or true statement metals that won’t feel passé next year.
7. Word Art Overload
Those cutesy signs proclaiming “Gather” or “Eat” are rapidly disappearing from California kitchens. The word art trend that dominated Pinterest boards has officially reached saturation point.
My design colleagues joke about creating a special dumpster just for these signs during kitchen renovations. Homeowners are replacing these generic statements with actual artwork that reflects personal taste and adds authentic character. The desire for more sophisticated, personalized spaces is driving this shift away from mass-produced phrases.
8. Edison Bulbs Burning Out
Those exposed filament Edison bulbs that once signaled hipster cred are dimming across California kitchens. The novelty has worn off, and the practical limitations have become apparent.
Beyond their poor light output for task-heavy kitchen work, they’re energy hogs in a state focused on efficiency. I’ve helped clients upgrade to modern LED fixtures that offer better illumination with character. The harsh, yellow glow that once seemed charming now feels like a statement about ignoring innovation and sustainability.
9. Distressed Cabinets Losing Appeal
Artificially aged and distressed cabinetry is rapidly falling from grace in California kitchens. The intentionally weathered look that was meant to add character now appears contrived and dated.
My clients increasingly view these finishes as belonging to a specific trend era rather than as timeless choices. The fake aging process often doesn’t fool anyone and can look particularly out of place in contemporary California homes. Homeowners are now embracing either naturally aged materials or clean, honest finishes that celebrate the material itself.
10. Tuscan Kitchen Twilight
Heavy Mediterranean styling with terra cotta tiles, ornate scrollwork, and faux finishes is fading fast from California’s design landscape. This once-popular theme often feels disconnected from California’s actual lifestyle and climate needs.
During recent consultations, clients specifically mention wanting to remove these elements from homes they’ve purchased. The dark, heavy aesthetic contradicts the light, airy spaces most Californians crave. Designers are instead incorporating subtle Mediterranean influences that better reflect the state’s actual connection to similar climate zones.
11. Over-the-Range Microwaves Disappearing
The standard over-the-range microwave placement is rapidly becoming a design faux pas in California kitchens. This once-practical solution now signals an outdated approach to kitchen layout.
I’ve removed countless over-range microwaves during renovations as clients opt for more streamlined range hoods and alternative microwave placements. Beyond aesthetics, the poor ventilation these combo units provide doesn’t meet California’s cooking needs. Homeowners are instead choosing microwave drawers or dedicated appliance garages that maintain clean sightlines.
12. Granite Countertop Decline
The speckled granite countertops that dominated California kitchens for decades are rapidly losing market share. Their busy patterns and high-maintenance needs have pushed them out of favor with design-conscious homeowners.
During material selection appointments, clients often specifically request “no granite.” The dated appearance of certain patterns has become a liability for resale value in competitive California markets. Designers are guiding clients toward more subtle, versatile materials that won’t visually anchor a kitchen in a specific decade.
13. Timeless Shaker Cabinets
Shaker-style cabinets continue to reign supreme in California kitchens despite changing trends. Their clean lines and versatile design allow them to adapt to various aesthetic directions.
I regularly recommend them as a foundation for both modern and traditional spaces. The simple frame-and-panel construction strikes the perfect balance between plainness and ornamentation. This adaptability makes Shaker cabinets particularly valuable in California’s diverse architectural landscape, where they complement everything from Craftsman bungalows to contemporary new builds.
14. Enduring Marble Countertops
Natural marble countertops remain a California kitchen staple despite their maintenance requirements. The unique veining and organic patterns bring unmatched character to cooking spaces.
My clients who choose marble understand its imperfections are part of its charm. The material develops a beautiful patina over time that tells the story of a well-loved kitchen. California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle pairs perfectly with materials that gracefully show their age and use rather than fighting against natural processes.
15. Classic Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring continues to be the gold standard for California kitchens despite trends toward tile and other materials. The warmth and natural character hardwood brings remains unmatched by alternatives.
I’ve installed countless white oak floors that seamlessly connect kitchens to adjacent living spaces. The material’s durability and refinishing potential make it especially valuable in California’s real estate market. Even with the popularity of wood-look products, genuine hardwood maintains its position as the premium choice for discerning homeowners.
16. Enduring Pot Filler Faucets
Pot fillers remain a coveted feature in high-end California kitchens despite being considered unnecessary by some. These wall-mounted faucets above the range eliminate the need to carry heavy water-filled pots across the kitchen.
My clients who cook frequently consider them essential rather than extravagant. In California’s farm-to-table culture, where home cooking is celebrated, practical tools that enhance the cooking experience retain their value. The simple functionality combined with an elegant profile ensures pot fillers will remain relevant regardless of changing decorative trends.
17. Timeless Butcher Block Islands
Butcher block islands or countertop sections continue to be beloved features in California kitchens across design styles. The warm wood tones bring natural elements into even the most contemporary spaces.
I’ve incorporated them in countless projects as both full islands and chopping stations. California’s connection to natural materials and organic design makes wood surfaces particularly resonant with local aesthetics. The material’s practicality for food prep, combined with its visual warmth, ensures its continued popularity despite changing trends.
18. Enduring Farmhouse Sinks
While overall farmhouse style may be waning, the iconic apron-front sink remains a California kitchen classic. Its generous size and ergonomic design make it as practical as it is beautiful.
My clients appreciate how these sinks accommodate large pots and baking sheets with ease. The design has successfully transcended its rustic origins to work within contemporary, traditional, and transitional spaces. California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle often involves gardening and entertaining, making these hardworking sinks particularly valuable for cleaning produce and flowers.
19. Classic Gas Ranges
Professional-style gas ranges continue to be the heart of serious California kitchens despite the push toward induction. The precise control and visual feedback of cooking with flame remains irreplaceable for many home chefs.
I’ve installed countless high-end gas ranges for clients who consider them essential cooking tools. California’s rich culinary culture and farm-fresh ingredients inspire home cooking that benefits from traditional techniques. While induction offers efficiency advantages, the visceral connection to cooking with fire keeps gas ranges firmly in the category of kitchen classics.
20. Timeless Under-Cabinet Lighting
Under-cabinet lighting remains an essential feature in well-designed California kitchens regardless of style trends. This practical addition illuminates work surfaces while adding dimension to the space.
I always include it in my kitchen designs as both a functional element and mood enhancer. California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle means kitchens often serve as gathering spaces well into the evening. The ability to create layered lighting transforms the kitchen from a bright work space during meal prep to an ambient background during entertaining.
21. Enduring Kitchen Islands
The central kitchen island remains a non-negotiable feature in California homes despite changing design trends. These multifunctional hubs serve as prep spaces, dining spots, homework stations, and social centers.
I’ve designed countless islands that serve as the heart of the home. California’s casual entertaining style and family-focused lifestyle make islands particularly valuable as gathering points. While their finishes and features may evolve with trends, the island itself has transcended trend status to become a permanent fixture in the California kitchen landscape.
22. Classic Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights above islands and dining areas remain essential elements in California kitchen design across style trends. These fixtures combine practical task lighting with opportunities for personal expression.
I encourage clients to select pendants that reflect their unique taste. California’s design ethos embraces mixing high and low elements, allowing even budget-conscious renovations to incorporate statement lighting. While specific styles come and go, the pendant light itself has secured its place as a kitchen classic that balances function with decorative impact.
