Brooklyn Homeowners Are Dropping These 8 Kitchen Looks While Keeping 5 Classic Styles

Brooklyn kitchens are evolving with the times, but not everything old is out of style. As a designer working with countless homeowners in the borough, I’ve noticed clear patterns in what’s being renovated away and what’s standing the test of time.

The borough’s historic brownstones and modern condos alike are seeing similar updates as residents seek kitchens that balance contemporary function with timeless appeal.

Here’s my breakdown of what Brooklyn homeowners are ditching and what they’re keeping in their kitchen renovations this year.

1. Dark Cherry Cabinets (Dropping)

Remember those rich, reddish-brown cabinets that dominated kitchens in the early 2000s? Brooklyn homeowners are saying goodbye to these heavy, formal-looking fixtures. The deep tones make spaces feel smaller and darker, a particular challenge in Brooklyn’s often compact kitchens.

I’ve helped numerous clients replace these dated cabinets with lighter options that brighten their spaces. Many brownstone owners find that removing dark cherry cabinetry instantly modernizes their historic homes while maintaining architectural integrity.

The maintenance factor plays a role too. These cabinets show dust, fingerprints, and scratches more prominently than lighter finishes, creating extra cleaning work in busy family kitchens.

2. Busy Patterned Countertops (Dropping)

Speckled, swirled, and wildly patterned countertops are rapidly disappearing from Brooklyn kitchens. These visually chaotic surfaces, popular in the 90s and early 2000s, create visual clutter that today’s homeowners find overwhelming and dated.

Working with Brooklyn renovators, I notice immediate relief when these busy countertops are replaced. The kitchen suddenly feels calmer and more spacious. Many of these countertops were also installed in materials that haven’t aged well, showing stains, burns, or chips that can’t be repaired.

Another practical issue? The busy patterns often make it hard to see if the counter is actually clean, a frustration for the food-focused Brooklyn cooking culture.

3. Popcorn Ceilings (Dropping)

Those bumpy, textured ceilings are vanishing from Brooklyn kitchens faster than bagels at a Sunday brunch. Popcorn ceilings trap grease, smoke, and cooking odors, making them particularly problematic in kitchen spaces where cleanliness is paramount.

Beyond the practical concerns, these textured eyesores instantly date a kitchen to decades past. When I walk clients through potential renovations, removing popcorn ceilings is often their first priority for an immediate visual upgrade.

Many Brooklyn homeowners are also concerned about older popcorn ceilings containing asbestos, making removal a health priority as well as an aesthetic one. The flat, smooth ceilings that replace them create a clean canvas that makes the entire kitchen feel refreshed.

4. Fluorescent Tube Lighting (Dropping)

Harsh, flickering fluorescent tubes are getting switched off for good in Brooklyn kitchens. These institutional-feeling lights cast a sickly blue-green glow that makes both people and food look unappetizing – hardly ideal for the borough’s food enthusiasts.

I’ve seen remarkable transformations when homeowners replace these outdated fixtures. Beyond the unflattering light quality, the bulky housing for tube lights often creates an eyesore that interrupts ceiling lines and lowers the perceived height of the space.

Energy efficiency is another factor driving this change. Despite the old reputation of fluorescents as energy-savers, modern LED options outperform them significantly while providing better light quality and longevity, appealing to eco-conscious Brooklyn residents.

5. Over-the-range Microwaves (Dropping)

Those bulky microwave-hood combos that loom over stoves are rapidly disappearing from stylish Brooklyn kitchens. Though once considered space-efficient, these awkward appliances create a top-heavy look that interrupts sight lines and makes kitchens feel cramped.

Height issues are a common complaint I hear from clients. Shorter cooks find these microwaves difficult to use safely, having to reach over hot stovetops to access them. Many Brooklyn renovators are relocating microwaves to below-counter positions or building them into pantry areas.

The ventilation function of these combo units typically underperforms compared to dedicated hood systems, a serious consideration in Brooklyn’s older buildings where proper ventilation is crucial. The trend toward serious home cooking during recent years has only accelerated this shift.

6. Plastic Drawer Pulls (Dropping)

If your kitchen still sports those flimsy plastic or faux-wood drawer pulls, you’re definitely behind the Brooklyn renovation curve. These inexpensive hardware options were once standard builder-grade features, but they’ve become an immediate tell of an outdated kitchen.

The practical problems are obvious to anyone who’s used them. Plastic pulls break easily, yellow with age, and often feel unpleasant to touch. When I take clients hardware shopping, they’re amazed at how significantly small hardware changes impact their kitchen’s overall impression.

Many of Brooklyn’s historic homes deserve better than these cheap accent pieces. Even budget-conscious renovators find that upgrading to quality hardware provides an outsized return on investment, instantly elevating the feel of existing cabinetry without a complete replacement.

7. Laminate Backsplash Panels (Dropping)

Those continuous sheets of laminate that extend from countertops up the wall are vanishing from Brooklyn kitchens. Once considered a practical, waterproof solution, these backsplashes now signal a dated kitchen faster than avocado-colored appliances.

Heat damage is a major issue with these panels. I’ve seen countless laminate backsplashes bubbled and warped behind ranges, creating not just an eyesore but potential safety hazards. The limited design options and visible seams have also fallen out of favor with style-conscious Brooklyn homeowners.

The fake-tile patterns found on many laminate backsplashes particularly date a kitchen. When removed, even in budget renovations, the replacement with actual tile creates a dramatic upgrade that transforms the entire kitchen’s look and feel while providing better durability.

8. Vinyl Flooring Rugs (Dropping)

Those printed vinyl floor mats designed to look like area rugs are disappearing from Brooklyn kitchens faster than parking spots on alternate-side cleaning days. These faux decorative elements often featuring fruit bowls, roosters, or faux-oriental patterns immediately signal a kitchen stuck in the 1990s.

Beyond the dated aesthetic, these vinyl pieces create practical problems. The edges curl up over time, creating tripping hazards and collecting dirt in ways that are difficult to clean. Many Brooklyn homeowners have discovered these mats hiding damaged flooring underneath, as moisture gets trapped beneath.

If you’re craving color underfoot, I recommend washable cotton rugs that can be laundered when they inevitably encounter kitchen spills. The authentic materials bring warmth without the tacky appearance of their vinyl predecessors.

9. Shaker-Style Cabinets (Keeping)

Shaker cabinets remain the undisputed champions of Brooklyn kitchen design, and for good reason. Their clean lines and simple frame-and-panel construction strike the perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern simplicity, making them adaptable to both historic brownstones and contemporary apartments.

What makes these cabinets so enduring is their chameleon-like ability to transform with different hardware and finishes. I’ve installed white Shaker cabinets that look crisp and modern, and the same design in navy that feels sophisticated and dramatic all while maintaining that quintessential Brooklyn character.

The practical benefits can’t be overlooked either. Their durable construction stands up to busy family kitchens, and their timeless appeal means they won’t look dated when it’s time to sell a significant consideration in Brooklyn’s competitive real estate market.

10. Quartz Countertops in Neutral Tones (Keeping)

Neutral quartz countertops have become the gold standard in Brooklyn kitchens, and they’re not going anywhere soon. The subtle, consistent patterning offers a calm visual foundation that works perfectly with both modern and traditional kitchen elements.

Durability is where quartz truly shines in busy Brooklyn households. Unlike natural stone, these engineered surfaces resist staining from wine, coffee, and cooking oils practically a requirement for serious home cooks. The non-porous surface also means no sealing is required, a maintenance bonus that busy Brooklyn residents appreciate.

While trends in color come and go, I find most clients still gravitate toward whites, creams, and light grays that brighten spaces and create an airy feel. These neutral tones create the perfect backdrop for seasonal decor changes and colorful kitchen accessories.

11. Subway Tile Backsplash (Keeping)

Subway tiles continue their reign in Brooklyn kitchens, proving themselves the ultimate design chameleon. These rectangular classics pay homage to our city’s iconic underground transportation system while providing a clean, timeless backdrop that works in virtually any kitchen style.

The versatility comes from endless installation options. I’ve created dramatically different looks using the same basic white tile herringbone patterns for artistic flair, vertical stacking for modern spaces, and traditional horizontal layouts with contrasting grout for historic homes. This adaptability explains why subway tile transcends passing trends.

Cost-effectiveness is another major factor in subway tile’s staying power. Brooklyn homeowners appreciate that this classic look remains accessible at various price points, from budget-friendly ceramic options to handmade artisanal versions with unique glazes and subtle variations.

12. Under-cabinet LED Lighting (Keeping)

Under-cabinet lighting has evolved from luxury to essential in Brooklyn kitchens, with sleek LED strips now the gold standard. These discreet light sources transform the functionality of countertop workspaces, eliminating shadows that make food prep challenging.

The energy efficiency of modern LED systems particularly appeals to environmentally conscious Brooklyn homeowners. Unlike their fluorescent predecessors, today’s options consume minimal electricity while providing better light quality. Many of my clients are surprised by how affordable these systems have become, with wireless options eliminating complicated installation.

Beyond practical benefits, these lights add ambiance when dimmed for evening entertaining a must for Brooklyn’s social kitchen culture. They also visually expand smaller spaces by creating depth and dimension, a clever trick for maximizing the feel of compact kitchens in the borough’s historic buildings.

13. Matte-Black Hardware (Keeping)

Matte-black hardware has secured its place as a Brooklyn kitchen staple, transcending fleeting trends to become a modern classic. These sophisticated dark accents provide striking contrast against light cabinetry while blending seamlessly with darker finishes versatility that explains their enduring appeal.

What draws Brooklyn homeowners to this finish is its forgiving nature. Unlike polished metals that show every fingerprint, matte black maintains its clean appearance with minimal maintenance, perfect for busy family kitchens. The non-reflective finish also creates a subtle sophistication that elevates both contemporary and traditional cabinet styles.

I find clients particularly appreciate how these dark accents anchor a kitchen design without overwhelming it. They provide just enough visual interest to feel intentional while allowing other elements like statement lighting or specialty tile to take center stage when desired.