North Dakota’s Kitchens Are Getting A Makeover, See What’s Out And What’s In
Hey there, North Dakota homeowners! As a kitchen designer with plenty of insider experience, I’m spotting some big changes in what’s hot and what’s not in Prairie State kitchens.
Those trendy elements that were all the rage just a few years ago? Many are heading for the exit door faster than a tumbleweed in a windstorm. Now, let’s dive into the kitchen trends that are fading away and the timeless features that will keep your space looking fresh for years to come.
1. All-White Kitchens Are Losing Their Sparkle
Remember when everyone wanted that pristine, hospital-like kitchen? Those days are numbered! White-on-white-on-white creates a cold, sterile environment that lacks personality.
North Dakota homeowners are now embracing warmth and character. The maintenance issues alone make all-white kitchens impractical, every crumb, splash, and fingerprint shows up like a neon sign.
Instead, folks are incorporating warmer elements and accent colors to create spaces that feel lived-in and welcoming rather than showroom-perfect.
2. Open Shelving Isn’t Practical For Prairie Living
How quickly the dream of Instagram-worthy open shelving collides with reality! Those perfectly styled shelves require constant attention and dusting, something our prairie dust makes nearly impossible.
Open shelving exposes everything to the elements. Your grandmother’s china collection becomes a dust magnet, and everyday items create visual clutter that feels overwhelming.
North Dakota’s practical sensibilities are winning out as homeowners return to closed cabinetry that hides the mess and protects dishware from our seasonal dust storms.
3. Ornate Cabinets Gathering More Dust Than Compliments
Those fussy, ornamental cabinet details once signaled luxury. Now they’re just collecting dust in every carved groove and flourish!
North Dakotans are embracing cleaner lines that reflect our straightforward, no-nonsense lifestyle. Intricate scrollwork and elaborate moldings feel disconnected from our prairie aesthetic.
Maintenance is another factor driving this trend’s decline. Who has time to clean all those nooks and crannies? The simplified look isn’t just about style, it’s about reclaiming precious hours you’d otherwise spend with a tiny brush, cleaning cabinet details.
4. Granite Countertops Losing Ground To Newer Materials
Though once the crown jewel of upscale kitchens, granite is sliding down the popularity charts faster than winter temperatures in Bismarck! Its busy patterns and high-maintenance needs have North Dakotans looking elsewhere.
The sealing requirements alone are driving folks away. Nobody wants to worry about red wine or tomato sauce permanently staining their investment.
Many homeowners tell me they’re tired of the dated speckled look that screams “2005 renovation.” While granite isn’t completely extinct, it’s definitely no longer the automatic choice for kitchen updates across the state.
5. Faux-Farmhouse Style Heading Back To The Barn
If you’ve got “Live, Laugh, Love” signs and distressed everything, I’ve got news for you! The overdone farmhouse look that invaded our homes is retreating faster than spring flooding.
North Dakota has actual farms, we don’t need to pretend! The manufactured rusticity feels inauthentic, especially when mass-produced and plastered throughout every room.
Homeowners are now seeking genuine character instead of artificial weathering. Authentic vintage pieces with history are replacing the factory-distressed items that dominated design shows and social media for far too long.
6. Pot Racks Over Islands Creating Overhead Hazards
Those suspended pot collections that seemed so chef-worthy? They’re coming down faster than hail in a summer storm! Dangling cookware creates visual clutter overhead that makes spaces feel chaotic and cramped.
Practical North Dakotans have realized these installations are dust collectors extraordinaire. Every pot needs cleaning before use, negating any convenience factor.
Safety concerns also play a role in this trend’s demise. Nobody wants to risk a concussion while reaching for something else, or worry about pots crashing down during one of our famous windstorms that sometimes make houses shake!
7. Tiny Subway Tile Backsplashes Creating Grout Nightmares
Those little rectangular tiles may look classic, but the minuscule size creates maximum cleaning headaches! The grout lines between tiny subway tiles become grimy frontiers that no amount of scrubbing can fully restore.
North Dakota homeowners are trading up to larger format tiles or seamless materials. With fewer grout lines to maintain, kitchen cleanup becomes significantly easier.
This shift isn’t just practical, it’s aesthetic too. Larger tiles create a more contemporary, streamlined look that makes kitchens feel more spacious and less busy, perfect for our open-concept prairie homes.
8. High-Gloss Finishes Reflecting Their Way Out
Those mirror-like cabinet finishes that once seemed so luxurious? They’re losing their shine across North Dakota! Every fingerprint, smudge, and water spot shows up with remarkable clarity on these reflective surfaces.
Our harsh climate doesn’t help either. The extreme temperature fluctuations we experience can cause high-gloss finishes to crack and deteriorate faster than in more moderate climates.
Homeowners are embracing more forgiving satin and matte finishes that hide imperfections better. These alternatives provide sophisticated looks without the constant maintenance battle that high-gloss requires.
9. Raised Bar Tops Creating Unnecessary Divisions
Those two-tier counters with elevated eating areas are toppling from favor! The raised sections create awkward divisions that fragment kitchen spaces rather than unifying them.
North Dakota families prefer single-level islands that offer flexibility. The same surface can transition seamlessly from prep area to homework station to buffet serving space for those big family gatherings.
The elimination of that raised barrier also improves sightlines and conversation flow. Parents can monitor homework while cooking, and hosts can interact with guests without that strange counter barrier creating social distance.
10. Industrial Pendant Lighting Dimming In Popularity
Those factory-style metal pendants that dominated kitchen islands? They’re powering down across North Dakota! The harsh, exposed bulb aesthetic often creates unflattering lighting that casts strange shadows.
The industrial look feels increasingly disconnected from our residential spaces. What works in a Brooklyn loft doesn’t necessarily translate to a Fargo family home.
Homeowners are seeking fixtures with softer profiles and warmer materials. Lighting that blends with the overall design rather than making an aggressive statement creates more harmonious spaces that feel intentionally designed rather than following a passing trend.
11. Wood Accents Bringing Natural Warmth That Never Fades
Nothing beats the timeless appeal of natural wood elements! Whether it’s exposed beams, butcher block sections, or accent panels, wood brings organic warmth that synthetic materials simply can’t match.
North Dakota homeowners appreciate how wood connects our indoor spaces with the natural world outside. It ages beautifully, developing character and patina over time.
The versatility makes wood eternally relevant. From rustic reclaimed barn wood to sleek walnut accents, there’s a wood treatment that complements any kitchen style while keeping it grounded in authentic materials that stand the test of time.
12. Neutral Color Palettes Providing Enduring Backdrops
Soft taupes, gentle grays, and warm beiges create kitchen foundations that never go out of style! These neutral palettes serve as perfect backdrops for seasonal accessories and changing tastes.
North Dakota homeowners value the flexibility neutrals provide. When your base elements aren’t locked into bold colors, you can refresh your space inexpensively with different accents.
These subdued hues also reflect our landscape beautifully. The soft prairie tones create harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces, making our homes feel connected to the surrounding environment rather than fighting against it.
13. Quartz Countertops Delivering Beauty Without The Babying
Hardworking North Dakotans appreciate materials that don’t need constant attention! Quartz delivers with its remarkable combination of beauty and practicality that suits our no-nonsense lifestyle.
Unlike natural stone, quartz never needs sealing. Spill red wine, tomato sauce, or coffee, just wipe it up without worrying about permanent stains.
The consistent patterning eliminates the anxious selection process of natural stone. What you see in the sample is what you get across your entire counter, making design planning much more straightforward for homeowners who value predictability and reliability.
14. Shaker Cabinets Standing The Test Of Time
When trends come and go, Shaker cabinets remain standing strong! Their clean lines and simple framework offer the perfect balance between character and neutrality that works in virtually any kitchen style.
North Dakota homeowners appreciate their versatility. Shaker profiles can lean traditional with certain hardware or swing contemporary with different finishes.
The straightforward design reflects our state’s practical values. No unnecessary flourishes or high-maintenance details, just honest craftsmanship that looks appropriate whether your home was built in 1920 or 2020.
15. Layered Lighting Creating Functional Ambiance
Smart lighting transforms kitchens from merely functional to genuinely inviting! A thoughtful combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting creates spaces that adapt to different needs throughout the day.
North Dakota’s dramatic seasonal light changes make versatile lighting especially important. Under-cabinet lights illuminate work surfaces, pendant fixtures provide focused task lighting, and recessed ceiling fixtures deliver overall illumination.
Dimmers add another layer of control, allowing brightness adjustments from energetic morning cooking sessions to intimate evening gatherings. This adaptability ensures your kitchen remains perfectly lit regardless of the activity or time of day.
16. Large Kitchen Islands Becoming Family Hubs
If there’s one feature North Dakotans won’t compromise on, it’s a generously sized island! These multifunctional workhorses serve as prep stations, dining spots, homework centers, and gathering places all in one.
The popularity reflects our community-centered values. Islands naturally draw people together, creating informal gathering spaces where family life happens organically.
Sizing matters significantly here. An appropriately scaled island provides ample workspace without impeding traffic flow. The best ones include thoughtful features like seating areas, storage drawers, and sometimes secondary sinks or appliances that enhance functionality.
17. Matte Black Fixtures Adding Subtle Sophistication
Forget trendy fixture finishes that quickly date your kitchen! Matte black offers understated elegance that works with virtually any design style without screaming for attention.
North Dakota homeowners appreciate how these fixtures provide definition without domination. They punctuate a space with subtle anchoring points that ground the overall design.
The practicality factor can’t be overlooked either. Matte finishes hide water spots and fingerprints far better than their shiny counterparts. This forgiving surface stays looking clean longer between wipedowns, perfect for busy households where constant polishing isn’t happening.
18. Built-In Storage Solutions Eliminating Countertop Clutter
Hidden organization systems are the secret ingredient of polished kitchens! Custom drawer dividers, appliance garages, and specialized cabinets keep countertops clear while ensuring everything has its proper place.
North Dakota’s practical residents value functionality above all. Thoughtfully designed storage maximizes every inch of available space without creating visual chaos.
The best built-in solutions address specific household needs. Coffee stations, baking centers, or specialized storage for unique collections make kitchens truly personal while maintaining that coveted clutter-free aesthetic that never goes out of style.
19. Natural Stone Backsplashes Creating Organic Focal Points
While tiny tiles retreat, natural stone backsplashes continue gaining ground! Materials like marble, limestone, and quartzite bring organic patterning and subtle color variations that synthetic options simply can’t replicate.
North Dakota folks appreciate connecting with natural materials that have stood the test of time. These stones have been forming for millions of years, they’re not likely to look dated next season!
Larger format stone installations with minimal grout lines create dramatic focal points while remaining surprisingly practical. The natural variations ensure that each kitchen maintains its unique character rather than looking mass-produced.
20. Wide Plank Wood Flooring Anchoring Spaces Beautifully
Nothing grounds a kitchen quite like generous wood planks underfoot! The substantial width creates visual stability that narrow strips simply can’t match.
North Dakota homes benefit from this flooring’s remarkable versatility. Wide planks work equally well in modern farmhouse kitchens and sleek contemporary spaces.
Engineered versions offer practical advantages for our climate’s temperature swings. They resist the expansion and contraction that can damage solid hardwood while still providing the authentic look and feel that synthetic alternatives lack.
This perfect marriage of beauty and practicality ensures their continued popularity.
21. Understated Hardware Letting Other Elements Shine
Cabinet hardware is jewelry for your kitchen, best when it complements rather than competes! Simple knobs and pulls in quality materials provide function without fighting for attention against your beautiful cabinets and countertops.
North Dakota homeowners increasingly choose streamlined options that feel good in the hand. The tactile experience matters when you’re opening and closing these elements multiple times daily.
Unlike statement pieces that quickly identify a kitchen’s vintage, understated hardware maintains visual relevance through changing trends. This approach creates timeless spaces where the overall design harmony takes precedence over any single decorative element.
