7 Kitchen Designs On Their Way Out In PA And 6 That Continue To Impress

Pennsylvania kitchens are evolving faster than ever, with homeowners constantly seeking fresh looks for the heart of their home.

What worked just a few years ago might now feel dated, while other design elements stand the test of time.

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation in the Keystone State, knowing which trends are fading and which continue to shine can save you from costly design regrets.

1. Tuscan-Inspired Kitchens

Remember those warm, Mediterranean-inspired kitchens with terracotta tiles and wrought iron accents? Pennsylvania homeowners are saying arrivederci to this once-popular style. The heavy, ornate look that dominated the early 2000s now feels cluttered and outdated in today’s homes.

Modern PA residents prefer cleaner lines and simpler aesthetics that make spaces feel larger and more inviting. The dark, rustic elements of Tuscan kitchens often make rooms feel smaller and darker a particular drawback during Pennsylvania’s already gray winter months.

If you still love Mediterranean warmth, consider incorporating just one or two elements instead of the full-blown theme. A terracotta backsplash or a few copper accents can add warmth without overwhelming your space.

2. Granite Countertops with Heavy Movement

Those busy, highly patterned granite countertops that were once the crown jewel of Pennsylvania kitchens are rapidly falling from favor. The swirling, high-contrast patterns that made these surfaces stand out now often clash with the cleaner aesthetics homeowners prefer.

Visually heavy granite can make kitchens feel chaotic and dated, especially when paired with other busy elements. Pennsylvania designers report clients specifically requesting alternatives to these high-movement patterns, seeking surfaces that won’t compete with other design elements.

What’s interesting is that granite itself isn’t entirely out it’s specifically those dramatic, high-contrast patterns that are losing appeal. If you’re attached to granite, consider varieties with subtler, more uniform patterning for a more current look.

3. Black Appliances

Black appliances, once considered sleek and modern in Pennsylvania kitchens, are quickly becoming yesterday’s news. These dark appliances often create a heavy, dated look that can make kitchens feel smaller and more closed-in particularly problematic in Pennsylvania’s older homes with already modest kitchen footprints.

Fingerprints and water spots show prominently on black surfaces, making these appliances high-maintenance for busy families. Pennsylvania homeowners increasingly prefer appliances that blend seamlessly with their kitchen design rather than creating stark contrasts.

If you’re updating your kitchen, consider stainless steel, which continues to hold strong, or the newer trend of panel-ready appliances that can be customized to match your cabinetry for a cohesive, integrated look that makes spaces feel larger.

4. Fluorescent Overhead Lighting

Harsh fluorescent lighting fixtures are rapidly disappearing from Pennsylvania kitchens, and for good reason. These unflattering lights not only create an institutional feel but also cast a cold, bluish glow that makes food and people look unappetizing hardly ideal for the heart of your home.

Many older PA homes still have these outdated box lights with their telltale humming and flickering. Beyond the aesthetic issues, fluorescents can trigger headaches and eye strain for sensitive individuals, making kitchen time uncomfortable.

Pennsylvania homeowners are now embracing layered lighting approaches with recessed lights for general illumination, pendant fixtures for style and task lighting, and under-cabinet lights for practicality. This creates a warmer, more inviting atmosphere while improving functionality for cooking and gathering.

5. Wall-to-Wall Cabinetry

The days of cramming every inch of kitchen wall space with cabinets are waning in Pennsylvania homes. This maximalist approach to storage often creates a boxy, claustrophobic feeling that makes kitchens feel smaller and more dated than they actually are.

Many Pennsylvania homeowners are now removing upper cabinets on at least one wall, replacing them with open shelving or simply leaving breathing room. This creates a more spacious feel that’s especially valuable in the state’s many historic homes with smaller kitchen footprints.

Beyond aesthetics, this shift reflects changing priorities displaying favorite items rather than hiding everything away, and creating visual breaks in the kitchen landscape. Strategic cabinet placement rather than wall-to-wall coverage creates a more thoughtful, contemporary look that Pennsylvania designers are increasingly recommending.

6. Matching Kitchen Sets

Those perfectly coordinated kitchen sets where cabinets, counters, backsplash and flooring all match in color and style are rapidly falling out of favor across Pennsylvania. This matchy-matchy approach now reads as unimaginative and outdated, lacking the personal touch today’s homeowners crave.

Pennsylvania interior designers report clients specifically requesting more eclectic, collected-over-time looks. The trend now favors thoughtful contrast perhaps lighter upper cabinets with a darker island, or countertops that complement rather than match the backsplash.

This shift reflects a broader move toward more personalized spaces with character and visual interest. Rather than looking like a showroom display, modern Pennsylvania kitchens tell a story through thoughtfully combined elements that create depth and personality while still maintaining cohesion through complementary (not matching) colors and materials.

7. Closed-Off Kitchens

Walled-off kitchens are rapidly becoming relics of the past in Pennsylvania homes. These isolated cooking spaces, common in older PA houses, no longer align with how modern families live and entertain. The cook ends up separated from family and guests, missing out on conversation and connection.

Pennsylvania contractors report that removing walls to create more open-concept layouts remains one of their most requested renovations. This is especially true in the state’s many historic homes, where small, compartmentalized kitchens were designed for household staff rather than family gathering.

Beyond the social benefits, opening up kitchens allows natural light to flow throughout the main living space – a significant advantage during Pennsylvania’s gray winter months. While completely open concepts may be softening, the fully closed-off kitchen is definitely on its way out across the Keystone State.

8. Shaker Cabinets (Continue to Impress)

Shaker cabinets remain Pennsylvania’s most enduring kitchen staple, showing no signs of losing their appeal. Their clean, simple frames with recessed center panels strike the perfect balance between completely flat modern doors and ornately detailed traditional styles – making them versatile enough for nearly any home.

What makes these cabinets particularly popular in Pennsylvania is their connection to the state’s rich history. The Shaker religious community had a significant presence in the region, and their dedication to craftsmanship resonates with PA homeowners who value quality and heritage.

While color preferences may shift from white to gray to the increasingly popular sage green and navy – the fundamental Shaker design continues to dominate Pennsylvania kitchen renovations. Their timeless appeal and ability to complement both traditional and contemporary elements ensure they’ll remain a Pennsylvania favorite for years to come.

9. Quartz Countertops (Continue to Impress)

Quartz countertops have firmly established themselves as Pennsylvania’s premium countertop choice, with no signs of fading popularity. Their engineered durability perfectly suits busy PA families dealing with everything from homework sessions to holiday cookie marathons.

Unlike natural stone, quartz resists staining from red wine, tomato sauce, and other kitchen staples without requiring special sealants or maintenance a practical consideration for Pennsylvania’s food-centric culture. The material’s consistent patterning also appeals to homeowners seeking a cleaner aesthetic than what natural stone typically offers.

Pennsylvania designers note that while color preferences evolve from whites and creams to the increasingly popular soft grays and subtle veining the material itself remains in high demand. Quartz’s combination of performance and beauty, along with improving technology that creates increasingly natural-looking patterns, ensures its continued reign in Pennsylvania kitchens.

10. Subway Tile Backsplashes (Continue to Impress)

Subway tile backsplashes continue their impressive reign in Pennsylvania kitchens, proving themselves remarkably adaptable to changing design trends. These simple rectangular tiles, inspired by early 20th-century subway stations, offer a clean, timeless look that complements both historic Pennsylvania homes and new constructions.

While the classic white 3×6 tile remains popular, Pennsylvania homeowners are increasingly exploring variations handmade tiles with slight irregularities, colored options in soft greens or blues, and different installation patterns like herringbone or vertical stacking. This versatility allows subway tile to stay relevant while evolving with changing tastes.

Pennsylvania designers attribute subway tile’s staying power to its affordability, easy maintenance, and chameleon-like ability to look either traditional or modern depending on its context. As long as kitchens need practical, attractive backsplashes, subway tile will likely remain a Pennsylvania favorite.

11. Farmhouse Sinks (Continue to Impress)

Farmhouse sinks continue capturing Pennsylvania homeowners’ hearts, showing remarkable staying power beyond what many design experts predicted. Their deep, generous basins perfectly balance form and function accommodating everything from large stockpots for Pennsylvania Dutch soup traditions to holiday turkey roasters.

What’s evolving is the presentation. While white fireclay remains popular, Pennsylvania kitchens now showcase farmhouse sinks in materials ranging from hammered copper (particularly in homes near historic mining regions) to concrete and natural stone. The apron-front design that defines these sinks creates a focal point that draws the eye.

Pennsylvania kitchen designers attribute this sink style’s enduring appeal to its connection with the state’s strong agricultural heritage and farmhouse aesthetic. As long as Pennsylvania maintains its connection to its rural roots, these practical yet beautiful sinks will likely remain fixtures in the state’s kitchens.

12. Warm Neutrals (Continue to Impress)

Warm neutrals are experiencing a strong resurgence in Pennsylvania kitchens after years of cool grays dominating the scene. These earthy tones soft taupes, gentle beiges, and warm whites with yellow undertones create inviting spaces that feel particularly welcoming during Pennsylvania’s long winters.

Many Pennsylvania homeowners appreciate how these colors connect to the state’s natural landscape, from the golden wheat fields of Lancaster County to the sandy riverbanks of the Susquehanna. Unlike the stark white kitchens that dominated recent years, these warmer neutrals hide dust and fingerprints better – a practical consideration in a state known for its seasonal pollen and rural landscapes.

Pennsylvania designers note that these colors pair beautifully with both the traditional elements found in historic homes and the natural materials trending in contemporary designs. Their versatility and timeless quality suggest warm neutrals will remain Pennsylvania favorites for years to come.

13. Wood Flooring (Continue to Impress)

Hardwood flooring maintains its status as Pennsylvania’s premier kitchen flooring choice, with homeowners consistently willing to invest in this timeless material. The state’s strong connection to its forests and woodworking heritage makes wood floors particularly meaningful in Pennsylvania homes.

What’s changing is the finish and species preferences. Lighter white oak with matte finishes is rapidly replacing the darker stains popular a decade ago. This shift brightens kitchens while showcasing the natural grain patterns that give wood its character and warmth.

Engineered wood products have also gained significant traction, offering better moisture resistance for Pennsylvania’s variable climate while maintaining the authentic look homeowners desire. With sustainable forestry practices addressing environmental concerns and technological improvements enhancing durability, wood flooring’s popularity in Pennsylvania kitchens shows no signs of diminishing, connecting modern homes to the state’s rich natural resources.