11 Kitchen Styles Falling Out Of Favor In Florida (And 11 That Are Here To Stay)

Florida kitchens are evolving faster than ever, with homeowners seeking spaces that blend function with coastal flair.

What worked just a few years ago might now feel dated in the Sunshine State’s competitive real estate market. As someone who’s helped redesign hundreds of Florida kitchens, I’ve watched certain styles fade while others gain serious staying power.

Let’s explore which kitchen trends are on their way out in Florida and which ones will continue to shine in our tropical paradise.

1. All-white cabinetry everywhere

Remember when every Florida kitchen featured blinding white cabinets from floor to ceiling? This once-popular look is rapidly losing favor across the state. The pristine appearance quickly shows every fingerprint, food splash, and dust particle not ideal in our humid climate where mold and mildew can be ongoing battles.

Maintenance headaches aside, the stark white creates a clinical feeling that feels disconnected from Florida’s warm, inviting atmosphere. Many homeowners report the all-white kitchen feels too sterile and lacks personality.

Instead, Floridians are embracing contrast, with white reserved for certain elements rather than dominating the entire space. The shift reflects our desire for kitchens that feel lived-in and welcoming rather than showroom-perfect.

2. Tuscan-inspired dark wood

Those heavy, ornate Tuscan-inspired kitchens with dark cherry and mahogany cabinets are rapidly disappearing from Florida homes. This Mediterranean style that dominated the early 2000s now feels oppressively dark and formal in our sunshine-filled state.

Dark wood absorbs light rather than reflecting it, creating gloomy spaces that contradict Florida’s bright, airy aesthetic. The heavy carved details also collect dust and grease in our humid climate, making cleaning a constant chore.

Florida homeowners now recognize that while this style might work beautifully in cooler northern states, it fights against our natural environment. The move away from Tuscan kitchens represents a broader shift toward designs that embrace rather than resist Florida’s unique character and lighting conditions.

3. Ornate corbels and trim

Fancy corbels and elaborate crown moldings are quickly becoming relics in modern Florida kitchens. These decorative architectural elements that once signaled luxury now read as fussy and impractical. The intricate carvings and scrollwork collect dust, grease, and moisture in our humid climate.

Cleaning these detailed pieces becomes a nightmare imagine trying to wipe down ornate carvings with a cloth! Beyond the practical concerns, these decorative elements create visual clutter that contradicts the calming, breezy feel most Floridians crave in their homes.

Many homeowners are ripping out these features during renovations, opting instead for cleaner lines that better complement our indoor-outdoor lifestyle. The shift shows how Florida design continues to prioritize livability over showiness.

4. Heavy granite countertops

Those speckled, busy granite countertops that dominated Florida kitchens for decades are quickly losing their appeal. The mottled patterns and heavy visual texture that once seemed luxurious now feel dated and overwhelming to the eye. Dark granite varieties especially make spaces feel smaller and more confined – the opposite of what we want in our open, airy Florida homes.

Beyond aesthetics, these countertops present practical issues. The porous nature of granite requires regular sealing to prevent staining, creating extra maintenance in our humid climate.

Homeowners increasingly report feeling tired of working around the busy patterns when preparing food or cleaning. As Florida design embraces simplicity and visual calm, these visually chaotic surfaces are being replaced with cleaner alternatives that better complement our relaxed lifestyle.

5. Overly distressed finishes

Those aggressively distressed cabinets and furniture pieces that were all the rage in Florida kitchens are rapidly falling from favor. The artificially aged, heavily weathered finishes that were meant to convey a casual, lived-in feel now look contrived and dated.

Florida homeowners have grown weary of cabinets that appear damaged right from installation. The fake wear marks, intentional dents, and excessive distressing often look cartoonish rather than authentically vintage – especially in newer homes.

Many people are now questioning why they paid premium prices for furniture that looked pre-damaged. As Florida design matures, we’re seeing a preference for subtle character marks over theatrical distressing. This shift reflects a broader move toward authenticity in home design, with homeowners preferring natural aging over manufactured imperfections.

6. Raised-panel cabinet doors

Traditional raised-panel cabinet doors are quickly disappearing from Florida’s most stylish kitchens. These ornate door styles with their elevated center panels and detailed edges create shadows and visual weight that feels out of step with our bright, coastal aesthetic.

The raised edges and grooves become collection points for dust and grime in our humid environment. Many homeowners find themselves spending extra time cleaning these detailed surfaces, especially as they age.

Another downside? These cabinet doors often make smaller Florida kitchens feel visually busy and cramped. The detailed profiles add unnecessary complexity to spaces where simplicity would better serve the room. As Florida continues embracing cleaner lines and more minimalist influences, these fussy door styles are being replaced with simpler alternatives that better complement our relaxed lifestyle.

7. Busy mosaic backsplashes

Those multi-colored, intricate mosaic backsplashes that once dominated Florida kitchens are rapidly falling out of favor. The tiny tiles in rainbow hues or complex patterns that seemed so distinctive a decade ago now create visual chaos that fights with other elements in the kitchen.

Cleaning these busy surfaces becomes a genuine hassle. The numerous grout lines collect cooking grease and moisture, becoming discolored over time despite our best efforts. Many homeowners report feeling visually stressed by the busy patterns after living with them for several years.

Florida’s design sensibility has evolved toward creating calm, restful spaces that balance our often hectic lifestyles. The shift away from these eye-catching but overwhelming backsplashes represents a broader move toward kitchens that feel like peaceful retreats rather than visual excitement centers.

8. Faux farmhouse sinks

Those cheaply made imitation farmhouse sinks that briefly flooded the Florida market are quickly being torn out of homes across the state. Unlike authentic apron-front sinks made from quality materials, these budget versions often feature thin fiberglass or acrylic constructions that scratch easily and yellow over time in our strong sunlight.

Many homeowners discovered these faux versions couldn’t withstand daily use in busy Florida kitchens. The poorly designed drainage and awkward installations created constant maintenance issues, with some even causing cabinet damage from improper waterproofing.

The trend represented a classic case of style over substance – a farmhouse aesthetic that made little sense in our coastal setting. As Florida kitchen design matures, we’re seeing a return to materials and forms that genuinely connect to our regional character rather than borrowing mismatched styles from other regions.

9. Bulky kitchen islands

Those massive, oversized kitchen islands that dominated Florida homes are increasingly being scaled back or removed entirely. These behemoths that once seemed impressive now feel like obstacles in our open-concept spaces, restricting movement and making kitchens feel cramped despite their size.

Many Florida homeowners report these islands becoming clutter magnets that collect mail, keys, and random items rather than serving their intended purpose. The sheer scale often proves impractical – islands so large you need to walk around them to reach something on the other side waste precious energy in daily cooking tasks.

With Florida’s emphasis on indoor-outdoor flow, these islands frequently block natural pathways to patios and pool areas. The trend toward more appropriately scaled islands reflects our growing understanding that bigger isn’t always better in kitchen design – functionality and proportion matter more than sheer size.

10. Oil-rubbed bronze fixtures

Those dark oil-rubbed bronze fixtures that once adorned nearly every Florida kitchen are rapidly being replaced across the state. The muddy brown-black finish that was meant to feel timeless now appears heavy and dated against our bright coastal interiors.

Florida’s intense sunlight and humidity haven’t been kind to these finishes either. Many homeowners report disappointing wear patterns, with the coating rubbing off unevenly at touch points, revealing mismatched metals underneath. The dark color shows water spots more prominently – a constant battle in our humid climate.

Perhaps most importantly, these dark fixtures absorb rather than reflect light, creating visual heaviness in spaces where we crave brightness. As Florida continues embracing its unique coastal character, we’re selecting fixtures that enhance rather than fight against our abundant natural light and breezy aesthetic.

11. Dark espresso cabinets

Those deep espresso-stained cabinets that once signaled luxury in Florida kitchens are rapidly disappearing from homes across the state. The nearly-black finish that seemed sophisticated a decade ago now makes spaces feel smaller, darker and more confined working against Florida’s abundant natural light rather than enhancing it.

Homeowners have discovered these dark finishes show every speck of dust, fingerprint, and water splash. In our humid climate, even minor cooking splatter becomes immediately visible against the dark background, creating constant cleaning challenges.

Beyond practical concerns, these cabinets often create a visual heaviness that contradicts Florida’s light, airy aesthetic. Many residents report feeling their kitchens are gloomy despite large windows. The shift away from these dark tones represents Florida’s growing design confidence in embracing colors that genuinely complement our unique light quality.

12. Light natural wood cabinetry

Light-toned natural wood cabinets have secured their place as a Florida kitchen staple that’s definitely here to stay. White oak, maple, and birch varieties with clear or slightly whitewashed finishes perfectly complement our coastal aesthetic while bringing essential warmth to spaces that might otherwise feel sterile.

These cabinets brilliantly reflect our abundant natural light, making spaces feel larger and more inviting. Unlike darker woods, these lighter varieties show minimal dust and fingerprints – a practical consideration in our beach-centric lifestyle where sand inevitably makes its way indoors.

The natural grain patterns add subtle visual interest without overwhelming the eye. Many homeowners appreciate how these cabinets create a neutral backdrop that allows other elements to shine while still feeling more personal than plain white. This balance of practicality and beauty explains why light wood remains consistently popular across Florida’s diverse regions.

13. Sleek quartz countertops

Quartz countertops have firmly established themselves as Florida’s most beloved countertop material with staying power for years to come. These engineered surfaces perfectly balance our need for practicality with our desire for beauty in often-humid conditions.

Unlike natural stone, quartz resists staining from our tropical fruits and cocktails without requiring constant sealing. The non-porous surface prevents bacteria growth crucial in our warm climate where food safety concerns are heightened. Many Florida homeowners particularly love the consistent, controlled patterns that provide visual interest without the chaotic busyness of natural stone.

White and light gray quartz varieties with subtle veining have proven especially popular, creating bright surfaces that reflect our abundant natural light. The material’s durability against scratches and heat damage makes it ideal for vacation homes and rental properties throughout the state, ensuring its continued popularity across all market segments.

14. Soft coastal color palettes

Soft coastal color palettes have become a permanent fixture in Florida kitchens, connecting indoor spaces with our stunning natural surroundings. Gentle blues, seafoam greens, and sandy beiges create a soothing atmosphere that feels authentically tied to our beaches and waterways.

These colors perform beautifully in our intense natural light, maintaining their character without washing out or appearing harsh. Many homeowners report these nature-inspired hues create a calming effect that makes kitchen time more enjoyable, especially during hurricane season when stress levels can rise.

Unlike trendy bold colors that quickly feel dated, these soft coastal tones have proven remarkably timeless across decades of Florida design. The palette’s versatility allows it to complement both traditional and contemporary kitchen styles, explaining why designers consistently return to these colors despite passing fads. This staying power confirms that connecting to our natural environment never goes out of style.

15. Minimal shaker-style cabinets

Shaker-style cabinets have cemented their place as Florida’s most enduring cabinet choice, transcending passing trends with their perfect balance of character and restraint. The simple frame-and-panel design provides just enough detail to prevent plainness without veering into fussiness that would compete with our vibrant surroundings.

These cabinets prove remarkably versatile, complementing both traditional beach cottages and sleek modern condos across the state. The clean lines create a sense of order that helps offset the inevitable clutter of vacation homes and rental properties.

From a practical standpoint, the flat surfaces are significantly easier to clean than ornate alternatives – crucial in our humid, salt-air environment where maintenance challenges are amplified. As Florida homeowners increasingly prioritize timeless design over trendy choices, these minimal cabinets continue gaining popularity for their ability to remain relevant through decades of changing tastes.

16. Brass and matte gold hardware

Warm metallic finishes like brushed brass and matte gold have firmly established themselves as enduring favorites in Florida kitchens. These subtle gold tones create a sun-kissed glow that beautifully complements our natural light while adding necessary warmth to white and neutral spaces.

Unlike the shiny brass of decades past, today’s versions feature subdued, brushed finishes that resist showing fingerprints and water spots – practical considerations in our humid climate. Many homeowners report these warm metallics maintain their appearance better than silver-toned alternatives in coastal areas, with less tarnishing from salt air exposure.

The gentle gleam creates a jewelry-like effect that elevates even simple kitchen designs. As Florida continues embracing its unique design identity, these warm metals have become signature elements that reference our abundant sunshine without being literally themed or kitschy – explaining their lasting appeal across diverse Florida communities.

17. Waterfall island edges

Waterfall edge islands have secured their position as a lasting design element in upscale Florida kitchens. This architectural detail, where countertop material continues seamlessly down the sides to the floor, creates a sculptural focal point that elevates the entire space.

The clean, continuous lines particularly complement our modern coastal aesthetic. Many Florida designers note how the vertical surfaces showcase beautiful stone or quartz patterns that would otherwise be limited to horizontal planes only. The seamless construction eliminates exposed edges and seams where moisture might otherwise penetrate – a significant advantage in our humid climate.

Beyond practicality, these islands create a sense of intentional luxury that appeals to Florida’s luxury market. The design works especially well in open-concept spaces typical of Florida homes, where kitchen islands are visible from living and dining areas. This visibility explains why investing in this architectural detail continues to deliver strong returns in our competitive real estate market.

18. Hidden appliance garages

Hidden appliance garages have become essential features in Florida kitchens built to last. These cleverly designed cabinets conceal frequently used small appliances like coffee makers, blenders, and toasters behind retractable doors, creating instantly cleaner-looking spaces with the push of a door.

For Florida homeowners who frequently entertain or rent their properties to vacationers, these hidden storage areas prove invaluable for maintaining a clutter-free appearance while keeping essentials readily accessible. The concealed spaces protect appliances from our humid air and salt exposure when not in use, extending their lifespan considerably.

Modern versions feature interior outlets and custom dividers tailored to specific appliances. This thoughtful organization represents Florida’s growing emphasis on kitchens that appear serene and minimal while still containing all the functionality needed for our indoor-outdoor entertaining lifestyle – explaining why this feature continues gaining popularity across new construction and renovations.

19. Statement pendant lighting

Statement pendant lights have secured their place as essential elements in Florida kitchens with staying power. These eye-catching fixtures serve as functional art pieces, adding personality to spaces that might otherwise feel generic in our competitive real estate market.

Coastal-inspired pendants featuring natural materials like rattan, woven seagrass, and textured glass particularly resonate with our indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Many homeowners report these lights create beautiful shadow patterns that add visual interest throughout the day as our strong sunlight shifts.

Beyond aesthetics, these pendants provide crucial task lighting over islands and dining areas where Florida families gather for meals and activities. The best versions combine visual impact with practical illumination – not just looking beautiful but actually improving how we use our kitchens. This perfect marriage of form and function explains why statement lighting continues evolving rather than disappearing from Florida’s design vocabulary.

20. Subtle textured backsplashes

Textured backsplashes with subtle dimension have firmly established themselves as enduring features in Florida’s most beautiful kitchens. Unlike flat surfaces, these backsplashes feature gentle waves, soft ripples, or dimensional patterns that catch our abundant natural light, creating ever-changing shadow play throughout the day.

Homeowners particularly appreciate how these surfaces reference our coastal environment without literal seashell motifs or themed designs. The gentle texture adds visual interest while remaining neutral enough to adapt to changing decor preferences over the years.

From a practical standpoint, these textured surfaces often conceal water spots and minor splashes better than perfectly flat alternatives – a significant advantage in our humid climate where cooking condensation is common. This blend of subtle beauty and practical performance explains why textured backsplashes continue gaining popularity even as other trends come and go in Florida’s evolving design landscape.

21. Large single-bowl sinks

Oversized single-bowl sinks have established themselves as must-have features in Florida kitchens built for the long term. These generous basins, typically 30-33 inches wide, provide the versatility our indoor-outdoor lifestyle demands easily accommodating everything from sandy beach toys to large seafood prep.

Florida homeowners particularly value the clean, minimalist appearance these sinks create compared to divided alternatives. The seamless design eliminates the awkward center divide where grime typically collects in traditional double-bowl versions. Many report these sinks significantly improve their cooking workflow, especially when entertaining large groups during our extended outdoor season.

Modern versions feature sound-dampening materials and custom-fitted accessories like cutting boards and colanders. This thoughtful engineering represents Florida’s growing emphasis on kitchens that combine beautiful simplicity with hardworking functionality explaining why this feature continues gaining popularity across all price points.

22. Clean-lined modern fixtures

Sleek, clean-lined fixtures have secured their position as enduring elements in Florida’s most timeless kitchens. These minimalist faucets and hardware pieces feature smooth surfaces and simple silhouettes that resist collecting dust and grime – a significant advantage in our humid, salt-air environment.

Beyond practicality, these fixtures create a sense of visual calm that complements rather than competes with our vibrant natural surroundings. Many homeowners report these streamlined elements help offset the inevitable visual complexity that comes with our indoor-outdoor lifestyle where kitchen items often move between spaces.

The best versions combine architectural simplicity with thoughtful engineering, like pull-down sprayers and spot-resistant finishes. This perfect marriage of form and function explains why clean-lined fixtures continue evolving rather than disappearing from Florida’s design vocabulary. As our state’s aesthetic continues maturing, these fixtures represent our growing preference for understated elegance over flashy trends.