8 Kitchen Trends Fading From Illinois Homes And 8 That Still Look Great

Kitchen styles change faster than you might think. What looked amazing five years ago might feel outdated today, while some designs never lose their charm.

I’m here to show you which trends are disappearing from Illinois kitchens and which ones homeowners still love, so you can make smart choices for your space.

1. Granite Countertops Everywhere

Heavy, dark granite used to be the gold standard for every kitchen remodel. Homeowners across Illinois installed it thinking it would never go out of style.

Now, lighter materials like quartz and marble are taking over. The busy patterns feel overwhelming in modern spaces. People want cleaner looks that don’t compete with their cabinets and backsplashes, making granite feel like yesterday’s news.

2. Tuscan-Style Everything

Remember when everyone wanted their kitchen to look like an Italian villa? Warm orange walls, heavy wood cabinets, and decorative tile made this style popular.

Today’s homeowners prefer simpler designs. The ornate details and dark colors make rooms feel smaller and cluttered. Illinois families are replacing these elements with brighter, more open concepts that let natural light shine through their spaces beautifully.

3. All-White Appliances

White appliances dominated kitchens for decades because they seemed clean and affordable. Many Illinois homes still have these holdovers from the 1990s and early 2000s.

Stainless steel and black stainless have become the new favorites. White shows every smudge and ages poorly compared to modern finishes. Replacing these appliances instantly updates a kitchen’s appearance and increases home value significantly.

4. Tile Countertops With Grout

Ceramic tile countertops seemed practical because you could replace individual tiles if one cracked. The grout lines created a unique textured look that some people loved.

Cleaning those grout lines became a nightmare over time. Stains, bacteria, and discoloration made these counters look dirty no matter how hard you scrubbed. Seamless surfaces are now preferred for hygiene and easier maintenance throughout Illinois kitchens.

5. Ornate Cabinet Hardware

Fancy cabinet pulls with swirls and detailed designs were everywhere during the early 2000s. Homeowners thought bigger and more decorative meant better quality and style.

Sleek, minimal hardware looks much more sophisticated now. Those ornate pieces collect dust in their grooves and feel dated. Simple bar pulls or even handleless cabinets give Illinois kitchens a fresh, contemporary vibe that ages gracefully.

6. Upper Cabinets Everywhere

Maximizing storage meant installing upper cabinets on every available wall. Kitchens felt functional but often looked cramped and blocked windows.

Open shelving and fewer upper cabinets create breathing room. Many Illinois homeowners are removing some uppers to add windows or display space. This trend makes kitchens feel larger and more inviting, especially in smaller homes where light matters most for comfort.

7. Matching Appliance Suites

Buying all your appliances in the same color and brand seemed like the coordinated choice. Showrooms pushed matching suites as the professional way to design.

Mixing finishes and styles adds personality now. A black range with stainless refrigerator creates visual interest instead of boring uniformity. Illinois kitchens benefit from this eclectic approach that feels curated rather than cookie-cutter, letting homeowners express individual taste.

8. Laminate Flooring That Looks Fake

Early laminate tried to mimic hardwood but fooled nobody with its plastic sheen. It was affordable and easy to install, making it tempting for budget renovations.

Better options exist today at similar prices. Luxury vinyl plank looks incredibly realistic and handles water better. Illinois homeowners are ripping out that fake-looking laminate for flooring that actually resembles natural materials while offering durability and easy maintenance.

9. Natural Wood Tones

Wood never truly goes out of style when done right. Warm oak, walnut, and maple bring organic beauty that makes kitchens feel welcoming and timeless.

Illinois homes with quality wood cabinets hold their value beautifully. The grain patterns add texture without overwhelming the space. Unlike painted cabinets that chip and show wear, wood ages gracefully and can be refinished, making it a smart long-term investment.

10. Subway Tile Backsplashes

This classic pattern has survived decades of design changes. White subway tiles work with virtually any cabinet color or countertop choice you can imagine.

Their simplicity is their strength in Illinois kitchens. You can install them horizontally, vertically, or in herringbone patterns for variety. They’re affordable, easy to clean, and won’t make your kitchen look dated in five years like trendier backsplash options often do.

11. Large Kitchen Islands

Islands have become the heart of modern kitchens. They provide extra prep space, storage, and casual seating all in one functional piece.

Illinois families gather around islands for homework, meals, and conversation. Unlike formal dining tables, islands keep the cook connected to family activities. Adding outlets and specialized storage makes them even more practical for today’s busy households that need multifunctional spaces.

12. Matte Black Fixtures

Black fixtures add drama without overwhelming your kitchen design. The matte finish hides fingerprints better than shiny chrome or stainless options.

This trend works especially well in Illinois kitchens with white or light-colored cabinets. The contrast creates definition and visual interest. Black pairs beautifully with gold, brass, or natural wood accents, giving you flexibility to personalize your space while maintaining a cohesive look.

13. Open Shelving Displays

Floating shelves replace some upper cabinets for an airy, modern feel. You can showcase pretty dishes, plants, or cookbooks as functional decoration.

This works great in Illinois kitchens that lack natural light. Removing heavy cabinets opens up the space visually. Just remember that open shelves require more maintenance since everything is visible. Choose items you actually use and love rather than cluttering shelves with random stuff.

14. Quartz Countertops

Engineered quartz combines beauty with practically zero maintenance. Unlike natural stone, it never needs sealing and resists stains incredibly well.

Illinois homeowners love quartz because it handles Midwest cooking messes easily. Spill tomato sauce or coffee? No problem. The non-porous surface wipes clean without absorbing liquids. Available in countless colors and patterns, quartz mimics marble without the high-maintenance headaches that natural stone brings.

15. Pendant Lighting Over Islands

Statement lighting transforms your island into a focal point. Pendants provide task lighting exactly where you need it for food prep and homework.

Choosing the right pendants lets you inject personality into your Illinois kitchen. Glass globes offer modern elegance while industrial metal shades create farmhouse charm. Hang them at the proper height so they illuminate without blocking sightlines across the kitchen for conversation.

16. Two-Tone Cabinet Colors

Mixing cabinet colors adds depth without a complete renovation. Dark lower cabinets with light uppers create balance and hide dirt where it happens most.

Many Illinois kitchens feature a contrasting island color as the statement piece. Navy blue, forest green, or charcoal gray islands pop against white perimeter cabinets. This trend gives you creative freedom while keeping the space from feeling too monotone or boring throughout.