7 Kitchen Trends That Are Fading Fast And 7 That Still Make Sense

Kitchens evolve faster than almost any other room in our homes. What looked fresh and modern just a few years ago might now seem dated and impractical. As someone who’s remodeled dozens of kitchens, I’ve watched trends come and go.

Let’s explore which popular kitchen features are on their way out and which ones continue to deliver both style and function for years to come.

1. FADING: All-White Everything

Remember when every Pinterest kitchen looked like a bleached snowstorm? Those pristine white cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes are losing their sparkle. White kitchens show every speck of dirt and tomato sauce splatter.

I’ve had clients specifically request “anything but white” after living with the maintenance nightmare. The clinical, sterile look also lacks personality and warmth that today’s homeowners crave.

Kitchens should feel lived-in and welcoming, not like a laboratory where you’re afraid to cook!

2. FADING: Open Shelving Everywhere

Open shelving looked gorgeous in magazines but failed the real-life test. Your everyday dishes and mismatched mugs simply don’t create that curated look from design blogs. Plus, dust collection is a major headache.

My friend installed open shelving throughout her kitchen and regretted it within months. She was constantly rearranging and cleaning items that were rarely used just to maintain the aesthetic.

The pandemic also made us more aware of keeping things sanitized, and exposed kitchenware suddenly seemed less appealing.

3. FADING: Industrial Farmhouse Overload

Shiplap, barn doors, and mason jar lighting fixtures have reached peak saturation. This ultra-trendy style championed by certain TV designers has become the decorating equivalent of a one-hit wonder.

Just last week, a real estate agent told me that homes with heavy farmhouse styling are sitting on the market longer. The rustic industrial elements like exposed pipes and metal stools that once felt fresh now appear contrived.

Buyers want kitchens that feel timeless rather than tied to a specific design moment that screams “2018!”

4. FADING: Granite Countertops

Granite’s 30-year reign as the premium countertop choice is finally ending. Those speckled, busy patterns that dominated early 2000s kitchens now date a home faster than almost any other feature.

When I visit homes with golden-beige granite, it’s like stepping into a time capsule. Homeowners are increasingly choosing materials with subtler, more consistent patterns that won’t lock them into specific color schemes.

The high maintenance requirements of granite – regular sealing and special cleaners – also feel outdated compared to today’s more carefree alternatives.

5. FADING: Tuscan-Inspired Kitchens

Those faux-finished walls, ornate corbels, and Mediterranean tiles that transported us to an Italian villa are firmly in the rearview mirror. The heavy, dark wood cabinets and bronze fixtures that defined this look now feel oppressive and gloomy.

A client recently hired me specifically to erase all traces of her Tuscan kitchen nightmare. The terra cotta color palette and grape motif accessories had overstayed their welcome by about 15 years!

Today’s homeowners want kitchens that feel bright, airy and timeless rather than themed vacation rentals.

6. FADING: Over-the-Range Microwaves

Mounting microwaves above the range once seemed like smart space-saving, but this solution creates more problems than it solves. These units make poor ventilation hoods and are awkwardly positioned – too high for shorter people and potentially dangerous when handling hot food.

Last month, I helped a family relocate their microwave after their 12-year-old daughter spilled hot soup while trying to remove it from the over-range unit. Many homeowners now prefer drawer microwaves or dedicated microwave nooks in pantries.

Good ventilation has become a priority as home cooking increased, making proper range hoods essential.

7. FADING: Kitchen Desks

Those built-in kitchen desk areas that were supposed to organize family life have become clutter magnets. I’ve yet to see one that isn’t piled with mail, school papers, and random junk.

Remote work has taught us that dedicated, private workspace matters. Kitchen desk nooks offer neither privacy nor comfort for actual productive work. The ambient noise and cooking smells make concentration difficult.

Homeowners are reclaiming these awkward spaces for pantry storage, coffee stations, or appliance garages – uses that actually make sense in a kitchen environment.

8. STAYING: Smart Storage Solutions

Pull-out pantries, deep drawers, and specialized organizers aren’t just passing fads – they’re game-changers that make kitchens more functional. My clients consistently rave about their drawer dividers and pull-out spice racks years after installation.

A mom of three recently told me her pull-out trash and recycling center was the best money she ever spent. These solutions maximize every inch of available space while keeping everyday items accessible.

As kitchens continue to be multifunctional hubs, smart storage that reduces visual clutter while improving efficiency will always be in demand.

9. STAYING: Quality Appliances

Investing in high-performance appliances that last never goes out of style. The pandemic reinforced the value of reliable kitchen workhorses as home cooking surged.

My professional-grade range purchased eight years ago still performs flawlessly while cheaper alternatives my friends bought have already needed replacement. Energy-efficient models also provide ongoing savings that offset their higher initial cost.

Appliance technology continues improving, but choosing established brands with proven track records and good warranties remains the wisest approach for items that see daily use and significant investment.

10. STAYING: Quartz Countertops

Quartz has dethroned granite for good reason – it offers beauty without the baggage. These engineered surfaces resist staining, never need sealing, and provide consistent patterns that complement rather than dominate kitchen design.

After installing quartz in my own kitchen five years ago, I’ve subjected it to everything from red wine spills to hot pans with zero damage. The material’s versatility spans from minimalist modern to traditional designs.

Manufacturing improvements have created incredibly realistic stone-look options without the maintenance headaches of natural materials.

11. STAYING: Touchless Faucets

Hands-free faucet technology has proven its worth beyond initial novelty. These fixtures save water, prevent cross-contamination, and help keep your kitchen cleaner.

My neighbor installed one three years ago and says it’s particularly valuable when handling raw meat or sticky baking projects. The technology has improved dramatically, with fewer sensor glitches and longer battery life than early models.

Many now include voice activation features that allow you to dispense exact measurements for recipes. This perfect blend of practicality and innovation ensures touchless faucets will remain kitchen staples.

12. STAYING: Mixed Cabinet Finishes

Kitchens featuring different cabinet colors have staying power because they break up visual monotony while adding personality. Unlike the matching-everything approach of decades past, this look feels collected and custom.

A recent client used navy lower cabinets with white uppers, creating a look that feels fresh but not trendy. The key is choosing complementary colors rather than competing ones.

This approach also allows flexibility – you can repaint an island or lower cabinets to refresh your kitchen without overhauling everything. Thoughtful color mixing creates dimension in ways that single-color kitchens simply can’t achieve.

13. STAYING: Hardworking Islands

Kitchen islands that multitask have proven their lasting value beyond trend cycles. The best ones combine seating, storage, and workspace while serving as natural gathering spots.

My sister’s island includes a prep sink, microwave drawer, and comfortable seating that makes homework supervision possible while cooking dinner. For smaller kitchens, rolling islands offer flexibility when extra space is needed.

As open floor plans continue dominating home design, islands create crucial definition between cooking and living spaces while providing the functional heart of the home.

14. STAYING: Statement Lighting

Well-chosen lighting fixtures act as kitchen jewelry that elevates the entire space. Unlike trendy cabinet styles or specific colors, statement pendants can be easily swapped when tastes change.

One of my favorite kitchen transformations involved replacing dated flush-mount fixtures with dramatic oversized pendants above an island. The change cost under $500 but completely transformed the room’s feel.

Good lighting serves practical purposes while creating atmosphere and visual interest. Investing in quality fixtures with timeless shapes rather than overly trendy styles ensures they’ll enhance your kitchen for years.