14 Tennessee Kitchen Styles Fading Away And 12 That Still Steal The Spotlight
Tennessee kitchens have evolved dramatically over the years, reflecting both Southern heritage and modern design trends. Some traditional styles that once defined homes across the Volunteer State are slowly disappearing, while others continue to captivate homeowners with their timeless appeal. From historic farmhouse layouts to sleek contemporary designs, these kitchen styles tell the story of Tennessee’s changing tastes and lifestyle preferences.
1. Country Cottage Clutter
Once a staple in Tennessee homes, the overly decorated country cottage kitchen with its abundance of knickknacks and ornamental plates is losing popularity. Homeowners are moving away from cluttered countertops filled with rooster figurines and decorative canisters.
The busy wallpaper borders and excessive ruffled curtains that defined this style are being replaced with cleaner looks. People now prefer more functional spaces with room to breathe rather than surfaces covered in collectibles.
2. Tuscan Inspired Overload
Heavy Mediterranean influences with terra cotta tiles and dark ornate cabinetry are falling out of favor across Tennessee homes. The faux-finished walls in deep oranges and browns that dominated early 2000s kitchens feel dated to modern homeowners.
Wrought iron accessories and grape motifs that once signaled luxury now appear overwhelming. Tennessee families are stepping away from the heavy, dark atmosphere of these spaces in favor of brighter, more open concepts.
3. Oak Cabinet Empire
Golden oak cabinets that dominated Tennessee kitchens throughout the 1980s and 1990s are rapidly disappearing from homes. Their distinctive orange-yellow tone and cathedral arch designs now signal an outdated space in need of renovation.
Often paired with laminate countertops and brass hardware, these cabinets created a warm but increasingly dated look. Homeowners are either painting these cabinets or replacing them entirely with more contemporary styles that better reflect current design sensibilities.
4. Checkerboard Flooring Fantasy
Black and white checkerboard floors once symbolized classic Tennessee kitchen style but are increasingly rare in new renovations. This high-contrast pattern that evoked 1950s diners and traditional Southern homes is being replaced with more subtle flooring options.
The bold visual statement these floors make can feel busy and overwhelming in contemporary spaces. Modern Tennessee homeowners typically opt for more understated, natural-looking materials that provide a neutral backdrop for kitchen activities.
5. Distressed Furniture Overload
Heavily distressed furniture pieces with chipped paint and artificial wear marks are losing their appeal in Tennessee kitchens. This once-popular farmhouse look featuring deliberately aged cabinets, tables and islands has begun to feel contrived rather than authentic.
The excessive shabby chic aesthetic with its intentionally worn finishes now appears outdated. Homeowners are gravitating toward genuine vintage pieces with natural patina or cleaner, more refined versions of rustic style.
6. Wallpapered Wonderland
Fully wallpapered kitchens with busy patterns covering every wall are vanishing from Tennessee homes. These pattern-heavy spaces featuring country motifs like apples, roosters, and gingham once dominated rural and suburban kitchens throughout the state.
Wallpaper borders running along the ceiling line have become particularly dated signifiers. Modern homeowners prefer the cleaner look of painted walls with perhaps a single accent wall, finding the all-over pattern approach overwhelming and difficult to maintain.
7. Fluorescent Box Lighting
The rectangular fluorescent light fixtures that cast harsh illumination across Tennessee kitchens are rapidly disappearing. These utilitarian plastic-covered boxes with their institutional feel and unflattering light quality are being removed during most renovations.
Once valued purely for functionality, these fixtures are now recognized for their negative impact on both ambiance and food presentation. Homeowners are replacing them with recessed lighting, pendant fixtures, and under-cabinet solutions that provide more pleasant and flexible illumination.
8. Excessive Theme Decorating
Heavily themed kitchens featuring collections of matching decorative items are falling out of favor across Tennessee. Fruit-themed kitchens with coordinating canisters, clock, linens, and wall art feel overly coordinated to contemporary homeowners.
Other fading themes include rooster collections, coffee-themed decor, and wine-inspired accessories that once dominated Tennessee kitchen spaces. The current preference is for more subtle nods to personal interests rather than all-encompassing decorative schemes.
9. Cherry Wood Domination
Dark cherry cabinets that once signified luxury in Tennessee kitchens are rapidly losing popularity. Their rich red undertones and formal appearance that dominated upscale homes in the early 2000s now make spaces feel smaller and more dated.
Often paired with black granite countertops and ornate hardware, these kitchens created a heavy, traditional look. Today’s Tennessee homeowners prefer lighter wood tones or painted cabinets that create a more spacious, airy feeling.
10. Tiled Countertop Takeover
Ceramic tile countertops with their problematic grout lines are vanishing from Tennessee kitchens. Once popular for their affordability and DIY-friendly installation, these surfaces with small 4×4 tiles created maintenance headaches and uneven work surfaces.
The grout quickly became stained and difficult to clean, especially in busy family kitchens. Modern Tennessee homeowners strongly prefer solid surface options like quartz, granite, or butcher block that offer seamless preparation areas without the cleaning challenges.
11. Kitchen Desk Disappearance
The dedicated kitchen desk area that was once considered essential in Tennessee homes is rapidly being removed during renovations. These built-in workstations with their cabinet-matched construction were designed for paying bills and organizing family schedules.
With the rise of laptops, tablets and smartphones, these fixed desk areas have become obsolete. Homeowners are reclaiming this space for additional storage, expanded countertops, or removing them entirely to create more open floor plans.
12. Fancy Cabinet Facades
Ornate cabinet doors with intricate raised panels, elaborate crown moldings, and decorative glazing are losing their appeal in Tennessee kitchens. These highly detailed cabinet fronts with their formal appearance and dust-collecting crevices require more maintenance than simpler styles.
The combination of detailed woodwork and distressed finishes that once signaled luxury now feels outdated. Modern Tennessee homeowners prefer cleaner lines and simpler door styles that create a more timeless look requiring less upkeep.
13. Kitchen Soffits and Bulkheads
The boxed-in areas above kitchen cabinets known as soffits are being removed from Tennessee homes whenever possible. These architectural features that closed the gap between cabinets and ceiling created dust-collecting spaces and made kitchens feel smaller and more closed-in.
Often covered in the same wallpaper as the walls or painted to match cabinets, these bulkheads limited cabinet height. Today’s renovations typically extend cabinets to the ceiling or leave open space above for displaying items.
14. Busy Granite Patterns
Highly variegated granite countertops with dramatic movement and multiple colors are falling out of favor in Tennessee kitchens. These visually busy stone surfaces with gold, brown, and burgundy mineral deposits that were status symbols in the 2000s now appear dated and overwhelming.
The speckled, high-contrast patterns often clash with other design elements. Current homeowners prefer more subtle stone or quartz options with less dramatic veining and more consistent coloration that provides a calmer visual backdrop.
15. Modern Farmhouse Charm
The modern farmhouse kitchen continues to dominate Tennessee homes with its perfect blend of rustic elements and contemporary convenience. Shaker cabinets painted in soft whites or grays paired with wood accents create an inviting yet updated space.
Apron front sinks, barn-inspired lighting, and natural wood open shelving maintain the style’s popularity. This aesthetic resonates deeply with Tennessee homeowners who appreciate its connection to the state’s agricultural heritage while enjoying modern functionality.
16. Transitional Timelessness
Transitional kitchens that bridge traditional and contemporary elements remain extremely popular across Tennessee. These balanced spaces feature clean lines and classic proportions without committing fully to either extreme of the design spectrum.
Neutral color palettes with subtle texture variations create visual interest without overwhelming the senses. Tennessee homeowners appreciate how this adaptable style can be personalized with accessories while maintaining a timeless foundation that won’t quickly become dated.
17. Industrial Influence
Industrial-inspired kitchens continue to attract Tennessee homeowners, particularly in urban areas and converted spaces. Exposed brick, metal accents, and commercial-grade appliances create a distinctive look that references the state’s manufacturing heritage.
Open shelving with metal brackets, pendant lighting with cage details, and concrete or butcher block countertops maintain this style’s appeal. The practical, unfussy nature of industrial kitchens resonates with those seeking an authentic, hardworking space with character.
18. Classic White Brightness
All-white kitchens maintain their strong popularity across Tennessee with their clean, bright aesthetic. White cabinets, marble or quartz countertops, and subway tile backsplashes create a timeless look that never seems to go out of style.
The light-reflecting qualities make even small kitchens feel more spacious and airy. Tennessee homeowners continue to embrace this versatile palette that serves as a perfect backdrop for seasonal decor changes or colorful accessories.
19. Two-Tone Cabinet Combinations
Two-tone cabinet arrangements remain a favorite choice in Tennessee kitchens, typically featuring darker base cabinets with lighter upper cabinets or islands. This thoughtful contrast adds visual interest while maintaining a cohesive overall design.
Navy blue islands with white perimeter cabinets or wood lowers with painted uppers create dynamic spaces. Tennessee homeowners appreciate how this approach adds personality without overwhelming the room, allowing for color without committing to an all-over bold choice.
20. Open Concept Layouts
Open concept kitchens that flow seamlessly into living and dining areas continue to dominate Tennessee home design. These spacious layouts reflect the sociable nature of Southern entertaining and family gatherings centered around food preparation.
Large islands with seating serve as the heart of these spaces, allowing for conversation while cooking. The popularity of this arrangement shows no signs of waning as Tennessee homeowners prioritize inclusive spaces that bring people together rather than isolating the cook.
21. Natural Wood Warmth
Natural wood cabinets in medium to light tones are experiencing a strong resurgence in Tennessee kitchens. Moving away from the dark cherry and golden oak of previous decades, today’s wood kitchens showcase white oak, walnut, or maple with clear finishes that highlight natural grain patterns.
These spaces feel organic and grounded while maintaining a contemporary edge. Tennessee homeowners are drawn to the warmth and authenticity these materials bring to the heart of their homes.
22. Statement Lighting Fixtures
Dramatic lighting installations continue to be a defining feature in Tennessee kitchens. Oversized pendants above islands, sculptural chandeliers over dining areas, and artistic fixtures serve as functional focal points that elevate the entire space.
Matte black, aged brass, and mixed metal finishes dominate current preferences. Tennessee homeowners recognize that distinctive lighting offers significant design impact with relatively modest investment compared to other kitchen elements.
23. Smart Kitchen Technology
Technology-integrated kitchens are increasingly popular across Tennessee, with touchless faucets, smart appliances, and voice-activated systems becoming standard features. These innovations blend seamlessly into various design styles while offering unprecedented convenience and efficiency.
Hidden charging stations, integrated speakers, and appliances that can be controlled remotely appeal to busy families. Tennessee homeowners embrace these technological advances that simplify cooking and entertaining while maintaining the kitchen’s role as the heart of the home.
24. Colorful Cabinet Choices
Bold cabinet colors are gaining momentum in Tennessee kitchens, with deep blues, greens, and even black replacing safer neutral choices. These statement-making hues create personality-filled spaces that reflect the homeowner’s individual style rather than following safer, more universal preferences.
Often these colors appear on islands or lower cabinets paired with lighter upper cabinets. Tennessee families appreciate how these intentional color choices create distinctive kitchens that stand apart from more predictable all-white or wood options.
25. Butcher Block Integration
Butcher block surfaces maintain strong appeal in Tennessee kitchens, often incorporated as island tops or sections of countertop dedicated to food preparation. The warm wood tones add natural texture that softens kitchens with harder elements like stone and tile.
Tennessee homeowners appreciate both the practical aspects and the visual warmth these surfaces bring. Whether in maple, walnut, or oak, these functional work surfaces connect to the state’s appreciation for craftsmanship and natural materials.
26. Vintage Appliance Revival
Retro-inspired appliances with modern functionality continue to captivate Tennessee homeowners looking for distinctive kitchen features. Colorful ranges in pastel blues or crisp whites with brass accents offer nostalgic charm without sacrificing contemporary performance.
These statement pieces often become the centerpiece around which the entire kitchen design revolves. The blend of vintage aesthetics with current technology perfectly suits Tennessee’s appreciation for both heritage and practicality in home design.
