Kitchen trends come and go. If you’ve been following me, you know that I’m all about timeless choices for longevity. And for versatility in decorating. You don’t want to be bossed around by choices that were once interesting and now just feeling dated.
Here are some trends that have come and will soon go. I would definitely avoid them if you’re building or renovating your kitchen right now. And beware! They are everywhere in showrooms including in your feeds.
Random Arches
Increasingly rare is an inspiration board that comes through my eDesign department that doesn’t feature the arch trend. While I’m all for adding curves and softer edges to spaces. But the truth is, if your architecture doesn’t already feature arches, like mediterranean or adobe styles, suddenly adding an arch in your kitchen is not going to look right. And because it’s the wrong architectural detail for your home, it will date instantly.
Instead: Get a large arched floor mirror or a an arched curio cabinet to have your arch moment and switch it out without a dusty renovation when you’re ready.
Fluted Textures
Reeded and fluted finishes are a lovely textural element that appeals to those looking for a warm modern look. But I think it’s a fad that will soon feel overplayed. And it certainly doesn’t work in a transitional or traditional kitchen where it will definitely feel forced and trendy.
Instead: if you love the look of fluted millwork, choose a buffet or coffee table with this look to play with the trend without gluing it down.
Chunky Stone
With the all the warm and earthy vibes the world is craving at the tail end of the severe and stark black and white trend, chunky stone is a ditch I see people falling into all the time. Grab hold of this rope! If you don’t have a true rustic home, a chunky stone backsplash or hood is going to feel like kitschy Flintstones kind of stuff not long from now.
Instead: If you have a stone fireplace or limestone floors, a smooth limestone subway tile backsplash is a more versatile option.
All Black Handles
You know how I feel about these. The standard 4 or 6 inch black pulls on every cabinet and drawer looks builder grade and busy. And while hardware is something that can be a bit more trendy and be switched out, the issue is, if you have those holes drilled into everything, prettier more custom hardware won’t be possible until you fill them and repaint.
Instead: regardless of the finish of your hardware, stick with single hole knobs on your cabinets. Better yet, if you don’t have the perfect hardware chosen, just install knobs on everything, it works just as well.
Read more: 3 Design Details for a Timeless Black and White Kitchen
Busy Stone Countertops
Those wild marble slabs we’re seeing everywhere are so specific they will definitely be time stamped to this trend cycle in time. Marble is a timeless material, but don’t make an ostentatious display of it if you want a timeless kitchen. Same goes for any busy granite or stone.
Instead: Opt for a quieter slab like a subtle quartzite or marble like Calacatta or Carrara.
Read more: Magazine-Worthy Kitchens Cannot be Easily Copied
Remember that you don’t need to look for interest in your hard finishes. But rather from details like lighting and decorating and styling. Stick with simple and timeless finishes and you will be happy for a loooong time. Simplicity as a backdrop to a lived in styled look is what we all love the charming timeless Nancy Meyers kitchens.
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Related posts:
What’s Missing if your House is Not Trendy (Who Cares?)
A 10 Year Review of Accent Tile; Should you Install the Current Fad?
Fourth Rule of Design: Trendy Equals Temporary
I agree with all of these. I agree that some of these things can be incorporated I furniture or smaller pieces vs hard finishes. My recent kitchen reno includes white and navy blue shaker cabinets, a mix of polished nickel knobs and pulls, and negresco leathered granite countertops. Perhaps a little to close to the black and white trend, but I prefer to see it as classic and timeless. (Not a fan of the turn back to beige…)
Very interesting post. I also am wondering about the kitchen cabinets painted warmer colors such as taupe, darker beige, darker cream, tan, etc. (I’m not including the paler off-whites or creams in this.) They look fresh and beautiful even to me but I’m afraid in a few years they are going to look quite dingy. Of course if you can afford to repaint your cabinets again in 5 to 7 years, no reason not to go for it.
Love this, so true. Is there any way to make strong stainless steel and black appliances not seem so heavy and black against my white kitchen? (Inspired by you!:) I have two ovens and microwaves in a small space and the dark is so overpowering
What a great post!