Outdated Kitchen Trends: What’s Going Out of Style in 2023
When it comes to keeping our kitchen up-to-date, many of us want to stay ahead of the curve in order to give those nightly dinner parties a modern and sophisticated look. As time passes and trends come and go, staying updated on what is outdated or on its way out can be difficult. If you’re a homeowner in Chicago looking for answers about what kitchen trends are fast becoming unfashionable – we have some insights that will give you all the information you need! We know how important home design decisions can be. Let’s dive into this analysis of how well popular design trends hold up to modern expectations!
A New Era of Kitchen Cabinetry
Kitchen cabinetry has come a long way and has undergone significant changes over the years. With new trends emerging, homeowners now have more options to choose from when it comes to upgrading their kitchen. One notable trend is uniformed cabinetry, which involves creating a cohesive look by using the same style and finish for all cabinets and drawers. This approach adds an elegant touch to a kitchen and creates a sense of neatness and organization. Another trend gaining popularity is two-toned cabinetry, which involves using two different colors or finishes for the upper and lower cabinets or islands. This adds a touch of personality and depth to the kitchen, creating a unique look that reflects the individuality of the homeowner. With these new trends, homeowners can create a truly customized look for their home, making their cabinetry a true reflection of their personal style.
From Dark to Light
Dark granite countertops were once the darlings of home renovation, but they’re quickly falling out of fashion. People are turning to brighter, more vibrant materials to give their kitchens a pop of personality. One of the hottest new trends is engineered marble countertops, which offer the same beauty as natural marble without the maintenance issues. There are also great marble look-alike porcelain options hitting the market and becoming very popular for their durability and lower price tag. Another popular choice is matte countertops. Their non-glossy finish is easier to clean and can create a stark, modern look that many homeowners crave. But perhaps the most exciting new trend is sustainable materials, such as reclaimed wood and recycled glass. These countertops not only look great, but they also help reduce waste and promote eco-friendliness. As the kitchen continues to become the heart of the home, new countertop trends will continue to emerge.
Backsplash Flashback
As styles in home décor evolve, we’re seeing a shift away from the smaller format backsplash tiles that have been common in recent years. While these tiles certainly have their place, many homeowners are now gravitating towards sleeker and more modern looks. The solution? Slab backsplashes, which provide a seamless, clean backdrop for your kitchen or bathroom. With no grout lines to break up the pattern, slab backsplashes can create a totally unique look that’s perfectly tailored to your space. Plus, these larger format tiles are often more durable and easier to clean than their smaller counterparts. So if you’re looking to update your home, consider making the switch to a stylish, modern slab backsplash.
Is All-White Alright?
In recent years, all-white kitchens have been a popular trend in interior design. However, as time goes on, we are seeing a shift in the overall aesthetic. The stark, sterile look of an all-white kitchen is starting to give way to warmer, more inviting color schemes. Whether it’s bold pops of color or natural wood accents, homeowners are opting for a more personalized style that better represents their unique tastes. This move towards more eclectic designs is just one example of how people are looking to make their homes truly their own. The era of the all-white kitchen may be coming to an end, but it’s exciting to see where this new wave of creativity will take us.
Reconfiguring the Classic Kitchen Triangle
The traditional kitchen triangle, with its three points of stove, refrigerator, and sink, has long been regarded as the most efficient and functional kitchen layout. However, with the rise of large kitchen islands and open-concept designs, this once-praised configuration is beginning to lose its appeal. The triangle layout, while efficient for solo cooking, isn’t necessary for the modern kitchen. As we see appliances evolve and adapt to include more and more functions, we see these industry standards start to change as well.
The shift towards spacious kitchen islands as a focal point of the kitchen has prompted a re-evaluation of the classic triangle. These islands provide a versatile space that can be utilized not only for prep work and cooking but also for dining and socializing. Consequently, they often disrupt the traditional triangle configuration, creating a need for a more flexible, adaptable layout.
The new kitchen layout trend leans towards zones or areas dedicated to different tasks – a cooking zone, a cleaning zone, and a storage zone. These zones can be configured around the island, making the kitchen more functional for multiple users. While the triangle layout may not completely disappear, it’s clear that it’s being redefined to suit the evolving needs of homeowners. As we embrace more extensive islands and open-concept kitchens, we’re seeing the emergence of layouts that support not just cooking but also the social and lifestyle needs of today’s families.
The Open Shelving Debate
In the recent past, open shelving emerged as a top contender in kitchen redesign, offering an airy aesthetic and ease of access to everyday items. However, as we delve deeper into the practicalities of kitchen design, this trend appears to be gradually fading into the background. While open shelving does offer a visually appealing alternative to traditional cabinetry, it’s not without its setbacks.
Firstly, every item on display must be meticulously curated and organized, which can prove to be a constant challenge. Daily use items are no longer hidden behind cabinet doors, meaning your crockery and cookware need to remain presentable at all times to maintain the aesthetic appeal. This can be problematic, particularly in a busy family home where utility often takes precedence over aesthetics.
Secondly, open shelves make your kitchenware more susceptible to dust and grease, which can accumulate over time, leading to additional cleaning and maintenance. Items not used often may need to be cleaned before use, adding an extra step to your cooking or baking process.
Lastly, open shelves may not provide the necessary storage space required in a busy kitchen. Traditional cabinetry allows for more efficient use of vertical space and can store a larger number of items in comparison.
Even though open shelving can offer a distinctive look and help to open up smaller kitchen spaces, these practical issues are steering homeowners back towards closed cabinetry or a mix of the two for the ideal balance. As with all trends, it’s the push and pull between style and functionality that ultimately shapes the direction of design. So while open shelves are not yet fully out of the picture, there’s a noticeable shift towards more practical and hidden storage kitchen designs.
Contact the Chicago Kitchen Design And Remodeling Professionals At Arete’
In conclusion, as we enter into a new era of home design, many popular kitchen trends are finding themselves on the out. From the all-white kitchen palette, small format tile backsplashes, and the traditional kitchen triangle layout to open shelving arrangements, what was once considered fresh and stylish is now being replaced with more practical and personalized designs. It’s essential to remember, however, that trends are cyclical and what goes out of style today may very well return with a fresh twist tomorrow. The key is to create a kitchen that not only embraces current trends but also aligns with your personal taste and lifestyle for a timeless appeal.
Feeling inspired to update your kitchen? Don’t let outdated trends limit your creativity. Reach out to our team of Chicago kitchen design professionals today to create a kitchen that you can love for years to come. Call us at 773.683.3033 today to discuss your Chicago kitchen design and remodeling project.