No trend can remain popular forever. Regarding interior design, this is especially true in kitchens. If you've designed your kitchen based on popular trends—or are looking for inspiration for fresh changes—here are some trends gradually going out of style:
Tile Countertops
Tile countertops have been a popular trend for a long time. However, one major disadvantage is they require constant maintenance because of grout stains and chip damage. If you have tile countertops, consider replacing them with a more updated and easy-to-maintain material such as concrete or butcher block.
Shiny Brass
Metallic finishes are great in moderation. However, shiny brass accents can make a kitchen seem dated. Search for cabinet hardware like knobs, handles and drawer pulls. If you want to replace them while still keeping a metallic finish, go for brushed nickel or stainless steel.
Over-Range Microwaves
A common way to save space in smaller kitchens is to install a microwave directly over the range. While convenient, this can come with some disadvantages, including dating the whole aesthetic of your kitchen. Instead, place your microwave in a custom-build alcove over the counter.
Speckled Granite
Speckled granite countertops have been a mainstay of kitchen design for decades. Granite is still a great choice for countertop materials as it's strong and easy to maintain. But speckled, high-contrast varieties in particular are losing their trend appeal. Try swapping them for a more subtle granite color or for something new like quartz, concrete or butcher block.
Hanging Pot Racks
Another space-saving trend on its way out is the hanging pot rack. With so many new and innovative storage options, you can forego the hanging rack approach and tuck away your pots and pans. Cabinet rollouts or Lazy Susans are perfect for maximizing cabinet space and work especially well for storing your cookware.
Kitchen Desks
Even if you are working from home more these days, it might be best to get rid of your kitchen desk. Kitchen desks and miniature workspaces are falling out of style in favor of more efficient use of space like pantries or dedicated food prep counters.
If you need ideas for ways to update your kitchen and give it a long-lasting style, these are great places to focus on. With the right balance of trendy and timeless, you can keep your kitchen stylish for decades.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.