8 Kitchen Trends to Ditch When Building New

KITCHEN TRENDS TO AVOID

A granite counter here, new cherry cabinets there. Anyone who’s ever undertaken a kitchen remodeling project knows those costs can add up quickly. According to the Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report, the national average cost for a high-end kitchen makeover is now $53,931. Because they’re such a large investment, most homeowners hope to end up with a finished product that looks fresh as long as possible.

What’s hot and trendy today may be out of vogue in a year, making your kitchen look outdated before you've had a chance to break it in. Even before the first sledgehammer is swung, John Petrie, president-elect of the National Kitchen and Bath Association encourages homeowners to answer one important question: Who is this remodel for? “Is this something the homeowners are doing for themselves, for their own enjoyment?” he said. “Or, do they need to update to be able to sell their house?”

The answers to these questions can help drive design choices for the kitchen and beyond. “If this remodel is for resale purposes, decisions will need to be made that both ensure you’re getting the highest return on your investment and which appeal to the largest number of people,” Petrie said. “When it comes to resale, we generally want to play it safe with color. White painted kitchens and light maple kitchens, for example, have appeal in the resale market — and they have for quite some time.” If, however, you have no plans to move anytime soon, you don’t want to completely throw caution to the wind, but you can make more personal design decisions. Petrie says most kitchen remodels come about not because the kitchens are “worn out” but because they “don’t look current.” “Many of the projects we’re working on now are for homeowners who love the layout of their kitchen, but they don’t love the crystal or frost finishes on oak cabinets that they chose 20 years ago,” he said. “We’re also seeing people replace the solid-surface countertops that were popular in the ‘90s with more updated quartz or granite.”

While no one can say for sure which kitchen features will stand the test of time, here are eight trends you may want to avoid to keep your remodel looking relevant for years to come.

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1. Overly Ornate and Heavy Cabinetry

One of the most prominent kitchen trends from the past was the use of heavy, ornate cabinetry featuring elaborate details, intricate rope molding, and dark, imposing finishes. While these designs were meant to convey luxury, they can now make a kitchen feel dated, dark, and heavy. Today, the focus has shifted toward cleaner lines, simpler door styles, such as the Shaker profile, and a brighter overall aesthetic. As we design custom cabinets in Jacksonville, we guide homeowners toward timeless looks that feel both elegant and airy. By choosing modern cabinet materials in Jacksonville and embracing simpler kitchen cabinet ideas, we can create a sophisticated space that won't feel like a relic of a bygone era in just a few years. The goal is a classic look that serves as a beautiful, neutral backdrop for your life.

2. The Themed "Tuscan" Kitchen

The Tuscan kitchen, with its heavy reliance on golden-yellow walls, dark cherry or distressed cabinetry, and busy travertine tile, was one of the most popular kitchen trends of the early 2000s. Today, however, this specific, theme-heavy look can instantly date your home. We help homeowners who have invested in cabinets for Jacksonville FL, move away from this trend by creating lighter and more transitional spaces. We suggest replacing the dark and busy surfaces with more timeless selections. Pairing soft, neutral wall colors with elegant and durable countertops Jacksonville in light quartz or granite creates a fresh canvas. Swapping out the old tile for modern Jax flooring options, such as luxury vinyl plank, further brightens the space and provides a more versatile foundation that adapts to evolving styles.

3. Busy, Speckled Granite Countertops

Granite remains an excellent and durable material for kitchen countertops, but certain patterns have become victims of past kitchen trends. The speckled granite, characterized by intricate, multicolored patterns, was a go-to choice for many years. Now, it is often one of the first elements that makes a kitchen feel outdated. The current preference leans toward countertops with more subtle and organic movement, such as soft, flowing veins or the clean consistency of solid-colored quartz. Upgrading your countertops is one of the most impactful kitchen upgrades you can make. When we consult with homeowners about new countertops in Jacksonville, we showcase a wide range of modern, elegant slabs that will stand the test of time far better than the busy patterns of the past.

4. The Over-the-Range Microwave

For years, placing the microwave directly over the range was the standard solution for saving counter space. However, this is one of those functional kitchen trends that is rapidly being replaced by better options. Over-the-range microwaves are typically less powerful than dedicated ventilation hoods, and they create a bulky, unattractive focal point right in the middle of your cooking area. A more modern kitchen solution involves installing a stylish and effective vent hood over the cooktop and relocating the microwave to a more convenient location. Popular choices for new kitchen appliances include placing them on a cabinet shelf, below the counter on an island, or as a drawer model. As your professional kitchen installer, we can easily modify cabinetry to accommodate these smarter, more aesthetically pleasing placements.

5. The Raised Panel Cabinet Door

For a long time, the raised panel cabinet door was the hallmark of a traditional, high-end kitchen. This style features a center panel that is raised to the same level as the door frame, creating a dimensional, grooved look. However, as kitchen trends have shifted toward cleaner and simpler aesthetics, the raised panel has started to look dated compared to its more versatile counterpart: the flat-panel or Shaker-style door. The clean, simple lines of a Shaker door evoke a timeless feel. They can adapt to nearly any design style, from modern farmhouses to transitional ones. When we create Custom Cabinets Jacksonville, we often advise clients that a simpler door profile provides more longevity and serves as a better canvas for beautiful hardware and other design elements. It's a subtle switch in your kitchen cabinet ideas that makes a significant difference.

6. The Short 4-Inch Backsplash

Another detail that can instantly date your kitchen is the 4-inch backsplash. This is the short strip, typically 4 inches high, made from the same material as the countertop that runs along the wall. While it was a standard practice for many years, it is now one of the kitchen trends that looks builder-grade and incomplete. It visually cuts the wall in half between the counter and the upper cabinets. The modern and more impactful kitchen solution is a full-height backsplash, where tile, stone slab, or another material extends from your countertops in Jacksonville all the way to the bottom of the upper cabinets. This creates a seamless, intentional, and custom look that makes the entire space feel more luxurious and thoughtfully designed.

7. The Built-In Kitchen Desk

The built-in kitchen desk was once a must-have feature, envisioned as a home's command center for paying bills and managing schedules. However, in the age of laptops and smartphones, this is one of those kitchen trends that has lost its purpose. More often than not, these desk areas become unused "clutter magnets" that attract piles of mail and miscellaneous items. In an open kitchen where minimizing clutter is key, this space is far too valuable to waste. We often recommend removing these desks and repurposing the area into something more functional. Popular options include creating a dedicated coffee or beverage bar, adding a tall pantry cabinet for much-needed storage, or simply extending the counter space to create a more functional prep zone.

8. Pot Racks and Over-the-Top Open Shelving

While a few beautifully styled open shelves can add personality to a kitchen, replacing all of your upper cabinets with them is a kitchen trend that can be difficult to live with. This look requires constant diligence to keep dishes perfectly stacked and curated. Otherwise, it can quickly look messy and cluttered. Similarly, large, hanging pot racks, while practical in a bustling restaurant, often create visual clutter and collect dust in a home kitchen. A more timeless approach to your kitchen cabinet ideas is to prioritize closed, concealed storage for the bulk of your items. You can then use a small section of open shelving as a deliberate accent. A professional kitchen installer can help you strike the perfect balance between practical storage and stylish display for a kitchen that is both beautiful and easy to maintain.

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