12 popular kitchen trends that missed the mark this year, according to interior designers

It’s time for homeowners to move on from using gray tones in the kitchen, says Satsha Lopez-Jaimes, an interior designer who’s the project director for Freemodel. Instead, she recommends focusing on timeless colors that complement the home’s architecture.

“Experiment with a diverse palette of tones and finishes to add a touch of playfulness to your kitchen design,” the designer told Insider.

Busy backsplashes are being replaced by simple designs.

Busy, colorful backsplashes are being replaced by simple, sleek designs, says Selena Lewis, the interior designer of Selena Lewis Designs.

“We’re seeing a lot of subway tiles, marble, and mosaics,” she said.

DIY-painted cabinets can sometimes seem messy and unprofessional. A homeowner may paint their own cabinets to save money, but it’s often noticeable that it wasn’t done professionally.

Lewis says DIYing another part of the kitchen, such as the wall color or backsplash, may be easier to execute well and maintain.

An overly industrial, metal-heavy style may feel cold and uninviting.

A stark, industrial theme can make a kitchen feel cold and uninviting, Lopez-Jaimes says. Incorporating warm, natural materials such as wood into the designs may feel more welcoming.

“Wooden cabinets, countertops, and even an elegant wood kitchen island can bring warmth and character to your kitchen,” she told Insider.

The all-white kitchen lacks personality.

The all-white kitchen trend is fading, says Julee Ireland, an interior designer and the founder of Home Renovation School.

“I have never been a big fan of an all-white kitchen, so I am happy to see this trend go,” she said. “For me, it lacks interest and personality and feels too cold.”

Instead, she recommends using richer wood tones and earthy paint colors such as green, terracotta, blue, gold, or burgundy.

The modern farmhouse look is overused.

“This style has been around for a while now and is a little overplayed, in my opinion,” Ireland told Insider. “Matte black and white apron-front sinks have had their day, but it’s time for something new.”

She says changing out the hardware, faucet, and lighting are some easy updates to this out-of-date trend.

No upper cabinets might make a kitchen look bare.

Not having upper cabinets can leave a kitchen looking bare, says Jeanne K Chung, the principal designer of Cozy Stylish Chic.

“A lot of empty walls are no fun to look at,” Chung told Insider. “And even if you have an entire wall of windows, you are sacrificing valuable storage space.”

The designer recommends opting for shelving that can be mounted on a wall or suspended from the ceiling.

Open shelving can make a kitchen feel cluttered.

“I’m still seeing a lot of open shelving, but it’s really starting to look dated and, in many cases, make the kitchen feel cluttered,” Chung told Insider.

Adding sliding doors in front of the floating shelves is a possible solution.

“It is more forgiving — especially if acid-etched glass is used,” she said. “You can see blurry shapes behind the glass, but you don’t see the clutter.

Overlooking personalized decor is a lost opportunity.

A lack of personalized decor in a kitchen can make for a boring design, Lopez-Jaimes says.

“Infuse your personality into your kitchen with unique decor, family photos, and custom touches that make it truly your own,” she added.

An abundance of stainless steel is declining in popularity.

The overuse of stainless steel can make a homeowner’s kitchen feel unwelcoming, Lopez-Jaimes says.

“Mix stainless steel appliances with other finishes like copper or custom paneling to create a balanced and visually appealing kitchen,” the designer told Insider.

Open floor plans without boundaries are becoming less common.

Open floor plans lack definition and can make it challenging to separate living areas, Lopez-Jaimes says.

“Instead, consider using architectural elements like islands, half-walls, or strategically placed furniture to create a boundary while maintaining an open and airy feel,” she suggested.

A lack of task lighting can make the kitchen feel less functional.

“Poorly lit kitchens can be frustrating to work in and lack functionality,” Lopez-Jaimes told Insider.

She says this can be fixed with under-cabinet and pendant lighting, which creates a well-lit working space.

This article was written by Cheyenne Lentz from Business Insider and was legally licensed through the DiveMarketplace by Industry Dive. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].