12 Kitchen Trends To Avoid In 2023: Experts Weigh In

Trends are cyclical, and while there’s a chance linoleum flooring may come back in style, if you intend to undertake a full-on kitchen remodel, the last thing you want to do is pick a trend that’s outdated or overdone. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home, and whatever design choices you make can set the tone for the rest of your home’s design. 

To help ensure your kitchen design choices withstand the tests of time, we reached out to kitchen and design experts to weigh in on kitchen trends to avoid in 2023 and alternatives you can use instead. Whether you’re hoping to remodel your home in Minneapolis, MN or you’re just gathering ideas while living in an apartment, you’re sure to find some easy ways to level up your kitchen design. 

1. Modern farmhouse design

If you like to find design ideas on social media, there’s no doubt you’ve seen the modern farmhouse design. Although it was all the rage a few years ago, Allisa Jacobs from Allisa Jacobs Home Styling warns homeowners about incorporating this trend into their home. 

“This trend, complete with farmhouse sinks, barn lights, and rustic details, exploded onto the scene almost ten years ago yet now feels too trendy and overdone. Instead, opt for timeless accessories and hardware. And, if you have a hard time letting go of the modern farmhouse approach, just choose one element to incorporate such as black cabinet hardware or butcher block countertops.”

2. Gas stove tops

Certified Kitchen Designers Joy Wilkins, Chrysan Liedholm, and Maurice Velez from Custom Kitchens by John Wilkins Inc. all agree, traditional gas stove tops are on their way out. “Gas cooktops and ranges, once very desirable, are slowly being phased out of many residential kitchens. Heat transfer inefficiency, indoor air quality concerns, and natural gas use regulations/limitations are leading more consumers to induction cooktops. They’re affordable, easy to clean, and offer higher heat transfer.”

3. Over-the-range microwaves

“Over the past decade, almost every new construction kitchen had a microwave over the stovetop range. Not now.” says Erica Reilly from Miller Flooring. She continues, “New appliances have changed the game, allowing microwaves and other appliances to be hidden in the island or behind cabinet panels.”

4. All white kitchens 

An all-white color scheme in your kitchen seems like the safest choice, especially if you’re looking to attract home buyers. But today, kitchen designers are leaning towards creating warmer, cozier spaces and aren’t afraid to play with texture and color. 

Principle Interior Designer and Founder of McNeill Brown Interior Design, Niki McNeill Brown gives her insight on all white kitchens. “In 2023, all white kitchens are going out of style. Homeowners are gravitating toward cabinets with saturated colors punctuated by neutral textured tile. For tile, they’re choosing classic shapes with subtle texture variations.” 

5. Open shelving

Angie Harpole from Harpole Home gives her insight on another trend that’s being phased out – open shelving in the kitchen. “Open shelving can be beautiful if styled aesthetically and for those who can maintain the dust and accumulation of clutter. For many, however, this concept is not sustainable. If clients are looking for a minimalistic appeal, I encourage them to opt for modern minimal cabinetry and propose a focal feature in that area with glass doors for items they want to showcase.” 

6. Gaps between the ceiling and cabinets

“Never leave a small gap to the ceiling when installing cabinets,” advises Len Marcu from Len’s Remodeling and Contracting Services. “Either leave enough space that you can store things and clean, or close the gap to the ceiling with crown molding.”

7. Kitchen vent hoods 

Current kitchen trends are shying away from large, traditional hoods and instead leaning into a more modern appearance. “Hoods are disappearing”, says Jennifer Dainelli from KDS. “You’ll see them integrated into the wall finishes, and downdrafts will be big. Designers are taking the focus off the hood and making them seemingly disappear.”

8. Appliances sitting out on countertops

Sometimes, keeping up with the latest trends is as easy as moving items around. Lindsey Escalera from Everyday Grace Designs suggests removing appliances from your countertops to keep your kitchen looking sharp. 

“Appliances on the counter can take up a lot of useful space and aren’t visually appealing,” Escalera says. “The best part about this, it doesn’t involve a large renovation or any money to fix. Simply decluttering your countertops can go a long way on how your home looks and feels. So, if you’re looking to give your kitchen an instant upgrade, clear those counters!”

Dan Oswald from Kitchens Inc. echoes Escalera’s recommendation and advises homeowners to remove their microwave from their counter if possible. “A microwave sitting on an open shelf contravenes the modern, built-in appliance look we seek in today’s kitchens.” Oswald continues, “Under counter, drawer style microwaves are the bomb when space allows, despite their budget bending cost.”

9. Speckled granite countertops

If you’re an avid HGTV fan, you know that granite countertops are homeowners’ darlings. While granite countertops remain popular choices due to being heat, scratch, and stain-resistant, many homeowners are opting for less busy countertop choices. 

Oasis Kitchens proposes a simpler alternative. “Trends are pushing towards engineered stone, such as quartz, with clean and simple patterns and solid colors like whites or grays.”

10. Dark painted cabinetry

If you’re opting for darker painted cabinetry, keep the wear and tear of the finishes in mind. Dings, bumps, and scratches from everyday use can be more apparent on a darker surface, making them a kitchen trend to avoid. 

Wood & Co. share their insight on dark painted cabinetry. “Kitchens are the heart of a home, which means they take a lot of wear and tear. All materials will wear, but some wear better than others, so it’s best to keep materials and finishes that wear well in mind. Even though it looks beautiful and is in style today, it wears quickly, requiring routine touch-ups. If you do want a dark look, go for a dark stain over dark paint, as stains, in general, will stand up to the constant wear and tear.”

11. Monochrome color schemes

Monochrome might be a go-to fashion trend, but it can easily look bland, not to mention less pristine, with the constant use and amount of time we’re spending in our kitchens. 

“White continues to be on-trend through 2023, but it can be overdone. White on white on white will get you Instagram likes and saved Pins, but when viewed in person, white can fall flat, look cheap, and is boring. Make a remodel memorable by mixing white elements, natural textures, and neutral hues to achieve that light and bright look.” – Dahlia Home Co. 

12. Stainless-steel finishes

With more homeowners spending time personalizing their kitchens, many are opting for warmer-toned finishes on their appliances to bring a cozy element to this space. 

“Instead of industrial-looking appliances, black stainless is the popular option now. Get rid of stainless steel because there’s now a wide range of finishes available for your appliances. Yes, we know it’s considered a classic, but it’s practically impossible to keep clean. With all the other options out there (including panels that hide appliances altogether), why waste your time and energy trying to keep fingerprints off your stainless steel?” – PFNY Designs

Kitchen trends to avoid in 2023: Final thoughts

As we move into 2023, it’s essential to avoid outdated kitchen trends that can make your space look tired and uninviting. From open shelving to dark cabinetry, there are several design elements to steer clear of if you want a modern and timeless kitchen. By following the expert advice outlined in this article, you can create a beautiful and functional space that’ll stand the test of time and keep your home feeling fresh and inviting for years to come.

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