6 Outdated Kitchen Trends to Retire in 2023

1.) Dark Wood Cabinets That Minimize Luxury

Bright kitchens have been in style for the last few years, and it doesn’t look like they’ll fall out of style anytime soon. Still, kitchens that feature dark wood cabinets have their place in creating a sense of luxury. Homeowners love how they make an oversized kitchen feel smaller and more focused. 

The problem comes when the walls, floors, countertops, appliances, and hardware in a kitchen are mostly dark colors. Any feeling of luxury disappears when there’s no contrast. You can solve this by adding lots of lighting, installing luxurious cabinet hardware styles in silver or gold, or painting an accent wall with a lighter color.

2.) Open-Concept Kitchens Without Something to Tie the Space Together

Open-concept kitchens aren’t necessarily going out of style in 2023 since larger kitchens are still such a strong trend. But open-concept kitchens can feel too big and open if there’s nothing between the two rooms that helps transition from the kitchen to an adjoining living space. 

Add a kitchen island with open shelving to show off décor that goes with your design aesthetic or theme—like shells on display for a beach house—to fix this.

Another option is to install or revamp a kitchen peninsula (which is still in style!). Add cozy seating or cushioned stools so the kitchen looks and feels like a comfortable space to do something other than eat.

3.) Areas That Collect Clutter or Sit Unused

After the pandemic, most homeowners completely abandoned their kitchen desks in favor of a designated home office area, accelerating its status as an outdated kitchen trend.

If you’re wondering what to do with yours, consider creating a coffee or wine bar or keeping cookbooks on the shelves. Similarly, formal dining areas will continue going out of style in 2023 as kitchens become brighter and more welcoming.

Consider displaying place settings on open shelves and transitioning your formal dining area into a space where everyone can gather together without pretense.

4.) White Kitchens Without a Personalized Splash of Color

White, off-white, and cream kitchens are timeless. But, if you don’t incorporate a pop of color somewhere in the décor, a white kitchen can look and feel too sterile.

You can add a peaceful blue accent wall or an interesting backsplash to make a white kitchen feel more lived-in and inviting.

5.) Distressed or Glazed Cabinet Finishes

Glazed and distressed cabinets are less popular than they used to be because homeowners now prefer kitchen designs with clean, smooth lines. 

If you’re renovating a coastal-style kitchen or another style that often uses these cabinet finishes, choose décor to get the look you want. For example, you can evoke the relaxed feeling of a beach house by installing a shiplap backsplash and smooth white or blue cabinets.

6.) Open Shelving That Shows Off Clutter or Outdated Appliances

You can make your kitchen look more spacious by installing open shelving. But, if you have difficulty keeping them uncluttered, consider re-installing a few cabinet doors in your next remodel. 

Showing off beautifully curated items on open shelves is a popular kitchen trend that demands a lot of cleaning and upkeep. Though lived-in kitchens are trending, clutter is still out of style.

Save on Your Kitchen Update with Cabinet Refinishing

Whether you're going for a modern, traditional, or contemporary kitchen remodel, you can save money by refinishing your cabinets instead of replacing or refacing them.

Our team at Oceanside Painting & Refinishing specializes in cabinet refinishing in the Monmouth County area, and we’re always ready to answer any questions you have. 

Get a free estimate for cabinet refinishing services when you call 732-818-0092 or fill out the quick form below.