If you are planning to update your kitchen this year, there are several design trends that have had their moment and are now contributing to a dated appearance in your home, according to a leading kitchen expert. As we embrace a new year, it presents an ideal opportunity to refresh your living spaces and ensure they align with contemporary style.
High Gloss Cabinets Are Falling Out of Favour
After years of dominance in homes across the nation, high gloss kitchen cabinets are increasingly being viewed as passé. Sleek, matte finishes are now gaining traction, not only for their sophisticated aesthetic but also for their practical benefits in terms of maintenance. The constant struggle against fingerprints and smudges that plague high gloss surfaces is becoming a thing of the past.
Looeeze Grossman, a kitchen expert and founder of The Used Kitchen Company, with two decades of experience in selling used and ex-display kitchens, commented on this shift. "The softer, velvety finish creates a more upscale look that works with any décor and feels modern without all the upkeep," she explained. "It's a smarter, more grown-up approach to kitchen design, and it's transforming homes up and down the country."
Freestanding Breakfast Bars Are Becoming Passé
Once considered a staple in contemporary kitchens, freestanding breakfast bars are now losing their appeal. Designed for casual meals and social cooking sessions, these bars often end up as cluttered dumping grounds for keys, letters, and miscellaneous items brought into the home.
The trend is now moving towards integrated banquette seating, extendable dining tables, and thoughtfully crafted peninsulas that do not consume valuable floor space. According to Looeeze, the classic dining table is making a strong comeback in modern homes, replacing the quick-bite bars that once seemed essential.
Ceiling-Mounted Spotlights Feel Old Hat
Once the go-to lighting solution for contemporary kitchens, ceiling-mounted spotlights now feel distinctly outdated for illuminating the space. Looeeze highlighted the issue, stating, "They create harsh, flat lighting that doesn't do your kitchen any favours."
Today's kitchens benefit from layered lighting schemes that combine spotlights with eye-catching pendant lights over islands or dining areas. This approach adds depth, atmosphere, and genuine style to the room. "Thanks to smart bulbs you can control with your voice or phone, sophisticated lighting is easier and more affordable than ever, letting you adjust mood and brightness throughout the day," she added.
Moreover, upgrading your lighting does not have to be expensive. Switching to energy-efficient LEDs can lead to noticeable savings on your energy bills over time.
Conceal Your Appliances for a Streamlined Look
If you have freestanding appliances such as a fridge, oven, or dishwasher on display, it is a surefire way to make your kitchen appear older. The current preference is for a streamlined, integrated kitchen that exudes sophistication.
Built-in appliances hidden behind cabinetry or concealed doors offer sleek aesthetics and an air of refinement that standalone units cannot match. Even smaller gadgets like kettles and coffee makers are best stored behind cupboard doors to maintain a clean look.
Looeeze emphasised this point, saying, "If your dishwasher stands out like a sore thumb and your countertop is covered in clutter, it's time for a change. Forget just keeping up with the trends, it will create a space that feels expensive, functional and built to last."
Prioritise Functionality Over Excessive Storage
Kitchens dominated by floor-to-ceiling storage units might appear impressive in showrooms, but they often lead to a shortage of worktop space, which can quickly become a practical headache. While these tall cupboards provide ample room for storing groceries, they leave little area for essential tasks like food preparation.
Looeeze noted, "The most functional kitchens use tall units strategically, not lining entire walls, to ensure there is plenty of room for real cooking and living." She added, "If you are constantly hunting for a spot to chop veg or rest a hot pan, those tall units are not working for you."
By focusing on balanced design that incorporates both storage and functional workspace, you can create a kitchen that is both stylish and practical for everyday use.
