Top 10+ Kitchen Looks That Could Feel Old-Fashioned by 2025
All-White Kitchens
All-white kitchens have reigned supreme for years, but experts predict their reign might be coming to an end. In 2024, Houzz’s annual kitchen trends study noted a drop in all-white kitchen remodels, with only 23% of renovators opting for the look, down from 41% in 2020.
Designers say homeowners want more warmth and personality, turning to bolder colors and natural woods instead. The stark, hospital-like vibe of all-white kitchens is now seen as cold and impersonal by many.
A kitchen should feel inviting, and the trend now is toward cozy spaces with depth and texture. Even major brands like Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are promoting richer, earthier tones.
If your kitchen is all white, it might soon feel like a relic from the last decade.
Glossy Subway Tile Backsplashes
Subway tiles have been a staple for more than a century, but glossy white subway backsplashes are beginning to look tired. In 2024, designers are embracing handmade, matte, and even colored tiles for a more artisanal effect.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2024 report shows a shift toward textured and patterned backsplashes that add depth. Homeowners want something distinctive, not just a standard, shiny surface.
Subway tiles can feel repetitive and uninspired, especially in big open kitchens. Newer tile shapes and finishes are bringing a sense of personality that the classic subway tile simply can’t match anymore.
Overly Ornate Cabinetry
Intricate, raised-panel cabinets with lots of molding and decorative details once symbolized luxury, but now they’re seen as fussy and outdated. Clean lines and minimalist cabinet doors are dominating kitchen remodels, according to a 2024 survey by the National Association of Home Builders.
People crave simplicity and easy-to-clean surfaces. Ornate details tend to collect dust and grime, making maintenance a headache.
The “less is more” philosophy is pushing heavily adorned cabinetry out of style. Even in traditional homes, designers are opting for streamlined versions of classic cabinets, keeping the look fresh and timeless.
Open Shelving Everywhere
A few years ago, open shelves felt like the ultimate way to show off pretty dishes and create an airy vibe. But by 2025, this look could easily feel impractical and dated.
According to a 2024 Houzz survey, only 12% of kitchen remodels now incorporate open shelving, down significantly from previous years. The problem?
They require constant tidying and aren’t ideal for real-life messes. Dust, grease, and clutter are hard to control.
Closed cabinetry is making a comeback, as people want storage that hides the chaos of daily life while maximizing kitchen organization.
Granite Countertops
Granite was once the gold standard for kitchen counters, but preferences are shifting fast. Quartz, porcelain, and even eco-friendly materials are growing more popular as people seek lower-maintenance and more versatile options.
The Freedonia Group’s 2024 countertop report shows quartz now leads the market, with granite sales dropping steadily since 2018. Granite’s distinctive speckled look is becoming synonymous with early-2000s kitchens.
Newer surfaces offer better durability, more color options, and less need for sealing or special care, making granite feel less appealing and a little stuck in the past.
Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse, or apron-front, sinks swept through homes thanks to HGTV and Instagram, but their popularity is fading. The 2024 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show featured a noticeable drop in farmhouse sink displays, with manufacturers highlighting sleek, integrated, or workstation sinks instead.
Farmhouse sinks can be impractical—they’re prone to chipping, take up lots of space, and don’t suit every kitchen style. The aesthetic now leans toward functional, modern designs that blend seamlessly into countertops.
People want their kitchens to feel current and efficient, not like a set from a nostalgia-driven home show.
Heavy Use of Gray
Gray kitchens exploded in popularity during the 2010s, but by 2025, they could feel drab and uninspired. A 2024 survey by Zillow found that homes with predominantly gray kitchens sold for less than those with warmer, more colorful palettes.
The pendulum is swinging toward earthy greens, deep blues, and even terracotta. Designers say gray, especially when overused, can sap a kitchen of energy and personality.
Homeowners are craving color and texture, making the once-trendy gray kitchen feel like yesterday’s news.
Open Concept Spaces Without Zones
Open concept kitchens seemed revolutionary, but in reality, they can create chaos. The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people use their homes, with privacy and separation now seen as assets.
According to a 2024 report from the American Institute of Architects, more homeowners are requesting partial walls, sliding doors, or glass partitions to create defined kitchen zones. Completely open kitchens can feel noisy and messy, lacking the cozy boundaries people now desire.
The trend is moving toward “broken-plan” living, where spaces are visually connected but functionally distinct.
Industrial-Style Lighting
For several years, exposed bulbs, metal cages, and oversized pendants defined kitchen lighting. But by 2025, the industrial look is fading fast.
A 2024 survey by Lighting Magazine revealed a shift toward softer, organic shapes, brushed finishes, and natural materials like rattan and glass. Industrial lights can make kitchens feel cold and harsh rather than warm and inviting.
Homeowners now want fixtures that provide both beauty and comfort, swapping out factory-inspired pieces for those that offer a sense of calm and sophistication.
Matching Appliance Suites
Gone are the days when every kitchen appliance had to match perfectly in color and brand. In 2024, appliance personalization is trending, with people mixing finishes—think matte black ovens with stainless steel fridges and colorful ranges.
According to a Consumer Reports study this year, 37% of new appliance buyers intentionally chose non-matching suites. The coordinated look can feel generic and overly planned, while a curated collection shows personality and modern taste.
Mix-and-match appliances can make your kitchen feel fresh and forward-thinking, while matching sets risk sending your space back in time.
