9 Kitchen Trends to Avoid in 2023

One reason to remodel your kitchen is to get rid of the old or on–their-way-out trends that are detracting from your space.

Kitchen Trend FAQs

Let's start by answering three of the most common kitchen-trend-related questions we get at Kraft Custom Construction. 

1. Are White Kitchens Out of Style in 2023?

The all-white color palette dominated for so long that it's now considered a classic kitchen design. However, as far as trends go, white kitchens are declining in popularity. 

Since being stuck at home due to the pandemic, there's been a shift away from cold, clinical white to much warmer colors. Take the Sherwin Williams 2023 Color of the Year, Redend Point, for example; this cozy, creamy mauve creates a comforting vibe that's proving to be one of the most prominent interior design themes of 2023. 

2. Are Over-the-Range Microwaves Out of Style?

Over-the-range microwaves are ubiquitous. So much so that anyone born in the last few decades might not realize that over-the-range isn't the default place to put a microwave. 

After enjoying years of prevalence, this trend is finally dying off. It turns out people don't want to stare at bulky appliances more than they have to. Plus, microwaves quickly become splattered and dirty, so putting them in a prominent place in your kitchen probably isn't the best idea. Above-the-range microwaves are also difficult to reach for smaller people, increasing the risk of spills and burns. 

Modern homeowners opt for a sleeker look by building microwaves into islands or beneath the counter. See how much cleaner a kitchen looks without a microwave creating clutter overhead? Moving the appliance to another location also gives you the opportunity to install a beautiful range hood, which can create a stunning focal point in the new space. 

3. Are Glazed Cabinets Out of Style?

Glazed cabinets are one of the kitchen cabinet trends to avoid. The glazed look is when one stain color layers on top of another, resulting in a lighter cabinet with a darkened stain along the sides. This look has been popular in the past — especially with rustic interior design — but nowadays, a much more streamlined look is trendy. 

Outdated Kitchen Trends 

Now that we've answered your questions, here are a few more kitchen trends we recommend you avoid. 

4. Wide Open Floor Plans 

Open floor plans for the whole home are very much still in vogue, so don't panic! However, a new idea is beginning to emerge when it comes to your kitchen layout. 

So often, the kitchen is an absolute mess after you cook a nice meal. You want to enjoy the dinner you made with friends and family, but from your seat at the dining table, you (and your guests) can see piles of dishes, dirty countertops, and food-splattered cabinets — not an ideal mealtime view. 

Today you can tackle this problem by separating your kitchen into various preparation, cooking, and dining zones. You might add a butler's pantry where you can do all the cooking and prep out of sight. Or, try tucking your stovetop away on a wall that isn't visible from the entertaining areas of your home. 

5. Open Shelving

Open shelves are a lovely look. But looks are about all this trend has going for it. Open shelves accumulate dust and other kitchen grime quickly, meaning the dishes you display on your shelves will need a wash before every use. They put your precious items in danger of being damaged, and creating a picture-perfect display is more complicated than you think.

However, the look is still popular among many homeowners despite the functional flaws. If you love open shelving and want to incorporate them into your kitchen, we recommend limiting yourself to one or two open shelves, like in this kitchen remodel. 

6. Granite Countertops 

Granite is so 2001. The busy pattern of this natural rock isn't conducive to the calm, clutter-free look popular nowadays. Replace your granite countertops with relaxed streams of marble, glittering quartz, or exquisite porcelain. 

7. Pot Racks 

Clutter is a mood killer. It can ruin even the most stunning designs, and hanging pot racks are essentially stylized clutter. For that reason, this trend has run out of favor. Besides the fact that having a bunch of metal objects hanging over your head isn't exactly relaxing, pots and pans can accumulate wear and tear quickly. You might start out looking at brand-new, shiny frying pans over your kitchen island, but in a few months, you'll be staring at scratched metal and burned-on stains — yuck!

8. Black Hardware

Like a shooting star, the modern farmhouse look rose to prominence quickly, enjoyed a brief moment of popularity, and is now plummeting back to earth. As such, black hardware — a favorite accent in the white-washed aesthetic — is going out of style too. Stick to classic hardware colors like chrome and brass instead. 

9. Patterned & Mosaic Backsplashes

Tile patterns and mosaics are one of the biggest kitchen backsplash trends to avoid. They detract from the more refined elements of your kitchen, like those sublime cabinets or gorgeous quartz countertops. Plus, the louder your backsplash is, the more likely you will lose your taste for it over time. Prevent this by choosing a single-color backsplash and spice it up with a unique gloss, finish, or tile shape.  

Salem Kitchen Remodeling Resources

Kitchen remodeling in Salem, OR, takes more than just avoiding outdated trends. You need a proper understanding of the costs and time commitment necessary for your home improvements. Luckily, the Kraft Custom Construction blog has you covered!

You can also learn more about the remodeling process by viewing our process page. 

When you're ready to begin your custom home journey, or if you have questions, contact us. Our design team will help you with what trends to avoid, which ones to include, and all your other home improvement needs!