If you’re planning on updating your kitchen, there are a few design trends that have done their time and are now making your home look dated, according to a kitchen expert
These once-popular trends are on the way out(Image: Getty)
As we welcome a new year, it’s the perfect time to refresh your living space and ensure it’s on trend. If you’re considering sprucing up your kitchen, there are certain trends that have had their day and may now be making your home appear outdated.
Looeeze Grossman, a kitchen expert and founder of The Used Kitchen Company, has been in the business of selling used and ex-display kitchens for two decades and is well-versed in all things home-related. She has identified four design trends that are firmly stuck in the past, including one that has been a favourite for years.
So, if you’re planning a mini makeover for your home, ditching one of these could help modernise your space.
High gloss is out
After years of high gloss kitchen cabinets reigning supreme in homes nationwide, they are now falling out of favour. Sleek, matte finishes are gaining popularity and not only do they look sophisticated, they’re also easier to maintain, reports the Express.
The constant battle against fingerprints and marks that plague high gloss cupboards will be a thing of the past.
Looeeze commented: “The softer, velvety finish creates a more upscale look that works with any décor and feels modern without all the upkeep. It’s a smarter, more grown-up approach to kitchen design, and it’s transforming homes up and down the country.”
No more breakfast bars
Freestanding breakfast bars, once a staple in contemporary kitchens, are now becoming passé.
Built for laid-back meals and convivial cooking sessions, in practice, these bars end up as cluttered catch-alls for keys, letters and whatever else gets lugged through the front door.
Now, the tide is turning towards integrated banquette seating, extendable dining tables and smartly crafted peninsulas that don’t gobble up precious floor space.
According to Looeeze, the classic dining table is making a triumphant return to contemporary homes, replacing the quick-bite bars.
Ditch the spotlights
Once the go-to fixture in contemporary kitchens, ceiling-mounted spotlights now feel distinctly old hat for illuminating the space.
Looeeze explained: “They create harsh, flat lighting that doesn’t do your kitchen any favours.
“Today’s kitchens need layered lighting schemes that mix spotlights with eye-catching pendant lights over islands or dining areas, adding depth, atmosphere, and real style.
“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.”
Better still, revamping your lighting won’t break the bank. Make the switch to energy-efficient LEDs, and you’ll see the savings stack up.
Hide your appliances
If you’ve got a freestanding fridge, oven or dishwasher on show, it’s a surefire way to age your space. It’s time to conceal those appliances.
These days, buyers crave a streamlined, integrated kitchen that oozes sophistication. Built-in appliances tucked away behind cabinetry or concealed doors deliver sleek aesthetics and an air of sophistication that standalone units simply can’t match.
Even compact gadgets such as kettles and coffee makers deserve to be stashed behind cupboard doors.
Looeeze explained: “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.”
Make it functional
Kitchens dominated by floor-to-ceiling storage units might look the business in showrooms, but the shortage of worktop space will rapidly become a genuine headache. While these towering cupboards offer ample room for stashing your shopping, where exactly are you meant to slice and dice?
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.
“If you are constantly hunting for a spot to chop veg or rest a hot pan, those tall units are not working for you.”
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