7 Kitchen Trends You’ll Probably Regret in 5 Years, According to Designers

Making over a kitchen — or designing one from scratch — is no small undertaking, and it’s not exactly an inexpensive process either. That’s why you’ll likely want to zero in on certain features that can stand the test of time so you can get the most out of your money, whether you rent or own your home.

So if you’re after that elusive timeless meets modern kitchen, you’ve come to the right place. I spoke to a few top designers for their input on which of today’s trends will seem dated in five years time or just aren’t built to age gracefully for whatever reason. It’s your kitchen, so ultimately, you do what makes you happy, but consider steering clear of the following design ideas. That way, you won’t be planning another overhaul after feeling like you just finished one.

Long Open Shelves Made of Stone

Designer Rosanna Bassford, the founder of Memmo Interiors, often notices long, open stone or marble kitchen shelves that run across the length of the stove or cooktop. However, she doesn’t see this trend having longevity for a few key reasons. “This feature looks great, but in a few years, the maintenance required to clean cooking grease from that surface may get old,” Bassford says.

Additionally, she isn’t wild about how these materials may hold up either. “Natural stone like marble is porous and could absorb grease, making it look discolored or different from the rest of the kitchen over time,” the designer adds. If you love this look, you can still go for it; just choose a less permeable material for your shelves, such as the wood shown here, and consider placing your shelves away from the stove entirely.

Designer Christine Vroom thinks too much open shelving in a kitchen can affect the room’s flow. “We love a space that breathes right now, but too much openness for a functional space may be something you regret later,” she says.

Highly Textured Surfaces

Long-term cleanliness and durability is also an issue when it comes to textured finishes and materials, says designer Cheryl Clendenon, the founder of In Detail Interiors. “Tambour and reeded material is all the rage right now on cabinet doors, hood surrounds — you name it,” she says. Before committing to such a look, you will want to think about its upkeep.

“We love it in doses, but it’s important to consider how this will wear and tear over time, and whether it will be in a high-traffic area that is hard to keep clean,” Clendenon adds. “You don’t want to be kicking yourself in five years or think that you’ll just replace the cabinet doors if you get sick of them!”

Vroom also thinks reeding and fluting won’t be relevant forever. “I do love it — and we do design with it — but it’s a trend that has come and will go.”

All-White Everything

All-white kitchens have been on the way out for several years now, according to some designers. “People are enjoying infusing more color into their interiors by mixing hues, which is such a refreshing change,” says designer Mary Clair Cumbaa, the founder of Cumbaa Design Co. “One example of this is using a color or even a neutral paint on cabinets.”

The nice thing about going with a white backdrop in a kitchen, though, is you can bring in color with your countertop appliances, artwork, lighting, or even textiles and accessories. But the point here is: If color speaks to you, don’t be afraid to try it on your cabinets or with some temporary wallpaper on your walls. Cupboards specifically can always be repainted and taken back to white one day, if you’re just craving something lighter and brighter down the road.

A Bold Patterned Backsplash

If you’re feeling uncertain about your tile choice, Clendenon is a fan of taking a more conservative approach to the backsplash. “We are all for a punch in the backsplash department, but it’s important to consider what you will love (or be sick of!) five to 10 years from now,” she says. “Something timeless is the best way to go — and that doesn’t mean it has to be boring.”

Built-In Coffee Makers

While these appliances were seen as ultra tech-savvy at one time, they’re not always practical in the long run. “As technology advances, they will need to be replaced, and if they break, the entire unit may need to be replaced rather than just the coffee maker itself,” explains Hayden Dendy, a designer at BRNS Design. Better to spring for a countertop espresso machine or fancy freestanding coffee maker instead.

Double Islands

According to designer Arianne Bellizaire, having two kitchen islands isn’t as luxurious as it may seem. “They can take up a lot of space and come with a hefty price tag,” she says. “If you’re not hosting big gatherings or cooking with a crowd all the time, you might not need both.”

Craving a bit of extra prep space or another service for serving? An additional, movable island is a smarter solution, Bellizaire says. “It gives you extra workspace and flexibility without cluttering up your kitchen,” she says.

Sputnik and Lantern Style Light Fixtures

You’re better off skipping these mid-century and more traditional fixtures entirely, Clendenon says. “These are officially played out,” she says. “If you like this aesthetic, then try to find some that have unexpected charm.” 

Simply put, you won’t want to go into your kitchen project viewing lighting as something that you’ll be changing often. “Even though pendant lights are easier to swap out compared with most fixtures, you’re likely not going to want to go through the hassle of doing it once your remodel is over,” Clendenon says.

This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it there: 7 “Dream” Kitchen Trends You’ll Probably Regret in 5 Years, According to Designers

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