Interior designers share 7 kitchen trends that really missed the mark this year

Kasandra Rafter, interior designer and founder of Canyon Creative, told BI she has noticed an uptick in all-white kitchens, which she finds cold and sterile.

If you’re going to do an all-white kitchen, consider steering clear of cool-toned whites. Warmer off-whites and soft taupes still allow your other design elements to shine but create a more inviting atmosphere.

“It’s a simple shift that brings warmth and depth to a monochromatic palette,” she said.

Andy Yates, principal designer of Andy Yates Design, told BI that open shelving has the potential to make kitchens more airy and accessible.

But for many people, they actually ended up making a cluttered mess.

“Keeping them looking styled is a chore, and they can be impractical for everyday use in a lot of homes,” he said. “Instead, consider glass-front cabinets, which offer the same airy look without the pressure to keep everything so picture-perfect.”

Joyce Huston, lead interior designer and cofounder at Decorilla Online Interior Design, said smart gadgets have infiltrated kitchens.

“I’ve noticed homeowners are opting to fill their kitchens with every smart gadget available, from AI-powered fridges to voice-activated faucets,” she told BI. “While tech can improve the functionality, too much of it can make a kitchen feel cold — plus it will be outdated in a few years.”

Instead, she suggested only incorporating smart features that actually improve your daily routines or opting for ones that can be easily swapped out.

Diana Viera, design expert and the managing partner of interior-design firm ITALKRAFT, told BI she doesn’t like the current tiled-backsplash trends.

“Tiled backsplashes have been incredibly popular this year, but their elaborate design combined with other patterns or colors in the room can lead to a cluttered or overwhelming look,” she said.

She recommended opting for a solid-marble backsplash for a more luxurious and seamless touch.

Jane Lockhart, the principal designer at Jane Lockhart Design, said this year’s uptick in clear lighting over kitchen islands was a misfire.

“They often require regular cleaning and extra attention to avoid streaks,” she told BI. “Seeing the actual bulb can also be a harsh addition to an otherwise polished design.”

If you want your kitchen to feel clean and polished, try matching your lighting fixtures to your appliances or decor instead. This can create a seamless look without the extra hassle.

Although it was popular this year, Raftner said, mixed cabinet hardware in the kitchen was not a successful trend.

“While mixing hardware can be playful, it can often lead to a chaotic, disjointed look that lacks longevity,” she said. “Focus on statement pieces like a freestanding console where unique hardware can be a standout feature without overwhelming the space.”

Lockhart said deep pantry cabinets aren’t as effective as many people hoped they’d be.

“Small items like soup cans and jars can be difficult to find in a deep cabinet and sometimes never end up seeing the light of day,” she told BI.

If you’re going to go for deep cabinets, consider adding pullout drawers and shelves that can keep them organized and make items more accessible.