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7 Kitchen Designs that are Totally Out of Date

Kitchen Design and Style

In the heart of our homes, the kitchen stands as a testament to our tastes, aspirations, and the countless memories whipped up over shared meals. As the canvas of our culinary journey, it begs the question: can we make it timeless? The answer often lies in blending the personal with the enduring. Consider, for instance, the magic of customized kitchen cabinets, countertops and other essential components that make a kitchen unique and memorable

So, rather than undertaking a full-blown renovation every ten years, find out how to give your kitchen one solid makeover and then sprinkle in minor updates as needed to stay aligned with evolving trends.


How do you style an outdated kitchen?

Dive into 7 kitchen designs that have lost their spark over time, and discover ways to freshen them up.

1. Dark brown wood finishes

While there are exceptions to this (mostly in the traditional kitchen department) deep wood finishes are making way for lighter and cleaner aesthetics. For one thing, lighter cabinets tend to brighten a place up, making it look more airy and spacious. For another, modern kitchens follow European design trends and lighter woods are more popular there. You can still opt for a warm finish without darkening the wood too much.

outdated kitchen design

2. Bright, bold cabinet colors

We find that people are better off using neutral colors for cabinetry and big ticket items, and keeping the bright and bold colors to accents and accessory pieces. The former is more timeless (remember the goal?), the latter can be easily changed without requiring a ton of time, labor and expense.

outdated kitchen design

3. Peeling laminate countertops

When you notice repeated adjustments being made due to the deteriorating edges of your laminate countertop, it may be an indication to consider an update. It's essential to remember that laminate countertops remain a contemporary choice. It's only the wear and tear, particularly peeling, that can detract from their aesthetic appeal.

Download our FREE ultimate kitchen lookbook and browse through some of our  most popular kitchen remodels.

4. Pine cabinets

There is a sweet charm attached to the pine cabinetry of the 40s and 50s - but you still need to suck it up and replace them. The good news? We don't have to rip out a single cabinet body. Cabinet refacing is an amazing process by which you save the bulk of your cabinetry structure, and we simply reinforce it and re-do the exterior faces and doors. You save money, gain a modern look and can call it eco-friendly.

outdated kitchen design

5. Ancient appliances

You’ll notice in our blog I Just Got a New Countertop But Now My Cabinets Look Old! that the term "cabinets" could easily be replaced with "appliances". Often, a revitalizing paint job and updated cabinet hardware can make a significant difference, yet simultaneously highlight the age of existing appliances. Investing in modern, energy-efficient appliances not only proves cost-effective in the long run but also elevates the overall aesthetics of the kitchen.

outdated-appliance

6. Poor lighting

That large, boxy light fixture with fluorescent tubes screams the 80s, doesn't it? Its harsh lighting can overshadow even the most meticulous kitchen renovations, casting unflattering shadows. Refreshing your lighting doesn't have to break the bank. A balanced mix of utility and ambient lighting can transform the space. And remember, dimmers can be a game-changer.

7. Your grout-heavy 4.5 x 4.5 tiles

Small tiles are out - and we wonder if they'll ever be back? Larger tiles and slabs are easier to clean and maintain (less grout to worry about) and unless you plan on dancing atop your wet countertop surface (in which case all that extra grout is anti-slip protection), we recommend upgrading ASAP.

outdated tiles

Where can I find professionals who specialize in customized kitchen cabinets?

Choosing custom-made cabinetry isn't just about looks; it captures your unique style and the functional needs of your kitchen. Why not reach out to the team at Kitchen Magic? Dial (866) 339-9099, and they'd be delighted to drop by and chat about modernizing your kitchen space.

Kitchen Magic Ultimate Kitchen Lookbook - Free Download

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