Style and color go hand in hand, evolving through the years. What's trendy today might not hold the same appeal in 20 years, just like a top-tier kitchen from the 70s might not be everyone's choice now.
Or could it be?
This is where it gets tricky making definitive statements about style trends. Sure, olive green cabinets from the 70s and gold-flecked Formica countertops aren't as common today. Yet, with the right design approach, this retro combo can shine, becoming a standout feature that grabs attention. However, you'll probably need the help of professional custom kitchen cabinet makers.
What color cabinets are outdated?
Strictly speaking, certain colors are in a "low trend" right now. Those would be:
- Red
- Orange
- Green
- Yellow
- Dark Wood stains
- Distressed wood stains
So what can we learn from the above list? Well, one glaringly obvious point is that primary colors are not trending right now. That being said, their "tropical" counterparts are pretty popular with modernists and contemporary designs.
While we don't see much orange, we do see kitchens with tangerine or mango accents. While there aren't too many Kelly green or standard blue cabinets, we have seen kitchen islands or other features that are painted a more nautical blue.
Dark wood stains are still around but most homeowners prefer a lighter look in their kitchen, perhaps as the result of the open floor plan trend - it's easier to integrate lighter wood stains with the entirety of the visually exposed living space. Homeowners who do go with a darker wood for their cabinets use lighter backsplash, countertop or flooring accents to balance it out.
Distressed wood was all the rage a while back. However, that's such a stylized look that its popularity has faded as time marched on. Now, clients who might have appreciated the distressed look are opting for more subtle glazes, which can still add richness and texture to white or lighter colored cabinets.
Does This Mean I Avoid Picking a Color I Love?
Absolutely not. You should only choose colors you love. But how much of those colors you use should be based on how long you plan to stay in your home.
If you love a "trend-flaky" color: For example, if you love the look of red cabinetry and you plan to stay put indefinitely, there's no reason why you shouldn't go for it. If you love bright yellow cabinets but you know that you might plan to sell your home in the next decade or so, we recommend isolating that color to the island and choosing a more neutral cabinet color for the bulk of the cabinetry. This is a win-win; you still get to have a major dose of a "trend flaky" color you love, while future buyers will know they only have to change one thing to make the kitchen their own.
Right now, color trends are definitely on the earthy side. White is the top contender, quickly followed by earthy grays, blues and greens. Those blues and greens are like the mossy version, not the rainbow version. So, to modernize your space, using temporary color accents (via accessories, towels, art, etc.) is the safest long-term bet. If you opt to go with color, know that it might not be "trendy" in another five to 10 years.
Need help with your cabinets? Contact the best custom kitchen cabinet makers in the area!
Our advice? Try to use timeless kitchen design options for substantial kitchen features and use trending color accents that are less permanent to get your color fix. That will pave the way to designing a kitchen you'll love. So, give us a call at (866) 525-0012 and let's start the journey with our experienced design consultants to unearth the endless prospects your kitchen renovation holds.
