5 ‘Outdated’ Kitchen Design Trends You’re About to See Everywhere Again

Kitchens were trending toward modern, sleek, and clutter-free designs for quite a while, but now the trends are favoring a bit more warmth and character. Classic design elements from the past are making a return, proving that what’s old is new again—just with a fresh twist. Here are five previously “outdated” kitchen design trends that are making a comeback, according to design experts.

Unlacquered Brass

According to Aaron Kessler, on-air TV host and home goods and design expert at ShopHQ, unlacquered brass is making a comeback, and he feels very enthusiastic about it. He says it’s one of his favorite kitchen design trends right now for two very good reasons: “It shows patina and story so beautifully and is very easy to care for.”

Keep in mind that unlacquered brass and lacquered brass look a little different. Lacquered brass has a shiny, polished look, whereas unlacquered brass is matte. While unlacquered brass is definitely having the bigger moment, if a shinier, more traditional finish speaks to you, you should absolutely consider incorporating it into your kitchen—whether through cabinet pulls or a vintage-inspired faucet to complement your kitchen sink.

Deep Colors

While white and light-colored kitchens dominated the past decade, Kessler tells me deep, bold colors are making a major comeback. “Richer color drenching, moodier tones, and rich woods are also coming back for kitchens,” he says. “These play beautifully with spaces that have soul and stories to them—perfect for entertaining spaces.”

So don’t be afraid to install dark wood cabinetry (or stain your light wood cabinets a deeper color), paint your kitchen walls a deep eggplant, or add dark navy cushions to the stools surrounding your island.

Lamps

Kessler also says that adding a small lamp under your kitchen cabinets can bring a beautiful and unique touch to the space. “A small-scale table lamp is the perfect way to really make your house a home and give a warm aura to the space,” he says. “The other thing that is a must is small paintings or artworks against the backsplash for a layered look.”

Colorful Appliances and Plumbing Options

Morgan Blinn, lead designer at Rumor Designs, tells me colored appliances and sinks are falling back into favor. “We have seen a lot of examples of this, with lines like Kohler bringing back their traditional colors from the 1970s and making them popular again.” (Kohler revived the colors Teal, Fresh Green, and Aspen Green for its Heritage Colors collection.)

Keep in mind that these shades are quite a bold departure from the stainless steel or neutral appliances you’re likely used to. So, Blinn suggests choosing these colors because you truly connect with them—not just because they’re trendy. “As with anything else, don’t just throw them in your home to keep up with trends; be intentional with your choices, and if these trends speak to you, incorporate them into your space because you like them.”

White Appliances

If there’s one thing design pros and enthusiasts alike probably never expected to come back again, it’s white appliances. After all, stainless steel has been big for decades now. But Blinn says white appliances have, indeed, returned with a slightly different look. She says modern appliance brands have done a great job of reinventing the look of white appliances and making them look chic with elements like gold hardware.