Dated Kitchen Trends That HGTV Stars Are Over Seeing In Homes
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HGTV stars have seen a lot of kitchens, and with that, they've seen a lot of trends. Kitchens are one of the most used rooms in the home, so it makes sense that experts are always looking for new ways to keep it lively. But, once designers find that perfect kitchen look, it often gets overused and is seen everywhere. These overused design concepts can make a room stale, boring, and predictable in just a few short years, meaning your once-trendy countertops or cabinet color may be so 2010s.
These are some of the most dated trends your favorite HGTV stars are tired of seeing in kitchens. It's time to ditch these once-relied-on standbys and let your updated personal style shine. We'll provide tips and suggestions on how to get off the outdated list with the newest, expert-approved kitchen trends. That way, your next kitchen redesign can be worthy of an HGTV's star stamp of approval.
Jonathan Scott: Open shelving is often a regret
Open shelves might let you show off your v dish collection, but the trend of exposing your kitchen wares is dying out, according to Jonathan Scott. The "Property Brother" star told Apartment Therapy, "Let me just say nooooo [to open shelving]. You have to have upper cabinets...anytime I've had a client who forced me to design a kitchen with no uppers, everyone has come back in six months saying they regret it."
If you like the look of open shelves but want to keep your kitchen contents tucked away, there are other options. You can swap a few of your cabinet doors with glass ones to promote a similar feeling of airiness. For more concealed storage, you can opt for frosted glass doors, like these from Lowe's. Or, if you have dark cabinets, paint them a lighter hue to expand them visually. Pale grey and white are great kitchen cabinet colors to make the space feel more open.
Erin Napier: Hidden appliances just aren't functional
Erin and Ben Napier know a lot about designing kitchens. When the couple bought their home in 2011, their outdated '80s kitchen needed a total renovation. One major decision they made was to let their appliances stay on the counter. In an interview from HGTV about the trend of hiding countertop appliances, Erin remarks "If you use it constantly, find one that isn't an eyesore and leave it on the counter. I think it's silly to try to hide everything we use constantly. Leave it on the counter and don't worry about how it looks."
In general, counter-worthy appliances should match the decor and vibe of your kitchen. For example, a sleek, stainless steel coffee maker would look right at home in a modern kitchen. And, a vintage blender alongside a pastel microwave, like this one from Best Buy, can add function and charm to a retro-themed kitchen.
Christina Haack: Move on from dark cabinetry tones
Christina Haack from HGTV's "Flip or Flop" and "Christina on the Coast" has often relied on a dark cabinet color to revamp a kitchen. Deep and dark colors have been a kitchen trend for decades, with intense browns and deep moody blues being popular color choices for cabinets. These dark tones can complement any kitchen style, from farmhouse to rustic to industrial, which may explain how the trend took over.
But now, it seems that this is a kitchen design concept that Haack now avoids. She's more in favor of lighter colors in the kitchen as a way to brighten up a space. "Right now, everyone loves white cabinets," she told PureWow. She's also been known to use some light wood in the kitchen, explaining to Realtor, "In order for wood to work, all the stains need to complement each other," she says. You can borrow these ideas for your home by painting your cabinetry white or having them sanded and stained in the trendy pale shade.
Jenny Marrs: Trendy cabinet hardware isn't timeless
If you've given in and installed a super trendy knob on your cabinets (or perhaps the trend of no cabinet hardware at all!), it might be time to return to a more classic look. Jenny Marrs from "Fixer to Fabulous" is over trendy hardware. "I recommend staying away from really specific trends and going with classic kitchen cabinets and classic hardware instead," Marrs tells Homes and Gardens. "Lean into pieces that have already impressed for decades and draw from features and colors that we already know can stand the test of time."
For what looks and feels timeless for hardware, Marrs thinks you can never go wrong with brass. She notes that it will "always look beautiful" and that natural brass "is always going to impress because it has a natural patina — it changes over time, but it's always going to look good." Consider brushed brass cabinet pulls, like these from Home Depot, as a low-cost way to make a big impact. Another simple tip from Marrs for a timeless kitchen is to invest in long-lasting materials to minimize upkeep or replacement costs.
Jonathan Scott: All-white kitchens are too bland
While most everyone enjoys designing with white in the kitchen, it's the trend of the all-white kitchen that Jonathan Scott is over. Scott told Apartment Therapy: "For the longest time, it's been white cabinets in white kitchens...If people are going modern, they think of white everywhere, but maybe some contrast is good...too much of a good thing is not a good thing."
Instead of the all-white kitchen, Jonathan wants to see an injection of other hues. "I love a little color," he says. If you're nervous about adding another shade to your pristine, all-white kitchen, start with lighter palettes: "Lighter colors help bounce light around and feel cleaner and brighter," Jonathan says. So, opt for muted bar stools, like these dusty pink ones from Article, for a subtle pop. Or, add a little liveliness and function to your counter with pretty pastel cooking utensils like this set from Peachymart.
Hilary Farr: Open up the walled-off kitchen concept
Closed-off kitchens is an outdated trend that Hilary Farr is over seeing in homes. Farr believes open-concept, airy kitchens are the future of design. In Season 1 Episode 7 of "Tough Love," Farr convinces her client to tear down the wall separating the kitchen and living room. Farr says that "It's the smallest things sometimes that can make the difference," when speaking of opening up the kitchen. The result is a lovely open space that makes the client's house feel more welcoming and connected.
Although knocking down a closed-off kitchen wall is a major renovation project, it may be the one thing you can do to give your kitchen an entirely new feel. If you're not ready to take on such a project, you may be able to remove the upper portion of a wall to create a more open floor plan. Taking down a half wall can add some much-needed light, add counter space, and create a bar to offer more seating options.
Tarek El Moussa: Ditch the bright accent walls
With almost a decade of experience on the HGTV show "Flip or Flop," Tarek El Moussa has seen plenty of bad trends. You can add the bright accent wall to the dated trend list. El Moussa isn't a fan of certain pink paint colors, so in Season 1, Episode 8 of his new HGTV show "Flipping 101 with Tarek El Moussa," El Moussa knew the first thing that had to go in the kitchen was its pink wall. "It's a total gut job in here," he said of the kitchen when explaining the renovations to the mom and son flipping team.
If you still like the concept of a pop of color, consider adding it elsewhere that's easier to remove or replace. For example, you could use a large area rug or runners, like the washable Absida Rainbow selections from Ruggable, to add a dose of brightness. You could also hang brightly-hued curtains or use a vivid tablecloth to add color that's easy to swap out when you're ready for a change.
Erin Napier: Don't force all metals to match
Forget about needing all-matching metals in the kitchen and go eclectic, says Erin Napier. When asked in an interview by HGTV whether she'd throw out unmatched metals when redoing a kitchen, Napier says: "I don't believe people look at a room and pick apart what metals are used. People walk in and just feel the whole of the room, so don't worry too much about it!"
Instead of worrying about your metals matching, think of choosing ones that complement each other and the overall theme of your kitchen. When considering how to mix metals, we recommend choosing no more than three tones and keeping a dominant one throughout. If you're unsure of where to start, interior designer Nate Berkus suggests an easy way to mix up your metals is through your kitchen hardware. "Warm metals like gold and brass come across rich and textured alongside cool metals like silver and chrome," he shares on his Instagram.
Christina Haack: Statement backsplashes don't need to be boldly-colored
Christina Haack has often relied on a bold tile backsplash with lots of character for her renovation projects. But in her new solo show "Christina on the Coast," Haack has moved on to considering more subtle backsplash looks. In Season 3 Episode 3, "Bold Kitchen for a Brit," Haack decides to extend the client's quartz kitchen counter up through the backsplash instead of choosing a bright, bold tile. "Running the slab up the wall not only draws your eye up, making the room feel bigger, it also showcases the beautiful veining in the slab," Haack says in the episode.
To make a statement without a wild backsplash, you can run it all the way to the ceiling for a big impact. Or, consider using a neutral tile with an interesting pattern or mosaic. For example, this Victoria Blanc option from TheTileShop adds dynamic interest without being showy. 3D tiles are also worthy to consider, as they're quickly becoming a tile trend that provides visual interest without relying on color.
Anita Corsini: White and gray cabinets are fading out of style
Anita Corsini, host of HGTV's series "Flipping Showdown," is ready to move on from the trend of white and gray kitchen cabinets. She says in an interview with Apartment Therapy that "eventually, the white and gray cabinet is going to die out, and I see things going back to a warm palette." Oranges and yellows work well in the kitchen to bring in warmth.
In addition to warm colors, Corsini thinks that wood cabinets may be the next emerging trend. "I'm wondering if there's going to be some blonde wood or light wood," she shares. We agree with the HGTV star on light wood cabinets, as this once-dated cabinet look is making a big comeback in kitchens. Light natural wood can add dimension to kitchens in diverse aesthetics. For example, you can pair light wood cabinets with a cool granite counter for a modern look. Or, pair it with a rustic ceramic backsplash for more country or farmhouse styles.
Jonathan Scott: Tile countertops are too tough to clean
Add tile counters to the list of trends that Jonathan Scott is over. In Season 7, Episode 13 of his show "Property Brothers: Buying and Selling," Jonathan is quick to change up the tile counter in his client's kitchen. He says in the episode, "I hate tile counters...They just suck up all of the grime and the grease!" His brother Drew is quick to agree when he sees the tiles. When inspecting the grout, he says, "That food that you see? Pick it out!"
To fix this dated trend, go with a solid countertop. Granite countertops have made a comeback and are easy to keep clean. All you need is warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft cloth. Quartz offers a similar appearance to stone and is just as easy to clean, and it comes in an expansive range of colors. Finally, a solid surface countertop can provide a suitable alternative. Just use a non-abrasive cleaner and microfiber cloth to keep these clean.
Hilary Farr: Stained wood cabinets are distracting
Hilary Farr's known for being vocal about her likes and dislikes, so leave it to her to share outdated design trends that she's completely over seeing in homes. According to the designer, one kitchen trend that needs to disappear forever is stained wood cabinets. Though they may be making a comeback, Farr is not thrilled to see them return. A stained wood grain doesn't belong in the kitchen and can be distracting, she explains to Apartment Therapy. Farr's exception to this rule is "a super cool walnut that is repeated and reflected somewhere else."
If you're not tying the wood theme into other design elements, Farr's kitchen renovation tip is to choose timeless cabinets. Since these can be one of the most expensive parts of the kitchen, you'll want a look that you won't have to replace in a few years. Figuring out what "timeless" means can be tricky. Start by considering the overall theme and architecture of your home. For example, in a modern-style home, cabinets with sleek lines and minimal hardware will stand the test of revolving trends.
Jonathan and Drew Scott: Marble countertops and too high-maintenance
Jonathan and Drew Scott have been a staple of the HGTV lineup for over a decade. With that, they've seen every kitchen trend you can imagine. Now, Jonathan Scott is ready to move on from marble counters in the kitchen. While many designers return to marble for its elegant appeal, Jonathan thinks the renowned countertop is more trouble than it's worth. "So many people are like, 'I need real marble imported from Italy,' and I'm like, 'You get a glass of water, it stains,'" Jonathan remarks in Season 6, Episode 1 of his HGTV show "Celebrity IOU."
While marble is often a top choice for countertops, it's also porous and absorbs water. It's also highly reactive to acids, which can cause rapid deterioration under food prep conditions. This is why marble is now being seen as a high-maintenance choice for kitchen counters. Instead of wasting time on upkeep for those precious countertops, Jonathan says he prefers surfaces like quartz countertops. Those non-porous alternatives look just as lovely as marble without needing to manage the mess.
Francesca Grace: Trade muted colors for vibrant hues
Francesca Grace of HGTV's "Fix My Flip" is known for her bright patterns and whimsical prints. The self-proclaimed maximalist is over the trend of muted and neutral palettes in the kitchen and predicts color will make a comeback. "I think we're going to be seeing a lot more color in the kitchen...think lots of rich colored hues, like dark greens, blacks, and blues...with countertops with more character," Grace shares in an interview with Forbes.
Using color in the kitchen can be tricky. Even Hilary Farr warns of using too much color. But one look at Grace's own Los Angeles home can serve as inspiration for using color correctly in the kitchen. Grace's kitchen walls feature a deep blue Marly Vinyl wall covering, available from The House of Scalamandré. "The blue is so lively and inspiring, and I love waking up and walking in there every morning," Grace tells Architectural Digest.