The Cabinet Design That Will Quickly Make Your Kitchen Feel Outdated

Cabinets may arguably be one of the most impactful aspects of a kitchen design. They're a large, dimensional style that sets the tone for the rest of the space, which unfortunately means that the wrong choice can downgrade everything that surrounds it. Popular cabinet styles are constantly evolving through the years, swinging from vibrant colors in the 60s to the traditional forms of the 80s, and the recently more modern, minimalist materials. However, cabinet trends aren't as easy to swap out as most decorative accents — it's a design feature you'll likely be committed to for years to come. For this reason, it's always best to aim for a look that can be considered timeless, and avoid any designs that could make your kitchen feel stuck in the past. That said, there is one style you should be cautious of in order to prevent the space from feeling outdated — high-gloss cabinetry.

According to designers, those modern, high-gloss panels don't have much lasting power in terms of their appeal. Unless you're in a position to change out your cabinets to keep up with the yearly trends, it may be better to opt out of high-gloss cabinets, along with the other outdated kitchen trends you can leave in the past. This doesn't mean you can't enjoy a stronger alternative, as there are plenty of modern designs that are better suited for the long-haul.

While there are plenty of common kitchen cabinet finishes that can stand the test of time, high-gloss finishes aren't necessarily one of them. This look originally rose to popularity in the 1970s, pairing well with the modish chrome hardware that was a favorite in most kitchens. They offer a sleek, glamorous look, although this doesn't always adapt well within other styles. The high-gloss look embraces a more extreme aesthetic, which may read well in ultra-contemporary spaces, but the most timeless kitchens will likely require a more balanced appeal. These cabinets are typically used as a statement style, giving them less flexibility to blend easily among a variety of kitchen designs, which may be the reason they're so susceptible to looking outdated. High-gloss finishes have had short-lived, sporadic windows of popularity throughout the decades, and while they're bound to have another comeback, it's likely that they'll return to outdated territory just as quickly.

It's not just a lack of versatility that can make them feel outdated in your kitchen — they also have a few practical concerns. The reflective nature of high-gloss finishes can easily accumulate fingerprints, residue, and scratches — all of which will be highlighted by their shiny surface. It may also be hard to predict how your kitchen lighting will agree with the reflectiveness. Bountiful natural lighting or vibrant artificial light is often suited to kitchens, but it can come off too harsh when bouncing off the gloss.

Considering cabinets are such an important commitment for your kitchen, it's important to find a style with a more reliable appeal than a risky high-gloss finish. However, playing it safe doesn't mean you can't still enjoy a bold design. Rather than using a glossy look to create a statement, explore a more timeless use of texture. Organic, textured materials like wood or stone will age with style, while making it easier to conceal imperfections and highlight unique craftsmanship. The sleekness of high-gloss cabinets can sometimes come off as cold or clinical, so opting for textured materials with a natural warmth can give your space a more comforting aesthetic year after year.

Two timeless kitchen cabinet upgrades you can't go wrong with are beadboard or glass-front cabinets. Taking the glass-front approach has the sleek, dynamic look that high-gloss also offers, but displayed in a fashion that feels relevant and chic among a wider variety of design styles from vintage to modern. Beadboard, on the other hand, brings in that needed element of texture, with a grooved, traditional look that gives the space a sense of depth. If you're looking to update the cabinets you already have for a more budget-friendly approach, upgrading with a dose of color instead of a glossy finish can be just as effective. Vibrant versions of earth tones, like terracotta or forest green, have a long-lasting appeal that will contribute to your kitchen design, instead of limiting it.