The Popular Cabinet Trend That Might Not Be As Timeless As You Think

When a certain style of cabinet starts popping up everywhere — on your Pinterest boards, HGTV shows, or new builds — you may feel tempted to jump on board and incorporate it in your home. However, not every popular silhouette can transform into a timeless feature and may even work conversely in timestamping your home. One such cabinet design that may quickly make your kitchen feel outdated is the high-gloss, grainy cabinet, according to Artem Kropovinsky, owner of Arsight.

Speaking exclusively to House Digest about this cabinet trend, Kropovinsky explained, "Heavily grained and high-sheen 'loud' finishes are popular, but temporary." A part of the in crowd since 2024, high-gloss finishes caught the fancy of homeowners tired of seeing the same matte finishes across cabinets. They looked fresh and luxurious, and by catching and reflecting light, helped brighten the area. However, their popularity may be short-lived. "High contrast and statement cabinetry can look great under certain conditions, but too bright and bold colors can lose their appeal with time," Kropovinsky said.

During his exclusive interview with House Digest, Artem Kropovinsky doesn't wholly discount the appeal of high-gloss cabinets, admitting they can be a charming addition to the heart of your home. "Kitchens are the home's main stage, and cabinetry is the largest surface. People want unique character, a strong point of view, and a space that reads designed. High-contrast cabinets deliver that impact, and they pair well with today's demand for sculptural lighting and bold stone." And yet they might not hold up in the long run — both aesthetically and functionally.

According to Kropovinsky, the problem doesn't lie with the design or the finish per se; instead, it's the complete dependence on the bold aesthetic. They feel fresh at the outset, but age poorly and eventually start looking out of place. "Expressive grain and strong contrast can start to feel like a timestamp once the rest of the space evolves," he explained. Besides, they aren't very practical in households with kids and pets. "High-gloss shows wear quickly, and very dark surfaces highlight fingerprints and dust. When the finish is the key point, the kitchen has less opportunity to age organically," he said. So, unless you're keen on spending your precious time constantly cleaning out marks and smudges, you're better off looking for alternatives that won't require as much upkeep.

Considering their cons, adding high-gloss cabinets might be a remodeling mistake to avoid for a more timeless look in your kitchen. So, what can you do instead? In his exclusive House Digest interview, Artem Kropovinsky shared, "Traditional framed or slim shaker doors are a better long-term solution — it provides tactile depth and quiet geometry." A twist on the traditional shaker style, a slim shaker cabinet features a thinner trim, which helps refocus the attention on the grain. The clean lines offer a pared-back, built-in look that works in most homes. Plus, he said, "Combined with [a] warm neutral palette, it will become a timeless move, not a trend." Think along the lines of earthy beige, cashmere, and creams. To further spruce up the aesthetics, play around with other kitchen fixtures. "With added mixed open and closed storage, modern hardware, or statement island color, it will still feel current," he added.

As a final rule to follow for designing a new kitchen that will never go out of style, Kropovinsky recommended focusing on elements like cabinetry's layout, construction, and colors. They form the core of your kitchen and are often harder, not to mention expensive, to change. Should you feel the need to go bold, he suggested doing so through a "coffee bar, tall pantry wall, or kitchen island — not every cabinet."