The 11 things that are making your kitchen look dated
Timeless kitchen design is something every homeowner strives for, but at times kitchen trends can seem to come and go faster than it takes to take out an old kitchen and get a new one fitted – so, if your have started to notice your own space looking a little dated, don’t feel too bad.
Certain kitchen features and design elements have definitely fallen out of fashion lately and understanding what these are, as well as getting a grasp of their more modern replacements, will mean that a total kitchen rip-out might not be needed. In many cases, some simple swaps is all it takes to take this room from stale to stylish.
We asked some leading kitchen design experts for their insights on the things that are well worth replacing so that you can enjoy a space that feels fresh, modern and, most importantly, stands the test of time.
1. Too many wall cabinets
In truth, wall cabinets have been falling from favour for some time now, often cited as being a surefire way to make a kitchen feel cramped and darker than it really is.
“Rows of bulky wall cabinets that dominate the space are a telltale sign of an older kitchen,” states Rhiannon Phenis, head of design at Sola Kitchens. “They make the room feel smaller and more closed-in.”
That said, when devising kitchen layout ideas, they can be hugely helpful when it comes to providing extra kitchen storage, so where should we be putting all the things we once kept in these high level units?
“Opt for open shelving, floating shelves, or a mix of low-level cabinetry and tall larder units,” suggests Rhiannon Phenis. “This approach opens up the space, creates breathing room, and lets you showcase beautiful ceramics or glassware – a hallmark of contemporary kitchen design.”
Rhiannon is head of design at Sola Kitchens. A product design graduate with a wealth of experience spanning almost 20 years, her ability to balance creativity with functionality has helped Sola to win numerous design awards.
2. Harsh overhead lighting
While the kitchen is undoubtedly a practical space, meaning the need for clear, task-based lighting is more important than ever, there are lots of up-to-date, more aesthetically pleasing kitchen lighting ideas that provide this than the rather basic, functional methods of old.
“Relying solely on one decorative pendant or harsh ceiling lights feels outdated and impractical,” says Rhiannon Phenis. “Layered lighting schemes that combine task lighting (such as under-cabinet LEDs), ambient lighting, and statement pendants, create depth, warmth, and functionality.”
Don’t be afraid of using table lamps in the kitchen either. They are a great way to make this room feel warm and cosy, as well as to brighten up dark corners – in fact, “kitchen lamps” have been one of the stand-out trends of 2025 and are the perfect finishing touch for cosy farmhouse kitchens too.
Shop kitchen lighting
Nephi Bobbins Table Lamp with Linen Trim Scallop Shade
With a choice of both base and shade colours to choose from, this dainty side lamp would be the perfect way to add a cosy glow, as well as some handy focussed lighting, to any kitchen scheme.
Tomshine 2 Pack Industrial Suspended Ceiling Pendant Lights
With their elegant black and brass finish and adjustable cord length, these pendants are perfect for suspending over either a kitchen island or dining table (or both) to create an intimate glow.
TTWAY COB LED Dimmable Strip Lighting Kit 2700K
Just the thing for adding a bit of character to your kitchen. This roll of LED strip lighting is remote controlled and can be cut to length and stuck beneath shelving or cabinets to cast a warming glow out over your work surfaces.
3. Predictable tile patterns
Kitchen wall tiles act as a backdrop in many schemes, defining its overall look in the same way that your choice of colour scheme or cabinet doors can. There has been a slight shift in tile trends of late which is well worth noting if you are considering a little redecorating, as opposed to a total remodel.
“Metro tiles have been a kitchen favourite for years, but the classic horizontal brick pattern can now feel a little predictable,” reveals Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra. “To bring the look up-to-date, opt for a slimmer, hand-glazed version and install them vertically.
“This subtle change elongates the walls, creating the illusion of more height and light – particularly effective in compact kitchens,” continues Grazzie. “The hand-glazed finish adds texture and variation, catching the light differently across each tile, which gives a softer, more artisanal feel compared to the flat gloss of older metro styles.”
Grazzie has worked in the interiors industry for more than a decade. At Ca’ Pietra, one of the UK’s leading stone and tile brands, she heads up creative, overseeing product collections as well as the company’s distinctive brand, look and feel.
4. Angled corner units
It can be difficult to know how to navigate kitchen corners in a way that maximises storage without looking clumsy. A method that has been widely used in the past is to install kitchen units with doors hinged at a right angle – but it seems the popularity of this idea is waning.
“Angled corner solutions are seen as dated now,” says Jayne Everett, creative director at Naked Kitchens. “It is much better to use standard units fitted with a corner caddy, or shelving at a higher level to give a more up-to-date look.”
Other ways to make good use of kitchen corners is to fit units with swinging pull-outs and carousels – or to use them for a cosy reading nook, fitted with seating instead.
After a career in London, Jayne relocated to Norfolk with her husband Jamie to raise their young family. Together they founded Naked Kitchens 20 years ago, inspired by a shared love of interiors and manufacturing. As Creative Director, Jayne has shaped the brand’s distinctive aesthetic — celebrating natural materials, sustainable craftsmanship and timeless, functional design that defines the heart of the home.
Shop corner unit storage ideas
Blind Corner Cabinet Pull out Organizer 2-Tier
This swing-out storage system for corner cabinets ensures you won’t waste any space at the back of awkward-to-access units. Unlike some others, it can support even heavy items – up to 15kg on each shelf.
2-Tier Lazy Susan Rotating Organiser
Ideal for organising not just corner cabinets, but also really useful for larder units which need some separation. The tiers are non-slip to keep goods in place and the whole thing can be put in the dishwasher.
SJDUYD 2-Tier Corner Cabinet Pull Out Organizer
Comprising four heavy-duty slide out shelves, this easy-to-install unit is super sturdy and each shelf can hold up to 20kg in weight. Shelves are height adjustable and all the fixings needed for installation are included.
5. Glossy surfaces
For a brief time, glossy work surfaces and cabinet fronts were top of the trends – but this has definitely passed and should be avoided at all costs if you want your space to look current.
“Ultra-gloss cabinetry and stark, high-shine finishes were popular a decade ago, but now they feel cold and clinical,” explains Rhiannon Phenis. “Natural materials and textured finishes such as oak veneers, pigmented timbers, or matt painted cabinetry, bring warmth and depth,” continues Rhiannon. “A softer, more layered look feels timeless and sophisticated rather than trend-led.”
“Much better than high gloss is painted cabinetry in a lower sheen level – or to have a combination of wooden kitchen ideas and painted for a timeless ‘never out of date’ look,” says Jayne Everett.
6. Too many ‘worktop appliances’
While we’d never say that worktops should be entirely clutter-free (unless you prefer a totally minimalist finish of course), too many appliances on display can make a kitchen look a little unkempt.
“A worktop full of toasters, kettles, and mixers instantly dates a kitchen and makes it feel busy,” agrees Rhiannon Phenis. “Instead, design integrated storage solutions such as appliance garages, concealed larders, or built-in coffee stations. Clean, uninterrupted surfaces feel modern and luxurious.”
In fact, there is an argument to say that kettles are now redundant in the modern-day kitchen – many people are replacing a kitchen tap as a reflection of this.
“Kettles, once a kitchen staple, are rapidly losing their appeal,” says Michael Sammon, design director at Wödår. “Even the expensive, design-led models take up worktop space, use more energy than you think, and take time to boil – all at odds with how modern kitchens function. Today’s homeowners are prioritising clean lines, convenience and efficiency, which is why hot water taps have become such a defining upgrade.
“A 4-in-1 tap delivers instant boiling, filtered, hot and cold water from a single spout, meaning no clutter, no cables and no waiting around,” continues Michael. “You only heat the water you need, so it’s naturally more energy-efficient, while integrated filtration removes impurities and limescale for noticeably better-tasting drinks. Safety features like insulated spouts, child locks and adjustable temperature controls make them just as practical for families as for busy professionals. Once you’ve lived with one, it’s hard to imagine going back.”
Michael Sammon is the design director and co-founder of Wödår, a UK-based brand specialising in innovative hot water taps and kitchen fittings. Under his creative vision, Wödår emphasises ‘choice through design,’ offering multiple finishes and styles at accessible price points.
Shop boiling water taps
Heritage Cruciform 3 in 1 Chrome Boiling Hot Water Tap
Offering three functions in one, this chrome boiling water tap dispenses hot, cold and filtered boiling water. Unlike some designs, this offering from Wodar is beautifully fuss-free in its design and comes with a range of reassuring safety features.
Yamataro 3 in 1 Stainless Steel Brushed Gold Boiling Water Tap
Easy to set up on a DIY basis, with all parts included, this stylish brass boiling water tap has a child lock and dispenses hot, cold and boiling filtered water out of one spout. It comes fitted with a filter and also a useful replacement filter.
FNX Bathrooms 3-in-1 Matt Black Boiling Water Kitchen Tap
If you are after a lower cost boiling water tap then this one is well worth a look. Its matt black finish looks elegant and modern while the cool-to-the-touch spout and child lock offer reassurance to households with young children.
7. Standard cabinet hardware
If you bought off-the-shelf, flat pack kitchen cabinets it is likely that they came complete with hardware – that is, knobs, handles or drawer pulls. Even if you went down the bespoke kitchen route, hardware can soon look tired and dated, dragging down your carefully-planned kitchen ideas. Making a simple swap for something more eye-catching can make all the difference.
“Hardware is often overlooked when refreshing a kitchen, but it’s the detail that can make cabinetry feel instantly current without having to replace the whole kitchen,” says Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel. “Traditional cup handles and polished chrome knobs were once go-to choices, yet they can date a space if the rest of the room has moved on.
“Upgrading to solid brass hardware not only improves the look but also the feel – the weight and quality are noticeable every time you open a drawer. Finishes such as burnished brass, brushed nickel or dark brushed brass introduce subtle warmth and depth that work beautifully with both painted and natural wood kitchens.
“If you want a more contemporary edge, consider a mix of knobs and linear pulls, or even slimline edge pulls that keep the look minimal but still tactile,” continues Gareth.
“Always make sure your chosen finish ties in with taps and lighting so that everything feels deliberate and cohesive rather than piecemeal.”
Gareth Hull is the design lead at Hendel & Hendel, a leading UK hardware brand. He leads on the design direction for the brand’s collections and interior styling. With a background in product development and a keen eye for detail, Gareth’s approach seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics and his work emphasises refined forms, elevated materials, and a balance between contemporary, traditional and transitional pieces.
8. Granite worktops and polished surfaces
Glamourous, sparkly granite in inky blacks and snowy whites was once seen as the epitome of luxury – these days, however, it tends to look a little passé.
“Shiny granite was once the go-to for luxury – but now it can feel heavy and old-fashioned,” agrees Rhiannon Phenis, who suggests using something a little more subtle.
“Natural stones, such as marble or quartzite, with soft honed finishes are much more current, as are composite materials with a tactile surface. These lend a more organic, understated luxury.”
Same goes for kitchen floor tiles – shiny, reflective surfaces are out and matt, natural materials are in.
“Consider flooring such as porcelain tiles, engineered wood, or natural stone to complement bespoke joinery,” advises Selena Quick, founder and managing director at PAD.London.
Selena Quick is the founder and director of PAD. Celebrating 10 years in 2026, PAD is a family-owned design practice that specialises in bespoke kitchens and joinery. PAD clients are both direct homeowners and design professionals. Purposely not on the high street, their approach offers homeowners a curated range of finishes from their core collection. Each PAD kitchen is designed in-house, built in their UK factory using FSC-approved wood and installed by their expert team of fitters and each kitchen project follows a 127-point checklist.
9. Matching design schemes
Give the matchy-matchy look a wide berth if you want your kitchen to look fresh and current. Far better to instead create a handpicked look that feels more considered and individual to you, as opposed to lifted straight from a kitchen showroom.
“Having all finishes – cabinetry, handles, splashbacks, and lighting – perfectly matched can feel flat and one-dimensional,” says Rhiannon Phenis. “A curated, contrasting palette is far more contemporary.
“Think mixed metals (such as brass with black finishes), layered kitchen worktop materials, or combining painted cabinetry with wood details. This adds character and a bespoke feel.”
10. Synthetic materials
Natural materials are very much of the moment in the world of kitchen trends, with a strong move away from manmade surfaces and finishes and towards those that are upscale and durable. Even better, they suit modern kitchen ideas just as well as those more classic in design.
“Choosing high-quality finishes and materials at the design stage is crucial if your budget allows, as this helps keep your kitchen looking timeless,” says Selena Quick. “Lower-quality surfaces can quickly show wear, scratches or stains making your kitchen appear older than it is.
“Think of materials such as natural stone countertops, solid wood or lacquered cabinetry or well-finished metals which will stand the test of time and maintain a sense of quality, even with heavy use.”
11. Close-plan kitchen layouts
While the kitchen layout you choose should be selected based on the size and shape of your space, as well as how you plan on using it on a daily basis, open plan kitchen set-ups are still viewed as more up-to-date than those that are closed off.
“Kitchens that are separated from living spaces feel out of step with how we live today,” explains Rhiannon Phenis. “Open-plan or broken-plan designs, with multifunctional islands or peninsulas create sociable, flexible spaces that reflect modern lifestyles.”
If you don’t want an entirely open plan kitchen, simply incorporating seating around your island or breakfast bar, or a cosy window seat somewhere into the space, can turn it into somewhere guests want to linger and chat.
FAQs
How do you create a timeless kitchen design?
Once you look into new kitchen costs, you’ll quickly realise that they can be quite significant, so it makes sense to ensure your chosen design won’t look dated any time soon.
“The most timeless kitchens balance practicality with personality. It’s less about chasing trends and more about layering natural materials, thoughtful details, and architectural harmony – creating a space that will still feel fresh 10 years from now,” explains Rhiannon Phenis.
“Details matter when it comes to keeping a kitchen modern and sleek,” adds Selena Quick. “Avoid fussy trends that could date quickly. Finishing touches are equally important – for example, high-quality handles on your cabinetry can make the kitchen doors look even more elegant and will be long-lasting.”
Understanding how to renovate a kitchen isn’t just about introducing trends that will stand the test of time – you’ll also need to think about the best ways to heat the space, plumbing, electrics and who you want to call in to carry out the installation.