So what are the kitchen trends that won’t make you cringe a few years from now? Stick with ideas that have been loved for decades.
Neutral Paint Colors
The classic white kitchen is sometimes critiqued for being boring—but there’s one solid reason to opt for this color: It will never go out of style. According to Houzz’s trend report, a whopping 43 percent of renovating homeowners opted for white cabinets. Not sure which shade of white to go for? Check out some white paints designers swear by.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
Drawer and Cabinet Organizers
Organization will never go out of style. And while features like built-in baking sheet dividers and pull-out cabinet drawers haven’t been around that long, when hidden behind unfussy cabinet fronts, these functional features are a must-have for timeless kitchens.
Vintage Appliances
There’s a reason the Smeg fridge is a classic kitchen appliance. While stainless steel and white appliances will always cycle in and out of fashion, appliances with retro appeal don’t go through the same fluctuations in popularity. Brands like Smeg, Northstar, and Laconche are still making appliances with old-school charm.
Choose Natural Materials
Natural materials like wood and stone will ground the space and keep it classic. If you want a timeless kitchen, resist the urge to create an ultra-modern look full of shiny stainless steel and engineered materials.
White Marble or Butcher Block Countertops
White marble will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops, but if the maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years, and you can prepare food directly on it.
Subway Tile
Subway tile works with many different decor styles, and you probably won’t get sick of it. (After all, the look’s been around for over 100 years!) If you want a backsplash with staying power, skip the trendy metallic tiles, sea glass, or bright geometric shapes and opt for something simpler.