6 Kitchen Features That Are So Outdated, According to Designers

While kitchen design and decor are ultimately a matter of personal taste, there are some unmistakable signs that a kitchen might be outdated and worth paying attention to.

We desire kitchens that evoke coziness and nostalgia, not ones that feel antiquated. From impractical appliances to overdone trends, interior designers are ready to share outdated kitchen features they think should be left behind.

Overly Industrial Spaces

Kitchen trends come and go, and while the metallic feel of industrial kitchens was once seen as ultra-modern, designer Dominique Bonet suggests that overdoing this look can end up feeling overly sterile.

"The cold, factory-inspired look has been overdone, and homeowners are now craving warmth and character," Bonet explains. "High-shine stainless steel and chrome appear stark and dated. Designers now prefer softer, more natural textures."

Instead of overusing metallic materials, create a homely atmosphere with cabinetry in warm, earthy paint colors or cozy natural wood finishes.

Dark Granite Countertops

While dark and moody colors are trending, and countertops are central to any kitchen, incorporating this trend might not always be the best choice. Interior designer Judi Cooper points out that certain old-school materials, like dark granite, can weigh the room down instead of enhancing it.

"Today's kitchens lean towards warmth, lightness, and an airy feel," Cooper notes. "Dark granite, with its heavy presence, is more domineering than a design statement. Plus, it makes keeping the kitchen clean tougher, with streaks and fingerprints on a glossy black surface."

For a welcoming countertop, consider wooden butcher blocks, lighter granite, or uniquely grained materials like marble and quartz.

Double Islands

Everyone wants a kitchen that feels luxurious, and while adding curtains or extending cabinetry to the ceiling can achieve this, some bold choices, like double islands, can come off as outdated and excessive.

"The double island was meant to signify opulence, a 'look how much space I have' statement," Cooper says. "But real cooking is a dance, a rhythm. Moving from the fridge to the stove, the stove to the sink, and the sink to the counter should be seamless. Double islands introduce unnecessary obstacles, complicating this flow."

Above-Stove Microwaves

In smaller kitchens, maximizing vertical space is often suggested to make the space feel bigger. However, designer Richard Somerby advises against placing microwaves above stovetops, as it can indicate an outdated kitchen and hinder proper ventilation.

"I hate the look of over-the-stove microwaves that double as vent fans but rarely vent outside," he says. "I prefer designing kitchens with microwaves hidden behind cabinet doors and using exhaust hoods that vent to the exterior whenever possible."

Replacing the microwave with a range hood has both aesthetic and practical benefits. If relocating your microwave is necessary, consider integrating it near your oven, into the kitchen island, or even placing it on your countertop.

Brightly Colored Fridges

While Cooper appreciates sophisticated colors in countertops, cabinets, or backsplashes, she thinks brightly-colored large appliances, like retro-style fridges, attract attention for all the wrong reasons.

"Bright red, green, yellow appliances are too much for a working space and disrupt the balance of a well-designed kitchen," she says. "Stick with stainless steel or cabinet panels that harmonize with the overall kitchen design."

For a sleek, modern look, consider a built-in fridge, achieved with custom cabinetry or clever DIY projects.

Spinning Spice Racks

While organizing spices can be very satisfying, Somerby says tiered lazy Susans and rotating spice racks are now considered outdated.

"Spinning spice racks take up needed space and don’t look particularly sophisticated," Somerby notes. "You want easy access to regularly used spices without having to spin around a bulky organizer."

This is an easy update. Rather than cluttering your countertop, opt for a drawer with dividers or install open shelves next to your stove to display your spices.