Avoid This Remodeling Mistake For A More Timeless Look In Your Kitchen

Planning a kitchen remodel can quickly become overwhelming. From selecting the best contractors to sorting through lighting options, there is a lot to consider. A kitchen's design elements can really make or break the space, so design is a particularly high-pressure aspect of the remodeling process. It is important to create a space that you will love for years to come. Those seeking a timeless look often make the mistake of selecting trendy design elements when remodeling their kitchens.

Think of all the kitchen design trends that have come and gone throughout the years. Details that were in high demand at one point in time now give spaces a dated look. For example, busy wallpaper patterns gained popularity in the '70s and were seen in kitchens throughout the United States. Many homeowners have since had these designs switched out with sleeker, more modern materials. The country kitchen aesthetic was also once popular, but spaces with this look have been remodeled to incorporate more modern design elements. Consider avoiding those trendy details that you may regret down the line, and opt for a timeless look instead.

You might be tempted to follow the trends when it comes to remodeling your kitchen, but even the experts warn that this is not a good idea for those aiming to build a timeless space. Ann Stockard of kitchen design company O'Brien Harris shared her expert opinion during an interview with MarthaStewart.com. "Trends come and go, so it's best to avoid finishes that are too trendy," Stockard explained. "We believe a kitchen is an investment and should be designed to stand the test of time."

The color scheme is one of the most common design elements where timelessness is neglected. Many opt for bold or trendy colors that will get old fast. The all-white kitchen craze was prominent from the late 2010s to the early 2020s. However, this trend disappeared just as fast as it launched because homeowners began experimenting with color again in 2024, leaning more toward the eclectic color scheme choices of the '70s. Remodeling professionals advise against incorporating too many bold colors in a kitchen, though. This is perhaps no surprise because those colorful '70s kitchens are now outdated.

By now, you should be familiar with a few of the trendy design elements you may want to stay away from if you are aiming for a timeless look. With this in mind, let's explore some of the features that will help your kitchen's aesthetic stand the test of time. Neutral colors are always a good choice. You may even want to choose white as a base color throughout your kitchen because this will allow you to easily experiment with pops of color here and there. When those colors become outdated, simply switch back to white or another neutral color. With this choice, you can play with trendy colors without having to repaint your entire kitchen every few years.

Wood flooring is another timeless choice. This material has managed to remain popular throughout the years. It is a better option than a bold and colorful trendy tile pattern that is only hot for the moment. When exploring materials to redesign your countertops, you may want to consider quartzite. Caren Rideau, an interior designer and Kitchen Design Group founder, explained why it's a timeless option during an interview with MarthaStewart.com. "Quartzite maintains the classic look of marble, but can withstand the trials and tribulations of a working kitchen," Rideau shared. "I recommend selecting a straight-edge countertop, compared to a decorative edging, for a cleaner installation." These features should help your kitchen remain visually appealing for years to come.