What's Outdated in the Kitchen? 2026 Guide to Modern Kitchen Design

Think your kitchen is up to date? You might be surprised. Even if you renovated five years ago, some of the biggest trends from 2019 to 2021 are now considered dated-no matter how much you loved them at the time. Kitchens evolve fast. What felt fresh in 2023 feels like a time capsule in 2026. If you’re planning a tweak or a full overhaul, here’s what’s officially out-and what’s replacing it.

White Shaker Cabinets Are Done

White shaker cabinets ruled for a decade. Clean, simple, and easy to pair with any countertop, they were the default choice for every remodel. But now? They look generic. Too many homes have them. The result? Kitchens that blend into each other instead of standing out.

Today, homeowners are choosing cabinets with texture, depth, and color. Matte black, deep green, and warm walnut are trending hard. Even painted cabinets are moving away from pure white-think off-whites with gray or beige undertones, or soft blues that feel more like a living room than a sterile lab. The shift isn’t just about looks. People want kitchens that feel personal, not catalog-ready.

Granite Countertops Are Losing Ground

Granite was the gold standard for decades. Durable, natural, and available in wild patterns, it dominated showrooms. But here’s the problem: it’s heavy, porous, and needs sealing every year. And let’s be honest-most granite slabs look like they were pulled from a 2008 catalog.

Quartz is now the go-to. It’s non-porous, stain-resistant, and comes in hundreds of colors and finishes, including ones that mimic natural stone without the upkeep. But even quartz is getting pushed aside by newer options. Solid surface countertops made from acrylic or mineral-based materials are rising fast. They’re seamless, repairable, and come in bold, uniform colors like charcoal, terracotta, and even matte white with a stone-like grain. For a high-end look without the maintenance, these are winning.

Open Shelving Isn’t as Practical as You Thought

Open shelving looked amazing on Pinterest. Airy, modern, and easy to access. But in real life? It’s a dust magnet. In Sydney, where humidity and coastal air bring fine salt and dust, open shelves quickly turn into display racks for grime. Plus, most people don’t have enough beautiful dishes to fill them without looking cluttered.

Today’s trend? Hidden storage with clean lines. Full-extension drawers with soft-close mechanisms, pull-out pantries, and cabinet doors with integrated handles are replacing open shelves. Even when cabinets are open, they’re designed to look intentional-like a built-in bookshelf with glass fronts or a narrow display cabinet tucked beside the fridge. The goal isn’t to show off, but to keep everything hidden, organized, and easy to clean.

Big, Bulky Island Sinks Are Out

That massive farmhouse sink you installed in 2022? It’s starting to feel heavy-handed. They’re deep, yes-but they’re also hard to reach, awkward for washing small items, and often require custom cabinetry that eats up valuable space.

Now, homeowners are going for undermount sinks with sleek, integrated edges. Single-bowl designs in stainless steel, copper, or composite materials are more popular than ever. They’re easier to clean, fit better in smaller kitchens, and pair perfectly with modern faucets. Bonus: they look less like a 1950s diner and more like a high-end restaurant kitchen.

Island Lighting That Hangs Too Low

Those long, dangling pendant lights over the island? They used to be the centerpiece. Now, they’re a hazard. In a busy kitchen, they get in the way of opening cabinet doors, bump into heads, and cast shadows on countertops. If you have a tall ceiling, fine. But in most Australian homes, ceilings are 2.4 meters or less.

The new standard? Low-profile, flush-mounted fixtures or linear LED bars that run the length of the island. They provide even, shadow-free lighting without taking up vertical space. Some even come with dimmable color temperatures-cool white for prep, warm white for dinner. It’s not just style; it’s function.

Tile Backsplashes That Go All the Way to the Ceiling

Full-height tile backsplashes were meant to make kitchens feel bigger. But in practice, they make them feel colder and more institutional. They’re also a nightmare to clean, especially if you used grout.

Today’s kitchens use backsplashes that stop just above the countertop-about 15 to 20 centimeters high. Materials? Polished stone, brushed metal, or even laminated panels that match the cabinetry. Some are going with a single slab of quartz or marble that extends up from the counter, creating a seamless look. The result? Cleaner lines, easier cleaning, and a more luxurious feel without the clutter.

Stainless Steel Appliances Are Being Replaced

Stainless steel was the default for decades. Sleek, modern, and easy to match. But fingerprints. So many fingerprints. And in a home with kids or frequent cooking, it’s a daily chore.

Black stainless steel is still around, but it’s fading. The real winner? Integrated appliances. Fridges, dishwashers, and ovens that look like cabinetry. Panels that match your cabinet doors, hidden handles, and flush installation. It’s expensive, yes-but it creates a seamless, high-end look that’s becoming the new baseline for luxury kitchens. Even mid-range remodels are starting to use appliance covers that mimic wood or matte finishes.

Overhead Cabinets That Block Natural Light

Full-height cabinets that reach the ceiling used to be about maximizing storage. But in today’s homes, natural light is king. If your cabinets block a window or cut off sunlight from entering the room, they’re working against you.

Modern kitchens are leaving space above cabinets for open shelving, decorative lighting, or even just a gap that lets light flow through. Some are installing taller windows or skylights and designing cabinets around them. The goal? Brighter spaces that feel more open and connected to the rest of the home.

What’s Replacing All This?

It’s not just about removing old trends-it’s about adding new ones that actually improve how you live.

• Smart storage: Pull-out spice racks, corner carousels, and drawer dividers that fit your actual items-not just what fits in a generic organizer.
• Multi-functional islands: Some now double as dining tables, homework stations, or even charging hubs with built-in USB ports.
• Energy-efficient appliances: New models use 30% less power than those from five years ago. Look for ENERGY STAR 3.0 ratings.
• Warm lighting: LED strips under cabinets and inside drawers make prep easier and add a cozy glow.
• Non-toxic materials: Low-VOC paints, formaldehyde-free cabinetry, and recycled quartz are now standard for health-conscious homeowners.

The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook anymore. It’s the heart of the home. And today’s best kitchens reflect that-they’re quiet, smart, and made to last, not just look good in photos.

What to Keep

Not everything old is bad. Some things still work perfectly:

• Quality cabinetry with solid wood frames and dovetail joints
• Good ventilation-range hoods that actually pull smoke out
• Ample counter space-never skimp on this
• Easy-to-clean flooring-vinyl plank or porcelain tile still win

Don’t throw out what’s still functional. Just update what’s holding you back.

Final Thought

Your kitchen doesn’t need to be trendy. It needs to work for you. If your cabinets are worn but still open cleanly, keep them. If your sink is deep and you love it, don’t replace it just because it’s ‘out.’ But if you’re tired of scrubbing fingerprints off stainless steel or wiping dust off open shelves, now’s the time to rethink. The best kitchens aren’t the ones that look like magazines-they’re the ones that make your life easier, every single day.

Start small. Focus on what annoys you most-whether it’s the clutter, the lighting, or the cleaning. Fix that first. Your kitchen should feel like a place you want to spend time in, not just a room you have to use.