5 Kitchen Trends Contractors Are Quietly Retiring (and You Should, Too)

"You know how all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares? I like to apply this line of thinking to decor trends. Every trend won't be reflective of your personal style, but some aspects of your personal style can include trends. The moral of the story is that when you're renovating, you should always put your personal wants, tastes, and desires first when making decisions. That way, you know you'll be happy with it in your own home for years to come."

"Generally, you want your kitchen to feel lived-in and homey - not like it's a sterile, all-white and cold metal industrial cook space. "While I always respect my client's decisions, it pains me to see tens of thousands of dollars spent on a kitchen just for it to be pure white or pure gray," explains Thomas Borcherding, owner and lead designer at Homestar Design Remodel. "If a client is insistent on all-white cabinetry, I try to walk them towards a different-colored island to breathe some life into the kitchen.""

Renovations should prioritize personal wants, tastes, and desires to ensure long-term satisfaction in the home. Kitchens should feel lived-in and homey rather than sterile, industrial, or purely monochrome. All-white and pure-gray schemes are increasingly seen as outdated and can waste investment if chosen only for trend. Warmer, more pigmented neutrals, warm wood tones, sage green, and differently colored islands add life and longevity. Designers steer finishes toward versatility and warmth to make spaces feel welcoming. Longevity-focused choices favor classic, personalized elements and statement features that remain appealing over time.

Read at Apartment Therapy