In the past decade or so, one of the most predominant trends in interior design has been the white kitchen. Professional designers and amateurs alike have favored white cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, and walls to create a clean, uncluttered look. However, there is evidence that all-white kitchens are on their way out. An increasing number of people are opting for more colorful interiors, and kitchens are no exception.
So, what’s the truth? Will white kitchens look dated by the end of the decade? Should you choose a natural wood finish for your cabinets instead? What about a splash of color, like blue or green?
If you’re looking into updating your kitchen, keep reading to learn about current interior design trends and predictions to ensure your space looks great for years to come.
White Kitchens: Timeless…or Are They?
The popularity of simple, white kitchens has a lot to do with the rise of minimalist interior design over the past decade or so. As a design philosophy, minimalism prioritizes clean lines, neutral tones, and a lack of clutter.
Proponents of white kitchens — and minimalist interior design in general — argue that its simplicity and neutrality make it a timeless aesthetic that can go with anything. However, more and more people are now rejecting this philosophy, insisting that all-white kitchens are boring, sterile, and hard to maintain.
A Look at the Data
At this point, you’re probably asking yourself: Are white kitchens no longer in vogue? Are they bound to look outdated in a few years? What design styles are on the rise? While these things are often difficult to track, the answer to these questions may lie in internet search data.
Google searches for “white kitchen” rose steadily starting around 2010, reaching their peaks in 2020 and 2021. However, since then, searches have declined by 40-50%. Additionally, Google searches for “minimalism” peaked in late 2016 to early 2017, and have since decreased about 60%.
Searches on Pinterest have followed similar trends; search terms like “white kitchen” and “white kitchen cabinets” are steadily decreasing. So, if few people are searching the internet for white kitchen design inspiration or products like white cabinets, what are they searching for?
In their trends prediction for 2023, Pinterest forecasted the rise of the “hipstoric home,” a portmanteau of the words “hip” and “historic.” With Pinterest searches about eclectic vintage interior design, maximalist decor, and antique room aesthetics rising anywhere from 350 to 850 percent recently, it’s safe to say that their prediction is coming true.
Additionally, Google searches for “maximalism” increased around the same time searches for “minimalism” did — around 2017 — and after a sharp drop-off, the frequency of this search rose over the next several years, reaching its peak in early 2023.
Rising Trends in Kitchen Design
It seems that in response to the clean, sterile, minimalist aesthetic that has reigned supreme for the past several years, many people have recently swung in the opposite direction, favoring bold, colorful designs instead. So what does that mean for kitchens?
Bold Statements
If you’d like to make a bold statement with your kitchen design, there are many elements you can incorporate, including:
- Striking patterns and colors
- Unconventional backsplashes, including statement stone
- Unexpected, bold cabinet colors
- Millwork detail on cabinet doors instead of the simple shaker style
- Textile details such as curtains, tea towels, and tablecloths
- Colorful statement appliances
- Wallpaper accents
If you still prefer a kitchen that’s mostly white, try a warmer hue such as ivory or eggshell instead of the stark, sterile tones that have a tendency to make a space feel cold and harsh. Experiment with pops of color here and there to add visual interest.
Vintage Elements
Eclectic designs that utilize vintage or heirloom pieces have become increasingly popular due to the personality and character they can give a space. To add some of these warm, inviting elements into your kitchen, hang some unique art on the walls, bring your grandparents’ fine china out of storage, and check the thrift store for some vintage knick-knacks to use as a centerpiece on your dining room table.
Earth Tones
Earth tones are an especially popular color palette for interior design at the moment. Incorporate shades of red, brown, yellow, orange, and green, plus nature-inspired patterns, into your decor. To complement these earthy hues, utilize natural textures such as wood, linen, cotton, wicker, and rattan in your furniture and accessories.
Additionally, you may want to consider getting some live plants to place on your kitchen windowsills to further bring nature into your home. Plus, if you choose to grow your own herbs, you can use them to add a special touch to your cooking.
Update Your Kitchen With Out of the Woods
No matter what the current kitchen design trends are, the most important thing is that you love it. If you want to create a kitchen that is functional, inviting, and a representation of your personal style, trust the experts at Out of the Woods. Our experienced designers and craftsmen can create custom cabinets and countertops for any space, ensuring the perfect fit. To get started with creating the kitchen of your dreams, contact us today.
