Outdated Kitchen Appearance: Two Certain Cabinet Hues that Interior Designers Warn Against
Let's Modernize Your Kitchen:Ready to bid farewell to dated cabinet colors that drag down your kitchen's vibe? These unfavored hues could be aging your kitchen without you even realizing it. From the ordinary white shaker to the once-trendy mahogany, it's time to revamp your cabinets with color, personality, and zest. To help guide you, we chatted with two expert designers who shared their insights on revitalizing your kitchen's heart.
- James Yarosh is a multi-talented artist, gallerist, and interior designer at James Yarosh Associates.
- Eva Littlefield is a creative spirit, designer at nobilia North America, a market leader in kitchen furniture.
Trust Your Gut Over Trends:Every era boasts a unique kitchen style, ranging from the '70s' avocado greens to the 2010s grayscale dominance. These trends are shaped by everything from media influence to technological advancements, and homeowners often embrace them. However, tastes evolve, and what once felt fresh can now seem outdated. "Adhering to trends isn't ideal," warns James Yarosh, an artistic designer at James Yarosh Associates. "Material choices should be a conversation with your home's architecture and surroundings, not dictated by passing trends."
Today, authenticity and emotional resonance reign supreme. People are tuning into their instincts, choosing colors and finishes that resonate with them. "We're witnessing a blend of past decades," notes Eva Littlefield, designer at nobilia North America. "Individuals are combining metals, juxtaposing bold and neutral tones, and drawing elements from various eras." Collectively, these elements produce a timeless essence, enhancing the home's heart.
The New "It" Color for Kitchen Cabinets:Why is your kitchen feeling dull? The answer might be in the cabinet color you've chosen. Here are two shades that haven't stood the test of time, according to our expert designers, but don't rush to change yours if you love it!
Heavy Red Timber Tones
Beware of red-toned woods such as cherry or mahogany; they can make your kitchen feel outdated faster than a swift breeze. However, all is not lost! Save your cabinets with these simple tweaks:
- Modify your lighting to change the color temperature of bulbs and subdue the visual weight of red-toned woods.
- Use paint! Consider a neutral, soft white with a slight green undertone to neutralize red hues.
- Swap out hardware with sleek black handles or brushed brass to provide a more contemporary feel.
If replacing cabinetry is not feasible, consider these alternatives when cabinetry is due for a complete makeover:
- Opt for light oak or rich walnut for a modern appeal and timeless beauty.
- Focus on fine finishes of actual wood species for an enduring charm.
- Combine clean lines and updated hardware or a sleek handleless design for a welcoming, sophisticated aesthetic.
Stark White
"The classic white shaker door style is a significant aging factor," says Littlefield. If your white kitchen lacks character, it might be time to switch up your neutrals. Here's what our interior design experts suggest!
- Introduce alternative neutrals that feel warmer and more layered, such as blush pink.
- Nobilia's Sand color can serve as a versatile neutral, reflecting warm or cold hues depending on the surroundings and natural light.
- Personalize your kitchen with cooler neutrals like Benjamin Moore's Scenic Drive, a gentle mint green.
Embrace Your Personal Preferences:Ultimately, the perfect cabinet color is the one that truly resonates with you. "Every color has its charm," concludes Yarosh, "if executed well." Littlefield agrees, "Opt for adaptable shades like Senso in Olive, a muted green, that can evolve with your taste." For lasting compatibility, Littlefield recommend checking with your cabinet manufacturer to ensure their finishes can be repainted or stained in the future.
- The experts at BhG suggest reconsidering the color of kitchen cabinets to modernize your kitchen, with stake white and heavy red timber tones being two outdated colors.
- In the advice of James Yarosh from James Yarosh Associates, homeowners should listen to their instincts when choosing colors and finishes, rather than following passing trends.
- Eva Littlefield, a designer at nobilia North America, notes the combination of metals, bold and neutral tones, and elements from various eras is creating a timeless essence in kitchens today.
- If you have heavy red timber tone cabinets, experts suggest modifying lighting, using a neutral white paint, or updating hardware to give your kitchen a more contemporary feel.
- According to Littlefield, the classic white shaker door style in kitchens is an aging factor, and introducing alternative neutrals such as blush pink or Senso in Olive (muted green) can add character and longevity to the space.
