Kitchen Cabinet Trends: What to Avoid Right Now

Kitchen cabinet trends can be fickle, with styles rising and falling in popularity like the tide. While some designs cycle back into favor, others can quickly become outdated, creating a divide in opinion among homeowners and designers alike. Let’s take a closer look at some contemporary cabinet styles currently deemed less favorable for practicality, even if they exude aesthetic appeal.

Curved Cabinets

Curved cabinets bring a soft, elegant touch to kitchen design, but they come with significant drawbacks. According to designer Madelaine Mayer, founder of ADROIT Architecture & Interior Design, the aesthetics don’t outweigh their practicality issues. “They offer less effective storage,” she remarks, highlighting one of the significant downsides.

In addition, curved cabinets require ample clearance on both the sides and front to operate smoothly. This can be particularly problematic in compact living spaces, such as New York City apartments, where every inch counts. So while the appearance of a soft curve may entice you, the functional limitations often make them less viable.

Inset Cabinets

If you’re after a luxe look, inset cabinets may have caught your eye with their clean, flush surfaces. These cabinets have doors and drawers that sit inside the cabinet frame, creating an elegant finish. However, designer Samantha Arak cautions against going this route due to their high cost and reduced storage capacity.

“This style requires precise installation,” Arak explains, noting that an uneven surface in older homes can lead to issues like cabinets rubbing together. The added complexity makes inset cabinetry more suitable for spaces other than the kitchen, like a primary bathroom or dressing area, where the elegance can shine without compromising function.

Cabinets With Cut-Outs

Adding whimsical cut-outs to your cabinets may seem like a fun way to personalize your space. Still, designer Kate Daskalakis has reservations about this approach. “It looks like you’re giving your cabinet a tattoo,” she quips, referring to the potential for cut-outs to become a regrettable design choice over time.

While you might adore the floral or mountain shapes at first, rediscovering the charm of your kitchen years later can prove challenging. Removing or modifying cut-outs can be both difficult and costly, leading many to think twice about this trend.

Cabinets With Dowel-Style Handles

Dowel-style handles are trending for their modern, minimalist appeal, but they may be impractical for daily use. Mayer highlights that while they look beautiful, they can be cumbersome, especially for individuals with dexterity issues. “These can be harder to grasp than conventional pulls,” she notes.

Consider the everyday scenarios in a bustling kitchen—you’re often juggling numerous tasks. The difficulty of opening a drawer with these handles may lead to frustration. In a space designed for efficiency, it’s crucial that form complements function rather than detracting from it.

These four cabinet trends may strut the runway of design, but they fall short when it comes to practical application in today’s kitchens. As more homeowners embrace innovative, colorful kitchen styles, understanding what to avoid can help you make smarter choices that enhance both aesthetics and functionality.