5 Outdated Kitchen Cabinet Trends That Interior Designers Say You Should Skip

Cabinets are the backbone of any kitchen, and the choices you make can date a space faster than any countertop or backsplash. For example, pale gray doors and glossy white laminates were once all the rage; now, designers are leaning toward warmer, textured looks.

Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint or some new hardware can completely lift the look of your kitchen or make it feel outdated. Of course, taste is subjective and trends come and go—but we spoke to interior designers about the styles that they recommend staying away from, so you can create fresh, functional cabinets that are built to last.

Honey Oak Wood

Once a staple of kitchens in the late ’80s and ’90s, honey oak cabinets were beloved for their warm, sunny glow. However, over time that golden tone has started to feel dated, and even a little overpowering, casting an orange hue across the whole space.

“It reads as builder-grade rather than custom,” says Andrea DeRosa, co-founder of Avenue Interior Design. Instead of clinging to this old standard, she suggests opting for natural white oak.

“It keeps the warmth you love, but in a lighter, more neutral tone,” she says. “The subtle grain adds texture and dimension, letting countertops, hardware, and backsplashes shine."

Raised Panel Doors

Heavy-molded, raised-panel cabinet doors defined early-2000s kitchens, signaling a polished, formal style. Fast forward two decades, and the same cabinets often feel bulky and dated.

“I’ve noticed today’s homeowners want a cleaner, more flexible canvas,” DeRosa says. Shaker-style doors strike that balance. “They’re simple, timeless, and open up the kitchen,” she adds. “Plus, they adapt easily to different finishes, paint colors, and hardware choices, so your kitchen can evolve without another full renovation.”

Flashy Gold Hardware

Shiny gold hardware was once a quick way to make a kitchen feel bold and of the moment. But what then read as chic now risks looking too loud and flashy.

The issue is in the finish. “That mirror-like gold plating doesn’t age gracefully—it feels more costume than classic,” says Mallory Robins, co-founder of Kobel + Co.

Her recommendation is to choose materials with longevity. “Unlacquered brass is beautiful because it develops a patina over time,” she says. For a crisper alternative, she points clients toward polished nickel, which pairs seamlessly with a variety of styles.

High Gloss Finishes

High-gloss cabinets once promised a sleek, ultra-modern edge, but now the shine has worn off— quite literally. These surfaces are unforgiving when it comes to fingerprints, smudges, and scratches, making them high-maintenance in a room that already works hard.

“High-gloss cabinets can feel cold and clinical, and most homeowners today want kitchens that feel approachable and lived-in,” adds interior designer Jessica Nicastro. Her go-to is a matte or textured finish that ages gracefully, adding warmth and character, while also making upkeep manageable.

Open Shelving Everywhere

Open shelving hit peak popularity during the farmhouse kitchen boom, offering a casual way to display dishes and glassware. But when every wall is lined with them, the look quickly shifts from airy and curated to overwhelming.

"No one wants to constantly restyle their everyday plates," says Nicastro. Her approach is to use them sparingly, perhaps near a coffee station, or to showcase a few special pieces. Rely on closed cabinetry for the rest.