4 Features That Date A Kitchen
Remember when I told you about Ikea’s rescue remodel project here and here? Well they selected a winner and created an amazing kitchen. And you can read about it here on the Family handyman’s page.
Speaking of kitchens…
4 Features That Date a Kitchen, Guest post By: Tali Wee of Zillow, Featured Image Source
Throughout the past 10 years, much has changed in the realm of popular kitchen designs. Most home buyers are willing to pay for remodeled kitchens, while home sellers often make upgrades for the proven returns on their investments. When shopping for homes, a handful of outdated trends can make kitchens appear even older than they might be. To avoid these negative first impressions, or just to improve the daily experience of cooking at home, consider these six kitchen features that date the spaces.
1. Short Backsplashes
The walls behind kitchen counters near the sink or stove usually have a panel installed, known as a backsplash, to protect the walls from splashing water or food. In older kitchens, backsplashes are typically 4 inches tall. Dated backsplashes are generally made of laminate or identical material to the countertop. In updated kitchens, the short backsplashes are replaced with a backsplash that extend from the countertop to the cabinets. The most trending looks for these tile walls are white subway tiles or other porcelain, glass or ceramic tiles. I would stick to a classic looking finish, color and materials, as crazy backspashes can date a space VERY quickly!
2. Cluttered Layouts
Fashionable kitchens are all about the open concept, and any obstructions to this layout are out of style (and a bit annoying if you are the cook!). To update a kitchen, remove the once-popular pot racks that hang over the island and opt for open space and more lighting.
Decorative range hoods are also an ode to the past. Replace them with translucent hoods or more discrete options. Think about an older kitchen; remember the telephone nook where a counter or desk sat with pens and a notepad? There is no need in modern times to incorporate the telephone space when most home phones are cordless, if not replaced by cellular phones. Eliminate the nooks to expand the open layout of a spacious kitchen. Another item eliminated these days is the extra cabinetry on the countertop to disguise kitchen appliances. Countertops are the preferred home for appliances – all except the microwave, which only sits on the countertops of much older kitchen designs.
The takeaway: Install the microwave, hide the pots, display the KitchenAid and open up the space.
3. Stained Wood Cabinets
Stained wood cabinets, especially darker shades, are losing steam as white painted cabinets hold higher appeal for many homeowners and buyers. Along with the open concept, the light walls, tiles and cabinets reflect light, causing the space to appear brighter and more spacious. Although colorful appliances are out, colorful cabinets are fashion-forward. Painted cabinets on kitchen islands or accent colored walls of cabinets are trending fast.
Cobalt blue cabinets add just the right amount of contrast to this mostly white space.
4. Tile & Sheet Laminate Countertops
Granite countertops are still a trusted and timeless choice for old and modern kitchens alike. However, tiled countertops with numerous grouted seams are an age-defining giveaway. Another countertop that dates a kitchen is the inexpensive sheet laminate found everywhere. Instead, look for concrete, marble, soapstone, stainless steel, wooden butcher blocks or the trending quartz composite countertops.
I know that opinions vary a lot on this subject, so I would love to hear, what do you think dates a kitchen! Or what you have done to update your kitchen!
My kitchen, altho 20 yrs old, has had a few updates..granite was one. The one thing I would NOT do again is install a microwave. Over the years we have had to replace the microwave twice. Both times the TRIM kit cost more than the microwave itself. UGH! So instead of say, $130..we paid close to $300. Not again. Next time I will have a designated SHELF with a plug in the back. Trimmed out of course. I would rather clean out out once a month than have that hassle and expense again.
That is GOOD advice! Yes I have looked into trim kits for microwaves, I don’t get why they are so ridiculously priced!
I am a kitchen designer, and you are spot on on this. I almost always for the recommend a nicely detailed shelf for a countertop microwave vs. a built-in, for the very reason you state. The microwave gets a pretty good workout in most kitchens and often wears out before other appliances. Because they are relatively inexpensive, there is no reason to spend beaucoup bucks on a built-in.
When we had a hood vent installed and I built my oven cabinet, I did something tricky. Upon finding out there were very few built-in microwaves available – which annoyed me – and the highest-rated one had many complaints of the door latch breaking – unacceptable – and the ridiculousness of the total price of trim kit and microwave (plus odd look), I asked my handyman if I could somehow mount my existing tried-and-true above-range microwave in the cabinet instead.
He mounted a heavy-duty 2×4 frame about 1/3 of the way from the back of the cabinet to which he attached the rear mounting plate. At the top, he mounted the microwave to the sturdy dadoed, glued, screwed shelf. The only issue was that the oven had to go in afterwards because the microwave hangs on a bracket – can’t get to it with the oven right below it.
There’s a 3/4″ gap between microwave and oven in case it needs some air, plus that 9-10″ space behind in the cabinet.
Now, whenever I change out my microwave, I can just do the same thing (he’ll have to remove the oven again) and put in any one of a large number of over-range microwaves.
Also, the over-range microwaves fit the space much better. I really don’t understand why they make built-ins so tiny and then require a piece of metal to put around it.
I am looking at buying all new appliances and was going to move from an on the counter microwave that happens to be built on a Shelf to an over-the-range microwave. In order to do this I believe they need to put an electrical outlet in the cabinet above it. I’m feeling like you would go against that and just place the over-the-range microwave on top of the Shelf. But I was reading your post in curious what the trim kit is that you’re talking about
Great post (and I love the eye candy to emphasize your points). 🙂 A couple of other things that come to mind are fluorescent lighting (often seen in a drop ceiling – how was that ever a good idea?), and dated linoleum flooring. Both are pretty easy updates, and definitely change the overall look and feel of a kitchen.
I think cabinet placement on the wall can also date a space. When combined with any of the other items you mentioned, cabinets hung in the middle of the wall just scream 1980. Also, a lack of cabinet hardware can point the aging finger, since even the most sleekly modern kitchens around have some sort of cabinet hardware, be it recessed finger pulls or smooth linear handles.
Sadly, my kitchen screams 1990, with an 18″ wasted space above the cabinets, tiled counters and backsplash (up to the cabinets, but still ivory builder tile), and paper oak veneer on the cabinet boxes. If it wasn’t a rental, I’d be all over that bad boy.
I like the look of cabinets that go to the ceiling but the reality can be space that’s less than user friendly. Anything that goes on the top shelf of my cabinets is pretty much one step from the trash bin.
Totally agree with #4. I am currently looking for my first home and I hate (!) seeing kitchens and bathrooms with tile countertops. That would be the first thing to go!
Over mounted sinks are dated.
Under mount sinks are so much cleaner.
Also the old school faucet with separate sprayer.
The new faucet sprayer combo is way better.
Oh Gosh! Just realized i’m outdated. 😀 Well some of my kitchen is. An over mount sink *being that the under mount I wanted 15-years ago when we built was $900.00 and way over budget* and dark wood pine cabinets *that are still beautiful but I would have painted today if I was building the house now* but other than that i’m up to date. ha. I do have a real 3/4″ tongue&groove backsplash stained not painted. Ouch. 🙂
The 3rd. and 4th. pic. kitchen with the cobalt blue cabinets is beautiful and i’m not a big fan of blue. But find myself liking it more and more. I have granite counters but if I was building now i’d have a piece of butcher block somewhere and probably subway tile up the wah-zoo. I love that stuff.
Funny how quick trends change and change back. Now if i’d just held on to my 70’s hip-hugger jeans.
Jake’s a Girl
I think that means you are awesome… and if you could fit into the same jeans you wore in the 70’s, you are my hero! I am working on that,
I’ll take any awesome I can get! 😉 I wish I could be your hero but those hip-hugger size 4 jeans .. well they turned into size 12 stretch jeans. But as soon as I lose all the baby weight *ds is just 39 this year* i’ll be back into them. Haha. I really need to work on that too. It’s just so dang hard.
I mentioned to hubby that I’d been thinking about a few outdated things in the kitchen and he said, Honey, so have I. He decided he wants an undercounter pearl ice machine. What’s up with that. But! I’m thinking we just might throw a few other things in there as well. Send good vibes.
Girl! I love your blog!
Loved the Kitchen post, it was so helpful, love all the pictures and all the wonderful ideas…some of those kitchens are just so stunning with the simple white cabiners…
Your timing could not be more perfect! I’m in the process of making decisions for my kitchen reno and I was waffling a little about wood cabinets and white. I really wanted white but was worried that it looked too dated or unfashionable. Yay! I can get them now.
My kitchen dates itself. Oak cabinets that need brute force to pull open. No soft close here. Laminate counter top with metal edge. Doesn’t even aspire to look like granite. This was WAY before granite was in vogue. The area around the sink is starting to bulge from all the years of water leaking in that area. Shelves in the cabinets are not movable. No room for customization.
1966 cabinets don’t need help to date itself, it just does it naturally. *pine for IKEA cabinets*
Functionality it king (even over looks, a am a function over form girl)! I totally understand!
Ok, I really want to redo my 1990s kitchen. However, if you follow all the current trends, won’t the kitchen just look dated again in a few years? I’m struggling with exactly WHAT to do that won’t go “out of style” too soon.
LouAnn, that is a very good point. I think that you just need to do what you love and makes you happy.
LouAnn I completely agree.
Sorry Remodelaholic but your tips will just make our houses look dated in 10, 15 years. That’s what happens when you follow a trend. Trends are recognizable. I predict the blue cabinet thing will be old before we even reach 2015.
Unique materials, layouts and solutions that make the most use of your space/light/materials is a smart way to go. Perhaps hire an architect or “maker” who will not sell you something trendy but will help you create something that works best.
This was a guest post from Zillow…. I don’t necessarily agree with everything that was said.
However, anything you do in a kitchen will date it, from the cabinet door style, to the color of the stain. The point is to do what you love.
In my new old (70’s) teeny condo kitchen I decided to take some tips for “aging in place”. I’m 60 and single, so my old u-shaped kitchen with closet pantry was donated to the local Habitat Restore. By donating the cabinets they came and demised them and took them for resale. This saved me a bunch. Next, the right side pantry was taken down to the perimeter walls. In my new galley style kitchen, I purchased a sink base and 8″ deep 24″ stainless steel single bowl sink, with a pull off sprayer faucet.and small drawer over door base. I upgraded my dishwasher and purchased three 76″ shelves and brackets where I keep everyday dishes, mugs, glasses etc. These items make up the left side of the room. I also own a counter top convection-roast-grill-microwave, which eliminated my need for an oven. I purchased a two-spot induction cook top. It only weighs 8 pounds and can easily be stored out of the when not in use. I purchased stainless steel 48″ x 24″ x 72″ shelving unit, which holds all that was formerly in hard to access uppers and lower cabinets. My refrigerator and a small table with a roll-out section gives me a place to prep while seated. With laminate flooring and professional installers, my improvements came to $4500. I love this kitchen!
Jen! Sounds like a lot of work, but GOOD FOR YOU!
Would love to see pictures!
I am the biggest fan of the tile back splash, especially the larger tiles. My dream kitchen will have granite counters with a subway tile back splash.
I just designed my brand new kitchen and some of the things you mentioned I have like the stained cabinets and the 4 inch quartz backsplash. I am not offended by any means! I am actually quite shocked and feel a little more educated. I guess I have a really unique house, though. We built a barn house and there is a lot of wood work especially knotty pine. My cabinets are knotty pine to bring out that wooden lodge feel and if I would have done anything different, it would have looked silly. I do have a painted burgundy island and matching freestanding pantry. My kitchen looks extremely modern in some aspects. I love the copper apron front sink, quartz countertops, knotty pine ceiling and all the countertop space. I am very happy with it! I just haven’t posted it on my blog yet as it is very, very unique and all the “white” fans out there would cringe 🙂 I love everything you post! It’s completely different than what I have, but that’s how we learn, grow and incorporate new ideas into our existing setup.
Me too!
I am stuck. We have white cabinets, a liberty red kitchen island with the range, and I am trying to decide on countertops and backsplash. I love the clean, white look of marble. I hate the idea of using subway tile, or glass, or the new stacked backsplash material…only to have it be out of date in just a few years. I tried granite…but the busyness of it doesn’t sit well, too many places for crumbs to hide. Has anyone has any experience with the copper metal tile for backsplash? Maybe with the marble countertops – sounds scrubbable, clean, and timeless. Well, of course, that’s what we thought about the powder-blue tux in 1980, too.
Our kitchen remodel was on the cheap. No quartz or granite in the budget. Our laminate counters were only $300 DIY. The good news is WilsonArt makes a fabulous marble laminate. The counters with white Ikea cabinets and white subway tile backsplash made for a low budget, yet stylish kitchen.
Any kitchen will become somewhat dated over time, but if you avoid the exceedingly trendy items, you will have a better chance of weathering the years gracefully. I don’t think that painted cabinets will ever go out of style – they’ve been popular for years. I hear all the time how granite is now dated, and I just laugh. It’s still the most requested material I see as a kitchen designer, although the great variety of quartz materials , now available, is a close second. Although not inexpensive, countertops and backsplashes can be changed over timetime, so if you do want to go trendy, this is a better place to indulge than other items. Also, if you’re making freestanding appliances LOOK built in, leave a little extra space and use trim to hide it; refrigerators, especially, are all different sizes and have changed drastically in size over the years.
Interesting. I’ll give you the dated 4″ backsplash, as soon as I read that I started brainstorming alternatives for mine. 😉 However… I think if you’re careful NOT to go with current trends on the big-ticket things, there are a lot of choices that are timeless. Tile counters, wood floors, even stained wood cabinets are rarely a mistake. Cabinets that go to the ceiling are NEVER a mistake. A lot of things that date a kitchen have to do with the smaller details, like wall paint and decorating. I think decorating in themes (like chicken collections, or grapevines) will date your kitchen faster than anything. And if you still have sponge painting on your walls, get to a store and get a can of paint NOW… that’s a really easy fix. 🙂 This was a fun read.
Who needs back splashes anyway? I have never in all my years found a need for them, The back of the range protects my wall and I am very careful around the sink. I do not like them as I like a continuous color of paint.
I agree with some of what is said above. In my last kitchen, I had 4 inch backsplash on the wall with the window above the sink and there was no tile between the upper cabinets and countertops. On the cooktop wall, I had tile all the way to the countertop so I think that one is personal preference. My new kitchen cabinets are very lightly “graywashed”, not white but against white walls and with lots of natural light, they’ll be great. My last kitchen had natural cherry cabinetry and I loved it for 15 years and I still would if we still lived there. Countertop options are widely varied but I prefer solid surfaces to sheet laminates when possible. Range hoods are a matter of personal preference. I like them simple but not modern.
I am building a new house and get to start from scratch. While I ADORE white cabinets, marble or quartz tops and shiny fixtures I don’t think it would be appropriate for my house which will be in a Spanish/Monterrey style. I am going with dark stained cabinets that look timeless, a mix of quartz countertops and butcher block in a deep, warm tone. I’m adding some beautiful arabesque tiles with a warm patina and creating a hood covered in stone and a rustic beam as a focal point. Tall, arched windows flank the hood. All of these things go against this article, but I want this to look good for decades. I think timeless style is easier to decode if you study design (just browse lots of photos) from past decades. If it still looks good then you’ve found the key! I feel granite is not enduring, and glass mosaic backsplashes will not last. Color is a tricky thing for cabinets and is hard to change if your eyes tire of it.