5 Things We Left Behind Years Ago in Kitchen Design (But Still See Today)
At Savvy Interiors, we’re always looking forward — but sometimes when we walk into a kitchen consultation, it feels like time stopped at 2016. These five design choices had their moment, but we phased them out long ago in favor of more timeless, layered, and functional kitchens. Here’s what we’ve left in the rearview mirror (and why):
1. Floating Shelves
Floating shelves look pretty in styled photos, but in real life they rarely stand up to the messiness of everyday living. They collect dust, force you to curate every mug and cereal bowl, and don’t offer meaningful storage. We traded them in years ago for intentional cabinetry solutions — think glass fronts with lighting, textural inserts, or closed storage with smart organization.
2. Contrast-Banded Hoods with a Wood Leading Edge
The painted hood with a bold wood band trim was once everywhere. But for us, it felt trendy rather than timeless. Today, our hoods are either architectural statements in plaster, stone, or metal, or they blend seamlessly into the cabinetry for a tailored look. That heavy wood strip was retired from our vocabulary long ago.
3. Quartz Counters
Quartz had its rise as the go-to for “durability meets clean look.” But its machine-made aesthetic often falls flat in kitchens that want warmth and character. Years back, we started steering our clients toward natural stone — quartzite, soapstone, honed granite, or marble — surfaces with true depth, movement, and authenticity.
4. Accent-Color Islands
Painting the island navy, teal, or hunter green was once the “pop of personality” everyone wanted. But design moved on. We shifted years ago to using materiality, not just paint, to make the island stand out — rift-cut oak, wire-brushed walnut, or a plaster finish that feels integrated with the architecture. Personality shows up in texture and craftsmanship, not just in a paint swatch.
5. White Painted Cabinets with Matte Black Hardware
The white-and-black farmhouse kitchen had its chapter — and we closed the book on it years ago. While crisp, it ultimately felt stark and one-dimensional. Our kitchens today lean into natural woods, soft neutral paints, and hardware in warm metals or layered finishes. It’s about creating a kitchen that feels lived-in, timeless, and inviting.
Final Thought
Design evolves, and so should your kitchen. The choices that once dominated the pages of shelter magazines have given way to warmer, more layered, and more organic approaches. At Savvy Interiors, we left these moves behind long ago to focus on kitchens that not only look beautiful but stand the test of time.
Ready to move past fleeting trends and invest in a kitchen that truly stands the test of time? If you're planning a whole home remodel and are ready for a design partner who looks forward, contact the Savvy Interiors team today to discuss your vision.