With ever-evolving styles and trends, it’s easy to fall prey to the idea that we must update our homes with every new fad. There are some designs that were in vogue even a few short years ago that have already fallen out of favor, including, as contributor Luke shares, “farmhouse” style cabinets and decor. While the look is based on America’s agricultural past, modern versions no longer fit the preferences of most homeowners. Rustic accessories and antique elements certainly have their place, but the overall look is likely to look passé in a few short years.
11 Style Choices That Will Look Out-Of-Date in 5 Years
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Published: July 5, 2025
Updated: January 22, 2025
We’ve all done it: seen the latest kitchen trend or style and immediately started dreaming of how we could update our own home to incorporate this latest fad. While some updates may be quick and easy fixes, such as a new lighting fixture or cabinet pulls, others may be much more expensive and time-consuming. But have you paused to consider the implications of your design ideas in the future?
It’s no secret that styles, tastes, and popular interior design fashions change regularly and quickly. What may look incredible on social media or the latest episode of TV may end up dating your own. When that happens, you’re faced with an unpleasant choice: live with your design for the foreseeable future or undertake another costly and lengthy renovation. Neither is very appealing, especially if you recently underwent a kitchen overhaul in the not-so-distant past. Instead, choose timeless and enduring pieces that can be updated with simple accessories and decorations.
If you’re wondering what those dated designs might be, you’re in luck! Our readers have gathered their thoughts about recent trends and are here to share their ideas on what will make your kitchen look dated in five years. Read on for all their insights!
02 of Pass on the Pink
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While bold, striking colors in interior design may fill your social media feeds now, the trend isn’t likely to last for too much longer. Just think back to some of the bold patterns and colors of the 70s that would look positively archaic in your home now! I love the brightness of this design, but I would hesitate to commit and feel the need to repaint it in a few short years. Reader Winnie feels the same, writing that pink cabinets or tiles that used to be stylish 30 years ago are coming back around. However, just like last time, it’s unlikely to stick around.
03 of Out With the Earth Tones
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Design enthusiast Saundra has a long list of items she thinks will look out of place in the near future. In her opinion, “common granite counters, subway tiles, and black paint” are stylistic choices you may come to regret. I would add that glazed or distressed cabinetry and faux-stone tile are also on their way out. While the earth tones may have been chosen for their nature-inspired design, they remind me of the early aughts, where dark wood and brown granite made kitchens feel heavy and overly formal.
04 of Taller Aesthetic Appears More Timeless
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Interior designer Tam Taggart knows a thing or two about enduring style and is here to share her wisdom with you. “Embrace a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic with taller surfaces, ensuring a sophisticated, enduring charm. Investing in taller designs eliminates the risk of dated aesthetics, providing a kitchen that stands the test of time.” This applies to overly fashionable appliances and tile patterns that may be appealing now but will soon be replaced by the next popular trend. Kitchen renovations are often labor-intensive and cost-prohibitive, making it necessary to go with a more timeless design.
05 of Avoid Strong Contrasts
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While bold color choices can be divisive and quickly look dated, the same could be said for the all-white look that seems everywhere. Homeowner Crystal certainly agrees, sharing, “I think the white everything, white subway tile, black grout, and black fixtures are going to look the most dated.” The strong contrasts can appear too bold and striking for many, who may want a softer look before too long. I know the subway tile wall is a bit too much for my tastes, making the room feel much busier than necessary.
06 of Bold Tile Choice Regrets
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While subway tile has been around for well over a century, its popularity and use in interior design have exploded in recent years. Naturally, the look has morphed into more styles and colors as a result. However, this may be one of the quickest ways to make your home look outdated, as unusual tile shapes, layouts, and colors are one of the first elements we notice. In particular, reader Jessica cites wavy subway tile as one of the top items on her list that will date a home. Another style choice that won’t be popular in a few years? Waterfall islands, according to contributor Mayte.
07 of Boxy, Awkward Hood Vents and No Upper Cabinets
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I admit I loved the idea of no upper cabinetry or shelves in my kitchen. I was convinced it would make the space appear much larger and cleaner than it really was. That was until I realized the storage space I would lose as a result, and I quickly changed my mind. Style maven Kristin takes this further by offering her opinion: “Too many total white kitchens and huge useless hoods” will look out of touch in five years, she shares. I especially think this is true with the sleek, modern versions that seem intrusive and obvious. The look is undoubtedly contemporary, but I have concerns about its style’s longevity.
08 of Gray Everywhere
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Along with endless shades of white, another design regret may be focusing on shades of gray in every room of your home. This is certainly the belief of homeowner Christina, who thinks that only white or woodgrain styles are timeless choices. Home decor aficionado Caniglia also believes that the proliferation of white shakers will soon fall out of favor as well. Shades of neutral may look stunning, but it’s easy to see how some homeowners may want a more colorful look in a few years
09 of Choose a Simple Base Design
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Interior designer Jennifer Clavano disagrees with the previous sentiment against using gray in your spaces. In her opinion, “Simplicity and elegance last. Simple lines and neutral colors work well. Even if you add an accent, like accent lighting, you can replace it if most of your design stays neutral and simple. Think whites, grays, and beiges. Timeless means sleek fixtures without too many details.” Highly trendy or detailed designs are more likely to look dated in a few years than a simple style that can evolve as you combine it with different accents. As long as your foundational choices, such as countertops, cabinets, backsplash, and floors, are classic, its relatively simple to update smaller accessories to reflect the current trends.
10 of Beautiful, But Not Timeless
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I’m guilty of drooling over photos of bold, bright cabinet colors and even spent days repainting the kitchen cabinets in our first home in a beautiful French blue. Unfortunately, I have to agree with contributor Destanie, who reports that “Green and blue cabinets” are guaranteed to look out of style in the next few years. Even the gorgeous shade of light green seen in this colorful kitchen will fall out of fashion in the near future. Popular color choices are always changing, and what may look stunning today may make it harder to sell your home someday without additional work and updates. As Destinae says, “Beautiful but not timeless.”
11 of Choose What Makes You Happy
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Quartz countertops may seem like a classic choice, but are appearances deceiving? According to home design enthusiast Emily, they may be out of style in a few years, leaving you to wonder at the expense of replacing them. Some fixtures and accessories, including lighting and cabinetry hardware, are relatively easy and affordable to update as tastes change. However, you may have to learn to live with larger purchases even after their popularity has waned. Interior design is a highly personal process subject to your tastes and preferences. At the end of the day, choose what makes you happy and that you can live with for the long run. Fads and others’ opinions don’t matter as much as yours. After all, you’re the one who gets to live there!
