12 popular kitchen trends that missed the mark this year, according to interior designers

It's time for homeowners to move on from using gray tones in the kitchen, according to Satsha Lopez-Jaimes, interior designer and project director for Freemodel.

Instead, she recommended focusing on timeless colors that complement the home's architecture.

"Experiment with a diverse palette of tones and finishes to add a touch of playfulness to your kitchen design," the designer told Insider.

Busy, colorful backsplashes are being replaced by simple, sleek designs, according to Selena Lewis, interior designer of Selena Lewis Designs.

"We're seeing a lot of subway tiles, marble, and mosaics," she said.

A homeowner might paint their own cabinets to save money, but it's often noticeable that it wasn't done professionally.

Lewis said DIYing another part of the kitchen, like the wall color or backsplash, might be easier to execute well and maintain.

A stark, industrial theme can make a kitchen feel cold and uninviting, according to Lopez-Jaimes.

Incorporating warm, natural materials like wood into the designs might feel more welcoming.

"Wooden cabinets, countertops, and even an elegant wood kitchen island can bring warmth and character to your kitchen," they told Insider.

The all-white kitchen trend is fading, according to Julee Ireland, interior designer and founder of Home Renovation School.

"I have never been a big fan of an all-white kitchen, so I am happy to see this trend go," she said. "For me, it lacks interest and personality and feels too cold."

Instead, she recommended using richer wood tones and earthy paint colors such as green, terracotta, blue, gold, or burgundy.

"This style has been around for a while now and is a little overplayed, in my opinion," Ireland told Insider. "Matte black and white apron-front sinks have had their day, but it's time for something new."

She said that changing out the hardware, faucet, and lighting are some easy updates to this out-of-date trend.

Not having upper cabinets can leave a kitchen looking bare, according to Jeanne K Chung, principal designer of Cozy Stylish Chic.

"A lot of empty walls are no fun to look at," Chung told Insider. "And even if you have an entire wall of windows, you are sacrificing valuable storage space."

The designer recommended opting for shelving that can be mounted on a wall or suspended from the ceiling.

"I'm still seeing a lot of open shelving, but it's really starting to look dated and, in many cases, make the kitchen feel cluttered," Chung told Insider.

Adding sliding doors in front of the floating shelves is a possible solution.

"It is more forgiving — especially if acid-etched glass is used," she said. "You can see blurry shapes behind the glass, but you don't see the clutter.

A lack of personalized decor in a kitchen can make for a boring design, according to Lopez-Jaimes.

"Infuse your personality into your kitchen with unique decor, family photos, and custom touches that make it truly your own," she added.

The overuse of stainless steel can make a homeowner's kitchen feel unwelcoming, according to Lopez-Jaimes.

"Mix stainless steel appliances with other finishes like copper or custom paneling to create a balanced and visually appealing kitchen," the designer told Insider.

Open floor plans lack definition and can make it challenging to separate living areas, according to Lopez-Jaimes.

"Instead, consider using architectural elements like islands, half-walls, or strategically placed furniture to create a boundary while maintaining an open and airy feel," she suggested.

"Poorly lit kitchens can be frustrating to work in and lack functionality," Lopez-Jaimes told Insider.

She said this can be fixed with under-cabinet and pendant lighting, which creates a well-lit working space.