Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company, has highlighted four design trends that are making kitchens look dated. With two decades of experience in pre-owned kitchens, she advises ditching high gloss cabinets, freestanding breakfast bars, ceiling spotlights, visible appliances, and excessive tall storage for more contemporary alternatives. These changes can refresh living spaces and improve functionality.
Looeeze Grossman, a kitchen specialist and founder of The Used Kitchen Company, has shared insights on design trends that are now outdated in British kitchens. Having spent two decades buying and selling pre-owned and ex-display kitchens, she identifies four elements that can make homes appear dated, suggesting they be replaced for a modern look.
High gloss cabinet finishes, once dominant, are declining in favor of matte alternatives that offer an elegant, low-maintenance aesthetic. Grossman notes the end of constant buffing for fingerprints on glossy doors. She said: "The softer, velvety finish creates a more upscale look that works with any décor and feels modern without all the upkeep. It's a smarter, more grown-up approach to kitchen design, and it's transforming homes up and down the country."
Freestanding breakfast bars, meant for casual meals, often become clutter collectors. Preferences now lean toward built-in banquette seating, expandable dining tables, and peninsulas to save space. According to Grossman, the conventional dining table is making a comeback, replacing these bars.
Ceiling-mounted spotlights provide harsh, flat lighting, which Grossman says "doesn't do your kitchen any favours." Modern kitchens require layered schemes combining spotlights with pendant lights over islands or dining areas for depth and atmosphere. She added: "Thanks to smart bulbs you can control with your voice or phone, sophisticated lighting is easier and more affordable than ever, letting you adjust mood and brightness throughout the day." Switching to energy-efficient LEDs also saves money.
Freestanding appliances like fridges, ovens, and dishwashers age the space; integrating them behind cabinetry creates a sleek, sophisticated look. Even small items such as kettles and coffee makers should be stored in cupboards. Grossman remarked: "If your dishwasher stands out like a sore thumb and your countertop is covered in clutter, it's time for a change. Forget just keeping up with the trends, it will create a space that feels expensive, functional and built to last."
Floor-to-ceiling storage units, while providing ample space, reduce worktop area essential for cooking. Grossman explained: "The most functional kitchens use tall units strategically, not lining entire walls, to ensure there is plenty of room for real cooking and living. If you are constantly hunting for a spot to chop veg or rest a hot pan, those tall units are not working for you."
