Design your forever kitchen with these classic elements.
Katie Holdefehr is the associate editorial director at Real Simple. Kitchen Cupboard
Between expensive appliances, custom cabinets, and costly countertops, we spend a lot of money on our kitchens. In fact, according to 2023 data pulled by Angi, U.S. homeowners spend an average of almost $27,000 on a kitchen remodel. To make sure that all of this money isn't creating a kitchen we'll want to update again in five years, the trick is to incorporate timeless kitchen design elements that won't go out of style. By choosing features that stand the test of time, you'll save yourself money (and the work of remodeling) down the line.
So what are the kitchen trends that won't make you cringe a few years from now? Stick with ideas that have been loved for decades.
The classic white kitchen is sometimes critiqued for being boring—but there's one solid reason to opt for this color: It will never go out of style. Not sure which shade of white to go for? Check out some white paints designers swear by. Taupes, grays, and beiges are other colors to consider if you want something a little more interesting.
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
Organization will never go out of style. And while features like built-in baking sheet dividers and pull-out cabinet drawers haven't been around that long, when hidden behind unfussy cabinet fronts, these functional features are a must-have for timeless kitchens.
There's a reason the Smeg fridge is a classic kitchen appliance. While stainless steel and white appliances will always cycle in and out of fashion, appliances with retro appeal don't go through the same fluctuations in popularity. Brands like Smeg, Northstar, and Laconche are still making appliances with old-school charm.
Natural materials like wood and stone will ground the space and keep it classic. If you want a timeless kitchen, resist the urge to create an ultra-modern look full of shiny stainless steel and engineered materials.
White marble will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops. While it's a bit pricey and requires more upkeep than other countertop materials, it ages beautifully. If marble is not in your budget, at least stick to a natural stone like quartzite—natural materials typically have greater longevity than engineered stone.
Andreas von Einsiedel/GETTY IMAGES
If marble's maintenance and potential for staining has you worrying about its longevity, consider butcher block. The go-to choice for farmhouse kitchens, butcher block will wear beautifully over the years, and you can prepare food directly on it.
Subway tile works with many different decor styles, and you probably won't get sick of it. (After all, the look's been around for over 100 years!) If you want a backsplash with staying power, skip the trendy metallic tiles, sea glass, or bright geometric shapes and opt for something simpler.
While black and brass finishes are quite popular at the moment, nickel and other silver styles are consistently a top choice for designers. Polished nickel is an especially reliable choice that won't look dated in a decade.
Yes, there is a classic kitchen layout that almost always works for people, and it's the "work triangle." It's defined by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as an imaginary straight line drawn from the center of the sink, to the center of the cooktop, to the center of the refrigerator and finally back to the sink. This format is supposed to optimize flow and efficiency.
There aren't many soft goods in a kitchen, but the few fabric moments you have, like window treatments and tablecloths, should be a timeless material like cotton or linen. These are easy-to-maintain textiles and versatile—they'll work with just about any kitchen aesthetic.
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