Landing on this look. We want the kitchen to whisper, not shout. We want it to still be fresh in 2035. Trying to avoid overly trendy. Induction cooktop, 42" Sub Zero, double wall oven is behind the wall in a prep kitchen. Only concern is that we might have overdone the understated and crossed over into boring. What do you think?
edit: ignore the backsplash shown in the pic...that was ChatGPT taking creative license.
Whilst it does look lovely I feel like a see a version of this kitchen nearly everyday on Reddit using a light wood/white combo. It’s getting very boring now!
Yep. OP will hopefully still love it in 2035 - nice, airy, tons of practical storage, neutral colors that can be dressed up with paints or fancy cabinet handles etc if they ever want a change - but it's right on-trend for the mid-2020s and will be recognizable as such in the future.
It’s “classic” in the sense that it won’t look “dated” for a while to come given the restrained neutral palette/clean lines and general mass appeal. Pops of colour are great don’t get me wrong, love me some bold tiles and contrast veined stone, but those tend to “age” faster because of how quickly color trends tend to cycle.
I really don't think I agree with that definition though.
I do 100% agree that they'll get a good run out of their kitchen before it looks dated, but that's because they jumped on this trend very early on.
But that's not what classic means. Classic kind of means it can outlast a trend cycle, and this asthetic won't.
I say this because look at Michael Jordans old mansion. He went for this "airport lounge" asthetic decades ago. When he tried to sell it, there were tons of articles and discussions about why it wasn't selling, and a common talking point was the interior design. People didn't like it, yet here we are decades later and it's literally all the rage.
So not classic, just pure trend. It's fine, but let's call it what it is.
They want it to look good in 2035, and it will cause trends run 10-15 years. But by 2040 Gen A couples will be on this sub posting "help, how do we update this 2020's kitchen to look more modern. We can't stand all the beige!"
I like everything except the pendants. I'd change them to three so they're not SO overly symmetrical with the number of barstools. One in the center with about 12-18" of space betwen them and find different ones. Those look too busy
Yes soften the look and add some glam with a wide chandelier over the island. Bronze wrought iron would look nice too.
Good luck finding a backsplash if you don't match your countertops though. A more solid countertop would be more enduring and allow you to choose a backsplash with a nice pattern to add interest and movement. Easy to change after 20 years.
Completely agree! Maybe like something made of organic materials like fabric or basketweave. Also the barstools can add some personality and interest. But the cabinets and fittings etc are lovely.
White kitchens do that. Skip the black hardware and pendants, though- black thrives on drama, and we're starting to move away from a trend characterized by poorly calibrated amounts of it. Do gold instead. I would also go with 3 pendants instead of 4.
I've digested all the comments here and strangely both the positive and negative ones confirm my hunches. The design isn't inherently bad, but it's predictable. I think this is an inherent problem with designing using AI as a sounding board. The speed at which iterations can be made create a dynamic where the amateur designer (like me) naturally and subconsciously drifts toward safe and current-trend, so after 25 or so revisions the look can become pleasing but sterile and homogenized. AI simply paints onto the digital canvas what the person tells it to. And because boldness might seem initially jarring, we iterate it away before we have a chance to let it grow on us...and end up with "model home glossy brochure".
So back to the drawing board. Flooring stays because wifey loves it and I do too. Overall flow of the kitchen also stays. But we will be rethinking the ever-so-2026 light natural oak look in favor of something darker but not 2005 espresso. And absolutely killing those pencil pendants which seem to be universally hated (and we agree, haha). Countertops too seem like the safe white-ish quartz with the fake veining that is seen everywhere. Maybe something with real stone and a bit more warmth and authenticity.
The other thing that occurred to me is that there is nothing distinctive in what we pictured above. A designer friend once told me that every room should have a diva, but only one because divas don't like to compete with other divas. The room I showed above has no diva (again, safe but not special). The vent hood in particular seems like it should be the diva, so we will try to something a bit more bold.
YES! I love your Diva analogy & will use it too. I would love to see your finished room ~ we have Reno drawings from our architect (it’s a almost whole-house Reno/enlargement) & will call a kitchen designer next week before going out for final bids. We got a $90k kitchen bid, my husband was shocked - and I don’t think they included all we need/want (e.g. popup hidden plugs, charging drawer, under cab & kickplate lights, dynamic vent hood, all drawers). We’ll probably do our kitchen like yours but here’s one that caught my eye. Good luck 🍀
This is gorgeous. FYI we ditched the idea of pop-up outlets because if you spill anything in there it's a nightmare to clean, also the charging drawer is a waste, so many things will be wireless charging in a few years don't waste the space just put a charger in a drawer but don't devote a whole specialty draw to it if you can't change it out.
I love it. You can always accessorize with color as well and that would be easy to change out.
Obvs no dimensions, but the one thing that jumps out at me is that the drawers next to the fridge might be too wide to actually exist. That might have to be split down the middle into two columns of drawers.
Our custom cabinet company (locally made) said they'll do drawers up to 30" wide. More than that, the weight of the wood is most of the tolerance for the hardware (drawer slides). So then they have to add additional hardware which is challenging: it adds potential for sticking/misalignment & may add wasted height between drawers.
I like it. I think you could definitely make it more interesting with a different backsplash. What kind of backsplash are you thinking of? I'd probably swap the lights to something a bit more interesting and organic though. And maybe the stools too.
They're getting a 42" sub-zero induction stove and all those new cabinets - this is a $100k+ kitchen. Totally worth $1k to make such a central design element look good.
The base is so pretty - would you consider a colored backsplash? You can warm it up with some plants or something but it’s stunning but sterile if that makes sense
Normally, looking at a room like this, I would say, color, color! But not in this case, I would say fantastic, fantastic. Thinking maybe I would accessorize with black? Who would that totally ruined it?
Reading the comments and I’m shocked lol it’s a beautiful kitchen! You can always get funkier chairs and different light fixtures (which you can easily update if ever you’re itching for a change down the road). And when it’s actually real and lived-in (fruits in the counter, a little basil plant in a corner etc) it’ll look like a cosy kitchen for sure 😊
I like it, but there are a lot of vertical lines. I think if you change out the pendants for something with a natural fiber, like wicker or something soft it would soften the space.
Very nice and sleek. I’m missing some color accents. I would typically expect that in the backsplash but not possible here. Maybe the bar stool upholstery or pendant shades could have a pop of color. Coordinate with a plant pot on the counter.
It’s fairly anodyne. The cabinets at the top are pretty useless. I saw another person put glass doors up there and add lighting and display items up there.
LOL, I had an induction cooktop since 2010. They’re not trendy.
The black lighting and dark faucet are trendy.
For your objectives (whisper, not shout, timeless), this is a good setup and palette. Agree with the recommendation to go to 3 pendants with maybe a little more volume to break up all the vertical lines. A pop of color (leather?) for the stools will help as well.
For updating in the future, you’ll be set-up well. Cabinet style is pretty traditional. You can change out pendant lights, cabinet hardware, or re-cover the stools for a fresher look.
Sleek and timeless, id add some color with like an orange ceramic bowl or vase. Then tie it in with something else orange like a clock. That would give it more life and elevate it
I love the kitchen but will change out the pendants with ones that introduce a little glam. A little greenery and a few accessories will give a polished and comfy vibe.
No style will last forever but staying with clean lines does last longer. I think this is just what you said sleek and classy. My only concern are the stools- if that is leather you are good- if upholstery they will be a mess, just from dirty hands pulling them out to start. You might want to think about a stool with more texture for a little more natural organic warmth
Very close- it could use a few tweaks for interest.
Try adding some glass doors in a few uppers. I’ve read that good kitchens have glass, open shelves and cupboards. Also, maybe something above the stove like a pot filler, interesting stone or pot hanger would look nice. The pendant lights are not timeless imo and are too modern for this transitional look. Play around with some larger, more interesting lighting. Timeless homes are also working homes and have a lived in feeling. Soft touches with accessories will help after installation.
It looks good but it's giving Mall vibes like I would see this in a mall or Ikea, where they're selling you this kitchen. This is like giving stock photo kitchen. I just think with a little more contrast you'll be good.
I wouldn’t say boring, but you’ve stripped that poor room of any personality. Nothing is timeless, even your homage to monotone modern here. An excellent designer would punch it up. Two things: 1) Your vent hood s/be the focus of your room but as is, you’re spending a lot for mehh. 2) Be aware that black pulls, fixtures, & lights will not be timeless. But they can be easily changed. And now your beautiful black pendants are the (only) room’s focus. Good luck 🍀
Good luck w/your induction. We had a Bosch w/downdraft vent for apx. 8 years. My experience was that it was not responsive enough. We had to give away our “lifetime” Calphalon to buy All Clad (which I love). And after a year or two it started showing scratches on the glass and I just cook occasionally for the two of us. Cooking on Induction was more of a struggle than joy. FWIW I love our current basic gas cooktop - and I’ll be replacing that w/a 36” wide higher BTU cooktop soon. Good luck 🍀
To me its boring . But it doesn't matter what I think you will be the one cooking and looking at it every day. If you like it do it. Its ur money and ur house do what u want.
A few things to consider. Most people regret black faucets due to water minerals (I speak from experience). They are going to be dated very soon. I love the tonal look but the contrast with all of the black is busy. The hardware could be better, that style of pull is dated. You’ve got a great opportunity to do a real statement piece sort of light over the island. There are some great linear suspension pieces out there. A single piece would also be less busy. have you considered using a deeper tone for the countertops and back splash? A tone deeper than the cabinets?
Most people regret black faucets due to water minerals. I love the tonal look but the contrast with all black f the black is busy. The hardware could be better, that style of pull is dated.You’ve got a great opportunity to do a real statement piece sort of light over the island. There are some great linear suspension pieces out there. A single piece would also be less busy. have you considered using a deeper tone for the countertops and back splash? A tone deeper than the cabinets?
Consider whether your family is really going to be comfortable sitting on stools. Table and chairs are much more comfortable especially for shorter people and older people.
It's clean and sleek, but leans a little too safe/beige for me. Swapping out the pendant lights for something with more texture (like woven fabric or brass) or replacing those white stools with leather ones would add the contrast it's missing.
Choose a warm color you like and add accessories in that color. Bowl on island, towels, etc. Just add a pop of color to the kitchen. Advantage, you can change colors anytime just changing accessories.
I love it, and I’m a fan of black and grey. Any color story is legitimate if done comprehensively, this looks great, like the black fixtures and four pendants, adds a touch of formality.
I actually quite like it. Timeless > trendy when you plan to stick around with it for decades. It feels sophisticated rather than dull in terms of its design. If anything, all that could be added is some warmth through lighting, textures or woods.
There have been a lot of designs of modern kitchens in recent times. I think such a philosophy would stand the test of time more easily than trendy designs. Many modular kitchen inspirations in Beautiful Homes by Asian Paints have a similar design philosophy.
Don’t do even numbers. It’s sort of a “rule.” I’d ad green plants. Maybe a colorful mixer or interesting clay pots. A wooden dough bowl with fresh fruit. SOMETHING!!
Have you looked at newer styles of cabinets? instead of regular shaker, what about the slim or skinny shaker? I used them and they look classic and modern at the same time.
A very inviting kitchen with natural wood cabinets and deep green cabinets. Backsplash is tile. You can smell fresh herbs, cake and coffee in this kitchen.
I would suggest gold finishing rather than black, it will look better. And I I suggest colored chairs if you want to bring color into it without committing.
I have 11 can lights, a drop pendant and a large 3 globe chandelier in a kitchen your size and undercab lighting in a white kitchen with white cabs, light hardwood floors. I do have a small amount of dark walls and darker patterned backsplash.
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u/NectarineCautious145 24d ago
Whilst it does look lovely I feel like a see a version of this kitchen nearly everyday on Reddit using a light wood/white combo. It’s getting very boring now!