These 5 Kitchen Cabinet Details Could Be Making Your Space Look Dated – And What to Choose Instead

When it comes to updating your kitchen, cabinets are often the biggest visual—and financial—investment. Yet while layout and colour often get all the attention, it's the cabinet details that can quietly age your space. From finishes to mouldings, these seemingly small decisions have a huge impact on how current or dated your kitchen feels.

That’s why, if you're considering a kitchen update or just trying to pinpoint what's making your space feel off, it's time to take a closer look at those cupboards. You might be surprised to find that what was trendy a decade ago now makes your kitchen feel stuck in the past. Luckily, many of these details are easier to swap than you might think—without the need for a complete gut job.

Below, we break down 5 common kitchen cabinet details that could be making your space look dated in 2025. From out-of-place hardware to old-school finish choices, we’ll show you what’s no longer in fashion and offer ideas for what to opt for instead. Consider this your go-to guide for creating a more elevated, modern kitchen—without losing that timeless feel.

1. Kitchen Cabinet Details Could Be Making Your Space Look Dated: Overly Ornate Handles and Pulls

Nothing dates a kitchen faster than fussy, overly detailed hardware. Intricately carved handles, faux antique finishes, or dated shapes (hello, seashell pulls) can all make even brand new cabinetry feel out-of-touch.

In 2025, the trend is leaning towards minimalism with personality. Think clean-lined hardware in brushed nickel, matte black, or even leather-wrapped options for a touch of texture. Handles and pulls should enhance the design, not dominate it.

A simple hardware switch can refresh your entire kitchen in under an hour. Just make sure to align with the hole spacing of your current hardware to avoid patching and repainting.

2. Kitchen Cabinet Details Could Be Making Your Space Look Dated: Raised Panel Doors That Belong in the '90s

Raised panel cabinet doors had their moment, but in today’s design landscape, they often look bulky and overly traditional. Especially in smaller kitchens, these doors can visually clutter the space and make it feel cramped.

For a more contemporary and versatile aesthetic, flat-front or slab doors are on the rise. They offer a sleek, uninterrupted surface that works beautifully across a range of styles—from Scandi-inspired to modern farmhouse.

If full replacement isn’t in the cards, consider painting your existing doors in a matte neutral and updating the hardware for a simplified look that nods to current design trends without the cost of new cabinetry.

3. Kitchen Cabinet Details Could Be Making Your Space Look Dated: Crown Moulding That Overdoes It

Crown moulding can be a beautiful finishing touch—but too much of it (or the wrong kind) can quickly make your kitchen look dated. Chunky, heavily detailed crown moulding especially feels out of sync with modern or transitional kitchens.

Today’s approach to trim is more restrained. Thin, sleek profiles or even a no-moulding approach give cabinets a cleaner, more architectural feel. If you're renovating, think about removing top mouldings altogether or switching to a subtle shadow gap instead.

This is particularly effective in creating a seamless ceiling-to-cabinet transition, which makes your kitchen feel more open and intentionally designed.

4. Kitchen Cabinet Details Could Be Making Your Space Look Dated: Faux Distressing or Antiquing

Distressed cabinetry had its heyday in rustic and Tuscan-style kitchens, but in 2025, it often reads as artificial and outdated. Cabinetry that’s purposefully chipped, sanded, or glazed to look ‘aged’ can age your kitchen design too—just not in a good way.

Opt for authentic materials and finishes instead. Natural wood grains, smooth painted surfaces, or matte textures are all far more timeless and easier to coordinate with modern design elements.

If you love character and charm, try incorporating vintage or antique pieces elsewhere in your kitchen—such as open shelving or freestanding furniture—rather than forcing patina onto new cabinets.

5. Kitchen Cabinet Details Could Be Making Your Space Look Dated: Mismatched Colours That Clash

Two-tone kitchens are still popular—but clashing or outdated colour combinations are an instant timestamp. Think red and oak, hunter green and cream, or overly warm cherry wood with cool grey walls.

In 2025, cohesion is key. If you’re going for contrast, it should be deliberate and balanced. Pairing deep green cabinetry with warm brass accents or muted navy with light oak can feel modern and sophisticated.

Repainting is a powerful tool here. Choosing a fresh, neutral colour palette (such as mushroom, soft greige, or even chalky pastels) can immediately modernise old cabinetry and make the entire space feel more intentional.

FAQs

Q: How can I modernise my kitchen cabinets without replacing them?A: Small updates like switching out hardware, repainting in a neutral or trending tone, and simplifying trim details can give your cabinets a new lease on life. Consider removing ornate moulding or swapping overly decorative panels for flat-front doors.

Q: Are white cabinets going out of style in 2025?A: Not at all—but the shade of white matters. Stark, high-gloss white is falling out of favour. Instead, softer off-whites, creams, and warm neutrals are becoming the preferred palette for a timeless look.

Q: Should all kitchen cabinet hardware match?A: Not necessarily. Mixed metals are still in, but the finishes should complement one another. For example, combining brushed brass with matte black or chrome with warm wood can feel layered and intentional when done right.

Ready to Redesign?

Whether you're planning a complete kitchen overhaul or just looking to refresh tired details, BY Design And Viz offers tailored solutions for interior, exterior, and architectural design. Our team of experts can guide you through every decision, ensuring your space reflects your style while staying ahead of trends.

Book your free consultation today and let’s bring your dream kitchen to life—without a single outdated detail in sight.