These 5 ‘Outdated’ Kitchen Features Are In Again, Designers Say

It’s always fun to spot an outdated trend come back around, and this year, we’re loving the return of so many retro kitchen features. 

From color palettes to functional design choices, we talked to a few design pros and kitchen experts who shared their favorite vintage kitchen looks that we’re likely to see more of in the year ahead.

Vintage Work Tables

According to interior designer Lindsey Jamison, we’re going to see vintage work tables make a major comeback as kitchen islands this year, especially as we shift away from overly polished kitchens. 

“While it may feel new again, this idea actually dates back centuries, with many original work tables rooted in 17th-century design,” says Jamison.

Along with being both functional and beautiful, Jamison says many homeowners are drawn to this look because it creates a layered, lived-in feeling kitchen that’s rich with story. 

“After years of bright white, modern farmhouse kitchens dominating the landscape, there’s a growing appetite for warmth and authenticity,” she says. “Vintage work tables bring exactly that.”

Wallpaper

Wallpapered kitchens were majorly popular in the forties and fifties, and interior designer Laura Medicus says she sees them coming back in a big way for 2026.

“I think what’s appealing is a desire for warmth and visual interest after years of the reign of the white kitchen,” says Medicus.

Go as bold or as simple as you’d like with your wallpaper, and don’t be afraid to test the waters with a temporary application. It can be a great way to bring color and beauty into the space.

Bold, Unusual Cabinetry

In this shift away from white kitchens, Medicus says she’s also noticed people are gravitating toward more interesting cabinet choices—including darker woods and unusual colors.

“We’re looking for individuality in our homes after years of the same, and why should the kitchen be any different?” she asks.

Whether you go with a stained oak or walnut or paint your cabinetry navy, dark burgundy, or even black, this can be a stunning way to make a statement in the kitchen.

Cozy Color Palettes

Kitchen expert Paul Dore says he’s noticed a definite move to cozier kitchen colors that feel more familiar and nostalgic.

“Think creamy cabinets, deeper greens, muted blues, warmer metals, and worktops with more natural tones and softer contrast,” he says. “This is a response to the starkness of all-white kitchens.”

As Dore points out, these palettes are far more forgiving in such a high-traffic space than the recently popular stark white and cool gray. They also tend to make the kitchen feel more inviting, and can feel more classic than retro when done right.

“There’s a big shift toward longevity in design—choosing finishes that won’t feel dated in five minutes, while still feeling current and stylish,” Dore says.

Statement Edges

While Dore notes that ultra-thin, sharp-edged worktops have been the most popular pick of recent years, his team is noticing decorative edge profiles are making a comeback. Think countertops with ogee, bevels, and fuller-shaped edges.

“These edges add craftsmanship and a bespoke feel while being a subtle way to bring in traditional styling without the kitchen feeling old-fashioned,” says Dore. “A refined edge detail gives that premium finish, even on a simpler design.”

Classic Marbling

Stark, all-white kitchen design wasn’t just applied to the walls and cabinetry. Worktops took the hit, too, but Dore says that’s changing.

Over the past few years, marble-effect worktops have come back into style, and he senses a continued move toward dramatic veining, high contrast, and artistic patterns. 

“It’s a nod to the glamour of past decades,” he explains. “This type of style brings personality back into kitchens, and bold veining helps to create spaces that feel unique and special, creating that wow factor.”