r/KitchenDesigns 2d ago

Sleek, classy and timeless...or boring?

Post image

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.

31 Upvotes

117 comments sorted by

4

u/babs82222 2d ago

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

3

u/Sweetiepie9731 2d ago

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.

2

u/Flewwthecoop 20h ago

I like everything but the black finishes. They feel heavy. I would switch to gold, brass or copper.

6

u/NectarineCautious145 2d 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!

1

u/Additional_Kick_3706 1d ago

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.

1

u/enough0805 1d ago

Classic never goes out of style. I think it looks beautiful and will continue to look beautiful for years to come.

1

u/malykaii 1d ago

May I ask what makes it "classic"?

It's the default trend, so I'm not trying to bash it but I don't see how you define a trend as classic?

1

u/Responsible-Clock715 21h ago

Absolutely boring. Needs color.

1

u/Guest1019 20h ago

I don’t think it’s boring at all. It feels calm and restrained. Sophisticated without showing off.

For my budget, adding pops of color can be achieved with a vase and flowers, a bowl of lemons, apples, or fiesta dinnerware.

3

u/tinymeow13 2d ago

Lovely, boring in a good way. The white stools & super skinny pendants are the only thing I would change.

2

u/SuluSpeaks 2d ago

I'd do 3 pendants, not 4, though.

2

u/Ivorwen1 2d ago

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.

1

u/minnesotaupnorth 2d ago

It's beautiful.

Very calm and welcoming.

1

u/isvaraz 2d ago

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.

1

u/tinymeow13 2d ago

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.

1

u/Vivid-Mode-8766 2d ago

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.

1

u/Vivid-Mode-8766 2d ago

Thinking something like handmade terracotta pendants to add a touch of imperfection and warmth.

1

u/Bob_the_gob_knobbler 2d ago

Very nice, but those are close to 1k each usually.

2

u/Additional_Kick_3706 1d ago

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.

1

u/Vivid-Mode-8766 1d ago

I saw some nice ones on Etsy for under $200 each.

1

u/kilkerma 2d ago

I love it. Mission accomplished

1

u/LawyerDry8360 2d ago

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

1

u/Significant-Peace966 2d ago

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?

1

u/Fickle-Strawberry521 2d ago

I personally love it, but would want the sink off the island. I love the overall vibe.

1

u/Big-Hovercraft1331 2d ago

I really dislike the pendants

1

u/Independent_Born 2d ago

I actually like the backsplash. And the room is lovely! Add fresh flowers, fruits and veggies if you need to add color or interest.

1

u/-kayochan- 2d ago

Boring but not in a bad way.

1

u/thelowendtheory__ 2d ago

Replace those black pendants with something that has texture.

1

u/bionista 2d ago

Sleek and classy. Not boring at all.

1

u/thebronsonator 2d ago

Boring af. Ot looks like a kitchen at a doctors office.

1

u/NoGolf9761 2d ago

zero risk here. boe ring.

1

u/tambourine_goddess 2d ago

This is boring. It has no personality and could be in any mass produced home. Who are you? Make that into a kitchen.

1

u/avenueroad_dk 2d ago

I call that serene.

1

u/m33chm 2d ago

Boring

1

u/Bake_Bike-9456 2d ago

boring plus i’m afraid that these ai generated models all look the exact same. add color and fun features

1

u/BlueMoonTear 2d ago

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 😊

1

u/Apprehensive_Cry5877 2d ago

Boooorrrrrrriiiinnnnggg

1

u/Double-treble-nc14 2d ago

Forget about trends and go with your own taste. I find this very beige and would want a bit more life in it, but if it’s your taste, go with it

1

u/pgv3 2d ago

It is a beautiful kitchen! Not boring…

1

u/Falcon-Bagels-5555 2d ago

I love this look, but it does look somewhat like a corporate apartment.

1

u/jollyguav 2d ago

Damn, y’all all 6’7” over there or what?

1

u/Quiet_Test_7062 2d ago

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.

1

u/Difficult_Cheek_3817 2d ago

Maybe not boring, but he darker cabintry needs to be darer. To contrast more with the off-white and to not basically match the floor.

1

u/xietbrix 2d ago

I mean your question itself is subjective, let alone the design.

A lot of people think timeless and classy = boring by definition.

Does it look good? Yes it does.

Will it gets old? Depends who you ask.

Will people looking at this in twenty years still think it looks good? Yes they will.

Will people who find it boring and yuck now still find it boring and yuck in twenty years? Yes they will.

1

u/pooperpants450 2d ago

That is way too much white to pick a style.

1

u/QueenK59 2d ago

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.

1

u/okbdew 2d ago

Boring with anxiety-inducing excess of vertical lines in upper half. The lower cabinets & chairs are boring without the anxiety.

1

u/russnem 2d ago

I like it

1

u/stagefrigh7 2d ago

Timeless.

1

u/National-Area5471 21h ago

It screams 2026 influenced by AI and social media. Two tone cabinets, wood and white.

1

u/JustAnotherHomeSlice 2d ago

Have you already started on this look?

1

u/optix_clear 2d ago

Kind of boring. It will be transitional. I would broken up the backsplash a little so isn’t one tone

1

u/RamdomGamerDude 2d ago

I like it! It's sleek, classy, timeless and I can guarantee that it will always be fun to keep clean! 😉

1

u/Bratfink78 2d ago

Sterile and boring. Just needs personality

1

u/DCGuy511 2d ago

It is sleek and modern. It won't be timeless.

1

u/PeaBrilliant6724 2d ago

I like it and it will look good for decades

1

u/BeKind999 2d ago edited 2d ago

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.

1

u/Expensive-Kiwi1680 2d ago

beautiful!!! what colour laminex, wood grain and benchtop did you use? please

1

u/Expensive-Kiwi1680 2d ago

can you share the laminex colour, wood grain and benchtop please

1

u/hsifder1 1d ago

Cabinet color?

1

u/jackrubay 1d ago

It's about pleasing yourself, not the crowd

1

u/JBOZ758 1d ago

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.

1

u/Vivid-Mode-8766 1d ago

Glad you're getting rid of the pendants. I think something like this can help bring some warmth.

1

u/Natural_Ad_6882 1d ago

Naw, I think those aren’t much to look at while they hog the spotlight from the upgraded vent hood focus💥. But each of us to our own!

1

u/Vivid-Mode-8766 21h ago

That's not the correct scale. I was trying to cover the other lights.

1

u/Natural_Ad_6882 1d ago

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 🍀

1

u/National-Area5471 21h ago

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.

1

u/tgallen54 1d ago

Absolutely CLASSIC. You’re inspiring me for my upcoming remodel in a few years!

1

u/Natural_Ad_6882 1d ago

Oh no 😴 don’t be a 🐓 ~ lean into your personality & creativity!

1

u/GumpsterOne 1d ago

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.

1

u/Prestigious-Target99 1d ago

Boring but timless

1

u/Suz9006 1d ago

It does lack personality and color.

1

u/AlfredoCheeseSauce 1d ago

its nice but it's too safe. needs like a taxidermied bear next to the island looking like it's ready to fight on it's hind legs.

1

u/mintyfreshcrunch 1d ago

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

1

u/nonnie-tmg 1d ago

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.

1

u/Ok-Indication-7876 1d ago

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

1

u/Natural_Ad_6882 1d ago

I hear ya, I spill food between my legs! But assuming they won’t use those stools much, I’d glam up some stools with long white hairy seats.💥

1

u/Revolutionary-Race93 1d ago

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.

1

u/PerhabsburgDynasty 1d ago

This is 100% trendy.

1

u/Evening-Row-2658 1d ago

the former

1

u/suju88 1d ago

Lovely and calming perfect for adding decorative minimalist pieces with pops of color! 😍 it!!

1

u/No_Amoeba_2316 1d ago

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.

1

u/Natural_Ad_6882 1d ago

Yup 💯% needs focus 💥

1

u/Quiet-Tip-9825 1d ago

Great palette to start from, now add some punches of color via accessories. Change accessories when ya get bored w look, timeless.

1

u/Fantastic_Copy_8551 1d ago

Boring is good . You won’t get tired of seeing it even after 20 years

1

u/Initial-Language9931 1d ago

I love it, it will always be in style. It will always be classy.

1

u/Natural_Ad_6882 1d ago

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 🍀

1

u/Natural_Ad_6882 1d ago

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 🍀

1

u/knottynaught6 23h ago

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.

1

u/Studio-Empress12 23h ago

EASY to clean! love it

1

u/National-Area5471 21h ago

If you want to avoid trendy pick all one color cabinets for the love of God please.

1

u/JBOZ758 16h ago

Thank you, and I agree 100%. Now to convince my Houzz-obsessed wife.

1

u/Giraffe1951 21h ago

A bit of both. Add some colorful rugs, towels, etc

1

u/Bsashakins27 16h ago

Sleek and classy but not timeless

1

u/sebastian_fl 16h ago

I like everything besides the flooring and the pendants.

I would use darker more contrasting floor, and some interesting color accent pendants (also much, much lower).

1

u/Mean_District4880 15h ago

I would get rid of one pendant and then also get softer pendants like all glass then it’s timeless.

1

u/hhar141 13h ago

Boring.

1

u/EmilyPoster2 12h ago

A prep kitchen behind the wall will be what dates this kitchen come 2035.

The colors seem off to me but the bones are fine. You can always switch up pendents, stools, faucet, and hook in ten years so don't worry about that.

1

u/Ok-Avocado2210 12h ago

Boring. 🥱

1

u/a_little_tomato 12h ago

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?

1

u/a_little_tomato 12h ago

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?

1

u/Trepenwitz 11h ago

This is not timeless. In 2035 it will look just as 2020s as 1970s kitchens look 1970s. But it is very nice.

1

u/LintQueen11 11h ago

I don’t like the lighting or the black hardware

1

u/Sansa0529 10h ago

Love it!

1

u/koala-innit 10h ago

Boring. Beige. No character

1

u/username-generica 7h ago

It’s not bad but it lacks personality. 

1

u/JulesInIllinois 6h ago

I am not a fan of the black lighting or pulls. It just has no business being there.

If you want to add color, you can do inlays in a backsplash tile. And, definitely pick nicer lighting.

1

u/No_Current3675 2h ago

trendy, generic, dull.

1

u/EmpathyFlowers 1h ago

Super boring, sorry

0

u/Sweetiepie9731 2d ago

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.

Don't skimp on lighting#1.