Forget Everything You Think You Know About Kitchen Design – These 4 Features Used to Be ‘Must-Haves’ but Now Designers Say Leave Them Out
We're parting ways with these once hardworking heroes to make room for softer, more liveable designs
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Over the last decade, the elements of a kitchen we consider essential have really changed. The things that were once must-haves are now being regularly left out of designs altogether.
It reflects a shift in how we use, and therefore design, our spaces. No longer are kitchens viewed as purely utilitarian rooms – they have evolved into a social space with multi-functional needs, and the features we prioritize today reflect this ethos.
1. Upper Wall Cabinets
A shelf that blends seamlessly from the backsplash is one of the most popular alternatives to upper cabinets, as shown in this charming design.
In the past, it was the status quo to add as much storage to a kitchen as possible, so almost every scheme you saw would feature rows of upper cabinets filling the walls. But in the last few years, that mindset has shifted, with homeowners and designers prioritizing an open, airy atmosphere.
'Forgoing upper cabinets introduces openness and lightness to a kitchen. It allows architectural elements – windows, plaster walls, or statement stone – to breathe and become focal points. The result often feels less utilitarian and more like a beautifully integrated living space,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan.
'Many are opting for open shelving, integrated stone walls, plaster finishes, or even tall pantry cabinetry tucked discreetly elsewhere. Some designs rely more heavily on generous islands and lower cabinetry for storage. The shift prioritizes both aesthetic restraint and thoughtful functionality, ensuring the kitchen feels curated rather than crowded,' she explains.
Open kitchen shelving has become the most favored alternative, offering storage that doubles as decor. Shelves featuring gallery rails, like Anthropologie's Amara Floating Wood Shelf or the Lorraine Marble Shelf, Rail & Bracket set from Rejuvenation, are a big kitchen trend this year, elevating a simple feature into something more architectural.
2. Kitchen Backsplashes
The lack of backsplash in this kitchen instantly softens the room, creating a less utilitarian feel.
Recently, we've been seeing more kitchens ditch the backsplash, and while it might not be the right choice in a family kitchen, it's a chic way to soften a scheme where the backsplash doesn't work quite as hard.
'There is a growing desire for simplicity and material integrity. Rather than layering multiple finishes, homeowners are embracing fewer, more meaningful selections. Removing the backsplash detail can feel fresh and understated, aligning with a broader movement toward calm, intentional spaces,' says Marie.
'Eliminating a backsplash creates a sense of quiet continuity. When the countertop material simply rises to meet the wall – or the wall is left clean and uninterrupted – the space feels more architectural and restrained. It allows the cabinetry, hardware, and surrounding details to take precedence without visual competition.'
There are different levels to this look. Some people choose to remove the backsplash altogether, like in this charming design by Marie. However, if you still require some wall protection behind the cooktop, consider a transparent panel or a minimal backsplash in the same material as your countertops to protect the small area at risk of stains and splatters.
3. Recessed Lighting
The warm glow coming from the pendant lights in this kitchen creates a much lofter atmosphere, proving there are better options than simply relying on recessed downlights.
The last thing anyone wants in 2026 is kitchen lighting that feels harsh, stark, and unflattering. As we spend more time in these rooms for uses beyond cooking, designs are embracing something softer and more inviting, resulting in the decline of recessed downlights.
'Recessed downlights can feel overly functional and flat. Kitchens today are no longer purely practical rooms; they are living spaces, often open to sitting and dining areas, and they benefit from a more nuanced, layered approach. A grid of ceiling spots can create a uniform brightness that lacks atmosphere and does little to enhance the architectural character of the room,' explains interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.
'There is also a growing appreciation for softness. As kitchens become more tactile, with natural timber, stone, and painted cabinetry, the lighting needs to complement that warmth rather than wash it out. Downlights can sometimes feel clinical, particularly in the evenings when a gentler mood is desired,' she adds.
'Instead, we favour a layered scheme. Decorative pendants over an island or cook’s table introduce both focus and personality. Wall lights bring a softer, more domestic quality, particularly in kitchens that connect to garden or countryside settings. Under-cabinet lighting, when carefully specified, provides discreet task illumination without dominating the space. In some projects, we incorporate picture lights or small shaded lamps on countertops or shelves to add intimacy and depth.'
The kitchen lighting rule of 3 is a great approach to get your lighting scheme right. Alongside more functional sources, layer in wall lights, like this Fluted Ceramic sconce from Target, and charming counter lamps, like McGee & Co's Aldorno Cordless lamp, for a more atmospheric feel.
4. Classic Kitchen Islands
In this kitchen, a work table island has been chosen in place of a traditional built-in design. The scheme instantly feels more layered, lived in, and inviting.
While kitchen islands aren't disappearing from designs, people aren't gravitating towards the classic built-in island quite as much. Lived-in style is becoming more prevalent, and alternatives like peninsulas, freestanding islands, and even kitchen tables are favored for a softer look.
'We are increasingly asked to design kitchens without an island because households now use the room for different tasks rather than gathering around a single focal point, and a fixed block in the middle can interrupt movement between cooking, working and simply passing through the house, particularly in layouts where circulation space is limited,' says Charlotte Butler, kitchen design manager at BK Eleven.
It's all about creating a more lived-in feel to a kitchen. A work table kitchen island feels more like a piece of furniture, while also offering a more traditional feel. Similarly, smaller alternatives leave more space for cozy eat-in areas with banquette seating, which is far more comfortable and appealing than simple bar stools.
West Elm's Babette Kitchen Island is a chic example of how to get the trend for more freestanding styles right, featuring turned legs and a timeless wood finish. Or, for something more colorful, The Pioneer Woman Callie Kitchen Island from Walmart comes in a bold teal shade, perfect if you plan to embrace the color's revival.
These kitchen features might have been the most crucial in kitchens of the past, but in 2026, softer designs and multi-functional spaces are at the forefront. It's less about functionality (although this is still very much considered) and more about creating a scheme you actually want to spend time in and feel more aligned with living than purely utilitarian needs.
