What did the most on-trend kitchens look like 10 years ago? You won't believe how much has changed in a decade

The way we design and decorate kitchens has changed a lot over the last decade, from the colors and materials to the way we approach them as a functional versus aesthetic room.

And while we often look to future kitchen trends, we can actually learn a lot by looking at kitchens of the past, and how our approach to them has evolved. And 10 years ago, they looked a lot different.

To discover the features that have changed the most and those that have stood the test of time, we've turned to interior designers to discover the biggest trends a decade ago and the features they still love today.

What did the most on-trend kitchens look like 10 years ago?

While some things remain timeless in our kitchens, others are fleeting trends that we look back on with a few regrets. According to designers, these are the biggest trends of the 2010s and how they have evolved over the decade.

1. Cool-toned neutrals and farmhouse aesthetics

Cool-toned neutrals were the most coveted kitchen colors of the 2010s. People craved brighter, lighter homes, and the minimalist kitchen became the epitome of that look, with dark wood accents and farmhouse-inspired motifs.

'Ten years ago, kitchen palettes skewed neutral, with white or gray kitchens reigning supreme. Marble and quartz countertops, open shelves, two-tone cabinets, and rustic farmhouse accents were all popular at the time,' recalls interior designer Kathy Kuo.

Designer Kristina Khersonsky agrees, emphasising the trend for all things gray. 'Kitchens were leaning heavily into cool tones, especially gray. It was an attempt to move away from the all-white kitchen, but now we’re seeing a complete departure from gray tones altogether. Homeowners are craving even more character and a peek at personality.'

The color palettes are one of the most significant changes between kitchens today and those considered most stylish 10 years ago. Bolder colors are at the forefront, wood tones have become more considered, and even the way we decorate with neutrals has evolved tenfold.

'Now we’re finding balance. Medium and darker woods are returning in a refined way, adding depth and texture without the heaviness of a decade ago,' explains interior designer Ami McKay.

'The white-on-white kitchen that once dominated is being refreshed with paint, sage greens and navies, chalky flesh tones, and flashes of jewel color that add personality,' she adds.

2. Appliances everywhere

Perhaps one of the biggest changes in the kitchen (and one of the most welcomed) is the way we introduce appliances. And more to the point, being realistic about how many different appliances we really need compared to ten years ago

'You also saw many appliances in the kitchens – double ovens, commercial-grade fridges, and oversized ranges were popular. The kitchen was a place to showcase high-performance appliances, front and center,' says Kristina, explaining that today's approach is much more refined, with integrated appliances and a more lived-in aesthetic dominating trends.

'We’ve seen a shift from showcasing appliances to concealing them. Clients want kitchens that feel seamless and warm, so we’re using panel-ready fridges, appliance garages, and microwave drawers more and more to tuck functional appliances away. The goal is to maintain function without visual clutter.'

3. Warm metals

Not everything about kitchens from the 2010s has been left behind – between the cool-toned neutrals and minimalist schemes, timeless features were still prevalent, especially when it comes to kitchen hardware.

'When it came to finishes, we saw an embrace of warm metals in plumbing fixtures. There was a clear shift away from chrome and nickel, with golden brass and unlacquered brass becoming the standout finish of the time,' explains Kristina.

Brass is still one of the most beloved finishes for one very good reason – it's truly timeless. It blends seamlessly in traditional kitchens as well as more contemporary spaces, and it simply never dates. And it's something that designers still love today.

'I loved kitchens that incorporated antique brass details in light fixtures, hardware, and faucets. This gently weathered finish brought a welcome hint of nostalgia and character to the all-white kitchens of 2015,' adds Kathy.

4. Oversized islands

Kitchen islands have always been a real workhorse of the kitchen. But many designers recall that this must-have feature became a bit over-designed in the past, with layouts awkwardly working around a too-big island, or in some cases, multiple of them.

'In the mid-2010s, it was all about oversized islands, sometimes even double islands,' says Kristina. Kitchen islands became the focus of everyone's attentions, with everyone wanting this luxe feature to be the focal point of their designs.

And while islands are still present in kitchen layouts, there's a more considered approach to scale and design. 'Today, the island is still important, but its size is more intentional. People are prioritizing multi-functionality and flow, not just scale for the sake of visual drama,' Kristina notes.

5. Custom range hoods

It was also around that time that the custom range hood emerged, where designers and homeowners sought new ways to make something that can be a bit of an eyesore feel more aesthetic.

'The off-the-shelf hood was out; custom hood fan covers began to make their appearance, wrapped in metal, barnwood, or shiplap, turning the range wall into a feature of its own. Underfoot and on the walls, texture mattered,' explains Ami, who notes the custom range hood as one of her favorite trends of the time.

It's a trend that became especially favored in more traditional homes, where ultra-modern features felt misplaced and proportion was really important for an elevated and authentic design.

'Until then, ventilation had always been treated like a necessity you tried to hide. But in that moment, we saw oversized hoods take on a new role, grand, dramatic, often clad in metal, and unapologetically bold,' she adds.

The way we design kitchens has really changed over the last decade.

A room that was once filled with cool white and gray tones, warm wood, and oversized features is now warmer, richer, and more characterful. Bolder colors have come into their own, while neutrals are more layered for an inviting and timeless scheme.

But there are a few features that have stood the test of time, like brass hardware and custom range hoods – they've simply become more refined to reflect the changing needs of our cooking spaces.