Your kitchen can reveal more about your age than you might think. From outdated appliances to quirky tools younger generations have never used, certain items instantly date your cooking space. Gen Z and Millennials have embraced minimalism, technology, and multifunctional gadgets, shifting away from single-use items. If you’re still holding on to these relics, your kitchen may be stuck in a different era.
1. Over-the-Range Microwaves
Over-the-range microwaves were once the gold standard for saving counter space, but now they’re considered outdated by many modern homeowners. According to HGTV, younger buyers prefer sleek, built-in models or even appliance-free hoods to keep the kitchen looking open and airy. They also value proper ventilation, which these combo units don’t always provide. As kitchen aesthetics evolve, the bulky look of these appliances stands out for the wrong reasons.
While still functional, over-the-range microwaves clash with the clean, seamless kitchen style dominating social media and design blogs. Many people are opting for drawers or smart microwaves tucked into cabinetry instead. The goal is simplicity, and these large installations often feel like a throwback to the 1990s. If you’re renovating, this might be the first thing your designer recommends removing.
2. Lazy Susans
Lazy Susans were once the solution for corner cabinets, allowing easier access to pantry items and spices. But as noted by The Spruce, modern cabinet systems offer more elegant options like pull-out shelves or rotating trays hidden within drawers. Designers now view traditional Lazy Susans as clunky and inefficient. Their plastic construction and dated look simply don’t appeal to younger generations.
Open shelving and smart storage systems are taking over in both small and large kitchens. Younger homeowners value streamlined solutions that match the rest of their cabinetry. The revolving tray concept now feels more like a novelty than a useful tool. If you have one, it’s likely a dead giveaway your kitchen hasn’t been updated in decades.
3. Ceramic Canister Sets
Ceramic canisters labeled “Flour,” “Sugar,” and “Coffee” used to be a countertop staple in many homes. As reported by Better Homes & Gardens, however, Millennials and Gen Z homeowners now prefer clear, stackable storage options that maximize space and visibility. These bulky ceramic jars can make countertops feel cluttered and old-fashioned. They’re also rarely airtight, which makes them less functional for long-term storage.
Contemporary kitchens aim for both aesthetics and efficiency. Open-concept shelving and hidden pantry storage are prioritized over decorative containers. Today’s food storage is often minimalist and practical, with an emphasis on sustainability and space-saving. Keeping these on display might send a message that you haven’t embraced newer organization trends.
4. Single-Function Appliances
Items like quesadilla makers, hot dog rollers, and electric can openers were once coveted for convenience. According to Consumer Reports, these single-use appliances are now being ditched in favor of multi-use tools like Instant Pots or air fryers. The new wave of kitchen consumers is focused on reducing clutter and maximizing utility. Owning a gadget that serves just one purpose now seems wasteful and dated.
Kitchen counters have become premium real estate. Instead of crowding them with niche appliances, younger generations prefer tools that can serve several purposes. Devices that combine pressure cooking, sautéing, and slow cooking have replaced the one-trick machines. If you still keep your sandwich press on display, it might be time to rethink your appliance lineup.
5. Wallpaper Borders
Wallpaper borders with fruits or roosters were once a popular kitchen accent. Today, they’re widely seen as an outdated holdover from the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Modern kitchens lean toward sleek backsplashes or textured paint finishes. A decorative border around the ceiling now signals a design that hasn’t been updated in years.
Even subtle floral patterns or country-themed edges can make your kitchen feel stuck in the past. Minimalist design favors clean lines and neutral palettes. Borders add visual clutter and can disrupt a cohesive style. If your kitchen still has one, it might be time to strip it away.
6. Tile Countertops
Tile countertops were once considered stylish and affordable, but they’ve fallen out of favor due to maintenance issues and dated looks. The grout lines are prone to staining, and the surface can be difficult to clean thoroughly. Most modern buyers prefer quartz, granite, or even butcher block for a seamless look. Tile now signals an older kitchen that’s due for an upgrade.
Beyond function, there’s also a major aesthetic shift. Sleek countertops with uninterrupted surfaces are the trend, often in neutral tones or natural textures. The bulky, grout-lined tile surface stands in stark contrast to this design ideal. Replacing it can make a dramatic difference in perceived value.
7. Plastic Drawer Liners
Plastic liners in every drawer were once a standard approach to keeping things clean. Today, this practice feels unnecessary and even a little unsanitary to many. These liners can trap crumbs and dirt instead of preventing them. Plus, they’re often poorly cut or mismatched, creating a cluttered look.
Newer storage strategies involve built-in dividers and organizers that keep things tidy without needing that extra layer. Materials like bamboo or stainless steel offer a more upscale feel. In modern kitchens, cleanliness is maintained by better design, not plastic sheets. If you’re still using them, it may be time to toss them out.
8. Wooden Spoon Rests
The wooden spoon rest that sits beside the stove was once a practical kitchen staple. However, it now seems like more of a decorative relic than a necessity. Modern kitchens often opt for silicone or stainless steel versions that are dishwasher-safe and easier to clean. The traditional wood ones can stain, crack, or warp over time.
Contemporary cooks tend to value utility over nostalgia. A built-in ledge or easy-to-clean tray often replaces the old-fashioned spoon rest. Wooden versions also carry a rustic look that doesn’t mesh with modern kitchen decor. Unless you’re going for a farmhouse vibe, it might be time to let it go.
9. Corded Landline Phones
Having a corded phone in the kitchen was once the ultimate convenience. But in today’s world of smartphones and smart home systems, it’s a clear marker of a bygone era. These phones take up valuable counter space and offer none of the mobility of modern devices. They also clash with the tech-savvy look of newer kitchens.
Younger homeowners prefer using smart displays or voice assistants like Alexa for communication. Mountable charging stations and Bluetooth speakers have replaced the need for landlines entirely. The presence of a coiled cord suggests the kitchen hasn’t caught up with the times. Retiring that phone can instantly modernize your space.
10. Tchotchkes on Top of Cabinets
Knickknacks, faux ivy, and decorative bottles were once proudly displayed above cabinets. Now, that space is usually left clean or used for hidden storage. The cluttered look is out, and the dust it collects is another reason modern homeowners avoid it. Clean lines and empty space are in vogue.
Today’s designers recommend using that upper area for concealed lighting or extending cabinetry. The old-school display approach can make a kitchen feel cramped and busy. Decorative clutter tends to date a room faster than almost anything else. If your top shelves are full, it might be time to edit.
11. Pull-Out Cutting Boards
Older kitchen cabinets sometimes feature a pull-out cutting board, built right into the drawer space. While once convenient, these built-ins are often made of cheap wood and haven’t aged well. They’re usually impossible to clean thoroughly and can harbor bacteria. That makes them both outdated and unhygienic.
Modern kitchens favor removable, dishwasher-safe cutting boards made of sustainable materials. Many people now use large countertop boards that can be cleaned quickly. The fixed kind feels limiting and unnecessary by comparison. It’s a small change that signals a more updated approach to cooking.
12. Frilly Curtains or Valances
Tiny valances or frilly curtains above the kitchen window were once thought to add charm. But now they can make a space feel overly fussy and dated. Most modern designs lean toward simple blinds, shades, or even bare windows for a clean, bright look. Fabric-heavy window treatments attract dust and distract from natural light.
Today’s homeowners prioritize natural light and airflow in kitchen spaces. They want simplicity and ease of maintenance. Heavy or decorative curtains can feel out of sync with those priorities. Removing them can instantly brighten the room.
13. Countertop Breadboxes
Storing bread in a dedicated box used to be common practice. But modern pantries, refrigerators, and minimalist storage have rendered breadboxes nearly obsolete. They take up space and don’t keep bread fresh for very long. Many people now freeze bread or store it in reusable containers.
The aesthetic has also shifted. Breadboxes often come in vintage designs that don’t match modern kitchen styles. Unless it’s an intentional design choice, it can signal an older sensibility. Space is at a premium, and this is one item that’s often first to go.
14. Ceramic Rooster Decor
Roosters used to be the unofficial mascot of American kitchens, often featured in ceramic figurines or wall art. While charming to some, these touches are now widely considered a kitschy holdover. The farmhouse trend has evolved into a more polished and restrained aesthetic. Roosters feel a bit too on-the-nose for today’s tastes.
Most kitchens now avoid themed decor altogether. The emphasis is on neutral tones, texture, and materials rather than specific motifs. Animal figures in the kitchen can feel whimsical, but also outdated. Swapping them for simple, timeless pieces helps create a more modern space.
