@IS114 well, you certainly stirred the hornet’s nest here. I agree with you that “dated” is not criticizing but stating a downward trend of a style. Perhaps it would be just as much fun to ask “what is classic?” As a lover of antiques my whole life, I know that former “trends” don’t all become classics, but some do. An Art Deco side board in a dining room, or a Victorian chair beautifully upholstered will stand the test of time. “Trends” don’t usually hold up (avacado appliances haven’t come back, have they?) but classic does. My dear friend did her kitchen 30 years ago (with help from a brilliant architect) and JUST remodeled it. It looked good for many years because it was classic white. (It was quite beat up by the time she chose to re-do it). I have had Shaker doors in 3 of my 4 remodeled kitchens. It’s the only style I like and I think it’s Classic. Maple, in my 1925 colonial, and cherry, in my 1980 colonial, and now ivory in my 2010 farmhouse. Tuscan I don’t think of as “classic” but “trendy”. Wood floors never go out of style either.
Some people hear these comments as critical, but they’re not. They are style observations. If people take it personally, they can choose to not comment, but nowadays it’s trendy to put in your two cents - even if it’s hostile. I think this is an interesting conversation. And @JanMoyer, I love the magazine covers you used in your comments!

Sapphire's comment reminded me of this thread from a decade ago about finished kitchen reveal etiquette:

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/2527190/anyone-seen-ugly-finished-kitchens-here#n=145

@User It shouldn’t have to be a rule. It’s the difference between you saying “I think I’d pass on that one; you can do better.” to your friend coming out of the fitting room in a dress that’s not flattering, versus you saying the same thing to her when you meet her by chance as she‘s walking in to a job interview.

I posted what I did to help you understand why some people were responding to you in a prickly way. I don’t personally think threads about trends, dated versus not, etc. should be verboten. I think it’s hard to frame a thread like this properly because we do all feel invested in our choices. Plus it’s general knowledge that most everything popular now will be “dated” eventually and trying to make everything in one’s decor “timeless” is more a matter of learning contentment with our choices than somehow picking a magic design that will never go out of style.

The very same internet that affords you every kind of information, a wealth of goods and services. is the same that allows a variety of verbal skills, writing skills, and yes..............opinion.

It doesn't guarantee warm and fuzzy, and is often brutally truthful, or harsh. You know better than to search Web MD at midnight, right?

At some point, ideas ..........good ones and bad ones will ALL be subject to some form of "hall monitor" to ensure that everyone feels good all the time. That IS happening now, but some opinion seems to have a lot more ........AHEM ......merit, as it is deemed the correct one to have at this moment, ensuring everyone is feeling good. Are they all feeling good? No. . The bottom line? Grow a skin. Learn to laugh, to ignore or yes even be offended and sound off in a civil manner. You won't bother me, that is for certain.

I say, if you can't take the heat, you get out of that kitchen. New, old, classic, dated, country french, mid century, 1980 and you still love it, or 1990 and you loathe it. Somewhere in Louisiana or East Texas at this moment? There's some poor soul who'd kill for any one of them. Jeeesh : )

Folks are entitled to view threads such as this however they choose, and those of us who have been here for decades have seen time and again how they tend to play out. Obviously some are perfectly fine with the discussion and others see it as potentially hurtful. I do think that wrapping it in a "not intended to offend" caveat isn't particularly helpful. A bit like saying, "I probably shouldn't say this, BUT ..." and then proceeding to make a statement with the ability to hurt someone.

I think it behooves the forum as a whole to remember that there are participants here from around the globe and from every socioeconomic situation. Some of the photos that are shared here are of obviously high end, expensive homes, and others are obviously much more modest. I think everyone should get a fair shake here, and to that end, the person who has been brave enough to bring their beloved nest before us with a request for ideas should not be made to feel as though what they have is in any way inferior. "Dated" always implies inferior, in my experience. Do we really need to pronounce the things that people are almost always invested in (financially or emotionally), as Sapphire so aptly frames it, as "dated"? I think there must be a better way.

To that end, I appreciate that a new thread was begun about timeless elements. That certainly has an inclusive, kind, gracious feel to it that seems to hold out a welcome to all. So thank you for that.

Oh, I understand about the Farrah hair! I had it too and wouldn't choose it today either. (A pixie suffices nicely these days.) The difference as I see it is that many still have or gravitate towards decorative elements that others might call "dated", and I can understand how that would convey something derogatory and inferior.

Can we all understand we aren't in high school? seriously.

What does that even mean?

It means you all are ridiculously defensive. thanks so much for the actual thoughtful answers. If you're worried that you have kitchen finishes that other people judge and you are too sensitive to deal with it i feel sorry for you. There are much bigger problems in the world. I may not choose your kitchen in a line up for the best remodel but the rest of us are moving forward. Appreciate the thoughtful responses.

Interesting conversation. I would have never thought dated = inferior. Now that I have seen that comment, I guess I can see how someone might be offended. When I think of dated, I just think not in style and/or older. My mom had the same kitchen for 35 years. I saw her kitchen as dated but not inferior. Everything worked like a new kitchen and it was always very clean, but the cabinets were that honey color oak with drop ceiling fluorescent lights that I do not see people putting into homes anymore. Her kitchen was fine for her and I never thought it was inferior. She even knew it was dated but she did not care as it was not important to her.

"Can we all understand we aren't in high school? seriously."

Then you really shouldn't be so passive aggressive, trying the "I'm not insulting any personal choice, but......"

Your feigning ignorance as to why this has become a heated discussion is pure delusion. You used the premise of your question to take a passive aggressive dig at a woman that you belittled, and then say you don’t understand why this discussion has exploded. (https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5927603/before-and-after-galley-kitchen-2020)

3 of the 8 items you listed were found in the kitchen you criticized. Perhaps if the premise of your post wasn’t so mean spirited then it may have been received better.

@mama goose_gw zn6OH too funny.

Ls1114, do you really not know the difference between someone who is in the design phase, actually asking for advice, and someone who is sharing a finished work?

@stillpitpat id really love it of we could all get back to the thread topic!

Lets ask Julia Child..............

Imagine if someone posted today, "this is what I am thinking of doing". ..........She and her husband Paul, designed that Cambridge Ma. kitchen for her, and for her needs. Imagine the screaming today about dust, clutter, "grease flying" ................just imagine. But what if YOU were the up and coming "Juliia" ......

Her kitchen in France was just as "handy"

If all design was authentic to the persons using the space, this thread wouldn't be a conversation at all..

Is authentic country french below?

or is it this??

What about farm houses??

What about libraries???

In the end, all design borrows from the past. Only you can decide what feels authentic, and what is authentically YOU.

"call me a kitchen shamer! I reserve my right to express an unpopular opinion."

You do have the right to shame people for their choices and express an unpopular opinion......but don't pretend that's not what you're doing, and don't be surprised that people are upset about your opinion. Accept that people think it's not nice to shame people's preferences, and accept that your opinion makes people upset. You admit you knew that would happen when you posted, so stop being passive-aggressive about it and move on. Being aggressive is more honest and sincere than passive-aggressive.

I give up.

All I wanted to do was have a discussion. This thread was no more triggered by another's kitchen in s different thread than it was my own experience selling a place with some of the elements mentioned. I don't have anything to justify. I just wanted to see what others thought on the topic.

Instead, I see how petty and silly this community can be. Im sorry that such a question is tantamount to heresy on a board that is set up for such discussions. Sometimes people will disagree with choices you make. Sometimes they won't. Simple as that.

I do appreciate those who actually answered the question posed. This has got to be thr absolute silliest, most ridiculous reaction I've seen on this forum.

I think Jan makes a good point about what some of us consider “updated” vs “dated”. A real farmhouse kitchen from the past would not look like the ones we build today. But the style is intended to evoke a feeling. The library examples do the same thing. If something is “dated” but we wouldn’t label it authentic, then what is it? It’s probably just a matter of today’s style. And style changes - always has and always will. Home decor comes out with new trends and they’re appealing, so we make design changes in our houses. Then, a decade or so later, go “What was I thinking?” It’s an evolutionary part of home life. Some people enjoy the changes and others don’t. If you wait long enough, things that seem “dated’ are now “authentic”, “historic”, “funky”, whatever. But since it’s all a matter of personal preference, you need to do what makes you happy and not criticize what makes others happy.
I’m sure many preserved houses from last century went through a “oh, no, it’s so dated looking” phase but now it is “wow! This is the real deal.” (I’m thinking pink and gray 50’s bathrooms). It’s all fun to talk about, so let’s just do that, okay?

The entire planet has gone prickly : ) A shame, but true. It's a first world problem. If you are foraging for food and don't have a kitchen or even a couch to park your fanny on? You realize the absurdity .How shall we decorate the "safe space"..........lol Just so it doesn't date in five years.

@RedRyder I tried. I posted another thread about what was "timeless" and it got a few responses and died. People really want to bash instead (we are at over 70 responses and still going...)

@JAN MOYER right?? Ah well. I have other things to do. Thank you for your insight. This is a very interesting group!

Thanks for trying. @Jan Moyer, you’re the best!

Honestly, it's a slow Sunday and I was not going to comment, but, after investing time reading (and against my better judgement) here goes nothing...

While reading, the first thing that came to mind was how designing or decorating and being influenced by current trends becomes "dated" when the next "new trends" are announced. That is much sooner than the "decades" mentioned by the OP who mentioned several remodels, which led me to look at her idea books. Rabbit hole kind of day.

IMO, and no offense to anyone, while past renovations are nice, they are trendy and therefore quickly dated. Even the majority in the idea book for the new Buckeystown home (beautiful Victorian, btw. Congrats!) are trendy. I hope searching leads to more appropriate choices in this remodel.

I would steer away from all TV shows, Pinterest, blogs and most magazines. No gray, glass tiles, open shelving, colorful pattern tile (such as cement or multi-color) anywhere. Select classic choices, they never go out of style, and can be personalized with accessories, art and furniture choices - much easier changed if boredom sets in, not to mention less costly.

I hope the OP will share progress of their remodel. I look forward to following along.

FWIW, it looks like the OP changed their user name from Is1114 to gadlfy and then deleted their account. Some posts in other threads were deleted as well.

I just noticed that, and for a second thought I had posted to the wrong thread. I must have touched a nerve. Didn't mean too. Or maybe she didn't realize posting or saving RE listing photos could. be easily Google image searched.

I've written before that I don't care for the word "dated," as it seems to mean "something I don't like." I've always adopted the philosophy of one of my teachers in design school: "Your taste in good taste." If you approach a renovation from the point of good planning, good ergonomics, simple, high-quality products, and good craftsmanship, then you will be rewarded with a room that functions well and looks great for years to come.

My first kitchen remodel was done in 1987, and had raised panel cherry cabinets (with a slight arch on the top cabinets only), an octagon and dot tile backsplash, white formica counter tops edged in wood, a brick alcove for the cooktop, and a sheet vinyl floor that resembled basketweave brick. It was beautifully designed by a kitchen designer and executed well by a competent GC. When I had a bank appraiser in 25 years later in 2012, he commented on what a great kitchen it was and assumed it had been renovated a few years prior. He was dumbstruck when I told him how old it was.

I've held to that philosophy in all my renovations for myself and my clients, and it is not only cost-effective in the long run, but allows you to enjoy your spaces without having to redo them every few years. Personally I've never liked speckly granite, glass mosaic tiles, swirly-colored glass pendants, or travertine tile. So I never would use them, not because they are outdated, but because I don't care for them. However, cherry wood cabinets or furniture, arched top cabinets, oil-rubbed bronze hardware, and angled islands are some items that I not only like but, I have all of these items in my house, and don't feel the need to change them just because some people don't like them.

Bottom line, determine your style and go with it. You'll probably like it for a long time.

So, is one small section 24" wide with 2 open shelves, considered "yesterday"? I love styling shelves and have never tried it in a kitchen, but planning to in this remodel. I have some beautiful pottery pieces that would bring in some subtle color in what will be a fairly neutral kitchen.

@ Donna

What is "Yesterday " to one person, , could be brand new to YOU. Something you may love.The point is...............

Where is your kitchen layout, and does it make sense in YOUR kitchen?? :)

That we can't answer until you provide more info ..........and then you will get opinion. Plenty of it I am sure.

@janmoyer It would be conveniently located to the right of the sink with closed cabinets flanking the other side. It would be functional as well as an opportunity to display a couple of selective pieces. Thanks!

Diana, my last home was cherry shaker cabinets. My realtor and her stager absolutely insisted we spray paint the kitchen white and put up a new 3”x12” white tile backsplash. It looked very bright and new and probably helped sell the house. My classic cherry wasn’t going to work, as “everyone wants a new, move-in ready house”. And we painted the dark blue house and barn white with black shutters, lots of white walls and a barn door where a hallway “didn’t have a good view”. So realtors are definitely influencing what is “new and not dated”. This realtor sold our house. I believe her updating was significant in getting us a buyer.

Realtors ask you to do what makes it EASIEST for them to sell. : ) The easiest thing to sell is what is all over the place on the internet...........as everyone want's what exits in a BILLION iterations on the internet.

The burning issue is would you have painted out the cherry IF you weren't selling? Mmmmmmmm let's see what she says to THAT ?!

In my neighbor all homes sell, but renovated ones sell at a premium above the sunken costs. So if someone is in the market to sell their home, they should do a cost analysis to see if any improvement would yield extra profit after the sunken costs (and maybe the time and headache “costs” of updating it, lol).

To the OP - I rarely post but this time I gotta say that it has appeared throughout that you started this thread to get a lot of nodded heads, and perhaps even some flattery in your direction. This is the problem with internet boards. You have to be able to handle with aplomb and good cheer that you will see words you didn’t bargain for and don’t like.

This subject topic is like those questions, ”If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” It is a philosophical exercise we did as young teenagers, and we can choose whether to indulge the person asking it or not. There is no response that doesn’t have a counterpoint, and no conclusion is ever drawn. It is somewhat exasperating for us forum readers who are on here to get help on whether to get a wider sink or a wider cooktop.

Kitchens are like fashion. You can go trendy and be out of date next year or go classic just changing out the accessories. I prefer classic with its staying power.

I gotta say that it has appeared throughout that you started this thread to get a lot of nodded heads, and perhaps even some flattery in your direction.

She made no mention of her own design choices in the original post, nor did she criticize anyone else’s choices; she listed things that she has noticed aren't being used in new kitchen designs. That’s it! It’s really disgraceful how she was treated.

Not true, Sammy. It had a lot to do with her continuously criticizing another poster’s kitchen reveal. And even when asked to please stop, still going on. Then massive butthurt when called out. This thread was definitely in response to that ... listing very specific things she kept questioning the reveal poster about. Very immature and passive-aggressive, no matter how much you want to spin it.

Sammy, what was really a disgrace was her nasty attack of a recently redone kitchen. Her first digs in that thread were politely addressed by the kitchen owner and is114 ( gadlfy) keep coming back again and again calling not only the kitchen choices dated but she pretty much called the kitchen's owner old.

Gadlfy posted this thread to continue her argument about dated kitchens and specifically mentioned some of the same items she attacked in the earlier thread.

Notice how she even liked her own posts after she changed her name trying to make it look like her points were more valid. Arrogant and insecure.

Oops I was typing when jinx had already posted my same thoughts.

OMG . There really IS nothing new under the sun.

"The first known use of the term “OMG” was in a letter to Churchill over 100 years ago."

Dated: having an old range that isn't wired to today's code. Dated: not having Energy Star compliant appliances. Dated: having a washboard off in the corner, that you use rather than as simple décor. .

Might be a bit off topic but... is there a Houzz glitch with the OP? When I try to look at them it shows they have zero comments/activity. Yet obviously they have made comments, this thread is proof of that.

Is anyone else seeing the OP as having zero comments/activity?

Comparing my new kitchen to the old one that got demoed last week, the biggest "dated" was the aisle widths! That alone made me feel like it was an old design.

@beesneeds she either deleted her ideabooks, or someone said above her account. I believe her activity would disappear if she deleted her account?

Thanks allison... I kind of figured their content would disappear too if their account was no longer viable. interesting.

I had not seen the earlier thread with the comments that you are referencing, so I had no idea that there might be more to this I offered suggestions of what might be dated, but I clearly was not judging as I said one or two of those dated items are things I chose to utilize because they work for me.

I certainly would not join in on a bashing thread, as I had a minor taste of that when I showed my remodeled kitchen. Overwhelmingly the comments were very kind and while not everyone needs to praise, there was one poster who was extremely negative and continued on that path. OTher posters called him out but he continued, and I too could not stay silent. I just found it very hurtful so I just want to be clear that I had none of that intention I really just took this as a discussion. This thread, in and of itself, I thought was really innocuous.

salonva, I was one of those who tried to tactfully explain to the poster on your kitchen thread why it's not constructive to critique a finished kitchen. That poster's attitude and comments were very similar, although the name was different--which means nothing, as names can change and multiple accounts be created.

I had missed the other kitchen thread when it was originally posted, but read it after this thread was started. I also read the older thread cawaps posted, mostly because it was from about the time I joined GW, and I recognized some of the members' names. It was also revived by gadlfy, obviously to keep the argument alive. It was late, and gadlfy's insistence on having the last word was becoming very tedious--which is why I posted the 'beating a dead horse' on all three threads.

I don't really get posting negative comments on things, especially if it's obviously finished. Not everyone has the same taste, and that's a good thing, IMO. Same goes to IG comments. I see things I don't like all the time. I just move on. I rarely comment on IG anyway, but when I do it's a positive comment.

Sums it up.

OR AS WE ALL SHOULD KNOW??

"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes precious time, and greatly annoys the pig."

Thought of that old saw on the treadmill an hour ago, and started LMAO as it is so very true, and I need to remember it, post it on my desk.........................

@Jan Moyer: if I had stayed in that house, I doubt I would have changed the cherry cabinets. More likely the countertop and backsplash. But the kitchen did look bigger and brighter with the white paint and white backsplash. The pearl blue granite looked more navy against them. I think it WAS a helpful factor in selling the house. It was on the market 5 years (rented for about 3) and she was the only realtor who insisted on the design changes. And sold it.