The constant refrain in kitchen design these days is “simplicity.” The desire for clean lines and understated elegance (and an aversion to anything overdone or flashy) reflects a return to the basics in the American kitchen.

People are turning to this restrained aesthetic for a couple of reasons. First is a response to the overly ornate kitchens of the 1990s and early 2000s, when money was flowing and people wanted to see and flaunt the fruits of their success. At the same time, the kitchen industry was constantly introducing innovative technology, details, and accessories for people to try. The second explanation has to do with the fast-paced world we live in. People want their homes to be calm, restful retreats rather than showpieces—and simplicity is equally well suited to contemporary, transitional, or traditional styles.