Don't Be Out of Date
Creating a kitchen is much harder than you’d think! Kitchens are the heart of the home, which makes them one of the most tempting places to follow the latest design trends. But what looks amazing on Pinterest today can feel dated in just a few years. Experts warn that some of the most popular choices people are making now are the very ones they’ll regret later.
All-White Kitchens
This one really grabbed people, but those same people are beginning to regret their all-white kitchens now. They look nice in photos, but unless you’re an influencer, how often are you really going to photograph your kitchen? And they’re a real pain to keep clean.
Open Shelving
Another one that attracted the Instagram-savvy people of the world… for a while, at least. Then they realized that unless they were very careful with the arrangement of their plates and pots, the shelves just looked messy. Who wants that extra work?
Waterfall Countertops
Waterfall countertops look sleek all right, but experts say the trend is already losing steam. They’re expensive, harder to maintain, and not exactly timeless. In a few years, that dramatic slab of stone is going to seriously date your kitchen.
Too Much Stainless Steel
Stainless steel appliances had their moment, but with too many of them, the room starts feeling cold and industrial. Experts say fingerprints and smudges are a big problem, especially if you have kids, and fashionable home interior designers are now recommending a softer look.
Mosaic Backsplashes
Mosaic has been around for thousands of years and it definitely looks cool. But maybe it’s not the right stuff for your kitchen. They’re notoriously difficult to clean since all those grout lines love to trap dirt, and you don’t want a kitchen where anything looks dirty.
Farmhouse Sinks
Everyone wanted a farmhouse sink back when the farmhouse trend was at its height, but experts say it’s not the most practical. They’re prone to scratches, chips, and water splashes everywhere. Plus, they take up more cabinet space than you’d think.
Minimalism
Minimalism was big in the ‘10s thanks to experts like Marie Kondo, but people have had enough of the trend now. People report that a minimalist kitchen just feels like it’s not lived in, more like a showroom than anything else. A kitchen should be cozy!
Pot Fillers
Many people jumped at the idea of a pot filler and regretted it later. They’re expensive to install and rarely used as much as you’d expect. Plus, you still have to carry the pot back to the sink to dump it out, so it doesn’t actually save as much effort as you’d think.
Statement Lighting
Big, gaudy pendant lights or trendy fixtures look great when they’re new, but they can quickly dominate the room. Experts say these pieces often go out of style fast, leaving visitors to secretly roll their eyes at your kitchen. And whatever you do, please don’t put a chandelier in there.
Dark Countertops
There was a time not so long ago when everyone loved dark granite or quartz countertops, but experts warn they’re a pain to maintain. Every crumb, water spot, or streak shows up instantly. Plus, darker finishes can make a kitchen feel smaller and less inviting.
Appliance Garages
The idea of hiding your toaster and blender behind little cabinet doors seemed clever and maybe a little quirky at first, but experts say appliance garages eat up valuable counter space. They’re also clunky to use and don’t always keep things looking neat.
Overdecorated “Themed” Kitchens
Tuscan, farmhouse, or even beach-themed kitchens looked great in photographs, but experts say committing too hard to a theme almost always leads to regret later on. Trends change, and what once felt cozy can start to feel gimmicky. And the last thing you want is a house of gimmicks.
Overly Complicated Smart Appliances
A fridge that tells you when you’re out of milk is no doubt futuristic, but do you really want something so invasive? Plus the tech can break more often than you’d think. Most people end up just using “smart” stuff like regular appliances anyway.
Open Concept Kitchens
Knocking down walls for a wide-open kitchen may not be a good idea. Experts say many homeowners now regret it. Cooking smells travel everywhere, dirty dishes are always on display, and the loud noise of kitchen work can carry through the whole house. Separate spaces are starting to make a comeback, giving families more coziness and privacy.
Overly Trendy Cabinet Colors
Cool cabinet colors like navy, green, or even black (for the gothic among us) are hot right now, but they can be tough to live with long-term. Experts warn they’ll date your kitchen quickly, and repainting cabinets isn’t as simple - or cheap - as people think.
