We all spend a fair amount of time in the kitchen. Whether it is to whip up a fantastic meal for our loved ones, or to make a fully loaded late-night club sandwich, the kitchen is perhaps the heart of any home. While most of us will do our best to keep our kitchens neat, ordered, and attractive, some design mistakes are bound to make this space less than inviting. Some touches are simply outdated, and then there are those redesign efforts that are downright tasteless. Are you guilty of having splashed out on the wrong design choices? Let’s find out!
The Top Tips To Avoid Turning Your Kitchen Into A Tacky Nightmare
Gaudy Appliances
If you ever walked into a friend’s kitchen ad spotted a shocking pink fridge, you can be assured that they are on another level of spontaneous. Some people just cannot help themselves when a gaudy item catches their eye. That being said, some people have been known to buy ugly fridges in an effort to repel them from snacking. Your kitchen appliances should be uniform in color. You want to avoid making your kitchen look like something from the 1950s.
Gaudy Appliances
Mason Jar Lights
Many people hopped on the mason jar light trend a few years ago. This was not only an affordable way to light up your kitchen, but it was also considered an edgy and rustic touch. While many hipsters’ homes will still have the mason jar light ambiance going strong, you do not want to fall into this group, trust us. Those that fit their kitchen lighting with recyclable items might have an incredible focus on sustainable living and environmental friendliness, but that does not mean that your kitchen must suffer in the process.
Mason Jar Lights
Wine Slogans Galore
Some people take wine a bit too seriously. We are talking about the people that will spend thousands of dollars on a fine vintage collection and a fancy cooler to keep their bottles in the ideal temperature. While there is nothing wrong with being an oenophile (no, this is not something dirty, but someone that loves wine), try not to advertise the fact with embarrassing paraphernalia. We’re talking about those signs that have silly slogans like ‘Wine a bit, you’ll feel better’.
Wine Slogans Galore
Tiled Countertops
Tile has been, since ancient times, one of the most versatile and protective materials in a home. From roofs to bathroom floors, tile is a lovely addition to any part of the home. Except for kitchen countertops! You might be wondering why we would bar tile from our kitchen countertops? One simple reason: grout. The scratchy stuff that holds tiles together will quickly become unappealing after a few months when it becomes brown with stains and gunk. Grout could easily deteriorate over time and even begin crumbling.
Tiled Countertops
Distressed Cabinets
We get it, you wish that you had been born during the renaissance. Or at least that is what we would presume if we saw distressed cabinets hanging in your kitchen. While we do not have a problem with this storage style on its own, when it is paired with modern appliances and food packaging, it looks really out of place. Many people will try and speed up the decay of their cabinets by peeling off the varnish. We would never recommend this, as no matter how good something would look damaged, it is not worth the cost.
Distressed Cabinets
Industrial Touches
Many people like to turn their kitchens into something that you would see in a large factory’s mess hall. While plastering your kitchen’s surfaces with stainless steel would make sense if you had to feed hundreds of people in a commercial setting, if it is a domestic one then it somewhat kills the homey feeling. That is not to say that stainless steel is not welcome into the kitchen – just add it in moderation. Remember that this is a kitchen and not a spaceship.
Industrial Touches
Flooded With Color
Oversaturating your kitchen with color is an excellent way to make it look like the setting for a kids’ cooking show. While you might have always dreamed of having a completely lime-green colored kitchen, with every appliance matching, piece of furniture, and light fitting matching, the reality might not work out as well you had hoped. Keep things relatively neutral in your kitchen, adding in a few touches of color here and there. Oversaturation can be incredibly difficult to undo!
Flooded With Color
Loud Labels
You really do not ever need to put enormous labels and signs all over your kitchen, unless you are hosting people that were raised in the wilderness or are trying to teach your toddlers what everything is. This might seem like an ironic bit of decorating fun, seeing as most adults know what makes up a kitchen quite well, it is a gaudy way to make your guests (and family members) feel like they have stepped into a gulag.
Loud Labels
Beer Bottle Collectors
We get it, you love beer! Beer bottles are the kind of beverage that should be concealed, and advertising your love of the glutenous drink is a big no-no, even if they remind you of your trip to Germany. No one really cares about your passion for craft beer and you might inadvertently end up giving your guests the wrong impression. Keep your kitchen as tasteful as your affinity for quality craft beer and keep the bottles in the fridge or recycling bin.
Beer Bottle Collectors
Hanging Microwaves
We might come off as a bit classist with this one, seeing as many people’s kitchens are too small to place their microwaves in a better spot, but hanging microwaves are objectively a poor taste option. Once you get that promotion and manage to buy a bigger place, however, you will realize how ugly that over-the-range microwave looked. This look is not just tacky, it is also dangerous, as the shelf holding your microwave can deteriorate and break and at best become filthy and greasy.
Hanging Microwaves
The Barnhouse Effect
Rustic touches are a lovely way to take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. But some people take the country look way too far when they get sliding barn doors installed. They will then have extra shelves installed to hold useless milk pitchers and other farm trinkets and swap out their perfectly useful modern utensils for historical ones. We understand that you have always dreamed of owning a farm, but we need to keep our kitchens functional, people!
The Barnhouse Effect
Plastic Dishes
We must confess that being parents means that we are a big fan of plasticware. They won’t break at the hands of kids, are easy to clean and store, and are great for parties that involve pizza and beer rather than fine dining. That being said, they should never see the light of day if you are having a dinner party. Your guests will think the worst of you if you serve them a lovingly cooked meal on bright-red plastic plates, unless they are knee-high.
Plastic Dishes
Vintage Refrigerators
We might get a lot of hate for this next criticism, as vintage-looking appliances have become incredibly popular with companies like Smeg releasing all manner of highly desirable mid-century themed fridges, toasters, and so on. Of course, having a few vintage-looking appliances never hurt anyone, and will actually bring an adorably classy look to your home, try not to go overboard. Some people might go as far as purchasing actual retro fridges and toasters, which we strongly do not recommend.
Vintage Refrigerators
Too Many Plants
We love plants. Everyone does. What we are less interested in is turning your kitchen into a greenhouse. While a few potted plants will spruce up your kitchen in a lovely and refreshing way, too many will start to get in the way of the cooking process. You might start knocking them over by mistake and cause horrible messes. If you are growing herbs, vegetables, and peppers, try and make a separate area in your home to do this, unless you have an enormous kitchen that can accommodate this green venture.
Too Many Plants
Lacey Tablecloths
The patterned and beautiful material that lit up your grandparents’ homes is now sadly considered stuffy and grossly outdated. Having lace tablecloths was considered a status symbol back in the day, given that it was laboriously weaved by hand. In modern times, most lace items will have been made in a factory, and so that historical value is sadly lost. Unless you will be hosting a church dinner party for some of the older members of your congregation, lacey items will fail to impress most people.
Lacey Tablecloths
Speckled Granite Counters
While many kinds of granite counter designs will bring your home into the 21st century, speckled granite is not one of them. This is another look that is straight out of the last decade, one that is commonly available in apartment and home stores. Speckled granite has then received a bit of a vulgar reputation today, which isn’t helped by its somewhat dirty appearance. People might think that you failed to clean your surfaces thanks to their appearance.
Speckled Granite Counters
Fake Fruit
Now, you might think that this tip is a given, but many people still stock their kitchen bowls with obviously fake fruit. Nothing gives off a pretentious air like fake fruit, and guests will think that you are trying too hard to convince them that you eat healthily. The obvious alternative to fake fruit is obviously real fruit, which is inexpensive and should be eaten in good time. Any fake versions of organic things should be forbidden in the kitchen.
Fake Fruit
Dated Wooden Cabinets
Nothing makes one afraid to eat at a home more so than wooden cabinets that look like they were installed in the 80s. People will automatically think that their contents are dusty and out-of-date, and you really do not want people getting the wrong impression when all that you want is to serve them a delicious (and fresh) meal. You do not necessarily need to replace them, but a new coat of paint and varnish will do your kitchen a world of good.
Dated Wooden Cabinets
The All-White Look
While it might seem like a great idea to get the all-white redesign for your kitchen thanks to the many Instagram influencers doing the same, this theme can become a real pain in the neck. Kitchens are not always spotless places, given how much mess is made in them, and the smallest stains and smudges will become very apparent when everything is white. You might then find that you develop an obsessive cleaning habit in no time!
The All White Look
Open Shelving
The thing about open shelving is that people seem to believe that their bowls, plates, and glasses are amazing enough to warrant being on open display. We are sorry to say that very few people want to see this stuff. They would much prefer it if your crockery was safely stored in proper cupboards. One small bump could bring your entire collection crashing down with the domino effect. Please, make sure that you put all your kitchenware away soundly.
Open Shelving
Pot Racks
This is another open plan that we do not understand or appreciate. Some people were not satisfied with having all their plates and bowls on display. They had to take it a step further and put all their pots and pans out, too! Pot racks might be tasteful and even practical if you are serious about cooking and need to quickly grab items. But they will ultimately begin collecting dust and could easily become nuisances.
Pot Racks
Cross Handle Faucets
This is a feature that you will see less and less in homes today, even though it was once such a popular feature. Cross handle faucets are hundreds of years old in terms of design, and are among the very first to have been made. If you like to have the haunted manor aesthetic, then, by all means, keep these faucets. You might even want to get the gold plated and attached to a marble countertop!
Cross Handle Faucets
The Tuscan Look
This was one trend that began taking off in the 2000s, reaching its peak of popularity in 2008. During that year it seemed like almost everyone that had the money was transforming their homes into pseudo-villas. Of course, most people would love to have a sunny villa that would make a Tuscan lord jealous. Sadly, plonking a Tuscan-style villa in the middle of an American suburb is rather inappropriate. Thankfully, we see less and less of these types of homes every year.
The Tuscan Look
In-Dryer And Kitchen Washer
Again, having an in-kitchen washer and dryer is something that people with smaller homes cannot help but set up. There are so many different places that wealthy folks can place these appliances, but for many of us that are still making our way through the world, we will have to settle for the kitchen workroom! This isn’t something that people will not mind having until they see how amazing it is to have a freer kitchen.
In Dryer And Kitchen Washer
Open Concept
Some home designs simply make no darn sense to us, with open-plan establishments being among the worst. While we understand that many people love having their home laid bare with absolutely no barriers or divisions, we think that kitchens should have some kind of privacy and protection. This is a sacred space where chefs should be able to work in privacy. Also, kitchens can get rather smelly, especially when you are cooking something incredibly pungent!
Open Concept
Brass Handles
Brass was once one of the most commonly used metals in the kitchen due to its incredible durability. Anything made out of brass will take many beatings and carry one being as useful as the day it was bought. Brass handles might hang onto your drawers for years, but they will get grimy quickly. Brass attracts a lot of gunk and bacteria, and at some stage, brass handles will get so bad that you will need to clean and polish them often.
Brass Handles
Strange And Uncomfortable Chairs
We all like to experiment now and then with arty-farty additions to our kitchen and home at large. But a kitchen should always be comfortable and inviting, and if you have a kitchen that is large enough for people to sit at the counter, then try not to purchase futuristic stools that look funky but are not very pleasant to sit on. These stools will often be quite expensive, too. Rather, try to avoid sending your guests to the chiropractor and get comfortable chairs or stools with good support.
Strange And Uncomfortable Chairs
Sliding Barn Doors
The rustic or country look is something that creeps in and out of design trends every now and then. While we appreciate some rural touches in a home, and love to make them feel as natural and refreshing as possible, barn doors just shouldn’t be a thing unless you are keeping animals in your home. They are large, heavy, and cumbersome, and not to mention very ugly. There are so many beautiful sliding doors that you can get fitted instead.
Sliding Barn Doors
Linoleum Flooring
We now reach one of the ugliest kitchen features imaginable: linoleum flooring. Now, we understand that many people just want to have a simple and easy-to-clean kitchen, but linoleum flooring is just so hideous. Contrary to some opinions, linoleum will actually wear out much faster than other sturdier flooring types and it will also begin to fester with all manner of bacteria and nastiness. Although it is less toxic than vinyl, it is still plastic, and you can never be too sure how safe it is.
Linoleum Flooring
Gaudy Chandeliers
Some people cannot be blamed for having eccentric or over-the-top chandeliers in their homes that they have just moved into. Then there are those that will go out of their way to purchase some enormous and tacky fixture. Gaudy chandeliers will take much attention away from your home’s more respectable features for all the wrong reasons. They will also need to be dusted and sometimes properly cleaned, which is a real hassle. Chandeliers should be left in the past.
Gaudy Chandeliers
Fluorescent Lighting
There are sadly so many people out there that feel that they have no other choice but to get fluorescent lighting in their kitchen. There are so many problems with these fixtures. Their light is harsh and unappealing and makes one feel like they are in a grubby hospital or police station. They will also begin to flicker irritably when they begin running out of juice. There are many affordable alternatives to fluorescent lighting, trust us.
Fluorescent Lighting
Short Backsplashes
Kitchens that have backsplashes are bound to be far more protected from the often explosive cooking experiments that we all love to pull off. That being said, many people will strangely only cover a small portion of their walls with short backsplashes. While this can be a cute edition to the standard and practical usage of a backsplash, you are exposing your walls to potential damage. Always get high backsplashes that do the job they were supposed to.
Short Backsplashes
Kitchen Desks
This was a rather bizarre addition to kitchens that we could not believe people actually entertained. A kitchen desk is exactly what it sounds like: a small workspace where people can do some homework or scrapbooking while they cook. Unless you live in a minuscule space, you really should never have a desk in the kitchen that isn’t used for rolling dough or chopping vegetables. Surely there are less obstructive and weird places for you to work in?
Kitchen Desks
Window Valances
Make sure that you do not add in dated items and installations to your home and kitchen. The curtains that hang by your windows can become real eyesores if they are not hung properly. Then there are window valances, which are long pieces of material that are hung in such a way that they take up a lot of space and really intrude into a space like a kitchen. Also, they are quite ugly and old-fashioned.
Window Valances
Chevrons
Chevrons should only ever be seen on military regalia. There are many youngsters and older folks alike that love this look, and will plaster their stove walls with the pointy tiles. We are not big fans of this look as the pattern hurts the eyes to look at. It is too busy a design choice for a space that is meant to be calming and organic. If you absolutely must put chevrons in your home, please avoid the kitchen.
Chevrons