Renovating a kitchen is a major investment, so it’s essential to choose upgrades that are not only stylish but also practical and long-lasting. With the best intentions, certain design choices can lead to costly regrets and wasted space.
To help you avoid common remodeling pitfalls, I spoke with industry experts—including interior designers, home builders, realtors, and architects—to uncover the biggest kitchen mistakes to steer clear of. Here’s what they had to say.
Using Trendy Colors on Permanent Fixtures
“While it is tempting to select the latest color trends in backsplashes and cabinetry, they can quickly become outdated. Neutral tones and classic finishes may be a safe choice for long-term satisfaction and resale value,” says Priyanshi Jain, an interior designer and architect at Pixels & Spaces.
If you want to have fun experimenting with color, try trendier shades for your walls and accessories. Stick to safe neutrals, wood tones, and whites for permanent fixtures.
Picking Open Shelving Instead of Upper Cabinets
Browse any internet forum where renovators share their biggest kitchen regrets, and you’re bound to see this blunder listed at least a few times: open shelving. Open shelving looks beautiful in perfectly styled homes but can lead to a cluttered mess in the average household.
Opt for regular upper kitchen cabinets unless you’re committed to keeping your shelves dust-free and neatly organized.
Installing a Smart Refrigerator
Opting into the latest technology is always tempting. But bugs are bound to happen when that technology, like in the case of smart refrigerators, is new.
“High-tech smart appliances often promise a futuristic cooking experience but can fall short in terms of reliability and user-friendliness. For example, we’ve installed high-end smart refrigerators that, despite their appeal, presented connectivity issues and complex interfaces that frustrated users more than helped,” says Ryan Norman of Norman Builders. “These appliances also tend to be pricey not just to buy but also to repair.”
Opting for Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are known for their beauty and unique veining. But as attractive as they are, marble is one of the least durable stone countertop options.
“While materials such as marble countertops and hardwood floors may look pleasing, they are high-maintenance and are easily prone to damage in high kitchen traffic environments,” advises Jain. “Consider using more durable and less maintenance-intensive materials.”
Overly Customized Features
While a pull-out spice rack or cabinet dedicated to stacking wine bottles might seem like a good idea now, your preferences will change as time goes on. These awkward storage solutions then become organizational challenges.
“Extremely personalized items, such as customized spice racks, and specialty storage are delightful but may not appeal to future buyers, it may not be worth the investment if your needs change,” says Jain.
Too Much White
White cabinets, countertops, and walls can seem sterile. If you want white in your kitchen, opt for one (maybe two) major white features. For example, try wood cabinets with a white countertop and neutral wall. Alternatively, you can choose white cabinets, but make sure your countertop provides a little contrast, even if it’s just in the veining.
It’s also wise to incorporate natural wood tones to add warmth and texture to your kitchen.
Choosing a Patterned Backsplash
Patterned tiles fall in the “trendy” category. Unless you plan to redo your backsplash every five to ten years, choose a safer option.
Classic backsplash choices include using the same material as your countertop, subway tile, or rustic stonework. Even in the subway tile category, there are plenty of materials and colors besides the basic white.
Choosing Cabinets That Are Too Trendy
Flat-front cabinets, colorful lacquer finishes, or ultra-modern styles may look great now, but they may not age well. Stick with classic cabinet designs, like shaker or paneled doors, for longevity and adaptability to changing trends.
Skipping Drawers or Pull Out Shelves on Lower Cabinets
Deep lower cabinets can be difficult to access. If you have the chance to add drawers instead of a lower cabinet or two, take it. Deep drawers provide easy access to pots, pans, spices, food, and kitchen supplies.
While you can install pull-out shelves later, they’re a nice upgrade to consider during a remodel.
Underestimating Storage Needs
Lack of proper storage is one of the biggest kitchen remodel regrets. Think beyond basic cabinets—pull-out pantry shelves, vertical dividers for baking sheets, and deep drawers for pots and pans make a significant difference in functionality.
Failing to Plan for Everyday Life
When you plan a kitchen remodel with hosting in mind, you might skip out on what you need to make everyday life smoother. For example, if you host holiday dinners once a year but rarely make huge meals any other time, double ovens might not be worth the money.
“Smart kitchen upgrades balance long-term value with your current lifestyle needs. My advice is to prioritize durable, classic foundations, then personalize them with pops of trendier elements you can easily swap out over time,” advises real estate professional Jim Gray of Agent Advice. “Focus your budget on the features you’ll use most while building flexibility. That’s the recipe for a kitchen you’ll love now, and buyers will appreciate for years to come.”
Going Too Bold with Hardware Choices
Trendy hardware in unique shapes or bright colors may date your kitchen quickly. Stick with classic metals like brushed nickel, matte black, or antique brass for timeless appeal. You can always swap out handles and knobs later for an affordable refresh.
DIYing Projects that Require Expertise
Finding ways to save money on a kitchen renovation is a smart use of time, and there are several ways to go about it. You can price-compare the materials you want, look for “dupes,” and tackle some projects yourself. However, be wary of taking on projects you don’t have the experience for.
For example, if you’ve purchased expensive tile for your kitchen floor but have never attempted a tile job, now is probably not the best time to test your abilities. Prevent uneven floors and wasted products by hiring the job out to professionals.
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