Designing a kitchen is exciting, but it’s also easy to make choices you’ll regret once you’re actually cooking in the space. Before you finalize your plans, here are a few kitchen features you may want to avoid.
1. Dark, Shiny Countertops
They look sleek at first, but glossy black or deep-colored counters show every smudge, crumb, spill, and fingerprint. Unless you’re prepared to wipe them constantly, they can quickly become frustrating.
2. Low-Quality Cabinet Hardware
Cabinets take daily abuse, so choosing cheap hinges or flimsy handles is a mistake. They loosen quickly, start to squeak, or break entirely. Upgrading to sturdy, well-made hardware saves you from early repairs.
3. Overly Trendy Fixtures
Statement lighting, bold tile patterns, or unusual cabinet colors might feel fun now, but trends can fade fast. You could end up with a kitchen that already looks outdated or hard to pair with other décor.
4. Too Many Open Shelves
Open shelving has a beautiful, airy look—until you start using it. Dust, grease, and constant rearranging make them higher-maintenance than most people expect. A shelf or two is fine; a whole wall might be too much.
5. Poor Lighting
Relying only on one overhead light leaves your counters dim and shadows everywhere. Skipping task lighting under cabinets or above prep areas can make cooking harder and more dangerous.
6. No Landing Zones
Placing appliances—especially the fridge, oven, and microwave—without nearby counter space is a daily inconvenience. Always plan for a place to set things down.
Avoiding these mistakes will help you create a kitchen that’s functional, timeless, and enjoyable to use every day.
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