“Hidden or integrated appliances can be super visually pleasing, but come with a unique set of issues,” they say. “Because they’re custom, you may have a harder time repairing or replacing these appliances. Also, whenever you decide it’s time to move or renovate, you’ll have to redo your appliances as well.”
6. Natural stone counters
Attractive countertops are a key component of an eye-catching kitchen. But why select materials that come with a side of headaches? Natural stone counters, like white marble and porous limestone, need to be treated with a high-quality sealer or else they’ll etch and stain. Brent reasons that etches will often happen no matter how carefully you maintain them.
“[White marble] will only look pristine on day one, so if you are concerned about stains that could come with time, go with a more reliable option such as marble-looking quartz, which provides the same look but is stain-resistant and easier on the pocketbook,” says Gena Kirk, vice president of corporate studio at KB Home, one of the nation’s largest homebuilders.
Think about how many people will be using your kitchen on a daily basis before opting for marble. “If you aren’t willing to reseal your counters or prevent spills from red wine and lemon juice, marble or other natural stones may not be right for your kitchen,” says Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors.
7. Open shelving
Open shelving is everywhere, yet so is dust. While they look lovely when they’re styled well, Kirk argues open shelves require copious maintenance, get very dusty, and always have to look photo-ready—something you don’t have to worry about with closed cabinets.
“There are kitchens with open shelves beneath [the counter], with no cabinet doors and your organized serveware on public display,” says Antares Yee, founder and creative director of design studio Sun at Six. “The obvious issue is dripping water, flying sauces, and dribbling grease. But the real kicker is to display the innards of every last drawer openly and see that it’s meticulously organized and clean. It makes you ask: Are these people robots?”
8. All new everything
As you sit down with a contractor to plot out your revamped kitchen, you might be tempted to spring for new cabinets, counters, appliances, floors, paint, and more. Chicago-based designer Corey Lohmann suggests taking a step back and maintaining some of your kitchen’s original features. Wiping out a perfectly nice (and practical) feature might be the most impractical move of all. “Sometimes it’s totally OK to keep features that are true to the original design of the home or have some character,” she says.
9. Low-back stools
If the island is the heart of the kitchen, the island’s seating is its soul. Counter stools should be comfortable places to dine, socialize, and linger—not rigid blocks to teeter on. Brent rejects sculptural low-back or no-back counter stools. “They are uncomfortable, so you aren’t as inclined to actually sit at the island and eat,” she says. Consider perusing the barstools that AD100 architects and designers love.
10. Double ovens
Only highly specific living situations necessitate owning two ovens. “Honestly, these are only useful a few times a year, unless you own a catering company or have a big family,” say the Brownstone Boys. “Otherwise, they just take up valuable kitchen real estate! You are better off asking a friend to bring the baked sweet potatoes than having two ovens all year round.”
11. Arranging art and cookbooks near the stove
You’ve likely seen oil paintings, art ledges, and cookbook displays in newly remodeled kitchens on Instagram. While beautiful to look at, designers have concerns.
