19 Kitchen Decor Trends That Are Actually Lowering Your Home’s Value
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The kitchen is usually the heart of the home, where functionality and style must come together. Unwittingly, homeowners who are in pursuit of the latest trends may unknowingly incorporate decor choices that will actually work against the value of their property.
Some kitchen trends, whether bold design risks or outdated elements, can make a potential buyer second-guess your space. We dig a little deeper into some common kitchen decor choices that might be hurting, rather than helping, your home’s value.
Overly Bold Backsplashes
Bright patterned backsplashes may be trendy now but they can overwhelm the kitchen space and make it harder for potential buyers to visualize how they can design their own kitchen. Bold designs may quickly become out of style, and so will need a costly renovation sometime down the line. Classic materials such as subway tiles will never go out of style.
Open Shelving Overload
There’s something to be said for open shelving in moderation, but too much can make a kitchen feel cluttered and unusable. It might look like it needs more maintenance and upkeep than normal cabinets. Open shelves are a great addition to a room, but too many can eat up storage space and look messy. Closed cabinetry is still more functional and popular.
Dark Color Schemes
Dark cabinetry or dark walls will make your kitchen seem smaller and less welcoming. Although it may be cozy for you, buyers usually want light and bright spaces in the kitchen. Dark tones also take more wear and tear and thus need more frequent maintenance. Neutral, lighter shades appeal to more people because they opt for a fresh, airy feel.
All-White Everything
On the flip side, an all-white kitchen can also be a turnoff. It’s clean and sleek, but it very often feels sterile and cold rather than warm and inviting. All-white kitchens are also hard to maintain; stains and wear show up more easily. Neutral tones and textures are a mix that gives depth and character to the space without overwhelming it.
Overly Customized Cabinetry
Highly customized cabinets, especially those with different designs or colors, can be risky. They’ll look terrific in your home but may alienate buyers who want a more neutral canvas to work with. Custom cabinetry is also much more expensive, making it difficult and costly for the homeowner who comes after you to renovate. To avoid this issue, stick to classic, versatile cabinet styles.
Copper Fixtures
Copper fixtures were all the rage, but they quickly fall out of favor. The fact that copper has a distinctive color and tarnishes rather easily makes it a nuisance to maintain. Buyers can see these fixtures as an additional chore rather than a design feature. You are more likely to find stainless steel or matte black finishes with a wider range of appeal and without as much maintenance.
Faux Industrial Designs
The industrial trend has served its time, but if you’re bent on bringing the look into your kitchen, exposing pipes, uneven textures, and cold metals can feel harsh. This style isn’t for every home and can make the space feel unfinished or impersonal. Instead of taking an industrial approach, try to keep it balanced with a few industrial-inspired elements. In suburban homes, too much can scare buyers away.
Too Many Patterns
Too many patterns mixed in the tile work, wallpaper or upholstery can make a kitchen seem visually chaotic. The problem is that it’s easy to cross the line from eclectic to overwhelming, so buyers can’t visualize what the room could become. Simple, coordinated designs are more universally appealing, making the kitchen look polished. Keeping the patterns subtle would mean that you would be able to keep the style alive.
Oversized Kitchen Islands
While a luxurious-looking kitchen island might be nice, there is a cost – space. Typically, buyers want a functional flow between work areas, and an oversized island can get in the way. A good-sized island well-proportioned to the room is better than one that takes over. How big is the kitchen you want to install the island on?
Excessive Use of Marble
Though adding marble countertops or backsplashes will add elegance, it’s also expensive and needs to be maintained. Marble is prone to staining and scratching, making it a turn-off for people who don’t want to deal with the constant upkeep of marble. If you go for quartz or granite, you get a similar luxurious look without fragility. Pick materials that are pretty but also practical.
Pot Racks and Hanging Storage
While hanging pots and pans from overhead racks may seem convenient, they can add clutter to the kitchen and make it difficult to keep things neat. However, as buyers look for clean lines and open spaces, this trend is falling out of favor. Pot racks, too, collect dust and grease, increasing the amount of cleaning necessary. Hidden storage solutions are far better and more functional.
Farmhouse Sinks
While charming in the right places, farmhouse sinks are losing their appeal in modern kitchens. Typically, these large, bulky sinks don’t go with sleek, contemporary designs and are often hard to fit into some kitchens. They can also take up more counter space than is necessary. A safer bet is a more streamlined, under-mount sink that can help you maintain home value.
Ornate Cabinet Handles
Cabinet handles that are overly decorative or ornate can be fun to have, but they can also date your kitchen as quickly as the style goes out of fashion. By contrast, simple, sleek hardware is usually more universally appealing, and going out of fashion is easier with hardware. Minimalist designs that complement numerous decor styles make buyers more likely to be attracted to design. For longevity, stay with classic finishes like brushed nickel or matte black.
Too Much Open Concept
Open-plan kitchens are popular, too, but removing too many walls actually makes your home less functional. The defined spaces still appeal to buyers who like noise control and cooking odors. The best balance between openness and separation allows each area to do its thing. Don’t get too open in the name of structure.
Trendy Tile Patterns
Chevron or herringbone tile patterns are trendy right now but will quickly date your kitchen in a few years. Tiles can be bold and personal and may not be the style for everyone. Simple, timeless tile designs are safer for keeping your home’s value high. When choosing patterns that will last the test of time, think long-term.
Appliance Garages
Appliance garages were once considered clever storage solutions, but now they seem old-fashioned and bulky. With more streamlined kitchens and appliances tucked away in cabinetry, buyers prefer this. However, these garages can often take up valuable counter space and feel awkward in modern kitchens. Your best bet is built-in storage solutions that leave your counters clear.
Over the Top Lighting Fixtures
Statement lighting can be a great feature, too bold or oversized fixtures can overpower the space. Sometimes buyers will think they are impractical or overly personal and not something they would want to associate with their style. Neutral, timeless lighting fixtures are more appealing to more tastes, and easier to update. Select lighting that doesn’t swamp the space.
Bright Colored Appliances
Although brightly colored appliances—like retro reds or bright blues—can give a kitchen that quirky feel, not everyone likes them. Classic stainless steel or neutral-colored appliances that match any decor style will attract more potential buyers. By making bold appliance choices, you’re limiting future buyers’ design options, making your home less attractive. If you want more appeal, go with neutral tones.
Faux Finishes
According to HousePainitingTutorials, faux finishes like faux brick walls or painted wood grains may seem like a cheap way to give your kitchen a little character. But they can look cheap and detract from the overall quality of the space. Even if it costs a little more, buyers are more likely to pick authentic materials. Preserve the value of your kitchen by investing in real, durable finishes.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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