These Items Are Ruining Your Kitchen
Designers Cringe When They See These 7 Things in a Kitchen
No matter the size, style, or design of a kitchen, interior designers have quite a few opinions on what they’d rather not see in there. I spoke with six different pros and asked them to share the kitchen features that instantly give them the ick — whether that’s because it makes life harder or because there’s a big missed opportunity for some major style. From plug placement to very specific lighting choices, this list can be your go-to guide on what to avoid as you curate your own dream kitchen.
Cluttered Countertops
It’s important to be mindful about what you’re displaying on your counters. Designers say many items probably could be tucked away to create a more streamlined look.
“I absolutely despise a counter filled with countertop appliances, kitchen tools, and anything needing wires, cables, and plugs laying out,” says designer Aleem Kassam, the co-founder of Kalu Interiors. In a best-case scenario, Kassam explains, these items would be concealed in either a drawer, cabinet, or other type of storage. “Of course you want items to be accessible, easy, and in view when working or using the kitchen, but there are also solutions for these, such as flipper doors, flip-up doors, [appliance] garage doors, and open shelves,” he adds.
Poor Plug Placement
Because you will plug in plenty of small electric appliances in the kitchen, proper plug placement is critical. Kassem says he doesn’t come across the right configurations very often, though. “Either people don’t have enough or alternatively have too many [outlets], placed on beautiful finishes and within your main sightline,” he says.
Today, he explains, plenty of solutions — including hidden pop-up and pop-out plugs and integrated cover plates — can coordinate with your chosen cabinet or stone finishes. “The list goes on — in a variety of price points, so there’s no excuse,” he adds.
It’s worth noting, however, that outlets are something that really have to be thought through during a renovation. If you’re stuck with what you have, try to find covers that blend into their surroundings, like what’s shown above here.
Builder-Grade Lighting
Designer Darlene Molnar, who is tired of “run of the mill pendant lights,” wants you to go beyond basic big-box solutions for above your kitchen island, if you have one. “We’ve all seen the average lanterns and glass globes — I’m tapped out,” she says. “There are so many cool light fixtures now and at reasonable prices.”
Molnar suggests skipping pendants altogether here and instead installing flush-mount lighting. Again, it’s all about a cleaner, more streamlined and unexpected look in her design playbook.
Sterile Accessories
Like any other room in your home, the best kitchens are personal ones. A cook space that’s totally devoid of character isn’t going to be as welcoming or cozy as it can be, so you’ll want to warm it up with a few touches that feel like “you.”
“I personally dislike when kitchens feel too sterile and far too much like a workspace rather than an extension of your living space,” says designer Emily C. Butler. In her own kitchen, Butler chose to bring in rich walnut counters and installed wallpaper in lieu of a traditional tile or stone backsplash. She hung a vintage wicker pendant and a few pieces of art on the walls, too.
If you do like the all-white kitchen aesthetic, though, designer Maureen Dana encourages jazzing it up a bit. “If you go this direction, make sure to add some personality via styling,” says the founder of XOMO Studio. “Try artwork on the walls or propped up on a shelf, fresh flowers, or greenery — real, please, not faux in a kitchen; your sink is right there for water!”
Dana also likes the idea of weaving color into the kitchen with counter stools. “Use this as an opportunity to add a pop of color or pattern through a cushion or texture through materiality,” she offers.
Open Shelving
Open shelving is still popular, but designer Mina Lisanin simply does not like it. “I love the idea of open shelving, in theory — it can look beautiful when styled well — but in practice, it’s often just not functional,” she says. “Unless you’re incredibly organized and have a curated collection of pretty dishware, open shelves tend to collect dust and visual clutter.”
If you’re down to dust and curate, go for it! Just know that some designers get the ick here because of the upkeep.
Word Art
Word art — and decor pieces labeled with their literal names — both tend to top designer “don’t” lists, and it’s no different in the kitchen. “For some reason, this kind of thing always ends up in the kitchen,” says designer Crystal Sinclar. “Just no!”
The problem is this kind of art can feel a little mass-produced and impersonal. But if a piece of word art speaks to you, then you can’t argue with it as a pop of personality.
Sponges on the Counter
For the sake of cleanliness and a love of less clutter, sponges should have a proper home — not any old spot on the counter. “These should go inside the sink,” says Sinclair. “We always source a decent sponge holder when sourcing accessories for our kitchens.”
Source: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/
*The above is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
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