“The kitchen is the heart of the home,” or so the old saying goes.
Yet, while a well-designed kitchen can be a major selling point, certain trends can quickly become outdated or simply turn off potential buyers.
As an agent, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly when it comes to kitchens.
Here are 5 kitchen trends that real estate agents say are best avoided if you want to preserve your home’s value.
1) Old-Fashioned Countertops
Granite countertops were once a must-have for any high-end kitchen. But like shoulder pads and acid-washed jeans, granite has fallen out of fashion.
“Granite is like shoulder pads – it was cool in the ’80s, but not anymore.” says, Emily Davis, a top-performing agent with Sotheby’s International Realty.
Today’s buyers are especially looking for materials that offer a more modern and timeless look like marble, wood, or concrete.
However, Quartzite and quartz are also popular choices.
“They’re tough as nails and easy to clean,” explains kitchen designer Michael Brown, “which is a big plus for busy families.”
2) Busy Backsplashes
A backsplash that’s too wild or crazy can scare off buyers.
While a colorful backsplash can add personality to your kitchen, it’s important not to go overboard.
Simply, stick with classic materials like subway tile, natural stone, or glass.
They’re simple, clean, and always in style.
However, If you want to add a little flair, try a simple pattern or a mix of materials.
“A herringbone pattern or a combination of marble and glass can make your kitchen look interesting without being too much,” suggests Jessica Wilson.
3) Too Many Open Shelves
Open shelves have become trendy in recent years, but too many can make your kitchen look messy and disorganized.
Imagine walking into a kitchen where every wall is lined with open shelves overflowing with dishes, mugs, and knick-knacks.
What would you feel?
It would feel stressful and visually exhausting, right?
“A few open shelves to show off your favorite dishes or cookbooks can be nice,” says Chicago real estate agent Robert Anderson. “But an entire wall of open shelves can make your kitchen feel chaotic.”
So, even if you love open shelves, use them sparingly. “Pick one or two shelves and only put things on them that are both pretty and useful,” advises home staging expert Lisa Thompson.
4) Dark and Gloomy Cabinets
I know, you love dark cabinets and of course, it makes sense.
But the main thing is that, dark cabinets can make your kitchen feel small and cave-like.
This is especially true if the kitchen doesn’t have a lot of natural light.
And you don’t want that, right?
“If your kitchen is on the smaller side, go for lighter cabinets,” says Miami real estate agent David Martinez. “They’ll reflect light and make your kitchen feel bigger and brighter.”
However, if you’ve always dreamed of having dark cabinets in your kitchen, there are ways to make them work.
Make sure there’s plenty of light in your kitchen from other sources.
“White countertops, a light backsplash, and big windows can help balance out the dark cabinets,” explains interior designer Karen Lewis.
5) Trendy Appliances and Fixtures
Kitchen trends come and go, What’s hot today might be dated tomorrow.
So, avoid trendy finishes or features that might quickly become outdated.
“Stainless steel appliances are the way to go,” says Jennifer Lopez. “They look sleek and modern and go with almost any style.”
Invest in high-quality appliances and fixtures that will stand the test of time.
If your budget is tight, focus on replacing the most important appliances, like the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher.
“These are the ones you use the most and that people notice the most,” says Mark Williams.