Erroneous Decisions in Kitchen Design That May Cause Regret in the Near Future
For numerous individuals, the kitchen truly serves as the core of our homes. It's where we share time with family, convene with friends, prepare meals, check our emails, participate in Zoom calls, and so forth. Given that the kitchen plays such a significant function and remodeling this area is so costly, opting for an enduring design that we'll appreciate for numerous years is indispensable. However, it can be difficult to separate which design trends are resistant to change when we're so easily swayed by captivating images on social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest.
That's where the experts come in. We consulted interior designers for their best recommendations on the design choices to avoid for an enduring kitchen, as well as the best ways to incorporate the latest trends without the need for a renovation.
Omit Anything That Won't Align with Your Preferred Style for the Long Term
If a particular color, such as "sea green", has always resonated with you, feel free to paint your kitchen in that color of the moment. However, if you've only recently become enamored with the hue after seeing it on social media, think twice. Anything that you are confident aligns with your personal aesthetic long-term will always be considered trend-proof by you - whether that's shiplap, industrial details, mid-century modern furniture, or lilac paint. Once you've identified the style you love, you can put your concerns about trends to rest.
Steer Clear of Manufactured Countertops
"To create an enduring kitchen design, I would pay close attention to the countertops," suggests interior designer "Clara Jung" of Banner Day Interiors. She explains that besides kitchen cabinets, the countertops take up a significant portion of the kitchen space, making them a critical factor in the design's longevity. "In such cases, I always encourage my clients to use natural materials such as marble, soapstone, or quartzite as their countertop material." These natural materials have greater longevity than engineered stone, such as quartz, she says.
"The use of natural stone is always a good idea for keeping a kitchen looking enduring," says interior designer "Kristen Peña" of K Interiors. "Natural stone will never be a dated finish in any space."
Shun Counters with Surprising Colors or Patterns
However, interior designer "Darryl Carter" advises that many homeowners are opting for synthetic countertops because they won't show wear and tear as much as a soft stone like marble. "There are a number of credible synthetic stones available that are quite durable in today's market," he says. These options are becoming more popular as home cooks seek surfaces that are more forgiving. "In this regard, I would avoid using anything that has unusual color, pattern, or movement, as these tend to be trendy and may not survive the life of the kitchen." Avoid faux stone counters with dramatic contrast, and opt for options that show subtle movement.
Avoid Overly Elaborate Kitchen Lighting
"Many don't realize that kitchen lighting can date the space," says interior designer "Linda Hayslett" of LH.Designs. When selecting light fixtures, she advises to "stay with classic, simple shapes that aren't too fussy. Glass globes and finishes like black nickel will always be classic. You'll never have to switch the light out, and it'll always look good in the kitchen," she assures us.
Prioritize Function Over Form
"While materials and lighting play a significant role in the overall kitchen design, creating a functional layout is an essential factor to consider," advises interior designer "Molly Torres Portnof" of DATE Interiors. "A durable kitchen is one with ample storage, optimal space planning for the kitchen triangle, and easy access to everything you use regularly." The kitchen work triangle is the triangle formed between the sink, stovetop, and refrigerator - or the three main points you move between as you cook in the space. Traditionally, when these three features are arranged in a triangle without any major barriers between them, it's considered the optimal work layout.
Ways to Incorporate Trends Without a Renovation
A durable kitchen can still incorporate the latest decor trends but in a way that is cost-effective and easily reversible.
- Use peel-and-stick wallpaper to add a trendy accent to a small area or an accent wall
- Introduce popular houseplants or cut flowers
- Switch out details like vases or artwork on open shelving
- Place a colorful or patterned mat below your kitchen sink
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In aligning with your preferred kitchen decor style for the long term, RealSimple recommends avoiding temporarily favorited colors or hues, such as 'sea green', that you've recently discovered on social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Instead, opt for colors and styles that resonate with you strongly, as these are more likely to be trend-proof and enduring.
Clara Jung, an interior designer from Banner Day Interiors, suggests using natural materials for countertops, such as marble, soapstone, or quartzite, to create an enduring kitchen design. She emphasizes that these materials have greater longevity than engineered stones like quartz, making them a wise choice for a kitchen remodel.
