10 Home Upgrades That Look Nice But Are a Nightmare to Maintain

Some home upgrades look amazing at first—but once you’re actually living with them, they turn into a maintenance headache. Whether it’s countertops that stain too easily, floors that show every speck of dust, or trendy features that need constant cleaning, some upgrades take way more effort than they’re worth.

Before committing to a big design choice, it’s important to think about the upkeep. A beautiful space is great, but if it’s a nightmare to maintain, you’ll end up regretting it. Here are some of the worst offenders that might not be worth the hassle.

Marble Countertops

Marble countertops look high-end, but they’re one of the hardest surfaces to keep looking good. They stain easily, especially from coffee, wine, and citrus. Even water spots can leave marks if you don’t wipe them up quickly.

They’re also soft compared to other stone surfaces, meaning they scratch and etch easily. Regular sealing helps, but even that won’t prevent long-term wear. If you want a low-maintenance countertop, quartz or granite will give you a similar look without the hassle.

Glass Shower Doors

A glass shower door might make your bathroom feel bigger and brighter, but keeping it clean is a constant battle. Water spots, soap scum, and hard water buildup start showing almost immediately, and unless you wipe it down after every shower, it never looks spotless.

Even so-called “spot-resistant” coatings wear off over time, meaning you’ll need regular deep cleaning to keep them from looking cloudy. If you don’t want to deal with that, a shower curtain or frosted glass might be a better choice.

High-Maintenance Landscaping

Perfectly manicured hedges, lush flower beds, and intricate garden designs might boost curb appeal, but they come with a lot of upkeep. Some plants require constant pruning, others need specific soil conditions, and many demand heavy watering.

Even if you hire someone to maintain it, the costs add up fast. If you want a nice-looking yard without the constant effort, go for native plants, hardy perennials, and slow-growing shrubs that don’t need constant attention.

Dark Hardwood Floors

Dark hardwood floors look sleek, but they show everything—dust, pet hair, footprints, and scratches. If you have kids or pets, be prepared to sweep and mop constantly just to keep them looking decent.

They’re also prone to fading in sunlight, meaning you’ll need rugs or curtains to prevent uneven discoloration. If you love the look but don’t want the extra work, medium-toned wood or luxury vinyl plank is a much easier option.

Open Shelving in Kitchens

Open shelves look great in design magazines, but in real life, they collect dust, grease, and clutter faster than you’d expect. Unlike cabinets, where you can hide mismatched dishes or stray appliances, everything on open shelves is on display at all times.

That means you’ll have to clean them regularly, avoid overloading them with random items, and be extra mindful of what actually looks good up there. If you don’t want to spend time constantly organizing and dusting, stick with traditional cabinets.

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops have a cool, modern look, but they’re prone to cracking, chipping, and staining. Even if they’re sealed properly, liquids can seep in over time, and hairline cracks often appear as the concrete settles.

They also require regular resealing, and because they’re handmade, imperfections are common. If you want a durable, low-maintenance countertop, a solid surface material like quartz is a better bet.

Clawfoot Tubs

Clawfoot tubs look classic and elegant, but they’re not as practical as they seem. They take up a lot of space, are harder to get in and out of, and cleaning around and under them is a pain—especially if your bathroom floor collects dust and moisture.

They also require more water to fill than a standard bathtub, which isn’t ideal if you’re on a well or trying to keep water use down. If you want a vintage look without the hassle, consider a deep soaking tub with a built-in design instead.

Intricate Backsplashes

A detailed backsplash can add personality to a kitchen, but it also creates a cleaning nightmare. Tiny grout lines, textured tiles, and small crevices trap grease, dust, and food splatters, making them harder to keep clean than a simple, smooth tile.

Grout, in particular, can stain over time, even if it’s sealed. If you want a stylish but low-maintenance backsplash, go for larger tiles, a single solid slab, or an easy-to-wipe material like glass.

Exposed Brick Walls

Exposed brick can add a rustic or industrial look to your home, but maintaining it is another story. Brick is porous, meaning it absorbs moisture and dust. Over time, it can start crumbling, especially in high-humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Sealing can help, but it’s not a permanent fix. If you love the look but don’t want to deal with constant dusting and potential water damage, brick veneer or faux brick panels might be the way to go.

Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances look sleek and modern—until you realize how easily they pick up fingerprints, smudges, and water spots. If you have kids, expect to wipe them down constantly just to keep them looking clean.

Some brands offer smudge-resistant finishes, but they don’t always hold up over time. If you don’t want to deal with constant polishing, black stainless or matte finishes are much easier to maintain.