8 kitchen features designers say never work long-term

Trends come and go in kitchens, but some features consistently frustrate homeowners once the shine wears off. Designers see these choices backfire time and again. If you’re planning a remodel, these are the features they say you’ll regret later.

Open Shelving Everywhere

Open shelves look great in photos but become a dust and grease magnet in real life. Designers say most homeowners regret replacing all their uppers with open shelving. A few shelves for display is fine, but a full wall makes maintenance overwhelming.

Pot Racks Overhead

Hanging pots above an island feels stylish, but designers say it usually clutters the space. Pots collect dust and grease, and the setup often blocks sightlines. Unless you use every pot daily, it ends up being more decorative than functional — and not in a good way.

Dark Granite Countertops

Black or dark green granite was trendy for years, but designers say it shows every fingerprint and water mark. Over time, it makes kitchens look darker and smaller. Lighter surfaces like quartz or butcher block create a more timeless and easier-to-maintain option.

Built-In Desk Nooks

The idea of a family desk in the kitchen sounded practical, but designers say it usually becomes a clutter zone. Paper stacks, mail, and cords pile up, making the kitchen feel messy. With laptops and tablets today, these spaces go unused and quickly feel dated.

Trendy Backsplash Patterns

Busy glass mosaics or trendy geometric tiles might look fun at first, but designers say they age poorly. Bold backsplashes limit décor choices and can make kitchens feel stuck in a particular decade. Neutral tiles are easier to update with accessories instead of a full renovation.

Appliance Garages

Once popular, appliance garages (those cabinets that hide toasters and mixers) end up wasting counter space. Designers say most homeowners don’t use them the way they expect, and the bulky cabinets make kitchens feel crowded. Streamlined storage solutions work better long-term.

Bar-Height Counters

Split-level counters with a raised bar were trendy in the 2000s, but designers say they chop up the kitchen visually. They make spaces feel smaller and discourage open layouts. Lower, single-level islands look sleeker and work better for gathering and cooking.

Excessive Open Concept

Tearing down every wall to create one giant open space seemed appealing for years. But designers say noise, cooking smells, and lack of storage quickly frustrate homeowners. Leaving some separation, like a half wall or wide doorway, often makes a kitchen more livable long-term.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.