Kitchens often take center stage in home renovation projects, and for good reason. They’re among the most frequently used spaces in any home. However, not every trendy feature adds genuine value. Some can even create more problems than they solve. design professionals in Pittsburgh share their insights on kitchen remodeling trends that might look impressive but offer little practical benefit.
While some features may seem like a good idea at first glance, they can often lead to more maintenance, reduced functionality, or even safety concerns. Let’s explore some of these trends and understand why they might not be the best choice for your kitchen remodel.
Expensive Add-Ons with Minimal Benefits
Some kitchen features, while visually appealing, offer little in terms of functionality. Gabriela Narvaez founder of Guild Properties points out that pot fillers are one such example. These above-the-stove faucets might seem convenient, but they don’t save much time unless you’re cooking large meals regularly or running a commercial kitchen. “And remember, you still need to dump that water…in a nearby sink!” Narvaez reminds us.
High-gloss cabinets are another trend that can create more work than they’re worth. Kiva Brent a Pittsburgh-based interior stylist, notes that these cabinets show every fingerprint and splash of grease. “They show every fingerprint and splash of grease,” insists Brent. “You’ll never be able to quickly cook anything again because you’ve got at least 15 minutes worth of cabinet cleanup each time.”
Double Islands: A Recipe for Chaos
The idea of having two islands in your kitchen might seem luxurious, but it can lead to more hassle than convenience. Bethany Adams of Bethany Adams Interiors argues that maneuvering around two islands while cooking or serving can be ludicrous. “The amount of extra footwork it would take to figure-eight around two islands in the course of cooking—or even serving—would be ludicrous,” she says. “In terms of entertaining, if your kitchen is large enough to encompass two islands, surely you have a decently sized dining room in which to feed these starving hordes who are flocking to your two islands.”
Practicality vs. Aesthetics
Some kitchen features prioritize looks over practicality, leading to everyday inconveniences. Ceiling-height cabinets for instance, can make it difficult to access items stored at the top. Brent acknowledges that this is a controversial take but explains that if you have taller ceilings, shifting your cabinets up is simply impractical. “You’ll have to get on a ladder to access your pantry goods, which will likely end up in food waste because you literally and figuratively lose sight of what you have.”
Natural stone counters while beautiful, require regular maintenance to prevent etching and staining. Gena Kirk vice president of corporate studio at KB Home suggests opting for marble-looking quartz instead. “[White marble] will only look pristine on day one, so if you are concerned about stains that could come with time, go with a more reliable option such as marble-looking quartz, which provides the same look but is stain-resistant and easier on the pocketbook,” says Kirk.
Open Shelving: A Dust Magnet
Open shelving might look stylish, but it can quickly become a magnet for dust and grime. Kirk argues that open shelves require constant maintenance and always have to look photo-ready. “There are kitchens with open shelves beneath [the counter], with no cabinet doors and your organized serveware on public display,” says Antares Yee founder and creative director of Sun at Six. “The obvious issue is dripping water, flying sauces, and dribbling grease. But the real kicker is to display the innards of every last drawer openly and see that it’s meticulously organized and clean. It makes you ask: Are these people robots?”
Unnecessary Features That Clutter Your Kitchen
Some kitchen features are simply unnecessary and can clutter your space. A second prep sink for example, might seem like a good idea, but it often goes unused. Maggie Griesbeck of MNG Design points out that the additional countertop space is usually needed more than a secondary sink. “A vegetable-wash sink sounds like a great idea, but I find that the additional countertop space is always used and is needed more than a secondary sink,” she says.
Mixed metals can lend an eclectic aesthetic to your kitchen, but there’s a point when it becomes too much. Sacha Jacq of Sacha Jacq Interiors insists that mixing too many hardware finishes can feel overdone rather than refined. “Brass, black, polished nickel, and bronze within one space feels like adding too much makeup when you go out to a party,” she says. “The ‘jewelry of hardware’ idea can quickly become something that feels overdone rather than refined.”
Ultimately, when planning your kitchen remodel, it’s essential to balance style and substance. While some trends may look impressive, they can often lead to more maintenance, reduced functionality, or even safety concerns. By understanding the practical implications of these trends, you can make informed decisions that will result in a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.
