5 Designs to Get Rid of in Your Kitchen

Kitchens are often the heart of the home and keeping them up-to-date can add a lot of value to your property. Unfortunately, many trends in kitchen design do not remain popular for long, leaving many homeowners with old-fashioned and outdated spaces. If you are looking to update your kitchen, here are five designs you should get rid of immediately.

1. Subway Tile

Installing subway tile for a kitchen backsplash is a thing of the past. This type of tile adds more grout lines that need constant maintenance to keep clean. They are also visually confusing and do not blend in well with surrounding elements. Instead, opt for a single piece for the backlash, which will be easy to clean and less likely to become outdated. For instance, smooth metal or marble make for great, and easy to clean, kitchen backsplashes.

2. Pot Racks

Other than making a visual statement, pot racks are more of a nuisance than anything else. Because the pots are in the open air, they accumulate dust on a constant basis, which only adds another layer of cleaning to your weekly routine. Avoid using these racks by storing pots and pans in oversized drawers in other areas of the kitchen. Most kitchens are equipped with this kind of storage space for a reason.

3. Open Shelving

Open shelving looks great in photographs, but this is not a good solution for real life storage options. These types of shelves are typically used to display decor items that do not get any real use in the kitchen. Closed shelves are much more practical as they can store things in a safe and stable environment. If you are considering installing open shelving, err on the safe side and opt for closed storage instead.

4. Over-the-Range Microwaves

Putting microwaves over the oven range has been a popular way to save space over the years, but this look will not help the value of your home. Buyers today are looking for homes that accommodate universal design principles and having a microwave high off the ground does not fit the bill. Instead of installing the microwave above the range, consider moving the appliance to an area where all members of the family can access it.

5. Statement Lighting

Using a variety of light sources in the kitchen can become a big distraction. Although statement lighting was once a big trend, it's better to go with a more uniform and simple look. You should also avoid using large fluorescent panels as these have also become outdated. If your kitchen needs more light, you can always install smaller bulbs under the counter instead of going with larger pieces.

Honorable Mention: Industrial Design

The industrial look was popular a few years ago but has quickly faded. Using this type of decor darkens spaces and gives everything a hard edge. If your kitchen has industrial-inspired pieces, consider slowly replacing them with softer materials that feature light colors for a more modern look.