“Discrete or one-piece appliances are very aesthetically pleasing, but they also come with their own challenges,” they say. “Because they're custom products, they can be difficult to repair or replace. Plus, when it comes time to move or remodel, the appliances have to be redone.”
6. Natural stone countertops
Attractive countertops are a key element of an eye-catching kitchen. But why choose a material that can be hassle? Natural stone countertops, such as white marble or porous limestone, need to be treated with a quality sealer or they will corrode and stain. Brent believes that no matter how carefully you maintain them, corrosion often occurs.
“[White marble] “Marble-like quartz will look brand new on the first day, so if you're worried about stains over time, choose a more reliable option like marble-like quartz that has the same look but is more stain-resistant and easier on your wallet,” says Jenna Kirk, vice president of corporate studios at KB Home, one of the nation's largest home builders.
Before choosing marble, consider how many people will be using your kitchen each day: “If you're not willing to reseal your countertops or protect them from red wine or lemon juice spills, marble or other natural stone may not be right for your kitchen,” says Sarah Latham of Latham Interiors.
7. Open shelves
Open shelves are everywhere, but they also get dusty. Although they can look great when styled well, open shelves are high maintenance, tend to collect dust, and need to look photogenic at all times – something you don't have to worry about with closed cabinets.
“There is an open shelf under the kitchen. [the counter]”A kitchen without cabinet doors, where all the dishes are neatly organized and on display, is obviously problematic,” says Antares Yee, founder and creative director of design studio Sun at Six. “Obviously there are issues with drips, sauce splatters, and grease drips. But what's really impressive is seeing every nook and cranny of the drawers all in the open, meticulously organized and clean. It makes you wonder if these people are robots.”
8. Everything becomes new
When you sit down with a contractor to plan your kitchen remodel, you might be tempted to update your cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, paint, and more. Chicago-based designer Corey Roman suggests taking a step back and preserving some of your kitchen's original features. Getting rid of some of the most amazing (and practical) features might be the most impractical move you can make. “Sometimes it's perfectly fine to keep features that are true to the home's original design or that have character,” says Roman.
9. Low-backed stools
If the island is the heart of your kitchen, then island seating is its soul. Counter stools should be a comfortable place to eat, socialize and linger, not a rigid block that wobbles. Brent doesn't like sculptural, low-backed counter stools or counter stools without a back. “They're uncomfortable, so I don't feel like sitting at the island to eat,” she says. Consider these bar stools favored by AD100 architects and designers.
10. Double oven
Only in very specific living situations would you need to own two ovens. “Let's be honest, unless you run a catering company or have a large family, an oven is only useful a few times a year,” says the Brownstone Boys. “Otherwise, it's just taking up valuable kitchen space. I'd rather have a friend bring over baked sweet potatoes than have two ovens all year round.”
11. Display art and cookbooks near your stove
You've probably seen those newly renovated kitchens on Instagram, adorned with oil paintings, art shelves, and cookbooks. While they look beautiful, they also raise some concerns for designers.
