As an interior decorator, I believe kitchens should be designed for functionality and timelessness.
So, when it comes to my own kitchen, I try to avoid overly trendy or impractical decor.
Here are eight things you’ll never find in my kitchen.
I’d never invest in trendy countertops.
When renovating a kitchen, I recommend selecting countertops that are neutral and conventional to most designs.
Though it’s tempting to design a space to match current trends, going with neutral big-ticket items, like a countertop, will allow you the flexibility to change your decor in the future.
For example, I avoid materials like butcher-block wood, concrete, and tile because they have a trendy, distinct look and may require special maintenance.
Instead, I recommend using those materials in a small portion of the kitchen — like in a separate bar area — to create the look you want without committing 100% to the trend.
Plants can get grimy in the kitchen.
Plants are a beautiful addition to kitchen decor, but they collect dust and can get covered in layers of cooking grease that’s hard to clean off.
Faux plants can also trap cooking odors if not regularly cleaned, and natural plants are susceptible to mold, mildew, and pests.
Although I like to keep plants out of my kitchen, if you really love the look of greenery, I recommend sticking with the faux version and placing them further away from the stove to avoid grease buildup.
Or, pot fresh herbs for a beautiful, tasty accent you’ll regularly use in recipes — and won’t need to clean.
I find that matching dish sets lack personality.
It makes sense to pick up a dish set with matching plates, bowls, and saucers from your local big-box store. But, in my opinion, matching dish sets can look boring and often lack personality.
Instead, I like selecting individual pieces with matching or complementary colors, patterns, and styles to create a cohesive, visually pleasing table setting.
Heavy drapes will trap cooking odors.
Although thick, luxurious curtains are aesthetically pleasing, they can trap grease and cooking odors. So, they’re better left outside the kitchen
Plus, thick curtains visually weigh down a space — a tone that doesn’t fit an energetic work zone like a kitchen.
Instead, I recommend framing kitchen windows with sheer polyester curtains, wooden blinds, shutters, or roller shades for privacy and UV protection. These window treatments have clean lines and will keep your kitchen bright and functional.
Top-mount sinks are not my favorite choice.
Top-mount sinks are usually the most budget-friendly option and are easy to install: Just drop the sink into a precut hole in the countertop and seal the edges.
However, grime can easily build up along the seam between the sink and the countertop.
Instead, I prefer undermount sinks, which allow you to wipe water and debris directly off the countertop, and have a more intentional, modern design.
Builder-grade cabinet hardware bores me.
I think builder-grade silver rods and knobs on cabinets can make even a luxurious kitchen feel underwhelming.
Swapping out dull, builder-grade cabinet hardware is a relatively inexpensive way to spice up your decor.
Open shelving in the kitchen can be a chore to keep clean.
Open shelving is a beautiful way to display fine glassware, but the accumulation of dust and grease on exposed items requires frequent cleaning. The lack of concealed storage can also create a visually chaotic, cluttered space.
Instead, I recommend going with cabinets with transparent glass to keep the open-shelving look without the risk of dusty glassware.
Drawers and cabinets without shelves are an inefficient use of space.
Prefabricated cabinets, especially lower cabinets, are usually large empty spaces without much functionality for organizing your belongings.
Although they may cost less upfront, you’ll probably need to install organizers and buy shelves to maximize the storage space.
In a modern kitchen, I prefer large drawers or cabinets with pull-out shelves. Smart storage solutions like vertical utensil drawers and cutting-board racks are also great ways to keep your countertops clutter-free and your kitchen organized.
This story was originally published on August 19, 2023, and most recently updated on July 14, 2026.
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