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10 Kitchen Remodeling Fads to Avoid

A trendy kitchen is an expensive kitchen. Spend money on kitchen remodeling fads, and you’ll soon have an outdated kitchen. You work hard for your money – don’t throw it away on a short-lived craze! Here are 10 kitchen remodeling fads to avoid, courtesy of O’Hanlon Kitchens.

Distressed Kitchen Cabinets

Distressing became a popular furniture trend more than a decade ago. Eventually, that trend moved into the kitchen remodeling industry. Everyone wanted kitchens that looked worn and loved. What they got were dirty-looking cabinets that quickly lost their appeal. Before you choose an aged, distressed or patinaed look for your cabinets, consider natural wood or a neutral paint color.

Open Shelving

We recently assessed the pros and cons of open shelving in a kitchen. What we found is that open shelves usually only look good for a short amount of time. They quickly collect dust and clutter, and they take away from practical storage space. This is not a concern for many large kitchens, but it is a prominent concern for small spaces. Make sure open shelves will meet your practical needs. If not, opt for a closed storage solution instead.

Pot Racks is a Remodeling Fads to Avoid

Nowadays, pot racks are symbols of clutter. It may seem like a pot rack makes pots easy to access, but really, they’re no more accessible than they would be in a cabinet. Even brand new cookware will eventually lose its shine, leaving you with a less-than-desirable focal point for your kitchen. Consider a custom storage rack inside of one of your cabinets, rather than an open pot rack. That way you can hide your pots and pans but still get to them as needed.

Quirky Kitchen Hardware

Do you have forks or horseshoes for hardware? These quirky fixtures were once considered creative, but they are now gimmicks, at best. If you want to add personality to your kitchen, choose fun towels or artwork for the space. Leave the hardware to something neutral and easy to clean. This will give you the best return for your investment.

Pantry Barn Doors

Barn doors have become all-the-rage, but they aren’t ideal for most situations. In order to install the barn door, you need enough space to the side of the doorway to support the width of the door. When the door is shut, you have an awkward bar going across a blank space on your wall. If you leave the door open, you expose all the clutter in your pantry. Your best bet is to install a traditional door on your pantry or a pocket door that goes inside the wall. We can help you decide which solution is best for your space.

Desks in the Kitchen

This kitchen remodeling fad is long-gone, but it’s worth putting on our list. Desks used to be a staple in kitchens. Now, a desk is mostly just a waste of good cabinet space. How often do you work in your kitchen? If your children are doing homework, could they do it at the table or island instead? When you evaluate your circumstances, chances are you don’t need a desk in your kitchen.

Over-the-Range Microwaves

Once over-the-range microwaves came out, they became an instant hit. Why take up counter space with a microwave when you can mount it above the stove? It doubles as a hood vent, and it keeps creates a central hub for cooking.

The problem with over-the-range microwave is that they become sponges for grease. If you want a specialty feature, like a pot filler, you probably won’t have room between your stovetop and hanging microwave. If you have children, it may be difficult for them to access the microwave that high up. These are all functional factors you need to consider. If space is limited in your kitchen, this may be the only option for you. However, we encourage you to consider the alternatives, like mounting a microwave in your lower cabinets or a traditional countertop microwave.

Low-Profile Backsplashes

Short, minimalistic backsplashes aren’t practical. Sure, you may save a little money in materials by getting a low-profile backsplash. How likely are you to only get splashes in that area though? A backsplash is designed to make your kitchen easy to clean. Get one with ample coverage to protect your walls and keep cleaning to a minimum.

Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops will work in many kitchens, but they are not ideal all-over. Butcher block is not as durable as stone, and it is more likely to show dirt on the surface. You could have a butcher block island or prep station, but avoid having wood throughout your kitchen. The day-to-day upkeep is sure to annoy you over time.

How to Get a Dream Kitchen That Lasts

Want a stylish kitchen that will look great for years? Stick with neutral colors, simple cabinet designs, and durable countertops. Focus on the function of the kitchen first. Then select design elements that fulfill that function. The kitchen designers here at O’Hanlon Kitchens would be happy to create a custom design for you. We know which kitchen remodeling fads to avoid and which designs will stand the test of time. Contact O’Hanlon Kitchens at 443-285-0558 to schedule your design consultation.

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