Real wood cabinets are timeless; however, that awful blonde oak color has got to go. These oak cabinets are the calling card of an outdated kitchen. No matter how much you dress them up, they’re still the same old cabinets from the ‘90s.
Now, we’re not saying to ditch oak altogether…it is solid wood after all. Just spruce them up a bit! If it’s been 30 years since your cabinets got a fresh stain on them, it’s time to give them a new lease on life. Especially if you still have the original hardware. Builder-grade oak cabinets are nothing worth saving.
Switch up that traditional stain color for something a little different and match them with nice granite or marble countertops. If you’re a person that appreciates color in the kitchen, this may just be the look for you.
We love natural wood, but when something has been over-done…don’t fall in line. There are tons of different stain colors and finishes that you can put on oak to make them look updated. But, leaving them as-is without updating just makes a kitchen look dated. That’s just the truth.
Formica countertops are a cheap alternative to other materials--emphasis on the cheap! For most kitchens, it wouldn’t take more than a few grand to update your countertops, and it would really freshen up one of the most important spaces in your home.
You’re in your kitchen every day, so using materials that are sturdy enough to hold up against daily wear and tear is a must. Formica begins to wear over time, especially if it has a design printed onto it. These days Formica isn’t cheap either, so you might as well do the job right.
Carrera marble is a timeless classic. If you’re looking for a classic and expensive look, check out the many variations of this gorgeous marble. We promise, your kitchen will thank you!
Granite has gotten a bit dated. We’ve seen it in every kitchen reno since 2005, so why not go for something new! Marble brings a timeless elegance to your kitchen that you just can’t get with other materials.
Travertine took the design world by storm… in 2007. Seriously, it’s been 13 years and it’s time to switch it up. Travertine screams “Builder Grade” to anyone with an ounce of taste. Give this outdated stone the boot and opt for something better.
Just do us a favor, and your kitchen, and don’t go with subway tiles. Also, stay away from anything that has a trendy pattern. Go with something simple and timeless. Kitchens aren’t really the place for trends…you’ll just be ripping it out later.
Glass and mirrored backsplashes are a beautiful way to give your kitchen a unique flare. Mirrored surfaces add another dimension to any space and move the light around creating more space to the eye.
This tactic works perfectly under cabinets because it adds light to an otherwise dark corner. Want a small kitchen to look bigger, mirrored backsplash is your answer! Mirrored backsplash comes in several different colors and shapes, but we recommend keeping it as simple as possible.
Having an island for the sake of having an island is a useless waste of space. Make sure your kitchen island is something that can be fully utilized either for storage or functionality!
A kitchen island should ad function to your space. If not, it’s just taking up valuable space in your kitchen. It should at least be able to function as a prep space.
Consider adding a sink or small pullout appliances, like an additional dishwasher or drink fridge. Also make sure there is enough counter space for people to comfortably congregate in the kitchen, because you know they’re going to do it!
A good, functional, kitchen island adds so much value to a space. Before adding, plan out how you will use the surface and its storage. Are you adding a cooktop, or sink? What about storage? We suggest at least adding a few outlets in case you break out that margarita machine.
It’s no secret that tile has been the go-to for several years, but, over time, that’s left us with some outdated tile that needs to be replaced. We know you spent a lot of time on replacing that linoleum in the early 2000s, but we hate to tell you this… it’s been over 20 years since then.
If your tile is looking a little worse-for-wear, it’s time for something new. Avoid picking any patterns or textures that are getting overused, because trends only lead to dated looks down the road.
Sandstone is an expensive-looking timeless tile that will keep your flooring in style for years to come. You can’t go wrong with bare materials, and sandstone is a neutral material that will accent any design.
Flooring is one of the big-ticket items homeowners are faced with replacing at some point. What we love about natural tile elements is that they will never be out of style. It may drop from favor for a few years, but it will always come back around. Investing in natural stone will always pay it forward.
If you’re still sporting those basic black and white appliances it’s time to step it up. The appliance world has taken major strides in technology and finishes in the last few years, and you may be missing out.
Is your water bill outrageous? It’s time for energy-efficient appliances. Has your oven not cooked evenly for a few years? Time for a new one. There are even refrigerators that tell you when your food is expired! We’re living like real-life Jetsons these days.
From beautiful finishes to new technology, smart appliances make cooking and cleaning in your kitchen a breeze. Forget about keeping up with expired groceries, your fridge does it for you! It truly is a time to be alive.
Stainless steel had one glaring problem…fingerprints. These days stainless steel is made to be anti-smudge! If you don’t believe us, take a trip to your local appliance store and have a salesperson show you what you’re missing.
Ok, don’t get us wrong. We’re fans of elaborate woodworking as well, but your kitchen cabinets just may not be the place for it. Ornate molding and trim can overwhelm and lock you into an outdated kitchen. If this is the case, it may be time for a remodel.
A few ornaments here and there can elevate a space, but too much can weigh down a room’s potential. There’s also nothing worse than a corny attempt at a traditional style kitchen in a new build home. If you’re going for that estate look, buy an older home! You just can’t get that same look out of the suburbs.
Keep your cabinets timeless with clean lines. Consider shaker-style cabinet doors that reach all the way to the ceiling. If you’re a more is more type of person, go all out on your cabinet hardware. Just keep the cabinets themselves simple.
You can use trim and molding to enhance your cabinet design but maintain straight lines. If you enjoy a vintage look, that’s okay, you can accessorize with hardware and decor to achieve this same vibe. For big-ticket items like cabinets, keep the look versatile so you can enjoy a change of pace without dropping major cash on trends.
It’s seriously been over 40 years since linoleum was remotely acceptable. If you’re still living with these monsters, it’s time to bite the bullet and replace them. Think of the years of buildup and grime embedded on those floors. Gross!
Sheet linoleum was the flooring of the future…in the ‘60s! It’s not even a vintage trend that people look back on fondly. So, if you’re trying to say it’s a nostalgia thing…you’re not convincing anybody. Cut ties with cut and stick linoleum for good.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring gives you all the low maintenance durability of linoleum with the look of the real thing. Luxury vinyl, or LVT, is replacing linoleum, carpet, tile, and even hardwood! We think LVT is here to stay, so don’t be afraid of the sticker price.
This flooring is specially designed to hold up to the real-life wear and tear of heavy foot traffic and even pets! They’re almost invincible to drops, stains, and scratches. Install is also an easy process, it’s just like laminate but better!
Fluorescent lights belong in hospitals and warehouses, not your kitchen. Science has shown that blue light can strain your eyes and leave you feeling stressed and pressed! For a few hundred bucks, switch these out in a weekend.
If you were around in the ‘70s you remember how overhead lighting just wasn’t a thing. Every light switch controlled sockets for floor lamps because dim lighting was in! Well…that trend is back in full force. However, in the kitchen, you need that overhead lighting, so consider going with some nice recessed lighting.
Overhead lighting is an amazing opportunity to make something functional, beautiful! Lighting is a relatively easy way to transform a room.
A stunning light fixture is an excellent opportunity to give a room a design focal point. Don’t be afraid to make a statement! Elaborate light fixtures are one of those things that give a home character, even if they’re old. Just stay true to the charm of your home, otherwise, you’re trying too hard.
Do you ever feel like working in your kitchen is like getting dressed in the dark? Under-cabinet counter space can be uncomfortable to work on considering the lack of light, leaving it useless.
If you have a galley kitchen, this may be your only usable task space for cutting and dicing. Well, wielding a sharp object in the dark just doesn’t sound like a good idea to us!
Task lighting has become crucial in most kitchen remodels. Not only does it look good, but it also lets us see clearly while working in the kitchen. After all, when using sharp objects while cooking, we should really be able to see what we’re doing.
This lighting usually hides underneath your cabinets, so we wouldn’t care too much about how the fixture itself looks. But, if you’re looking for options, get a fixture that allows you to adjust the warmth of the light. For function, blue light is best…for entertaining and design, warm light is the way to go.
Yes, at the end of the day, a kitchen is a work space. However, it’s extremely hard to work in a cluttered area. Appliances, seasonings, and utensils can be stored on your counters, but this can make your kitchen feel cramped and unpleasant to work in.
You need space to spread out! If your items are taking up valuable counter space, consider downsizing a bit…or at least storing them somewhere off valuable counter space. If you haven’t used an item in the past month, it probably doesn’t need to be on your countertop.
If you’re tired of having a cluttered kitchen, talk to your contractor about these amazingly useful storage compartments! You can hide appliances big and small, as well as everyday cooking utensils that need to be accessible.
Even for heavy items like mixers, there are storage solutions that not only give your small appliances a place to go but also automatically present them to be used. Kitchen aid makes a spring-loaded mechanism that pops your mixer out to be used when you’re ready! So cool!
If you’re looking to get the most from your kitchen, spend a little extra on something custom. This isn’t necessarily about the look of the cabinets, but custom cabinets can offer useful storage solutions that builder grade just can’t.
At least with old cabinets, there is potential for refurbishment and reuse; however, with these cheap cabinets, you’re stuck replacing your entire setup every time you get a little water damage. These cabinets just don’t hold up to years of use, and it shows.
If you’re looking to get the most from your kitchen, spend a little extra on something custom. This isn’t necessarily about the look of the cabinets, but custom cabinets can offer useful storage solutions that builder grade just can’t.
Having thoughtful space for items that we use every day in the kitchen is just as important as storing the items that we don’t use! Built-in spice racks, in-cabinet pot and pan holders, and much more can be incorporated for a well-designed kitchen cabinet system.
Listen, you’d be surprised at the caked-on grime that can build up on those old cabinet pulls. Dated and faded pulls will make your kitchen look and feel grimy and gross. Pulls are such an easy thing to replace; don’t live with these for another day!
Cabinet hardware is a low-commitment opportunity to play with trends! So, if you find yourself displeased with the way your cabinets look, it may be as simple as changing the hardware. You would be surprised at the impact a cheap pair of pulls have on a kitchen.
In a time where neutral and plain is the thing to do, add your personality to your space with gorgeous and unique cabinet pulls. Pulls are something so easy to replace if they fall out of favor, so it’s not a big deal if they aren’t everyone’s favorite.
Options for cabinet hardware are basically infinite. These small items are easy to ship, so you’re not limited to the options at chain hardware stores. Hop on your computer and find an online vendor for pulls that you love! You can do the installation yourself or pay any handyman to do the job.
Porcelain is classic. However, if your porcelain sink is scratched, chipped, or stained beyond repair, it’s time to put that thing out of its misery.
The kitchen sink is probably the one thing in the kitchen you have to look at head on, every day. When washing your vegetables, you get a face full of the good, bad, and ugly of your sink…and now you just can’t un-see it!
Spacious sinks are here to stay. No matter which style you chose, it’s size that matters here. These sinks can come in many different finishes like stainless steel, copper, porcelain, and even stone.
This is a classic design that shouldn’t have ever gone away! People need a big sink, it’s just a fact. Just remember, when committing to something that’s going to be a daily-use element, keep it timeless and true to your house’s character. Then, you’ll really be happy with the way your kitchen looks.
There’s nothing more basic than a cheap electric range. Those glass hot plates were the thing to have in 2010, but we’ve moved on since then and you should too.
While they look sleek on your countertops, these electric ranges are tough to clean. They end up showing every speck of grime. You can clean them till your fingers bleed, and they’ll still look dirty.
There’s something romantic about cooking on an open flame, and it’s something everyone can have. If you’re remodeling your kitchen or thinking about your dream kitchen, think about a nice gas range.
Cooking on gas is a totally different experience, it makes your daily cooking just a little more fun! All of a sudden you have a white chef’s hat on, and Gordon Ramsey is patting you on the shoulder telling you “Good job.”
