Kitchens may be the heart of the home, but even the most beautifully renovated ones can come with design decisions that don’t age well. While homeowners tend to regret things like not adding enough storage or splurging on trendy countertops, real estate agents see a different side of kitchen remorse, because they hear it straight from buyers and sellers. If you’re house hunting and want to ensure you don’t fall for one of these kitchen design faux pas, we have you covered.
We asked the pros which features they actually see people second-guessing post-purchase—and spoiler: It’s not the statement lighting or the bold paint color you’d expect. From layout choices that tank functionality to upgrades that turn into long-term headaches, here’s what buyers say they’d skip if they could do it over again, according to two real estate experts.
Open Shelving
That kitchen with nothing but open shelving may look cute on Pinterest, but in reality, open shelving can limit functionality and quickly leave a space feeling cluttered. Not only is keeping them perfectly styled and magazine-worthy impractical, but open shelves also accumulate dust, grease, and condensation—leaving your dishes and decor feeling (and looking) grimy.
Instead of going all-in on open shelving, consider dedicating a small area to open shelving (preferably located far away from your stove and sink) to display decorative items and dishware. Then, consider swapping out your traditional cabinet doors for windowed alternatives.
“Closed cabinets, preferably with glass doors, are a good option, as they combine style with storage and make everything easy to access without making a mess,” says Alexei Morgado, a Florida real estate agent and founder of Lexawise.
All-White Kitchens
In theory, all-white kitchens (think bright white cabinets, floors, countertops, and backsplashes) offer a bright, clean, and airy atmosphere. In practice, however, they can feel cold, sterile, and impersonal, and also show dirt and grime more quickly, says Morgado. What might feel modern and updated during a showing can cause headaches down the line once the kitchen is in regular use. They are truly like the 2020’s version of the grey-on-grey “landlord special,” and it’s time to leave them firmly in the past.
Recirculating Extractor Hoods
Another headache-inducing feature buyers will come to regret is extractor hoods without an external outlet, Morgado says. These recirculating extractor hoods can lead to poor air quality (especially with gas stoves), grease buildup, and heat and odor problems—especially in warmer climates.
“That’s why the best solution is to opt for a good extractor hood with an external outlet, without recirculation, and for induction hobs, which will improve air circulation inside the property,” Morgado says.
Kitchens Without a Pantry
It can be easy to miss that a kitchen doesn’t have a pantry at first, especially if you’re busy being dazzled by other features like a large kitchen island, new countertops, or modern appliances. However, Allison Freeman, a leading real estate agent with The Premier Property Group in Florida, says that forgoing a pantry is a common regret she sees months later when the cabinets meant for dishes are now occupied by bags of flour, spices, and canned goods.
However, this can be easily fixed if you’re up for getting your hands dirty. Even the smallest spaces can be outfitted with a pantry with a little creativity and DIY smarts. “I had a client who once turned a small coat closet that was close by into the kitchen pantry. There are so many DIY hacks online that can turn a predetermined space into a standout renovation,” she says.
High-Maintenance Surfaces
Aesthetic but high-maintenance surfaces are another regret real estate pros see their clients battling with all the time. That pretty white marble slab or oiled butcher block countertop won’t feel as appealing several months down the line when your busy lifestyle can’t manage the upkeep. A tiled backsplash with grout lines that need lots of cleaning—which can happen with white grout—is another example, says Morgado.
“An option like quartz or quartzite countertops is more durable, easier to maintain, and attracts more attention from today’s buyers,” Morgado says.
Cheap Appliances
Cheap appliances aren’t always apparent at first glance, but according to Freeman, it’s worth taking a second look. “Appliances can look similar, but trust me, they don’t all perform the same. Just because it’s stainless steel on the outside doesn’t mean it works well on the inside,” she says.
The last thing you want to do after purchasing a home is replace all the seemingly new (but cheap) appliances because they are too loud, don’t work well, or break down within months of use.