7 Trendy Kitchen Upgrades You Might Regret

Going “overboard” with the backsplash

Jensen points out that mosaic tiles, “highly intricate borders,” and mixing in other metals or finishes are a “surefire way to date your kitchen and potentially impact a home’s resale value.” She goes on, “Trendy design choices like these are often fleeting and are not just subject to change but also to personal taste.”

Instead, Jensen says the best alternative is to “select a subtle tile in a tonal color or neutral shade, or opt for a clean slab backsplash that matches the countertop.” If these options feel too bland, Jensen has advice: “To keep this selection from looking plain or boring, when installing the tile, incorporate a classic pattern like herringbone or brick.”

Replacing too many upper cabinets with open shelving

Open shelving is a highly cited kitchen upgrade you’ll regret. Jensen elaborates, “While this design choice looks fantastic in professionally styled photos, it is highly impractical. It collects dust and grease, requires constant upkeep, and removes essential concealed storage.”

If your heart is set on open shelving, minimize how much of it you have and place it strategically. “Having a combination of upper cabinetry and some open shelving (ideally near less messy zones like a coffee bar) is the ideal design choice,” Jensen offers.

Selecting high-maintenance surfaces

Installing high-maintenance surfaces is another common kitchen upgrade mistake, according to Jensen. “This error can happen in a number of ways,” she says, including selecting a white marble countertop, not properly sealing other natural stones, or using a glossy finish on floors. She goes on to detail that “white marble is notorious for staining in common use kitchens, even when properly sealed. Glossy floors or other surfaces easily show dirt, smudges and scratches again, an impractical design decision for everyday living.”

The solution, Jensen says, is to “ensure that a light-colored marble is not used for a countertop and that other natural stones are properly sealed upon installation. Also, opt for matte or satin flooring finishes with natural variation to mask wear and tear.”

High gloss cabinets

“Flat slab cabinets with high-gloss laminate always seem cool on the Pinterest board until you touch them!” says Niemela. He goes on to detail why it’s a kitchen upgrade you’ll regret: “They smudge, scratch, and reflect light like a fun house mirror.” In addition, in very hot, sunny places like Arizona, they can warp. Rather than risk these issues, Niemela advises, “Go with painted MDF or wood veneer in a soft satin instead.”

Waterfall countertops on both ends

Niemela says that this is a common kitchen upgrade and concedes that the look is sleek. However, this only lasts “until you slam your hip into it three times a day and realize your barstools don’t fit,” he says. Instead, he suggests doing one waterfall side and keeping the rest practical. “Style should never compromise flow,” he states.

All-black kitchens

Niemela is not a fan of the all-black kitchen. “Instagram flex? Maybe. But in the real world, they shrink the room, show every fingerprint, and suck out all the energy.”

Instead of going completely black, Niemela says, “You want dark? Use it sparingly,” suggesting that homeowners mix black with walnut or light oak to avoid what he calls “the cave effect.”

Skipping the vent hood

“Yes a downdraft looks slick,” agrees Niemela, “but it does nothing in open kitchens.” He elaborates: “You fry one steak and the whole house smells like smoke.” Rather than choosing the sub-par downdraft, adequate ventilation is a non-negotiable. “A proper hood with 600 CFM makes or breaks your air quality. Style is great. Function is mandatory,” he concludes.

About the experts

• Isfira Jensen is the CEO and principal interior designer at Jensen & Co. Interiors, a New York City-based firm. The firm has been featured in Architectural Digest, Forbes, and more. With over a decade of hands-on interior design experience, Jensen brings a deep understanding of design, craftsmanship, and the art of creating truly stunning spaces.
• Danny Niemela is the vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction, a luxury home remodeling company in Scottsdale, Arizona. Since 2007, he has led high-end kitchen, bathroom, and whole-home remodels with a sharp focus on craftsmanship and client experience. He is also the President of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Sources

Interviewed sources

• Isifira Jensen, principal designer and CEO at Jensen & Co. Interiors with over a decade of interior design experience; email interview, May 13, 2025.

• Danny Niemela, vice president and CFO at ArDan Construction with over 17 years of experience in high-end renovation; email interview, May 14, 2025.

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