7 Impractical Kitchen Trends Designers Don’t Recommend

A kitchen is the heart of a home. It’s where meals are prepared and where memories are often built. Thus, it should be designed to be both highly functional and visually appealing.

Whether renovating your kitchen or building from scratch, you might be searching for kitchen trends that suit your unique needs. But some trends aren’t worth the hype. A kitchen upgrade is a considerable investment, so it’s best to make the right choice the first time, rather than have expensive regrets later on. Here are the most impractical kitchen trends designers say you’re better off avoiding.

Floating shelves

Kristin Farnan, founder of Ridge Residential Design, says floating and open shelves are an “easy way to stress out over an unorganized shelf.”

“Open shelving is a big trend for kitchens, but too much open shelving can create chaotic visual clutter if the shelves are not constantly tidied up and organized” Christina Giaquinto, professional organizer at Modular Closets, says.

While floating shelves offer an airy and expansive feel, they’re just not practical for most households. Without cabinet doors, utensils and appliances are exposed to dust and kitchen splatter. If you actually need the storage, opt out of floating shelves and look for kitchen organizers to compartmentalize space in closed cabinets.

All-white kitchen trend

All-white kitchens were a big hit for the modern, minimalist trend, but they’re falling out of favor with designers. “I don’t like the all-white kitchen trend because they’re high maintenance and can feel sterile,” says Giaquinto. “The lack of contrast can make an all-white kitchen feel uninspiring. And while they look lovely in photos, all-white kitchens will also show every single spill, smudge, and stain. You will need to constantly clean every surface.”

She adds that this extra maintenance can just create more stress in the kitchen. “This upkeep can be overwhelming, especially in a busy household,” says Giaquinto. “Also, to maintain this trend, you will need ample storage so items can stay hidden when not in use. If you don’t have adequate storage, an all-white kitchen can quickly look cluttered.”

Minimalist kitchens

This kitchen trend towards sleek and uncluttered spaces prioritizes simplicity and efficiency. However, minimalist kitchens often feel cold and uninviting.

“Kitchens should be a representation of who you are and your personality. As we move into 2025 and beyond, you’ll see more creative kitchens, such as cabinet color, a mix of cabinet styles, unique stone, and soft hardware,” says Farnan.

Designers recommend finding a balance between minimalism and functionality to create spaces that feel livable.

Exposed appliances

Giaquinto says exposed appliances like big range hoods are popular because they help to create a bold and industrial aesthetic, but they’re impractical because they require more upkeep. “For example, big range hoods accumulate grease and grime quickly and will need to be wiped down more frequently,” she says.

Also, as you change other countertop appliances, older exposed appliances may clash with other design elements. Opt for a timeless, custom design that you can build other elements around.

Smart home appliances

While smart home appliances are popular right now, having too many smart devices can be impractical. “Yes, smart fridges and ovens sound convenient, but they often require constant updates and can be prone to glitches,” Giaquinto adds. They also rely on WiFi, which isn’t always available or practical. For those who aren’t tech-savvy, these appliances may be more expensive than their traditional counterparts. And, each new gadget promises to deliver better services than old competitors, so you have to be thoughtful and restrained when adding yet another new appliance to your kitchen collection.

Marble countertops

Marble countertops remain an evergreen kitchen trend, but they require a lot of care and maintenance. Giaquinto reminds us that since marble is highly porous and stains easily (especially from acidic foods and wine), it isn’t a great choice in the kitchen, where food spills can frequently happen. “Instead of marble, I recommend quartz or granite,” Giaquinto says. “They offer the same high-end feel without constant maintenance.”

Overly decorative tile backlashes

Overly decorative tile backsplashes were once very popular, but Giaquinto says they can overwhelm a space or make it difficult to update a kitchen’s look in the future. “Overly ornate tile backsplashes can add personality to the space, but they can easily clash with other design elements,” says Giaquinto. “Instead, I recommend simple, classic backsplashes, like subway tiles—they will add visual interest without creating disharmony.”