15 Home Trends to Avoid at All Costs

Slim House Columns

First impressions are important, so make the exterior of your home as attractive as possible. Slim house columns give your house a dated look. And beefing up those skinny posts offers a great way to improve the curb appeal of your house instantly! It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to sell or just want to give your home’s exterior a fresh look, this update pays off. Check out these 10 curb appeal makeovers you have to see.

Raised-Panel Doors and Partial-Overlay

Raised-panel doors continue to provide a classic look for cabinetry, but trends don’t favor them at the moment. Also shun partial-overlay, which refers to the amount of frame visible in a cabinetry run. Don’t be afraid to try painting cabinets for a new look.

Distressing Wood

You see distressed styling everywhere at the moment, but you can see the expiration date coming. Unless you truly want that rustic feel (here’s how to get that awesome rustic barn wood door) in your kitchen, interior designer KellyMcDermott, suggests avoiding the look at all costs for now.

Roof Shingles That Have ‘Dimension’

If you have solid-color siding on the exterior of your home, then a patchy, asphalt roof looks perfectly fine and might offer more interest than a solid-colored roof. However, if you have a multi-colored brick or stone design on the exterior of your home, think twice about that patchy-looking asphalt roof. This exterior home trend clashes with your fastened elements rather than relating to them nicely. Consider what exterior colors are trending, too.

Slab or Shaker-Style Doors

Just like the raised-panel doors, stay away from the 3D look for your cabinets. Slab or shaker doors, although they lend an opposite type of 3D look to your kitchen, still look aged in your kitchen compared to inset cabinetry.

Tile Countertops

Tile countertops have made a comeback in recent years because they are less expensive than many other countertop materials. But their chips and grout stains require more maintenance. Instead, research the pros and cons of other countertop materials such as laminate, marble and stainless steel. Plenty of other countertop options can meet your needs and budget.

Brass Hardware

Metals remain on-trend when it comes to accessories, but avoid shiny brass as it can make a kitchen look dated. Instead, replace cabinet hardware with brushed nickel, glass or stainless steel. You can also update your kitchen by installing a ceiling light in a black matte finish.

Over-the-Range Microwave

Instead of saving kitchen space by mounting the microwave over the range, move it to a built-in cubby under the counter. You may also consider mounting it under the cabinets, just above the counter. While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, you see it less and less in 2020 designs.

Bold Appliances

Bold kitchen colors continue to trend, but avoid choosing bright colors for appliances. You wouldn’t put a ’70s avocado-green or goldenrod refrigerator in your kitchen now, so just imagine how stylish that bold red or seafoam-green appliance will appear a few years from now.

Speckled Granite

The popularity of granite for kitchen countertops has not receded, but other options exist that offer easier maintenance, cost less and look more modern. Depending on your style, try quartz, concrete or even butcher block.

Hanging Pot Racks

Hanging pot racks have hung around long enough. The current trend favors clean, sleek lines, and those hanging racks can make a kitchen look cluttered. Instead of hanging a large pot rack over a kitchen island, try building cabinet rollouts.

You may also get inspired by these 12 creative solutions for storing pots and pans.

Too Many Open Shelves

Open shelving looks great when done right, but too many open shelves can look unorganized. Stick to a couple well-organized open shelves mixed in with cabinets.

Dark Wood

When updating your kitchen cabinets, think bright. Instead of dark wood finishes that have been a go-to for the last decade, try lighter wood tones.

Farmhouse Sinks

Seen everywhere over the last few years, farmhouse sinks aren’t for everyone. Instead, install a large stainless-steel sink — a more practical option that works with a variety of decor styles.

Short Cabinets

Avoid short cabinets and instead, install tall cabinets that help your kitchen appear larger. A shorter cabinet leaves a gap between its top and the ceiling; a small space that you can’t do much with. If you’re looking to replace all your kitchen cabinets, try building your own.