The kitchen is perhaps the most complex room in the home. Above all, this space needs to function as a workspace, meaning practical and durable elements are essential. However, prioritizing functionality can often feel conflicting – not least because this space is often one of the particular most sociable rooms in the home. Therefore, as the place where family and guests often congregate, it’s important your own kitchen looks good, too.
Knowing what makes a house appearance cheap is one way to ensure every room in your home is well-curated for all who live there and all who pass through. This is valuable in every space, but none more so than in your kitchen – the place exactly where you are subject to probably the most hardware, appliances, and inevitable splashes plus spills that come with cooking (and living).
In many cases, the points that lead to a home looking cheap aren’t even a reflection of wealth, in fact, there are many budget-friendly ways you can make a home look expensive .
What makes a kitchen look inexpensive?
We asked top designers for the particular top five items to avoid or change – to be sure your kitchen area ideas are as exclusive as the rest of your home.
1. Bulky under-cabinet hoods
(Image credit: Alamy)
A cabinet-hoods is the particular perfect example of something that is necessary for practical reasons in a home. And while you certainly shouldn’t get rid of it completely, designer J. R. Coffin from Studio Den (opens inside new tab) in Brooklyn warns that you should look with regard to a more discreet alternative.
‘Not every kitchen has access to exterior exhaust – but large recirculating hoods mounted to the underside of your cabinets make your kitchen look more of a quick rental than the home, ‘ J. R warns. Instead, she suggests investing in a minimal range hood that can be ‘sleekly integrated into cabinets, millwork, or even your microwave. ‘
2. Mismatched appliances
(Image credit: Future / Emma Lee)
It is only natural that your kitchen is home to more appliances than any other space. However , J. R. warns that too many materials and colors can make a kitchen look ‘hodge-podge plus cheap. ‘
‘We don’t always need everything to be stainless steel, but appliances should match with – either each other or the environment around them, ‘ she says. For example, you should choose the dark dishwasher if you have dark base kitchen cabinet ideas – or a panelized wood fridge with wood cupboards – for a new more streamlined aesthetic overall.
3. Short backsplashes
(Image credit: Future / Jake Curtis)
‘No matter your own counter material, a 4″ tall backsplash – often matching the counter color – makes kitchens look small in addition to outdated, ‘ J. R says. ‘This is a total missed opportunity to elevate your kitchen area with an eye-catching wall tile that runs from the top of the counter to the bottom of the upper cabinet or shelf. ‘
Carla Bast through Carla Bast Design (opens in new tab) in Minneapolis agrees. She, too, cautions that some sort of standard 4″ backsplash in your countertop material will bring down the particular overall look and even feel of your cooking area – together with prompts you to look for more vibrant kitchen tile ideas instead.
‘Tile is relatively inexpensive and easy in order to install; plus, it can really help to tie together your current kitchen’s appearance and feel, making it appear a lot more expensive, ‘ she says. ‘Remove that will 4″ curb and replace it with a full-height tile backsplash from the countertop towards the bottom of the upper units. ‘
4. Laminate countertops
(Image credit score: GettyImages)
On typically the subject associated with countertop suggestions , Carla also urges against laminate countertops (often referred to as Formica ) – explaining that the synthetic material may have a good less-than-desired impact on the kitchen.
‘They don’t have the natural beauty or depth of real stone or even solid surface such as manufactured quartz, ‘ this designer states.
‘Additionally, they sound cheap because they make a hollow audio when a person place an item on them. but rather a print or vinyl overlay. Laminate countertops also tend to make your kitchen appear smaller due to their glossy finish, and they also produce a high-pitched sound when tapped. ‘
5. Fluorescent lights
(Image credit: Davide Lovatti/Future PLC)
Mastering the most flattering lighting ideas could make or perhaps break any room, but none quite so much as your home. And, arguably, the worst choice an individual can make in your kitchen is mounting a large fluorescent light on the house ceiling.
‘They’re frequently harsh, unflattering, and just plain ugly, ‘ Carla says. ‘If you want your own personal kitchen to be able to look more elegant, install recessed illumination and add decorative lighting such while pendants over your center island and additionally kitchen sink. They’ll cast some softer, more flattering light and will make your kitchen look a lot more luxurious. ‘
