‘Unflattering and just plain ugly!’ Kitchen features that make homes ‘cheap and outdated’

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, prioritising functionality can often feel conflicting - not least because this space is often one of the most sociable rooms in the home. Therefore, as the place where family and guests often congregate, it's important your kitchen looks good, too.

By Angela Patrone, Senior Lifestyle Reporter

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Knowing what makes a look 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 – the place where you are subject to the most hardware, , and inevitable splashes and spills that come with cooking (and living). In many cases, the things that lead to a house looking cheap aren't even a reflection of wealth, in fact, there are many budget-friendly ways you can make a home look expensive.

Two interior designers have shared their top five things to avoid or change – to be sure that kitchens are as exclusive as the rest of the home. 

Bulky under-cabinet hoods 

A cabinet hood is the perfect example of something that is necessary for practical reasons in a home. 

While you certainly shouldn't get rid of it completely, designer J.R. Coffin from Studio Den Den warns that you should look for a more discreet alternative.

She warned: “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 a home.” 

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Kitchen features to avoid

‘Unflattering and just plain ugly!’ Kitchen features that make homes ‘cheap and outdated’ (Image: GETTY)

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Instead, she suggests investing in a minimal range hood that can be “sleekly integrated into cabinets, millwork, or even your microwave”.

Mismatched appliances

It is only natural that your kitchen is home to more appliances than any other space. However, J.R. warned that too many materials and colours can make a kitchen look “hodge-podge and cheap”.

She said: “We don't always need everything to be stainless steel, but appliances should match with - either each other or the environment around them.”

For example, households should choose a dark dishwasher if they have dark base kitchen cabinets – or a panelled wood fridge with wood cabinets - for a more streamlined aesthetic overall. 

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Short splashbacks 

J.R said: “No matter your counter material, a four inch tall splashback – often matching the counter colour – makes kitchens look small, cheap and outdated.

“This is a total missed opportunity to elevate your kitchen 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 from Carla Bast Design, agreed. She, too, cautions that a standard four inch splashback in your countertop material will bring down the overall look and feel of your kitchen – and prompts you to look for more vibrant kitchen tiles instead. 

She said: “Tile is relatively inexpensive and easy to install; plus, it can really help to tie together your kitchen's overall look and feel, making it appear more expensive.

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beautiful closeup of custom designed kitchen, with marble looking quartz countertop and backsplash. cream electric kettle with porcelain tea accessori

Splashbacks should cover from the countertop to the bottom of your upper cabinets (Image: Getty)

“Remove that four inch curb and replace it with a full-height tile splashback from the countertop to the bottom of your upper cabinets.”

Laminate worktops 

On the subject of worktops, Carla also urges against laminate countertops, explaining that the synthetic material can have a less-than-desired impact on your kitchen. 

The designer said: “They don't have the natural beauty or depth of real stone or solid surface such as manufactured quartz.

“Additionally, they sound cheap because they make a hollow sound when you place an item on them. but rather a print or vinyl overlay. 

Minimal and cozy green kitchen counter with white laminated plastic top and black quartz sink with sunlight from window on wall

Carla urges against laminate countertops as the material can have a less-than-desired impact (Image: Getty)

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“Laminate countertops also tend to make a kitchen look smaller due to their glossy finish, and they also produce a high-pitched sound when tapped.”

Fluorescent lights

Mastering the most flattering of lighting can make or break any room, but none quite so much as your kitchen. 

Arguably, the are worst choice you can make in your kitchen is mounting a large fluorescent light on the kitchen ceiling, according to the expert.

Carla explained: “They're often harsh, unflattering, and just plain ugly. If you want your kitchen to look more elegant, install recessed lighting and add decorative lighting such as pendants over your centre island and kitchen sink. They'll cast a softer, more flattering light and will make your kitchen look much more luxurious.”

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