15 Home Trends to Avoid at All Costs

Distressed wood

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Distressing seems to be all the rage at the moment, but even now it’s on its way out as a trend. Unless you truly want a rustic feel in your kitchen, McDermott suggests avoiding the look for now. Don’t miss these other 12 home renovations you’re likely to regret later.

Slim house columns

First impressions are important, so you want to make the exterior of your home as attractive as possible. Slim house columns make a house look dated. And beefing up your skinny posts is 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 is worth it. Check out these 16 ways to add curb appeal for less than $50.

Raised panel doors and partial overlay cabinets

Raised panel doors may be a classic look for cabinetry, but they certainly aren’t trendy at the moment. Partial overlay, which refers to the amount of frame visible in a cabinetry run, is also on the out. Don’t be afraid to try painting cabinets for a new look.

Roof shingles that have “dimension”

If you have a solid color siding on the exterior of your home, then a patchy, asphalt roof is perfectly fine and might be more interesting than a solid-colored roof. However, if you have a multicolored brick or stone design on the exterior of your home, a patchy-looking asphalt roof will not be ideal. This exterior home trend will clash with your fastened elements rather than relate to them nicely. Consider what exterior colors are trending, too—here’s a helpful guide.

Slab- or Shaker-style doors

Just like the raised panel doors, stay away from the 3D look for your cabinets. Although they give an opposite type of 3D look to your kitchen, slab or Shaker doors will still look aged in your kitchen compared to inset cabinetry.

Tile countertops

Tile countertops have made a comeback in recent years, as they are less expensive than many other countertop materials, but they are difficult to maintain because they are prone to chips and grout stains. Instead, research the pros and cons of other countertop materials such as laminate, marble and stainless steel. There are plenty of other countertop options to meet your needs and budget. Don’t miss these other 32 ways to save money during home renovations.

Brass hardware

Metals might be in when it comes to accessories, but avoid shiny brass, which can make a kitchen look dated. Instead, replace cabinet hardware with brushed nickel, glass or stainless steel. Another good way to update your kitchen is to install a ceiling light in a black matte finish—here’s how.

Over-the-range microwave

Instead of saving space in the kitchen by putting the microwave over the range, move it to a built-in cubby under the counter. You may also be able to mount it under the cabinets, just above the counter. While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, the trend is on the way out in 2018.

Bold appliances

Bold kitchen colors are on 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 that bold red or seafoam green appliance will look in a few years. Here are 13 ridiculous home improvement fails that will seriously make you cringe.

Speckled granite

Granite is still a popular choice when it comes to kitchen countertops, but there are other options that are easier to maintain, less expensive, and more modern looking. Depending on your style, try quartz, concrete, or even butcher block.

Hanging pot racks

Hanging pot racks have hung around long enough. The trend is toward 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 past decade, try lighter wood tones. Learn 52 ways to make your home look expensive.

Farmhouse sinks

They were everywhere over the last few years, but farmhouse sinks aren’t for everyone. Instead, install a large stainless-steel sink (here’s how) which is more practical and works with a variety of decor styles.

Short cabinets

Avoid short cabinets, and instead install cabinets that are tall, as they help your kitchen appear larger. Shorter cabinets leave a gap between the top and the ceiling, which is often too small of a space to do anything with. If you’re looking to replace all your kitchen cabinets, try building your own. But learn which 12 home improvement projects you should never, ever DIY.