{"id":29338,"date":"2025-09-18T18:15:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-18T18:15:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/29338\/"},"modified":"2025-09-18T18:15:08","modified_gmt":"2025-09-18T18:15:08","slug":"7-kitchen-eyesores-that-instantly-ruin-your-space-according-to-designers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/29338\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Kitchen Eyesores That Instantly Ruin Your Space, According to Designers"},"content":{"rendered":"

The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and for good reason. It\u2019s where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. While functionality is the number one priority in this high-traffic space, aesthetics matter, too. In fact, kitchen design experts<\/a> say that certain everyday choices, like cluttered countertops<\/a> or tired finishes, can quietly sabotage your kitchen\u2019s style, chipping away at its comfort and appeal.<\/p>\n

So, what makes a kitchen truly well-designed<\/a>? And which everyday mistakes should you watch out for to get the most out of your kitchen? We asked interior designers to weigh in on what\u2019s working and what\u2019s definitely not.<\/p>\n

Meet Our Expert<\/p>\n

Sina Almassi<\/a> is a designer at nobilia North America, a kitchen cabinetry and furniture manufacturer.<\/p>\n

Emily Ruff<\/a> is the owner and principal designer of Cohesively Curated Interiors.<\/p>\n

Elements of a Well-Designed Kitchen<\/p>\n

\u201cA well-designed kitchen balances both form and function to support how the space is used every day,\u201d says Sina Almassi, designer at nobilia North America. \u201cFunctionally, it offers smooth circulation\u2014enough room to move comfortably between appliances, prep areas, and adjacent spaces\u2014while supporting the natural flow of tasks like unloading groceries, cooking, and cleaning.\u201d Good lighting, intuitive storage, and easy access to essentials are equally important for a successful kitchen design<\/a>. \u201cAesthetically, the layout should feel proportional to the space, with a cohesive finish that complements the overall style of the home,” Almassi adds.<\/p>\n

Emily Ruff, owner and principal designer of Cohesively Curated Interiors, echoes this statement, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful organisation. \u201cWe always ask our clients: Do you cook as a family or individually? Are you big into baking? How much storage do you require for large appliances or specialty cookware?\u201d Understanding how you use your kitchen is the first step in designing it well.<\/p>\n

How to Avoid Kitchen Eyesores<\/p>\n

According to Ruff and Almassi, there are two key windows to prevent or fix design missteps. The first, and best opportunity, is during the initial planning and design phase. \u201cWorking with a kitchen designer<\/a> is invaluable,\u201d says Ruff. \u201cThey\u2019ll help you plan out the best use of your space, using floor plans, elevations, and 3-D renderings to help you visualize your new kitchen and plan where things will go.\u201d She also recommends taking a full inventory of your kitchenware<\/a> to eliminate unnecessary items and assign storage before clutter creeps in.<\/p>\n

The second opportunity comes after the kitchen is already in use. Even without a full remodel, small, intentional updates<\/a> can transform a tired kitchen. \u201cSimple solutions, like thoughtful organization solutions<\/a> or investing in stylish storage accessories<\/a>, can dramatically boost both function and appearance,\u201d Almassi notes. \u201cThe goal in either case is to make every element feel purposeful and integrated into the design.\u201d<\/p>\n

7 Most Common Kitchen Eyesores<\/p>\n

Discover our list of designers’ most noticeable kitchen design mistakes<\/a> so you know what to avoid. The good news: most of them take little to no time to fix.<\/p>\n

1. Misaligned Cabinet Doors and Drawers<\/p>\n

It might seem minor, but uneven cabinet doors and drawers<\/a> can disrupt the visual harmony of a kitchen<\/a>. Thankfully, this is an easy fix involving a screwdriver, patience, and some simple adjustments to the hinge screws on swing doors. \u201cDrawer fronts can be a bit more complex to adjust, depending on the cabinet construction or mounting style, but following the manufacturer\u2019s installation guidelines typically resolves the issue.\u201d Aesthetics aside, you\u2019ll also find that the operation of the drawers and cupboards will be significantly improved, making everyday life that little bit smoother.<\/p>\n

2. Overloaded or Disorganized Open Shelving<\/p>\n

Open shelvies might look chic in magazines, but in real life, they require constant upkeep. \u201cPersonally, I prefer closed cabinetry for a cleaner look,\u201d Almassi admits. \u201cBut, if you do opt for open shelves, it\u2019s essential to keep them purposefully styled to avoid visual clutter<\/a>.\u201d To help you achieve this, she recommends investing in small organizing tools, such as trays, baskets, jars, and platters, to group similar items and maintain order. \u201cEven subtle labels can ensure everything has a designated spot, keeping the shelves both functional and aesthetically pleasing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related: 10 Organization Tips for Optimizing Open Kitchen Shelving <\/a><\/p>\n

3. Cluttered Countertops<\/p>\n

\u201cLike open shelving, cluttered counters<\/a> can make even the most high-end kitchen feel chaotic,\u201d says Almassi. In spacious kitchens with abundant storage, countertops should be kept as clear as possible and reserved for food prep. In smaller kitchens where storage space is a premium, Almassi suggests creating dedicated zones to enhance both function and form.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor instance, essentials like oils, vinegars, salt, and pepper can be neatly corralled in a tray by the stove, or set up a coffee or tea station<\/a> with a tray for brewing equipment and a basket or container for accessories, such as filters, beans, or pods.\u201d Organizers like baskets and trays might feel like a small detail, but they can have a major impact. \u201cDon\u2019t limit them to open shelves and countertops. Inside drawers and cabinets, they make every item feel purposeful and easy to access, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

4. Everyday Appliances on the Counters<\/p>\n

Daily-use appliances are practical, but they\u2019re not exactly design-forward. \u201cAppliances left out on the counter are one of the biggest eyesores I see,\u201d says Ruff. If you\u2019re lucky enough to be designing a kitchen from scratch, Ruff suggests designating easy-to-access spaces for your most frequently used appliances within the design. For example, opt for a built-in microwave in a tall unit, hide toasters and coffee machines in an appliance garage<\/a> or breakfast cupboard, and have large drawers for pans and skillets. \u201cCorner cupboards with a half-moon pull-out are a great place for larger appliances, like air fryers<\/a> and slow cookers,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n

For existing kitchens, do a simple audit. \u201cHaving an appliance cull will create additional cabinet space so you can tuck the rest away,\u201d she says. \u201cIf some items must stay on the counter, place them in corners to free up space in your work zones.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. Visible Trash Cans<\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing stylish about a trash can in plain view, especially a dirty, overflowing one. \u201cWhile sometimes unavoidable, it\u2019s best to integrate waste bins within dedicated cabinetry, under the sink, or in a nearby cupboard whenever possible,\u201d says Almassi. If a freestanding bin is unavoidable, choose a sleek and durable model that complements the kitchen\u2019s style, and keep it spotless<\/a> to maintain a tidy, intentional look.<\/p>\n

Related: The 6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans, Reviewed by BHG<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Dirty or Neglected Appliances<\/p>\n

No matter how beautiful your kitchen is, grime on your appliances immediately ruins its look. \u201cTo keep them looking fresh, wipe down surfaces after each use, and give your appliances a deep clean weekly<\/a>,\u201d Almassi suggests. Tackle the bigger jobs monthly, such as pulling out the stove to clean underneath, running oven and dishwasher cleaning cycles, and refreshing the refrigerator by removing expired food and wiping down surfaces. \u201cConsistent care is key to keeping both function and aesthetics in top shape,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

7. Tired and Dated Finishes<\/p>\n

Nothing dates a kitchen more than old, stained countertops<\/a>, worn cabinet hardware<\/a>, or yellowed grout. The good news? \u201cThese elements can be big eyesores, but they also offer some of the easiest and most impactful updates, especially for clients working within a budget,\u201d says Almassi. Countertops can easily be replaced without overhauling the whole kitchen. Butcher block and laminate are budget-friendly, and stone offcuts can work for small spaces.<\/p>\n

You can also refresh cabinets with a lick of paint or new doors, scrub grout, or try peel-and-stick backsplash tiles<\/a>. Top the space off with updated hardware, and you\u2019ll have a space that feels completely new, without a full reno.<\/p>\n

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and for good reason. It\u2019s where families gather,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":29339,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[307,304,305,306,308,23969,93,61,60,23968,23966,23967,23970,23971],"class_list":{"0":"post-29338","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arts-and-design","8":"tag-arts","9":"tag-arts-and-design","10":"tag-artsanddesign","11":"tag-artsdesign","12":"tag-design","13":"tag-emily-ruff","14":"tag-entertainment","15":"tag-ie","16":"tag-ireland","17":"tag-kitchen-cabinetry","18":"tag-kitchen-design","19":"tag-kitchen-designer","20":"tag-principal-designer","21":"tag-sina-almassi"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29338","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29338"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29338\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29339"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}