5 Kitchen Trends to Avoid When Selling Your Home

by Jodie Franklin 06/12/2022

Unfortunately, some trends do not keep their appeal long-term. If you’re designing your kitchen based on popular past trends, you might find yourself stuck with a dated aesthetic years later. Sometimes, dated kitchen features can even work against you when selling your home. If you’re putting your house on the market and considering some kitchen updates, here are some good places to start:

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops have been a standard in kitchen design for a long time. However, today’s homebuyers tend to prefer other materials like marble or concrete. Butcher block or vinyl imitation wood are also great options if you want to replace your granite for something more up-to-date.

Traditional Wood Cabinets

Traditional style wooden cabinets are becoming less popular. One reason is how much space they can take up compared to more modern shelving solutions. Cherry-colored cabinetry, in particular, is a good trend to avoid, as it can seriously date your entire kitchen.

Dark Colors

Dark colors, both for walls and wood finishes, were all the rage for quite some time. These days, the trend is fading in favor of lighter, brighter color schemes for kitchens. Darker colors can make a space appear smaller and more cramped, which is never ideal in a kitchen. Lighten up your dark walls or wood finishes and create some extra space.

DIY Backsplashes

A kitchen backsplash is a popular place to show your creativity and test your DIY skills. However, they can also distract and send the wrong message to potential homebuyers. Consider replacing your self-installed tile or custom painted backsplash with something simple with universal appeal.

Overly Ornate Details

Ornate details are another thing that can date your kitchen and cause a distraction to potential buyers. Things like intricate trim designs, ornate handle pulls or overly decorative wood accents can make your kitchen look busy to those who prefer a simpler style. Try going for clean lines and classic shapes instead to make a better impression.

Some trends are here to stay while others fade quickly. Some style choices you thought would last forever might be better replaced with something new. Keep these ideas in mind and consult a real estate professional or home stager to find the best way to update your kitchen for potential buyers.

About the Author
Author

Jodie Franklin

I love helping people find their dream home or sell their house in order to achieve their next goals. I have been working hard for my clients for over 18 years throughout southeast Michigan. I have experienced every kind of transaction there is. 

Helping my community and being involved is extremely important to me. I am Past President of the Michigan Ability Partners board, which helps Veterans and people with disabilities reach independent, self-supported, and satisfying lives. I have also been a member of the City of Milan Tax Review Board and Zoning Board, and involved in Milan Main Street. I have been a major sponsor of events for Michigan Ability Partners, Aid in Milan, Milan Main Street, and many more organizations that work to make our communities better. 

I was 2018 President of the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors, Realtor of the year in 2016 for AAABOR and nominee for Michigan Realtor of the Year. I serve on many committees with the local board, state board and was a member of the Housing Opportunity Committee for the National Association of Realtors (2018-19). I am currently serving my second term as a Michigan Realtors Board of Directors. 

I have liked in Milan for over 20 years and enjoy living here with my husband Cliff, son Evan, and dog Rosie.