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 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 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, 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.
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.
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.
Active in residential brokerage since 1985, Michael enjoys a loyal following of past buyers and sellers. Prior to entering brokerage, he studied culinary arts and managed restaurants in the Boston area. Born and raised in Newton, Michael is very familiar with the Greater Boston area. His seven-day-a-week commitment to his profession serves his clients and customers well. His educational background includes The Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute, The Lee Institute for Real Estate, and The Tom Hopkins and Floyd Wickman Sales Training courses.
In recognition of his completion of the prescribed courses in real estate practice and ethics, Michael has earned the distinguished GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) designation. He continues his long-standing membership in the National Association of Realtors and is an avid fly fisherman, musician, and outdoor enthusiast.
Michael was awarded the International President's Circle Award for sales expertise, market knowledge, and dedication to clients for 2020 and 2021. In 2022 and 2023 he was awarded the International Presidents Elite Award, representing the Top 2% of Hammond Residential & Coldwell Banker Agents Worldwide, for demonstrating exceptional sales production, ambition and his commitment to the Real Estate Industry.