6 Surprising Details That Are Making Your Kitchen Look Dated, According to Designers

You know how they say the kitchen is the heart of the home? Well, turns out it’s also the real MVP when it comes to selling your place. According to the National Association of Realtors, upgrading your kitchen can seriously boost your home’s value—like, recover-up-to-67-percent-of-the-cost kind of serious. So if you’re dreaming of shiny new countertops, this might just be your sign from the real estate gods.

But hey, even if you’re not planning to slap a “For Sale” sign on your lawn anytime soon, a kitchen glow-up is still totally worth it. I mean, if you’re spending hours in there whipping up scrambled eggs or just reheating last night’s pizza, shouldn’t the space feel a little more… fabulous? The truth is, even the smallest details—like a tired backsplash or clunky appliances—can make your kitchen feel stuck in the past. Luckily, we got the inside scoop from some designers who know exactly what’s aging your kitchen and how to fix it fast.

1.Outdated Appliances

Let’s be honest—nothing screams “blast from the past” like a clunky old stove or a microwave that looks like it time-traveled from the ’90s. “Outdated appliances age your kitchen faster than you can say ‘microwave popcorn,’” says designer Emily Tucker. And with today’s tech moving at lightning speed, even your fancy gadget from a few years ago might already be behind the times.

Not ready to drop a fortune on brand-new appliances? No worries. Tucker suggests playing hide-and-seek with them—think fridge panels or tucking your microwave into a cabinet like it’s shy. Sleek, minimal, and still totally functional.

2.Lackluster Lighting

Good lighting can take your kitchen from “meh” to chef’s kiss in seconds. But those dinky little pendants from the early 2000s? Yeah… not helping. Designer Cate Gutter says it’s time to ditch the tiny lights and go big. Like, statement-making big.

Try swapping them for two oversized pendants or a chic linear fixture that says, “I read design magazines in my free time.” Want to get playful? Add a pop of color or a cute fabric shade for extra personality. Who knew lighting could be so fun?

3.Overly Matchy Details

Matchy-matchy everything might sound like a safe bet, but it’s also kinda… snooze-worthy. “When everything’s too coordinated, the space loses its flavor,” says designer Caitlin Creer. Think of your kitchen like a recipe—you want a little sweet, a little salty, maybe even a spicy surprise.

Instead of turning your kitchen into a perfect paint-chip sample, mix it up. Combine soft stone counters with a textured backsplash or swap those fussy drawer pulls for something sleek. Natural touches like woven stools or wood accents? Always a win.

4.Silver Hardware

Chrome might have been cool once, but in 2025? It’s giving “I haven’t updated this kitchen since flip phones.” Designer Thomas Jayne says details like hardware and outlet covers can seriously age a kitchen—and not in a good, vintage-chic way.

Instead, go for finishes with some soul, like aged brass or matte black. They’re subtle, timeless, and won’t blind you when the sun hits them. Bonus points if you swap your outlet plates to match. It’s like giving your kitchen jewelry that actually pulls the whole outfit together.

5.Overly Ornate Hoods

Let’s talk about kitchen hoods—specifically the big, bulky ones that look like they belong in a castle. Designer Claire Staszak calls them out for what they are: awkward and totally over-the-top.

But here’s the good news—replacing or simplifying your hood can completely change the vibe of your kitchen. A smooth ceramic one or a sleek metal design adds instant style without shouting for attention. It’s like giving your kitchen a breath of fresh air—literally.

6.A Bland Color Palette

Designers agree: if your kitchen looks like it was dipped in a vat of white paint, it’s probably overdue for a glow-up. “Monotone spaces can feel flat and uninspired,” says designer Martha Lord. And sure, white is clean—but too much of it? It’s like cooking without seasoning.

No need to go full rainbow—just try warming things up. A coat of creamy beige, deep navy, or even sage green on the cabinets can instantly add depth and personality. Because let’s face it, your kitchen deserves more than just “default setting.”