An interior designer has revealed five common kitchen features that can make a home look cheap and tacky, offering simple swaps to achieve a more luxurious aesthetic. Penny Modern, an interior decorator, shared her insights on YouTube, emphasizing that what truly makes a space 'look expensive' isn't about what you add, but what you take away.
1. Exposed Bins
Having an exposed bin in the kitchen is the main offence, according to Penny. 'Nothing cheapens a beautiful kitchen more than a dirty, grimy trash can sitting off in the corner,' she explained. Exposed bins add clutter, remind people of trash, and can lead to smells. She recommends exploring concealed bins housed within cabinets for a streamlined appearance. Alternatively, choose a stainless steel bin and position it discreetly to 'make it disappear' and keep it 'as unobtrusive as possible.'
2. Visible Pot Racks
While pot racks can create a professional kitchen aesthetic, in most domestic kitchens they end up 'looking cluttered, chaotic and a jumbled mess.' Penny noted that unless you have high-end pans that match perfectly, pot racks can make the kitchen appear 'cheap.' They also obstruct your line of sight, make the kitchen feel more cramped, and collect dust and grease. Instead, she suggests using dividers to store pots and pans horizontally in large cupboards, or keeping them inside the oven if space is tight.
3. Ornaments on Top of Kitchen Cabinets
Homeowners often display photographs, wine bottles, and artificial plants on top of cabinets that stop short of the ceiling. Penny warns this 'makes the kitchen look cluttered, smaller and cheap.' It draws the eyes upward and is 'very distracting.' The optimal solution is to clear away all clutter from atop the cabinets and embrace that empty space.
4. Word Art Signs
Signs bearing phrases like 'kitchen' or 'eat, pray, love' are mass-produced and can 'make your kitchen feel generic and not very luxurious,' Penny said. They add clutter and lack charm. Instead, she recommends investing in genuine artwork, such as a landscape from a place you've visited. It 'doesn't have to be expensive'—you can print items from Etsy or source smaller pieces to display.
5. Mismatched Appliance Finishes
Having a white dishwasher, black fridge, and stainless steel stove creates a 'jumbled mess' and looks like you bought anything on sale. Penny suggests investing in panel-ready appliances to hide the finish altogether, which is a trend seen in luxury homes. Coordinating finishes or using panels can instantly elevate the kitchen's appearance.
