Stylish Kitchen Trends That Are a NIGHTMARE To Clean

Summary

In this video, Carrie from Penny Modern shares insights on five high-maintenance kitchen design choices to avoid during a kitchen renovation. She covers trends like fluted kitchen islands, over-the-range microwaves, and small tile backsplashes, all of which can become cleaning nightmares. Carrie also advises on simpler, easier-to-maintain kitchen cabinets and highlights the importance of choosing materials like quartz over butcher block countertops. With practical suggestions and expert tips, this video helps viewers create a functional, beautiful kitchen that minimizes upkeep while still being stylish.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fluted kitchen islands, while trendy, are difficult to clean due to grooves that trap dust, fingerprints, and food, especially in homes with children.
• 😀 Over-the-range microwaves are prone to grease buildup and poor venting, making them difficult to maintain. They can also be impractical due to their height and risk of spills.
• 😀 Tiny tile backsplashes, such as mini subway or penny tiles, require a lot of grout, which can be a maintenance nightmare as it traps grease, dust, and can crack over time.
• 😀 Butcher block countertops require regular oiling and are highly susceptible to stains, scratches, and water damage, making them high maintenance.
• 😀 Simpler cabinet door styles, like flat fronts or shaker styles, are easier to maintain compared to more detailed designs that collect dust and grease.
• 😀 Lighter-colored cabinets, such as bright white, show dirt, fingerprints, and stains easily, making them a high-maintenance choice.
• 😀 Medium-colored cabinet options, like gray, beige, or charcoal, are easier to maintain as they hide dirt, fingerprints, and food splatters better than lighter or darker shades.
• 😀 Wood cabinets with visible grain are a good option for easy maintenance, as they naturally hide dust and dirt.
• 😀 Using larger tiles for backsplashes reduces the number of grout lines, making them easier to clean and less prone to cracking or staining.
• 😀 If you're remodeling, consider quartz or granite countertops for their durability and low-maintenance properties, especially if you love the look of natural materials like wood.

Q & A

What is a major issue with fluted kitchen islands and fluting in general?

Fluted kitchen islands and panels have grooves that collect dust, dirt, fingerprints, and food, making them difficult to clean, especially if you have young children. These grooves can quickly become a maintenance nightmare.

What alternative can be used if you love the fluted trend but want to avoid maintenance issues?

You can try fluting in areas that are less prone to grease and grime, such as glass cabinet doors (preferably not near the range) or in non-kitchen spaces like a bathroom vanity or an end table.

What are some common problems with over-the-range microwaves in kitchens?

Over-the-range microwaves often have poor venting systems, which can lead to grease buildup. They are also placed too high, making them inconvenient to use and prone to spills that require additional cleaning.

What are better alternatives for microwaves if you want to avoid the maintenance problems of an over-the-range microwave?

Consider using a microwave in a pantry cabinet, a microwave drawer, or a countertop microwave. Another option is an appliance garage, which hides the microwave behind a door, reducing clutter and maintenance.

Why are tiny tile backsplashes, like mini subway or penny tiles, considered a maintenance nightmare?

Tiny tiles create numerous grout lines, which trap grease, dust, and stains, making them difficult to clean. They also tend to crack over time, especially in homes with shifting foundations.

What backsplash alternatives are recommended to minimize maintenance?

Larger format tiles or countertops that match the backsplash material are ideal choices. These options reduce grout lines and are easier to clean and maintain.

Why are butcher block countertops not ideal for high-maintenance kitchens?

Butcher block countertops are porous and can stain easily, especially when exposed to liquids like wine or water. They also require regular oiling and are prone to scratches and water damage.

What are some alternatives to butcher block countertops for easier maintenance?

Quartz countertops are a great alternative because they are easy to maintain, durable, and come in various designs. Granite is another durable option, though it may have fewer design choices compared to quartz.

What are the best cabinet door styles to reduce maintenance in the kitchen?

Simpler door styles, like flat-front, shaker, or slim shaker, are recommended because they reduce dust collection and are easier to clean. Avoiding overly ornate or raised panel doors can help keep maintenance easier.

What cabinet colors are best for minimizing maintenance and hiding dirt?

Neutral cabinet colors, like cream, beige, gray, or mid-range tones, are ideal for hiding dirt, dust, and fingerprints. Bright white or dark black cabinets tend to show dirt and fingerprints more easily.