10 In-Kitchen Elements That May Reduce Your Home's Resale Appeal
Remodeling Warning: These Kitchen Upgrades May Actually Lower Your Home's Value
Who needs a stunning kitchen, right? Wrong! While a kitchen renovation can certainly boost your property's market value, certain design choices and high-end features may not appeal to potential buyers. Everyone wants to avoid costly mistakes, and we've got your back. Here's what interior designers and real estate experts are warning about kitchen attributes that could decrease your resale value.
Experts Sounds the Alarm
- Amanda Pendleton, Home Trends Expert at Zillow
- Audrey Frances Doty, Interior Designer, Audrey Frances Design
- Hill Hondero, Founder, Ro House Studio
The Cold, Stainless-Steel Look:
Forget about that sleek, stainless-steel look – it's too cold for most buyers. A built-in wine fridge? Wasted space for some. Open shelving may seem trendy, but for many buyers, it's just extra clutter they don't want to deal with.
Trendy Tile Countertops:
Think twice before installing that trendy tile countertop. It might look great on design magazines, but it can hurt your resale value. Zillow's research shows that homes with tile countertops sell for 0.9% less than similar properties.
Outdated Laminate:
Laminate has improved in design and durability, but it still gives the impression of lower-quality finishes. Homes that have laminate materials, whether it's countertops, cabinets, or flooring, often sell for 0.9% less than expected[1].
Upgrade to higher-quality materials like solid woods or concrete for flooring and acrylic for cabinets for a more attractive price tag on your home.
Open Shelves:
Open shelving might be the talk of the design town, but for busy households, it's more trouble than it's worth. Instead, opt for features like closed cabinetry, pull-out organizers, and even hidden kitchens, which are becoming increasingly popular[1].
Breakfast Nooks:
Breakfast nooks may have seemed like a genius idea once upon a time, but buyers aren't exactly eager to snag them. "Homes that mention a breakfast nook in the listing sell for 0.3% less," says Pendleton. By contrast, homes with a kitchen island can fetch 0.5% more[1].
Bold Colors:
When it comes to kitchen colors, going bold on cabinetry, countertops, or tiles might seem like a blast, but it can backfire when it's time to sell. Stick to neutral hues buyers love, as they help buyers envision themselves in the heart of the home.
Zillow's paint color analysis found that homes with a taxicab yellow kitchen could sell for $2,125 less. Don't scare off potential buyers with intense hues[2].
Zellige, Marble, and Patterned Tiles:
Today's buyers crave uniqueness, so ditch that old favorite, subway tile. Buyers favor zellige, marble, or bold, patterned tiles that offer a fresh, exciting look[2].
Complicated Granite:
Granite remains a great choice for countertops, but avoid busy or highly veined designs. These patterns can make your kitchen feel stuck in the early 2000s, when ornate designs reigned supreme. Instead, opt for subtler granite choices or dissolve into marble[3].
Overly Embellished Designs:
The minimalist aesthetic is ruling the roost these days, with buyers loving clean lines and organic materials. Save the heavy-duty embellishments for another room. Embrace simplicity and choose streamlined designs for a more attractive sales price[4].
Different Flooring Material:
Create a cohesive look by extending the same flooring throughout the kitchen, especially when your house boasts modern style. Mixing flooring materials can appear awkward to potential buyers[4].
Exposed Appliances:
Exposed appliances can make a kitchen look cluttered and less polished. Tuck them under the counter or behind cabinet doors to create a cleaner, more inviting space.
[1] Zillow, [2] Paint Quality Institute, [3] NYTimes, [4] Apartment Therapy, [5] Architectural Digest, [6] Forbes.
- Despite the trendy appearance, open shelving might be more trouble than it's worth for busy households, as it could decrease resale value.
- In the realm of kitchen design ideas, bold colors on cabinetry, countertops, or tiles might backfire when it's time to sell, and potential buyers may be put off by intense hues.
- To upgrade your kitchen and increase your home's resale value, consider using higher-quality materials such as solid woods or concrete for flooring and acrylic for cabinets.
- While zellige, marble, and patterned tiles are favored by today's buyers, avoiding the old favorite, subway tile, could potentially decrease your home's value.
