10 Items That Make Your Kitchen Look Cheap (Plus 10 That Do The Complete Opposite), According To Designers

The kitchen might be where you cook, but it’s also where style makes a big statement. Some small choices outdated hardware, worn-out finishes, or cluttered counters can quietly drag down the whole space and make it feel cheaper than it actually is.

Top designers have shared what to ditch and what to upgrade if you want your kitchen to look polished and put-together. The best part? You don’t need a full renovation to make a big impact. With a few smart swaps, your kitchen can go from basic to beautiful.

1. Mismatched Plastic Storage Containers

Nothing screams ‘disorganized’ like a cabinet exploding with random plastic containers in various states of staining and warping. Those free takeout containers might seem practical, but they create visual chaos when visible. Instead, invest in a matching set with clear lids that stack neatly.

Your cabinets will instantly look more intentional and organized. Plus, you’ll save time searching for the right lid in your morning rush.

2. Outdated Oak Cabinets

Those honey-colored oak cabinets from the 90s are the kitchen equivalent of a mullet haircut – they instantly date your space. The orange-yellow tones fight with nearly every other design element and make your kitchen feel stuck in a time warp.

Even if a full cabinet replacement isn’t in your budget, consider painting them or replacing just the doors. Modern hardware can also help update their appearance without major renovation costs.

3. Cluttered Countertops

When every appliance you own is fighting for counter space, your kitchen looks chaotic and smaller than it actually is. That bread maker you use twice a year doesn’t need prime real estate!

Designers consistently recommend keeping only daily essentials visible. Store occasional-use appliances in cabinets or a pantry. The breathing room created by clear counters makes even modest kitchens feel more luxurious and intentionally designed.

4. Vinyl Peel-and-Stick Flooring

Budget peel-and-stick vinyl tiles might seem like a smart money-saver, but they’re usually a false economy. They curl at the edges, bubble in the middle, and wear unevenly – all telltale signs of a quick-fix approach.

If real tile or hardwood is beyond your budget, today’s luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring offers impressive durability and realistic looks. Modern laminate options have also come a long way and provide a much more convincing appearance than their stick-on counterparts.

5. Dated Light Fixtures

That fluorescent box light with the yellowing plastic cover is probably making your food look as unappetizing as your kitchen. Outdated lighting fixtures cast unflattering shadows and add decades to your kitchen’s perceived age. Replacing lighting is one of the most impactful changes you can make.

Even inexpensive pendant lights or a simple drum shade can modernize your space instantly. Look for fixtures that complement your kitchen’s style rather than fighting against it.

6. Visible Appliance Collection

A jumble of small appliances in different colors and styles creates visual noise that cheapens your kitchen’s appearance. That lime green blender next to a red toaster and black coffee maker looks like a garage sale display! If you must keep appliances out, choose ones with similar finishes or colors.

Stainless steel or black options tend to coordinate well together. Better yet, consider appliance garages or dedicated cabinets to hide these everyday necessities when not in use.

7. Over-the-Range Microwave

While practical for small spaces, that bulky microwave hanging above your range screams builder-grade basic. It creates a top-heavy look and often becomes the focal point of the kitchen for all the wrong reasons. Designers are moving microwaves to below-counter installations or hiding them in pantries.

If you must keep yours above the range, consider a sleek, low-profile model that blends with your cabinetry. Microwave drawers are another stylish alternative that keeps your sightlines clean.

8. Themed Décor Overload

A kitchen drowning in rooster figurines, apple-themed canisters, or ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ signs comes across as tacky rather than tasteful. When everything matches too perfectly, it creates a manufactured look that lacks sophistication.

Designers recommend choosing one or two quality decorative pieces that have personal meaning. Let architectural elements and quality materials speak for themselves. Your kitchen should feel collected over time, not purchased as a matching set from a catalog.

9. Fake Plants Collecting Dust

Those dusty silk ivy vines draped across your cabinets aren’t fooling anyone. Faded, dusty artificial greenery instantly dates your kitchen and collects grease and grime that’s nearly impossible to clean properly. If you lack natural light for real plants, today’s high-quality faux options look remarkably realistic.

Better yet, try low-maintenance live plants like pothos, snake plants, or herbs that thrive in kitchen environments. Fresh herbs add both beauty and function to your cooking space.

10. Mismatched Cabinet Hardware

Cabinet pulls and knobs collected from different renovation phases create a disjointed look that screams “we couldn’t decide.” When some drawers have sleek modern handles while others sport ornate vintage knobs, your kitchen lacks cohesion. Hardware is relatively inexpensive to replace all at once.

Choose pulls that complement your kitchen’s style – contemporary, traditional, or transitional. This small change creates a custom, intentional look that elevates the entire space without major construction.

11. Quartz or Marble Countertops

Natural stone or high-quality engineered surfaces instantly elevate your kitchen’s appearance. The depth, movement, and uniqueness of stone countertops signal quality and permanence that laminate simply can’t match.

If full marble is beyond your budget, consider quartz alternatives that mimic the look with better durability. Even selecting a premium-looking laminate with a modern edge profile can look significantly better than dated options. The continuous surface creates a seamless, expensive appearance.

12. Statement Lighting Fixtures

A gorgeous pendant light or chandelier serves as kitchen jewelry, creating a focal point that draws the eye and adds personality. Great lighting transforms even the simplest kitchen into something special.

I recommend choosing fixtures that relate to your kitchen’s overall style but have enough presence to stand on their own. Scale matters – go slightly larger than you think for maximum impact. The right lighting fixture can make even budget cabinets and countertops look more expensive.

13. Open Shelving with Curated Items

Thoughtfully arranged open shelving showcases beautiful dishware and adds personality to your kitchen. Unlike stuffed cabinets, open shelving forces you to edit your collection to display-worthy pieces. The key is restraint – leave plenty of negative space around items rather than cramming shelves full.

Stick with a limited color palette for a cohesive look. White dishes, wooden cutting boards, and glass containers create an elegant, timeless display that elevates your kitchen’s style factor.

14. Under-Cabinet Lighting

Strategic lighting transforms a basic kitchen into something extraordinary. Under-cabinet lights eliminate harsh shadows, showcase your backsplash, and create a warm ambiance that makes your space feel custom-designed.

Modern LED strips are affordable, energy-efficient, and easy to install – even as a DIY project. The layered lighting they provide adds dimension and sophistication to your kitchen. Plus, they’re practical for illuminating work surfaces where you prep food daily.

15. Classic Subway Tile Backsplash

There’s a reason subway tile has endured for over a century – its clean lines and versatile appearance work with virtually any kitchen style. The simple rectangular shape creates a timeless backdrop that won’t look dated next year.

For added sophistication, consider variations like elongated subway tiles or interesting installation patterns like herringbone. Even standard white subway tile with contrasting grout creates a crisp, high-end look that elevates surrounding elements.

16. Quality Cabinet Hardware

Think of cabinet hardware as the finishing touch that can make even budget cabinets look custom-made. Substantial, well-designed pulls and knobs add weight and intention to your kitchen design. Avoid lightweight or plastic options that feel flimsy.

Solid brass, bronze, or stainless steel hardware offers heft and durability that signals quality. For maximum impact, choose a finish that contrasts slightly with your cabinet color – black hardware on white cabinets creates dramatic definition.

17. Organized Pantry System

A well-organized pantry with matching containers and thoughtful zones makes your kitchen feel intentionally designed rather than haphazardly assembled. Clear containers showcase ingredients beautifully while keeping everything fresh.

You don’t need custom cabinetry to achieve this look. Simple glass jars, woven baskets, and consistent labeling create the same effect. The visual calm of organized storage extends throughout your kitchen, making the entire space feel more luxurious.

18. Single-Bowl Farmhouse Sink

A generously sized farmhouse sink makes a statement while offering practical benefits. The deep basin handles large pots easily, while the forward position reduces back strain during lengthy dishwashing sessions. White fireclay versions complement any kitchen style from modern to traditional.

If farmhouse isn’t your aesthetic, consider other premium sink options like undermount stainless or composite granite. The key is choosing something that looks intentional rather than builder-grade basic.

19. Professional-Style Range

A substantial range or cooktop signals serious cooking happens in your kitchen. The heft and presence of commercial-inspired appliances create an instant focal point that elevates surrounding elements. You don’t need to splurge on top-tier brands to get this look.

Many mid-range manufacturers offer professional-style options with similar visual impact. Stainless steel finishes and substantial control knobs create that coveted chef’s kitchen appearance that impresses guests.

20. Integrated Appliances

Appliances that blend seamlessly with cabinetry create a cohesive, high-end appearance. When refrigerators and dishwashers disappear behind matching panels, your kitchen looks custom-designed rather than assembled from standard parts.

Many manufacturers now offer panel-ready options at various price points. Even if you can’t do all appliances, prioritizing the refrigerator makes the biggest impact since it’s the largest appliance. This approach creates visual calm that makes your kitchen feel more expansive.