8 Kitchen Mistakes Making Your Pennsylvania Home Look Stuck In The Past (And 8 Easy Upgrades To Bring It Into The Now), According To Designers

Pennsylvania homes often carry a rich heritage, but outdated kitchens can make even the most charming house feel stuck in a time warp. It’s like stepping into a culinary time machine, who needs that?

As a designer who’s transformed countless Keystone State kitchens, I’ve seen the same mistakes repeatedly holding homes back from their full potential.

Let me walk you through the most common kitchen faux pas I encounter. I’ll also show you the simple fixes that can catapult your space into this century without burning a hole in your pocket.

1. Too Many Faux Wood Finishes

If you’re still rocking those honey oak cabinets with matching wood-look laminate countertops and vinyl flooring, it’s time for an upgrade! Unless you’re living in a cabin in the Poconos, your kitchen shouldn’t feel like one.

That overwhelming wood-on-wood vibe makes your space feel smaller, darker, and stuck in the past. Many homeowners don’t realize how this outdated look can age their entire home.

Opt for limiting wood tones to just one or two elements, and watch your kitchen transform from dated to fresh.

2. Dark, Dated Cabinets

Those cherry-stained or espresso cabinets that were all the rage during the early 2000s housing boom across Pennsylvania suburbs are now the fastest way to date your kitchen. Heavy, dark cabinetry creates cave-like shadows, especially in Pittsburgh’s already gray winters!

Worse yet, many Pennsylvania homeowners doubled down with ornate crown molding and fussy hardware that scream “I was installed when flip phones were cool.”

Dark cabinets make even spacious kitchens feel cramped and unwelcoming. It’s exactly the opposite of today’s bright, airy design ethos.

3. Old-School Tile Backsplashes

Remember those 4×4 beige ceramic tiles with occasional fruit or vegetable motifs that dominated Pennsylvania kitchens in the 90s? Perhaps yours even features the dreaded ivy vine decorative border! These busy, dated backsplashes instantly transport visitors back to the Clinton administration.

Another Pennsylvania kitchen sin, dingy grout lines that have collected decades of cooking residue, turning what was once white into an unappetizing gray-brown network of grime.

Small, busy tiles with multiple grout lines also create visual clutter that breaks up your kitchen’s flow and makes the space feel choppy.

4. Excessive Granite

The early 2000s granite explosion hit Pennsylvania homes hard. Suddenly everyone from Philadelphia’s Main Line to Erie had busy, speckled Uba Tuba or Baltic Brown countertops. While granite itself isn’t necessarily outdated, those particular high-contrast, heavily patterned varieties certainly are.

Many Pennsylvania homeowners went overboard with granite, installing it not only on countertops but also as backsplashes, window sills, and even bathroom vanities. This matchy-matchy trend was popular in the mid-2000s, but it now feels dated and overdone.

The busy patterns fight with everything else in your kitchen, creating visual chaos instead of the serene, clean look modern kitchens embody.

5. Dull, Standard Lighting

Those flush-mount “boob lights” and dated fluorescent box lights are the Pennsylvania kitchen equivalent of wearing socks with sandals. They cast unflattering shadows that make even freshly renovated spaces look institutional and unwelcoming.

Track lighting was another 90s Pennsylvania favorite that now looks as dated as dial-up internet. The chunky tracks and adjustable heads that once seemed so versatile now just look cluttered and cheap.

Standard builder-grade pendant lights immediately broadcast that your kitchen hasn’t been updated since the Steelers’ last Super Bowl win.

6. Uninspired Appliances

The almond or bisque-colored appliances lurking in kitchens across Pennsylvania’s older homes aren’t vintage, they’re just old. Mismatched appliances, like a white fridge, black stove, and stainless dishwasher, make it clear that updates have been a slow process over the years.

Bulky microwaves mounted above the range not only look dated but also waste prime eye-level cabinet space. They’re the kitchen equivalent of a flip phone in an iPhone world.

Freestanding ranges with the control panel backsplash immediately identify a kitchen that hasn’t been touched since Pittsburgh’s steel mills were still operating at full capacity.

7. Too Much Open Shelving

That Pinterest-inspired open shelving trend hit Pennsylvania homes hard around 2015, but now many homeowners regret displaying every mug and plate they own. Pennsylvania’s seasonal humidity and the coal dust that still permeates many older homes means everything on those shelves needs constant dusting.

Most kitchens end up looking cluttered rather than curated, with mismatched Steelers tumblers and Sheetz coffee mugs creating visual chaos. Worse, the inevitable Tastykake boxes and Herr’s chip bags have nowhere to hide!

Open shelving requires a minimalist’s discipline and a museum curator’s styling sense. The qualities most busy Pennsylvania families simply don’t have time to maintain.

8. Lack Of Natural Light

Why are Pennsylvania kitchens so often stuck in the dark? With our already limited natural light, many kitchens here make things worse with tiny windows or valances that could double as barn curtains, roosters and all.

Those heavy window treatments trap cooking odors and block out precious sunlight, making our already gloomy winters feel even darker. Add poorly placed overhead cabinets that block what little daylight we do get, and suddenly, your kitchen feels like a cave.

And don’t even get me started on those cramped breakfast nooks. They might sound cozy, but when they’re tucked away with small windows, they just end up feeling downright depressing.

9. Warm, Natural Wood Accents

Instead of drowning in faux wood, introduce authentic wood elements strategically. Think walnut cutting boards displayed on counters or a stunning maple butcher block island that honors Pennsylvania’s rich forestry heritage without overwhelming the space.

White oak floating shelves (just a few, not everywhere!) provide warmth while maintaining a clean aesthetic. They showcase selected pieces rather than becoming storage overflow.

Consider replacing those dated cabinet doors with natural wood while painting the frames white or gray. This mixed-material approach feels fresh yet timeless, much like the contrast between Philadelphia’s historic architecture and modern additions.

10. Light, Airy Cabinetry

Swap those oppressive dark cabinets for painted options in soft whites, greens, or blues that reflect Pennsylvania’s lush landscape. Soft sage green lower cabinets paired with white uppers create a fresh, layered look that brightens even north-facing Pittsburgh kitchens.

Remove upper cabinets on at least one wall to create breathing room. This simple change makes Pennsylvania’s typically modest kitchen footprints feel significantly larger.

Replace ornate cabinet hardware with simple matte black or brushed brass pulls. This small change delivers major impact for minimal investment, like trading your Wawa coffee for La Colombe without the price difference.

11. Bold, Textured Backsplashes

Ditch those dated 4×4 tiles for something with personality! Handmade ceramic subway tiles with slight color variations add subtle texture while maintaining clean lines. Their imperfections tell a story, much like Pennsylvania’s beloved historic buildings.

Zellige tiles, with their gorgeous color variations and glossy finish, bring old-world craftsmanship that complements Pennsylvania’s appreciation for artisanal quality. Their reflective properties bounce light around, brightening darker kitchens.

For the truly bold, try encaustic cement tiles in a modern pattern. Their matte finish and graphic impact make a statement that feels both contemporary and timeless, perfect for Philadelphia’s blend of historic and modern sensibilities.

12. Quartz And Marble Countertops

Replace that busy granite with sleek quartz in subtle patterns that mimic natural stone without the visual chaos. Whites and creams with delicate veining create an elevated look that makes Pennsylvania kitchens feel instantly more expensive.

For drama lovers, honed black soapstone offers sophisticated contrast against lighter cabinets. Its natural patina develops character over time, much like Pennsylvania’s cherished historic homes.

Marble-look quartz gives you that coveted Carrara aesthetic without the maintenance headaches. It’s perfect for busy Pennsylvania families who’d rather spend weekends hiking the Poconos than sealing countertops. The clean, bright surface reflects our precious natural light during short winter days.

13. Sleek, Designer Lighting

Tired of your kitchen lighting looking like it’s straight out of a 90s sitcom? Swap those dated boob lights for sleek recessed lighting that adds clean, ambient illumination without the vintage vibes.

For a touch of luxury, add statement fixtures that truly shine. Something like brass pendants over your island or a sculptural chandelier in the dining area can act like the jewelry of your kitchen.

Under-cabinet lighting isn’t just practical for those long, dark Pennsylvania winters. It’s a game-changer for creating ambiance while making your countertops feel like a million bucks. It’s a small change with a big impact, all without breaking the bank.

14. Integrated Appliances

Panel-ready appliances that blend seamlessly with cabinetry create a custom, high-end look that elevates Pennsylvania kitchens from basic to breathtaking. Refrigerator and dishwasher panels that match your cabinetry create visual continuity rather than a choppy appliance showcase.

Streamlined induction cooktops offer a sleek alternative to bulky ranges. Their flat surface disappears into countertops when not in use, perfect for smaller Pennsylvania row homes where every inch counts.

Microwave drawers installed in islands free up valuable eye-level space and create a cleaner look. This thoughtful placement reflects a thoroughly modern approach to kitchen design that prioritizes both function and aesthetics.

15. Smart Storage Solutions

Replace dated pantry layouts with pull-out systems that maximize every inch. These organizers bring items from the depths of deep cabinets into full view. No more forgotten Middleswarth chips or Tastykake stashes hiding in back corners.

Drawer dividers customized for Pennsylvania kitchen staples keep everything from Hershey’s chocolate to Pittsburgh’s Heinz ketchup collection perfectly organized. Specialized storage for cutting boards, baking sheets, and lids eliminates kitchen chaos.

Consider a coffee station with dedicated storage for beans, mugs, and equipment. This morning ritual deserves its own thoughtfully designed space rather than cluttering valuable counter areas, especially important in modestly sized Pennsylvania kitchens.

16. Maximize Natural Light

Sick of those heavy, dark window treatments that trap the little sunlight you get? Swap them out for simple Roman shades or, dare we say, no coverings at all! Let that precious Pennsylvania sunshine pour in and make your kitchen feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting all year long.

If your kitchen has ceiling access, why not consider adding a skylight? This upgrade is a total game-changer, flooding your space with about 30% more natural light than vertical windows. It’s especially crucial when those Pennsylvania winters leave us craving every last ray of sunshine.

Need even more light? Try strategically placing mirrors or using glossy tile backsplashes to bounce light around the room.