Knowing what makes a house look cheap is one way to ensure every room in your home is well-curated for all who live there and all who pass through. This is valuable in every space, but none more so than in your kitchen – the place where you are subject to the most hardware, appliances, and inevitable splashes and spills that come with cooking (and living). In many cases, the things that lead to a house looking cheap aren’t even a reflection of wealth, in fact, there are many budget-friendly ways you can make a home look expensive.
Two interior designers have shared their top five things to avoid or change – to be sure that kitchens are as exclusive as the rest of the home.
Bulky under-cabinet hoods
A cabinet hood is the perfect example of something that is necessary for practical reasons in a home.
While you certainly shouldn’t get rid of it completely, designer J.R. Coffin from Studio Den Den warns that you should look for a more discreet alternative.
She warned: “Not every kitchen has access to exterior exhaust – but large recirculating hoods mounted to the underside of your cabinets make your kitchen look more of a quick rental than a home.”
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Short splashbacks
J.R said: “No matter your counter material, a four inch tall splashback – often matching the counter colour – makes kitchens look small, cheap and outdated.
“This is a total missed opportunity to elevate your kitchen with an eye-catching wall tile that runs from the top of the counter to the bottom of the upper cabinet or shelf.”
Carla Bast from Carla Bast Design, agreed. She, too, cautions that a standard four inch splashback in your countertop material will bring down the overall look and feel of your kitchen – and prompts you to look for more vibrant kitchen tiles instead.
She said: “Tile is relatively inexpensive and easy to install; plus, it can really help to tie together your kitchen’s overall look and feel, making it appear more expensive.
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“Remove that four inch curb and replace it with a full-height tile splashback from the countertop to the bottom of your upper cabinets.”
Laminate worktops
On the subject of worktops, Carla also urges against laminate countertops, explaining that the synthetic material can have a less-than-desired impact on your kitchen.
The designer said: “They don’t have the natural beauty or depth of real stone or solid surface such as manufactured quartz.
“Additionally, they sound cheap because they make a hollow sound when you place an item on them. but rather a print or vinyl overlay.
“Laminate countertops also tend to make a kitchen look smaller due to their glossy finish, and they also produce a high-pitched sound when tapped.”
Fluorescent lights
Mastering the most flattering of lighting can make or break any room, but none quite so much as your kitchen.
Arguably, the are worst choice you can make in your kitchen is mounting a large fluorescent light on the kitchen ceiling, according to the expert.
Carla explained: “They’re often harsh, unflattering, and just plain ugly. If you want your kitchen to look more elegant, install recessed lighting and add decorative lighting such as pendants over your centre island and kitchen sink. They’ll cast a softer, more flattering light and will make your kitchen look much more luxurious.”
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