7 Tacky Decor Choices That Instantly Make a Kitchen Look Bad, According to a Designer

Given its prime location in all our homes, the decor and design of the kitchen is understandably important. While some prefer a neutral space, other homeowners opt for a bolder aesthetic—such moody hues on the cabinetry, bold hardware, and striking worktops. 

Unfortunately, these big swings can easily tip into a kitchen that looks more tacky than refined. To help avoid any faux pas, we were curious to know which decision designs should be avoided when it comes to creating a beautiful, timeless kitchen.

Competing Colors

Although a colorful kitchen can be stunning, interior designer Brittny Button warns that it’s a fine line between bold and overwhelming. The best way to avoid this mistake is to look for complimentary colors rather than competing shades.

“I suggest you opt for natural occurring shades such as deep chocolate browns, fawns, taupes and soft creams,” says Button. “Ones that already exist in mother nature.”

Button specifically warns against pairing up two powerhouse shades, such as navy and aubergine. Instead, pick one and pair it with the aforementioned natural tones.

“Both would overwhelm the space,” she says.

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Chunky Transitions

As you pull together your kitchen’s color scheme, Button says the goal should be seamlessness. When you look at the whole picture—from your wall and cupboard color to hardware finish to accent pieces—Button suggests asking yourself if it looks cohesive and timeless.

“If it feels off, and I’m questioning a color, then there is a disconnect somewhere that needs to be modified,” she says.

Work to add items to pull the room together, but don’t try to add in too much before you’ve determined your final vision. This makes it easier to reverse any layers that are creating visual chaos.

Not Questioning Your Decisions

Sometimes, trendy design decisions look great at first, but feel dated and tacky soon after. To avoid falling into this trap, Button suggests using what she calls the 3-2-1 rule.

According to Button, this involves asking yourself the follow questions:

• Will I like the design in three years time?
• Are there at least two complementary colors that interplay together within the space?
• Is there one seamless look or visual note that is being conveyed?

If the answer to any of these is no, you might want to make some adjustments.

“It’s about the balance,” says Button.

Poor Lighting

Sometimes, it’s hard to pin down exactly what’s making your kitchen feel ‘off.’ If you’re struggling to find the culprit, Button suggests taking a look at the lighting plan. Chances are, your existing light fixtures aren’t doing the space justice.

According to Button, the biggest offender is drop ceiling lighting.

“It makes the space seem closed in and provides yucky light,” she says.

Instead, Button says under cabinet task lighting can often instantly improve a space, and pot lights are great for brightening up dull areas—especially any prep stations.

Choosing the Wrong Materials

Some kitchens lend themselves to specific material choices, but they don’t translate as well if you try to install them into a home whose design doesn’t quite fit the look. This, Button says, can make a room look over-designed and too complex.

As an example, she points to the use of exposed brick. This might work well if you live in a warehouse conversion, but it probably won’t have the same effect in a farmhouse-style home.

Not Prioritizing Flow

Above all else, the kitchen is a functional space. Messing with the flow of the room doesn’t just compromise the design—it makes the room an unpleasant place to be.

To avoid this, Button suggests following the triangle rule. This is when there’s a clear triangular flow between the fridge, stove, and sink.

“Keep in mind, the ‘triangular shape’ can take many forms,” says Button. “Rather than just an equilateral, think isosceles, scalene, right angle as well.”

This allows for continuous movement that maximizes the room. 

Decorative Signage

This might be hard to hear, but Button says cannot get on board with decorative signs as wall art. These, more than anything else, scream tacky.

“There never will be a classy one, period,” she says. “Stop placing them in your kitchen, front porch or foyer. It immediately conveys that you’ve given up.”

While she’s at it—ditch the faux plants and fake fruit.

“They always look fake, even the good ones!” says Button. “Either have real ones or nothing.”