Kitchen Design: 6 Solutions to Avoid

Before starting a kitchen renovation, check which techniques professionals use today and which are no longer in style.

Acidic Facades

"Smooth facades made of MDF with film or enamel are a good budget-friendly option, but only if the color palette is kept neutral: white, gray, milk or graphite tones," comments designer Tatiana Bezverkhiaya. "Acidic facades—orange, lemon, salad, or lilac—went out of fashion several years ago. We no longer use such colors in our projects."

Gap between Cabinet and Ceiling

"We no longer leave space between cabinets and the ceiling," says Ruslan Prosvirin. "Extended cabinets up to the ceiling will add height and lightness to your kitchen. They are also practical: you can store rarely used items on the upper shelves. There is no need to dust the top drawers."

Rounded Corners

In most of Olga Shapovalova's projects, the kitchen is connected to the living room, so the designer tries to integrate it into the interior as much as possible and make it unobtrusive.

"No multicolored facades, extra details or rounded forms. Of course, rounded corners are more convenient and safer in small spaces, but from an aesthetic point of view, they are less appealing," explains Olga.

Hardware

"Ordinary hardware—glossy chrome handles in simple shapes—is often too big or too small. It does not decorate the facades of built-in furniture," believes Tatiana Bezverkhiaya. "Hardware is one-third of the success. It needs to be chosen individually, so it echoes other elements in the interior. If you're unsure about shape or color, go for push-open hardware."

Ruslan Prosvirin shares a similar view: "Forget about kitchen facades with handles. The design of modern kitchen units is smooth and flowing, without unnecessary elements. Currently popular are handles that blend with the facade or recessed ones, as well as cabinet doors that open by pressing."

Patina on Classic Facades and Photo Printing on Splashbacks

"These are the main antitrends in kitchen design," says designer Julia Babintseva from Yucubedesign bureau. "There are now many ways to make a splashback beautiful: transparent glass, stone, large-format ceramic granite, tile in patchwork or mosaic style."

Imitation of Handmade Work

"Minimalism is the best friend of a limited budget. A splashback with tile inserts that poorly imitate handmade work or tiles is an unattractive and outdated solution," says designer Tatiana Bezverkhiaya. "Just as unappealing is photo printing with phrases like ‘coffee’, ‘tea’, or images of spoons and coffee beans."

Checklist: What You Should Never Do When Decorating a Kitchen?

Vibrant multicolored facades. Focus on neutral tones: white, gray, milk or graphite. Avoid tile inserts and labels—better to highlight the splashback with color.

Exaggerated hardware is unnecessary—better to choose cabinets with push-to-open systems.

Free space between cabinets and ceiling is a thing of the past. Make cabinets up to the ceiling, it's practical.

Rounded corners on countertops and facades: safe but not aesthetically pleasing. Photo printing on splashbacks is no longer trendy—better to use glass, stone, large-format ceramic granite or mosaics.

On the cover: Prosvirin Design project