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October 12, 202510 Kitchen Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Cheap
10 Kitchen Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Cheap
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, right? It’s where everyone gathers—whether for coffee, conversation, or just raiding the fridge. And as a real estate agent who tours (and sells!) a ton of homes, including a lot of new construction, I see firsthand what buyers love—and what makes them cringe.
Even a kitchen with expensive finishes can end up looking, well… kind of cheap if a few key details are off.
In this post, we’re breaking down 10 common mistakes that instantly make your kitchen look cheap and what you can do instead to make it look fresh, modern, and more like the dream kitchens buyers drool over.
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Bad Lighting
Nothing kills a vibe faster than one lonely ceiling light trying to do all the work. Kitchens need layers of lighting—pendants over the island, under-cabinet lights for that soft glow, and some recessed lights to even things out. The goal? Bright, warm, and flattering… not a spotlight interrogation.
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Cheap Hardware
Hardware is like your kitchen’s jewelry. Swap out those basic builder-grade knobs and handles for something that has style and substance. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to instantly level up your space.
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Too Many Mismatched Finishes
Mixing metals can look chic, but if you go wild with gold, silver, bronze, black, and chrome all in the same space, it just looks messy. Stick to one or two finishes that play nicely together so the whole kitchen feels cohesive.
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Forgetting the Backsplash
Bare walls behind the counters make your kitchen feel unfinished. A backsplash—whether classic subway tile, natural stone, or something patterned—adds character and makes everything feel more intentional.
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Builder-Basic Countertops
Let’s talk countertops. Those thin, shiny granite slabs that came with every builder-grade home in the 2000s? They instantly age a kitchen. People are loving thicker, high-end countertops like quartz or natural stone that look custom and modern. Even budget-friendly alternatives with a beefy edge will look way more expensive.
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Microwave Over the Range
Putting the microwave over your stove is one of those shortcuts that screams “builder-basic.” These days, people are hiding microwaves in lower cabinets, putting them on a shelf, or going for those fancy microwave drawers. It keeps the cooking area looking sleek and lets your range be the star.
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Outdated Fixtures
Think of faucets and light fixtures as your kitchen’s statement accessories. Old, flimsy fixtures drag down the whole room. Swapping in a modern faucet and stylish lights makes a huge difference, even if you don’t change anything else.
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That Giant Refrigerator Sticking Out
You know the look—a standard fridge that sticks way out past the cabinets. It breaks up all those nice clean lines. If you’re upgrading, go for a counter-depth fridge instead. It sits flush with the cabinetry and instantly makes your kitchen look more custom.
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Double Sinks Are Out
This one surprises a lot of people, but the classic double-basin sink isn’t really in style anymore. Today, homeowners love one big single-basin sink. It’s more functional for washing pots and pans and just looks cleaner.
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The Wrong Paint Color
Color matters. Dingy whites, faded yellows, or trendy colors that don’t age well can make a gorgeous kitchen look tired. Stick to fresh, neutral tones on the walls and bring in color with art, dishes, or flowers instead.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At the end of the day, creating a high-end kitchen is less about how much you spend and more about the choices you make. By avoiding these 10 mistakes, your kitchen can feel fresh, stylish, and ready for that next dinner party (or just your morning coffee).
From my experience as a real estate agent who sells a lot of homes (especially new construction), I can tell you these little details really do matter. Buyers notice them instantly, and the right updates can completely change how your kitchen feels—and how much value it adds to your home.
So, whether you’re planning to sell or just want to love your space more, these tips are a great place to start.
If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the Las Vegas Valley, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’ll get back to you personally and promptly. Thanks for visiting!
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Angela O’Hare
Favorite Las Vegas Realtor
REAL Broker LLC at Urban Nest
Lic.# S.0180246
702-370-5112
[email protected]
www.neighborhoodsinlasvegas.com
