Tile Countertops

That trendy tile countertop might look great in design magazines, but it’s likely hurting your resale value. According to Zillow’s research, homes with tile countertops sell for 0.9 percent less than similar properties.

“They can give buyers the impression that a home is outdated and may need more than just cosmetic updates,” says Amanda Pendleton, home trends expert at Zillow. “Plus, the hassle of scrubbing grout is a major turnoff.”

Instead, buyers will pay more for kitchens with stone countertops, like soapstone, quartz, and onyx. Even small upgrades, like walnut cabinets or a pot filler, can add value.

Laminate

Laminate has made great strides in design and durability, but many buyers still associate it with lower-quality finishes, which can hurt resale value. According to Pendleton, homes that have laminate materials—whether it’s countertops, cabinets, or flooring—often sell for 0.9 percent less than expected when it’s mentioned in the listing.

Instead, consider upgrading to higher-quality materials like wood or concrete for flooring, and acrylic for cabinets.

Open Shelving

Open shelving may work for you, but for a potential buyer, it’s a hassle. “Unlike closed cabinetry, open shelves expose everything to dust, grease, and spills,” says interior designer Audrey Frances Doty. “For frequent cooks or busy households, constantly wiping down plates, glasses, and shelves is more trouble than it’s worth.”

Instead, Frances suggests opting for features like closed cabinetry, pull-out organizers, and even back kitchens, which are becoming more popular for their ability to hide clutter.

Breakfast Nook

Breakfast nooks might have seemed like a great idea once, but let’s be honest—how often do you actually use yours? Turns out, buyers aren’t big fans either.

“Homes that mention a breakfast nook in the listing sell for 0.3 percent less than similar homes,” says Pendleton. The same Zillow research shows that buyers are willing to pay 0.5 percent more for homes with a kitchen island.

Bold Colors

When it comes to kitchen colors, going bold on cabinetry, countertops, or tiles might seem like a fun idea, but it can backfire when it’s time to sell.

“Save those more intense colors for art or furnishings,” says Hill Rondero, founder of Ro House Studio. “Buyers want to see themselves in the heart of the home, so keep it neutral.”

If you need more reason to shy away from bright colors, Zillow’s paint color analysis found that homes with a taxicab yellow kitchen could sell for $2,125 less. “That doesn’t mean buyers are afraid of color—they just prefer moodier, more sophisticated tones,” says Pendleton.

Subway Tile

Who doesn’t love a clean subway tile? Not today’s buyers, as it turns out.

“They’re tired of the modern farmhouse look,” says Pendleton. Today, buyers are more likely to fall in love with zellige, marble, or bold, patterned tiles that feel fresher and more unique.

Complicated Granite

Granite can be a great choice for kitchen countertops, but it’s all about the pattern. Some of the more complicated, busy designs can quickly feel overwhelming or even dated.

“Granite with heavy speckling or too much veining can make a space feel stuck in the early 2000s, when high-contrast, ornate designs were all the rage,” says Frances.

These bold patterns can clash with today’s minimalist style, which favors clean, consistent surfaces. While granite still works, it’s often better to go with subtler patterns or opt for materials like marble instead.

Embellished Design

If you’re considering a kitchen redesign, remember—less is more. “Today’s buyers want clean lines, and not too much going on,” says Frances. “Matte finishes and natural, stained woods are in high demand, with organic materials being favored.”

Cabinets in shades like beige or sage are also popular, especially when paired with two-tone designs that add a fresh, layered look. By contrast, anything that’s too overly embellished or bold can turn off potential buyers.

Different Flooring

When renovating or designing your kitchen, one of the best moves you can make is to extend the same flooring throughout the space, especially if it’s in a modern home.

“I think it seems odd to switch to a tile or stone floor in the kitchen of a newer home,” says Hondero. Keeping the same flooring as the rest of the house creates a seamless, unified look that feels more cohesive and less jarring to potential buyers. 

Exposed Appliances

While trendy in some design circles, exposed appliances can be a big turnoff for potential buyers.

“They often make a kitchen feel cluttered or less polished, detracting from the overall aesthetic,” says Hondero. “Just tuck it under the counter or behind a cabinet door, where it’s accessible when needed, but not in plain sight.”

This simple change can instantly make your kitchen feel more streamlined and inviting, appealing to a broader range of buyers who value a less chaotic space.