The Once-Popular Piece Of Kitchen Decor That Feels Heavy & Outdated

Many of us spend hours if not most of our time at home in the kitchen. From meal prep and countertop eating to cleaning up and unpacking groceries, it's often the heart of the home and the room that gets used the most. So it's understandable that we'd put a lot of thought and energy into making the kitchen feel warm, welcoming, and well-decorated. But there's one piece of kitchen decor that may be making your cooking area feel heavy and outdated instead of homey: the giant wall clock.

You may think that having a timepiece in your kitchen is, well, timeless. But the heyday for oversized analog clocks above the counter or eat-in kitchen area might be in the past. Seymen Usta, interior design specialist at Seus Lighting, told Martha Stewart that very large oversized clocks can take over the space and weigh it down. This is especially true in smaller kitchens, where walls are already very busy with cabinets and storage, and shelves are packed with pots, pans, and plates. Plus, with most of us able to easily access the time at a moment's notice on our mobile phones, smart watches, and tablets, having a clock hanging on the wall to tell the time is no longer crucial as a kitchen tool. If you happen to leave your tech device in another room, most kitchens are already equipped with digital clocks on the microwave or oven that you can turn to when you need to check the time — making a giant timepiece in the kitchen rather unnecessary.

Whether large wall clocks are trending again or outdated is somewhat subjective, so we don't mean to suggest that wall clocks are totally irrelevant. Having one central timepiece can be a useful way to keep everyone in the family on schedule as they're bustling about in the kitchen throughout the day. Plus, they can bring some charm and character to your kitchen. You'll just want to be sure to style it correctly so that it complements your home instead of overpowering it.

If you have your heart set on a classic wall clock in the kitchen, opt for a more minimalist timepiece that will enhance the look of your kitchen decor instead of overwhelming the room — meaning less is more in terms of size. Also, be mindful of how you choose to decorate around a wall clock. Treat it like another element of your interior design, and make sure it meshes well with other wall decor. That means being mindful of the color and materials used to make the clock: Do you want it to blend in with other elements in your kitchen or to stand out as a statement piece? If your goal is a blended look, try matching stainless steel appliances with a silver-rimmed clock. If you want a wall clock that stands out without taking over the room, look for one in a modest size with a cheeky pop of color and simple, chic face.