The Biggest Kitchen Design Regrets Of 2025, According To Reddit Users

Kitchen design is always changing. In the 1970s and '80s, earthy colors and floral wallpaper were common. In the 1990s and early 2000s, designers moved toward warmer colors and granite countertops. Over the next 25 years, kitchen design became simpler as outdated maximalist trends were left in the past. Lighter colors and cleaner finishes are popular; island countertops signal status, and appliances blend into the cabinetry. Even though modern design seems to emphasize the "less is more" principle, not all simple designs actually lead to greater functionality. For instance, the move toward lighter colors makes it easier for surfaces to stain, and if you live a busy life, you probably can't afford to spend your time scrubbing your countertop. 

A lot of design discourse now happens on social media, and perhaps no online community is as thorough in its criticisms as Reddit. In 2025, members of the subreddit r/HomeDecorating volunteered some of their own kitchen design mistakes. Some of these mistakes simply dragged down the space's aesthetic, while others made it harder for people to use and clean their kitchens. Good design principles should find a meeting place between efficiency and appearance, and the following examples from r/HomeDecorating fail to do so.

Plank floors allow a space to breathe. They make a kitchen feel welcoming and warm, but, according to Redditors, they require much more effort to clean. If you purchase an older house, there's a good chance you'll encounter this problem. Crevices in between the boards will capture crumbs and ingredients like flour and sugar if spilt. The best way to clean these floors is to vacuum the crevices and use something stiff, like a pipe cleaner, to pick out any remaining detritus. Unless you have the time and energy to put this kind of work into your floor, or the extra cash to pay someone to do it, it's better to go with vinyl or tile.

From time to time, you'll see checkered tile kitchen floors, which are a vintage kitchen design that will never go out of style. This evokes a classic aesthetic that can range from Victorian to mid-century American diner. According to Reddit, smudges or crumbs will stand out on the black tiles, so you'll have to clean them constantly. If you're a clean freak, this might be right for you, but if you struggle to work up the energy to scrub floors, you should pass on black checkered flooring.

Most people go with a lighter color palette to emphasize the cleanliness of a space. One Redditor had to find this out the hard way when they noticed dirt and bits of food stood out in contrast. White floors require more frequent spot cleaning and scrubbing. The Redditor noted that they have to spend hundreds of dollars to reseal their floor every couple of years. Unless you have time to spot clean your floor every couple of days or scrub it every few weeks, you should probably go with earthy colors.

A cabinet door generally covers kitchen shelving. This is ideal because sometimes you find yourself in a rush and just need to put the dishes away without putting too much thought into their organization. If you use open shelving, which is essentially a cabinet without a door, there's no way to cover this disorder. One Redditor even said that their children place everything on the bottom shelf, which stays cluttered while the other shelves remain empty. A single open shelf containing cookbooks and handwritten recipes is a good alternative to rows of open shelves.

The kitchen island is supposed to provide more space in your kitchen, and it should be the first feature to decide on when designing a kitchen. You sacrifice some floor space in exchange for more counterspace. This is a good trade for most people. The island also has additional drawers you can use for cutlery, plates, and even a trash can. But if you place your island too close to your primary workspaces, the area near the stove and sink, you'll have a lot of trouble cooking and doing dishes. Make sure you still have walking space when you open the oven or dishwasher.

Outlets are essential to running an efficient kitchen, but you only notice them when you don't have enough. You have several outlets along the counter space so you can run your appliances and charge a phone at the same time. If multiple people are cooking, you don't want to have to stretch a cord across the kitchen, because it will get in people's way. You also need outlets next to the kitchen table, so people can charge their laptops while they work or read the news over breakfast.

Softwood cabinetry can make your kitchen feel a little more natural. It's typically made from evergreen trees like spruce and cedar, and is desired for its affordability. But softwood's visual appeal can decline over the years. As one Redditor noted, these cabinets scratch and nick easily. They are also susceptible to water damage. If you ever open one of your cabinet doors with a wet hand, it may discolor. Instead, try installing laminate cabinets. This durable, plastic layer will stand up to all kinds of abuse. If you still prefer wooden cabinetry, try hardwoods like cherry, maple, and red oak.

A hardwood countertop gives your kitchen a rustic look, but as one Redditor pointed out, they are often not worth the trouble. Unlike granite or tile, butcher blocks are more susceptible to scratches and dents. You can sand them down, but that will require time and money. Water damage can cause the wood to warp, and food products can stain it. Another Redditor stated that their butcher block was a recipe for mold. If you decide to use a butcher block, never use steel wool or abrasive cleaners like bleach or ammonia.

Quartz countertops have plenty of upsides. Not only do they give your kitchen a modern aesthetic, but they are less prone to scratching or chipping than softer stones like marble. Quartz also doesn't stain easily, but it can still absorb pigments, especially if it is white. One Redditor said they put in white marble countertops in their home and wasted thousands of dollars after it stained, and they had to replace them. Gray and beige are less likely to show stains. If you decide to go with a white countertop, have it professionally sealed.

Most gas stoves have four burners, and unless you're a professional chef, you probably never need any more than that. But some stoves have six burners, and they tend to be wider. One Redditor said they regretted installing a six-burner stove because it took up too much space in their kitchen. Most people need those few extra inches of counter space a lot more than an additional burner. If you love baking and need more oven space, consider the wider stove. But if not, a standard width should allow you to bake whatever you need.