It is widely considered the heart of the home, so it is of little surprise that many feel the need to splash out a little extra cash on the kitchen. But according to an interior designer, some of Middle England's favourite kitchen upgrades are often not worth it in the long run.
Expert Advice on Kitchen Design
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jordana Ashkenazi, founder and design director of Element One House, said: 'A regret-free kitchen isn't about throwing in every gadget or trend you've seen online. It's about creating something that actually works day to day and still looks good in five or ten years' time. I always say: prioritise function first, then layer in beauty. If something is high maintenance, overly complicated or purely aesthetic, it's likely to become a frustration long before it feels impressive. A kitchen should work hard for you, not the other way around.'
Read on to discover the kitchen features that, according to Jordana, you will likely come to regret.
Sparkling Water Tap
Sparkling water taps might be tempting for those who prefer a fizz with their aqua, but according to Jordana, you might be better sticking to shop-bought bottles. Jordana: 'They sound like a great idea, but they're often high maintenance and prone to performance issues. Most people use them far less than they expect once the novelty wears off. It's quite a lot of cost and upkeep for something that rarely becomes part of everyday life. It's a novelty that quickly turns into maintenance.'
Boiling Water Tap That Doesn't Reach 100 Degrees
That being said, boiling water taps can be extremely useful, but only if they actually reach 100 degrees – so check the product properly before installing. Jordana: 'If it's not properly boiling, what's the point? Especially in a UK kitchen where a good cup of tea matters. These taps can be brilliant when they work properly, but anything that under-delivers just feels like an expensive compromise. If it can't make a proper cup of tea, it's failed the brief.'
Induction Hob with Integrated Extractor
Induction hobs with an integrated extractor fan might look swanky, but in reality, they are a waste of time, Jordana said. Jordana: 'They look sleek, but I've never been fully convinced. Heat, steam and smells rise, so trying to pull everything downwards just doesn't make sense. In reality, they're often less effective than a proper overhead extractor. Sometimes it really is just science over aesthetics.'
Solid Wood Worktops
They might look the part, but when it comes to caring for solid wood worktops, you will likely regret your choice. Jordana: 'They're beautiful initially, but they mark, stain and need constant maintenance. You end up worrying about where you put things, wiping constantly, and being careful in a way you just don't want to be in a kitchen. It should be a low-maintenance, hardworking space, not something you're tiptoeing around.'
Push-to-Open Cabinets
Push-to-open cabinets might sound like a time-saving hack, but in the long term, they can prove impractical. Jordana: 'They give you that clean, handleless look, but they're not as practical as they seem. You're constantly touching the fronts so they mark easily, and over time they can become temperamental. What looks minimal can end up being more effort in the long run. Minimal doesn't always mean practical.'
Statement Lighting
Statement lighting can look stunning in a kitchen, but it is often not the most practical choice. Jordana: 'A single statement pendant might look great in photos, but it's rarely enough when you're actually cooking. It leaves shadows where you need clarity, so you end up relying on it far too much. Kitchens need proper, layered lighting. Also, visually, one pendant can look a bit random, especially over an island. Two or three create a much better sense of balance and make the whole space feel more considered.'
Flashy Feature Wall
You might think it is bright and bold at the time, but the longer you look at a statement feature wall, the less you like them. Jordana: 'This is where people tend to be a bit too brave. What feels current now can date very quickly. You can often walk into a kitchen and immediately tell what trend cycle it was designed in just by looking at the splashback. It's one of those elements that comes in and out of fashion faster than people expect. A kitchen is a long-term investment, so it's always better to keep the main finishes timeless and elegant, and bring personality in through styling instead.'
Induction Hobs
Induction hobs are a popular choice in newbuilds, but for those passionate about cooking, satisfaction may vary. Jordana: 'I do like an induction hob, they're efficient and clean, but they're not for everyone. There's nothing quite like cooking on a proper flame, and some people find induction less intuitive. Even small things, like when you lift a pan and it switches off or starts beeping, can just feel a bit annoying day-to-day. Efficient, yes, but not always enjoyable to cook on.'
Pull-Out Bin
The saying goes out of sight, out of mind – but pull-out bins, though hidden, will likely result in a headache. Jordana: 'They seem like a clever hidden solution, but they can feel like a bit of a cesspit. Food gets trapped, they're harder to clean, and they're often not big enough. You end up having to properly scrub them out, which isn't ideal in a kitchen. Hidden doesn't mean hygienic.'
Sink in the Kitchen Island
It might look good, but putting the sink in the kitchen island is as impractical as it gets. Jordana: 'It looks great on a clean render, but in real life no one wants to see dirty plates and washing up front and centre. An island should be for sitting, socialising and keeping things looking calm, not showcasing the mess. Your island should host guests, not your washing up.'
Plate Warmers
Plate warmers might sound like a plus, but in reality, there are not many days of the year when they would get used. Jordana: 'A lovely idea, but rarely used. It's something people think they'll need for entertaining, but in reality it just becomes wasted space. A luxury that quickly becomes redundant.'
Integrated Fridge
They might make the kitchen flow seamlessly, but for bigger families, integrated fridges can be tight. Jordana: 'I do really like the look of an integrated fridge. It keeps everything streamlined and works beautifully with joinery. But they're often not big enough for a family kitchen, and you lose flexibility when it comes to replacing them. If you've got the space, they're great, but they can feel a bit limiting.'
