9 Renovation Trends That Look Cool But Are a Nightmare to Maintain
We’ve seen various home renovation trends come and go over the years. Remember the olive green ’70s kitchen appliances? Or that odd apple decor? While these upgrades might look amazing at first, they don’t always stay stylish. More than that, they frequently require repairs and excessive maintenance. This makes your once-beloved renovation a complete nightmare. So, here are nine things you may want to reconsider.
1. Open Shelving in Kitchens
Open shelving is a popular choice for creating an airy, modern kitchen aesthetic. However, it quickly turns into a dust and grease magnet, requiring constant cleaning to maintain its appeal. Every dish, glass, and utensil is on display, meaning you have to keep everything meticulously organized. Unlike cabinets, open shelves offer no protection from dirt or cooking residue.
2. High-Gloss Cabinets
High-gloss cabinets create a sleek and sophisticated look, but they are incredibly difficult to maintain. Every fingerprint, smudge, and water droplet is highly visible, requiring constant wiping. Scratches and chips are also more noticeable compared to matte finishes. Additionally, cleaning these surfaces with the wrong products can leave streaks or damage the finish.
3. Glass Showers Without Frames
A frameless glass shower adds a luxurious, spa-like feel to a bathroom, but keeping it spotless is a challenge. Water spots, soap scum, and hard water stains quickly accumulate, requiring frequent cleaning. Special glass treatments can help, but they don’t completely eliminate the problem. Regular use of squeegees and specialized cleaners is necessary to maintain a streak-free appearance. Additionally, the lack of framing means leaks are more common, leading to potential water damage.
4. Marble Countertops
Marble countertops exude elegance, but they are one of the most high-maintenance surfaces available. The porous nature of marble makes it prone to stains from coffee, wine, and acidic foods. Even with regular sealing, it is susceptible to etching and scratches. Unlike quartz or granite, marble requires delicate cleaning and immediate spill removal to prevent damage.
5. Dark Hardwood Floors
Dark hardwood floors bring a dramatic and elegant touch to any home, but they show every speck of dust, pet hair, and scratch. Unlike lighter wood tones, dark floors require daily cleaning to maintain their rich look. Footprints and minor imperfections are more visible, especially in high-traffic areas. They are also prone to fading over time if exposed to direct sunlight.
6. Matte Black Fixtures
Matte black faucets, handles, and showerheads are a bold and modern choice, but they are notoriously difficult to keep clean. Water spots, soap residue, and fingerprints quickly accumulate, dulling the finish. Unlike chrome or stainless steel, matte black surfaces require gentle cleaning to avoid damaging the coating. Harsh chemicals and abrasive sponges can cause fading or peeling over time.
7. Floating Vanities
Floating vanities create a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic, but they come with hidden challenges. Since they are mounted to the wall, they require strong support, and improper installation can lead to structural issues. The open space underneath often collects dust, hair, and debris, making cleaning a frequent chore. Plumbing pipes are more exposed, increasing the risk of leaks or damage.
8. Concrete Floors
Concrete floors give a home an industrial-chic look, but they are not as low-maintenance as they seem. They are prone to cracking over time, especially in areas with fluctuating temperatures. Concrete is also highly porous, making it susceptible to stains and moisture damage if not properly sealed. Its hard surface can be uncomfortable to stand on for long periods, making it less ideal for living spaces.
9. Statement Wallpaper
Bold, statement wallpaper is a great way to add personality to a space, but it can be a nightmare to maintain. Over time, wallpaper can peel, bubble, or fade, especially in humid areas like bathrooms or kitchens. Cleaning it can be tricky, as excessive moisture or scrubbing may cause damage. Removing wallpaper is a tedious and time-consuming process that often damages the wall underneath.
Choose Style with Practicality in Mind
When you are considering the latest home renovation trends, you need to think about practicality above all else. A lot of the time, these “upgrades” come with high-maintenance challenges. It’s okay to want upgrades to make your home more stylish, but you should also ensure it will be easy to maintain. You don’t want your amazing renovation to become a burden. So, make smart choices that balance your aesthetics with convenience.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.