I Asked 4 Designers What the Biggest Kitchen “Eyesore” Is, and They Basically All Agreed (So Toss It ASAP!)
It’s fair to say that most people probably have more stuff in the kitchen than in any other room. From your mug collection to the windowsill knickknacks to the all-too-common junk drawer, things just tend to congregate there — and, ultimately, pile up.
Luckily, I chatted with some design pros on what they think has the biggest impact on the style and function of your kitchen. Have some time to declutter and refresh the space? These are the eight items designers say should definitely be tossed.
1. Faded, Worn Dish Towels
Dish towels, of course, get a lot of love in the kitchen, and inevitably they fade, tear, and collect stains. “These well-loved towels are easy to forget about, but swapping them out can make a surprisingly big difference in the feel of your kitchen,” says Nancy Swanton, CEO of Abundant Home Design.
She recommends trading them in for a set of high-quality cotton or linen towels that aligns with your kitchen’s design for a cohesive look. The coordination may sound frivolous, but Swanton insists otherwise: “The goal is to blend function and style seamlessly, making every element feel intentional and part of your kitchen’s overall design.”
2. Small Kitchen Mats
Skip the little rug in front of your kitchen sink. James Pearse Connelly, principal creative and CEO of JP Connelly, says you should “go big or go home on the floor.” In a more industrial space like the kitchen, a larger statement piece can go a long way in making it feel cohesive with the rest of the home. Connelly recommends seeking out a unique piece that can withstand a vacuum or a steam cleaner (something washable is an option, too).
3. Brushed Gold
Connelly went through a brushed gold phase, too, so he gives this advice out of solidarity. “Let’s face it: The golds incorporated never matched and honestly looked cheap sometimes,” he says. He claims that 2025 will be “all about chrome.” If silver-toned metals aren’t quite your style, however, consider unlacquered brass as a popular (and elevated!) alternative to brushed gold.
4. Decor Above Upper Cabinets
In many kitchens, the cabinets go up to the ceiling to draw the eye up, but that’s not always realistic. Though it’s tempting to fill all that open space with decor, Samantha Bailey, founder of Samantha Kate Interior Design, warns against this. Not only will the things up there end up greasy and dusty, but it immediately makes the kitchen overall appear more cluttered. (If you have to use that space for storage or decor, here are the best ways to do it.)
5. Damaged Dishes and Mugs
They might still be functional, but Swanton insists they can make your kitchen feel worn and neglected. “Plus, they can be unhygienic and unsafe if sharp edges are involved,” she says. “It can be hard to let go of our favorite coffee cup, but holding onto them out of nostalgia or habit often just adds unnecessary clutter.” Investing in new, durable pieces that fit your overall aesthetic will spark all kinds of joy.
6. Utensil Crocks
This, Swanton admits, isn’t a one-size-fits-all recommendation because “keeping all your cooking utensils in a jar on the counter works well for some styles, like farmhouse or grandmillennial.” That said, they usually make your kitchen look a bit cluttered and disorganized.
“Think about tucking your utensils away in a drawer to create a cleaner, more considered look,” she says. “Your kitchen will feel more organized, and your countertops will be much more open and inviting.”
7. Signs with Text
Signs that say “live, laugh, love” or something similar seem inspiring, but they’re a distraction more than anything. In addition to the signs being dated, Connelly says, your eye will be immediately drawn to the text and miss out on other design elements in your kitchen.
8. Small Appliances
Kitchen counters are not as much for storage as they are prepping and hosting. If you can, Swanton recommends you donate the niche appliances you don’t actually use, and put the rest away. “You should then add a large wood cutting board and fresh flowers to break up all the countertops with the warmth of wood and the smell of nature,” adds furniture and interior designer Ashley Yeates.
Cabinets all full? The appliances should stay clean and complement your decor (as much as they can, anyway). Swanton also suggests you create dedicated zones — “like a stylish coffee or tea station that corrals all the essentials.”
Do you have any of these eyesores laying out? Let us know in the comments below!
Further Reading
The One Cookware Brand That Gordon Ramsay Can’t Stop Talking About
Do Water Filters Really Work — And Which Ones Are the Best?
Tuscan Chicken Is the "Most Delicious" Dinner of All Time, Says Everyone Who's Tried It
