30+ Decor Items You Should Avoid So Your Kitchen Doesn’t Look Cheap and Tacky

Are you looking to upgrade your kitchen decor? Avoid these 30+ decor items to ensure that your kitchen maintains a stylish and sophisticated look. From tacky wall art to cheap plastic accessories, we’ve got you covered with what to steer clear of when it comes to kitchen decor.

While it might be tempting to go all-in on a specific theme for your kitchen, it’s important to avoid going overboard. Avoid decor items that are too on-the-nose of a particular theme, such as excessive rooster or fruit-themed decor. Instead, opt for more subtle and sophisticated accents that hint at your chosen theme without being overwhelming.

Cheap plastic accessories can instantly detract from the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Avoid plastic utensil holders, dish racks, and other kitchen essentials. Instead, invest in high-quality materials such as wood, ceramic, or stainless steel to elevate the look of your space.

Novelty kitchen gadgets might seem fun at first, but they can quickly make your kitchen look cluttered and disorganized. Avoid items like novelty egg timers, quirky salt and pepper shakers, and other gimmicky gadgets. Stick to classic, timeless pieces that are as functional as they are stylish.

Tacky wall art can instantly cheapen the look of your kitchen. Avoid overly cliched or mass-produced pieces, and instead opt for unique, meaningful artwork that adds personality to your space. Consider supporting local artists or creating your own DIY pieces for a more personalized touch.

Cluttered countertops can make even the most high-end kitchen look cheap and disorganized. Avoid filling every inch of counter space with small appliances, knick-knacks, and other decor items. Instead, opt for a minimalist approach with only a few carefully curated pieces on display.

While it’s convenient to have a place to hang important reminders and notes, excessive magnets on the fridge can quickly become an eyesore. Avoid covering your entire fridge with magnets and instead opt for a designated bulletin board or command center for visual organization.

Mixing patterns can add visual interest to your kitchen, but too many mismatched patterns can make the space look chaotic and cheap. Avoid overdoing it with clashing patterns on dish towels, curtains, and other textiles. Stick to a cohesive color palette and choose patterns that complement each other for a more polished look.

While a bowl of real fruit can make for a stylish and practical kitchen accent, fake fruit decor can quickly veer into tacky territory. Avoid plastic or foam fruit bowls and instead opt for real, fresh fruit as a colorful and organic decor element.

Cheap, mismatched plastic storage containers can make your kitchen look messy and unkempt. Avoid using these containers for pantry and refrigerator storage, and invest in a set of high-quality, uniform containers that not only look great but also keep your food fresh and organized.

While it’s fun to incorporate pops of color into your kitchen decor, excessive use of theme colors can quickly make your space look cheap and overwhelming. Avoid painting all your kitchen walls, cabinets, and accessories in a single bright color. Instead, opt for a more balanced color scheme with neutral base tones and strategic pops of color.

Strong, overpowering aromas from candles, diffusers, or air fresheners can be off-putting and have the opposite effect on your kitchen’s ambience. Avoid using overly pungent scents and opt for more subtle, natural fragrances to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere.

Trendy appliances might seem appealing at first, but if they’re not practical for your day-to-day kitchen needs, they can quickly become a wasted eyesore. Avoid impulse buys of trendy appliances that don’t serve a real purpose in your cooking routine, and instead focus on investing in high-quality, functional pieces that stand the test of time.