5 Kitchen Trends We're Pretty Sure You'll Regret

In the kitchen, the latest trend is not falling for hyped-up trends.

The trend right now is to be untrendy or at least, to appear that way. Our lackluster economy and environmental awareness has resulted in a celebration of classic, sustainable design, and a less "Hummer" approach to decorating. In the kitchen, the focus du jour is about recycling consciously, refining gradually and regretting minimally.

When the urge to redo is tempered by financial insecurity, consumer conservatism sets in. Homeowners are getting coached on how to stay fad-free and debt-free, self-educating through relevant books such as "Right-Sizing Your Home" by Gale Steves and cable shows such as Sweat Equity on the DIY Network. Amy Matthews, "Sweat's" hands-on host, urges remodelers to get organized and make design mood boards, before reworking their space. Doling out reality-based resale tips, Matthews stresses to "fit the remodel with the price point of the home and the neighborhood it's in."

It's kind of cool right now to adopt a thrifty and conservative mindset, or as Paul Anater, kitchen-bath designer and the editor of Kitchen and Residential Design, observes, "at least appear that we are." While blatantly obnoxious gadgetry and short-lived design ideas are scarce, manufacturers are tailoring their designs to fit today's popular attitudes and ways of being. Of course, it's a free country, and not everyone will follow the fold.

But here's the good news: Most people are shopping smart and not buying compulsively. Sarah Fishburne, The Home Depot's Trend and Design Director, says, "It takes about six months for a customer to start thinking about doing a kitchen to when they make the decision to buy. It really is the trend to know how you need your space designed." After interviewing 300 homeowners, Steves' findings were similar. People are staying put and reworking their space so that it functions more efficiently. "Right-Sizing", which describes living better in the space that you have, is right on target.

In an effort to help you follow suit, we've pulled together the top five red-flag trends that you might want to avoid, or at the very least, really think through before taking the plunge. Remember your three Rs: Recycle consciously, Refine gradually, Regret minimally.

1. "This Is Good Enough" Trend
Once you've gotten what you think you want, stop and ask yourself, "Is that really what I wanted in the first place?" Using cheap, shiny granite as an example, Anater reports that consumers jump as soon as they hear the word "granite" and then they jump higher when they spy a deal. Uba Tuba, Baltic Brown, and Santa Cecilia are some of the inexpensive speckled and spotty varieties that Anater describes as loud and visually "ugh". Literally an eyesore, the glare from the shiny surface is disruptive and will get tiresome. "The thrill of a cheap knock off," he says, "is a recipe for 'I'll hate this in three years'." When investing in the look of your home, Anater recommends going for an icon or an exact replica. He mostly specifies matte stone and believes the whole maintenance issue is overrated.

2."You, Too, Can Be a Food Network Chef" Trend
Anater describes this trend as "selling the fantasy that you are the star of your own food show and the kitchen is the focus of all your great dinner parties." It shows up as gallant gadgetry such as the pot filler -- the articulated faucet that hangs out behind the stove, like some plumbing project that might not have been finished. Carl D'Aquino, nominated by House Beautiful as one of the top 100 designers in America and partner at D'Aquino Monaco wonders why "it just became so very required." In his opinion, it is simply unnecessary. Steven Gdula, food entrepreneur and author of "The Warmest Room in the House" is emphatic that he's never seen one used. Steves wonders, "Does it justify the plumbing cost?"

3. "This Will Make My Life Easier" Trend
Convenience and efficiency are two big marketing concepts for kitchen industry manufacturers. The mini-kitchen that once housed a demi-fridge and microwave has been added to and upcycled as "The Breakfast Bar." Steves thinks this trend makes some sense in a sprawling home with a master suite or guest quarters, and sees it as a potential solution for multi-generational living. The satellite kitchen, however, probably won't appeal to average-sized homes. Steves likens the current proposal for kitchens on every floor to the notion that every member of a household needs his own bath -- nice but not really necessary. Gdula believes, "Manufacturers over-anticipate what people really want and need. They have this perception of convenience. But we're actually not as lazy as they think we are." Increased energy expense may also dampen the appeal.

4. "This Is So Me" Trend
As long as there's a "me" this trend will always be. "Express Yourself!" has always been a positive mantra as it pertains to one's emotional wellbeing. DIY's Matthews, however, advises eager home remodelers with an eye on selling, to avoid over-personalization and kitsch in the kitchen. She recommends relegating the ego to easily removable décor such as dinnerware, window shades, or peel-and-stick wall decals, rather than semi-permanent elements like tile and wallpaper. Matthews believes, "It's all about sustainability." Her no-fail solution for a goes-with-everything-keep-it-simple background is white subway tiles. The Home Depot's Fishburne says a white kitchen is always "clean, bright, and inviting." Steves concurs, "White is always right!"

5. "Just Because It's Pretty" Trend
"Fashion that runs counter to functionality is destined to a short life span," says Tim Wetzel, an industrial designer with Rejuvenation Lighting. Case in point -- the fancy chandelier. Though these unexpected luminaries may make a huge style statement and elicit praise from friends gathered round the island drinking wine, Wetzel says "they generally don't provide the sort of light that is needed, and have lots of intricate detail that defies cleaning." At the first glint of dust or layer of grime, the love affair will end. If you are not a clean freak and don't have a weekly anal-retentive housekeeper, go for something with less surface area to maintain.

Need ideas for kitchen projects you're less likely to regret?
How about open shelving in the kitchen?
Or a fresh look for the recycling area?