I totally get what you mean about the glossy doors. I was obsessed with them in the catalog, but after seeing my neighbor’s kitchen, I realized I’d be wiping fingerprints off every day. The plywood shelf thing surprised me too—my parents’ old kitchen still has the original ones, and they’re holding up better than some of the new stuff I’ve seen. Open shelving looks cool, but I know myself... all my mismatched mugs would be on display. Still, it’s kind of fun figuring out what actually works for real life and not just for photos.
I went through a similar phase with the glossy cabinets—looked amazing in the photos, but I visited a showroom and literally every single door had smudges. I kept thinking, if it’s this bad with adults just browsing, what would it be like with actual cooking and kids? Ended up going with a matte finish, which hides way more than I expected.
On the plywood shelves, I was skeptical at first because they seemed kind of basic, but I realized my grandparents’ kitchen (built in the 70s) still has the original plywood shelves and they’re rock solid. Meanwhile, my friend’s “modern” particleboard ones are already sagging after a couple years. Sometimes the old-school stuff just works better.
Open shelving is tempting, but honestly... I know my cereal boxes would end up front and center. I tried one open shelf for spices and it turned into a dumping ground for random mugs and mail. For me, closed doors are a lifesaver for hiding the chaos.
It’s definitely a balancing act between what looks good and what actually works day-to-day. I guess it’s all about figuring out what you’ll actually keep up with versus what just looks good in a catalog.
It’s definitely a balancing act between what looks good and what actually works day-to-day.
Couldn’t agree more. I used to get caught up in those Pinterest-perfect kitchens, but after flipping a few homes, I’ve learned that “real life” always wins out. Matte finishes are a game changer for fingerprints, and plywood shelves really do last. Open shelving looks great in photos, but in my own place, it just became a magnet for clutter. You’re making smart, practical choices—those are the ones that actually stand the test of time.
Totally get what you mean about open shelving. I tried it once because it looked so clean and airy in all the photos, but in reality, it just turned into a dumping ground for random mugs and half-used spice jars. I ended up putting doors back on most of them after a year. Sometimes those “Instagrammable” ideas just don’t hold up when you’re actually living in the space.
One thing that’s saved me a ton of hassle (and money) is sticking with classic cabinet fronts and hardware. I used to get tempted by all the trendy stuff—gold pulls, glass doors, you name it—but honestly, simple shaker cabinets with sturdy handles have held up best. Plus, if I ever want to change the vibe, swapping out hardware is way cheaper than redoing everything.
I’m curious—has anyone found a countertop material that’s both budget-friendly and actually stands up to daily chaos? I went with butcher block because it was affordable and looked nice, but now I’m dealing with water stains and scratches. Maybe I should’ve sealed it better or gone with laminate? Would love to hear if anyone’s found something that doesn’t break the bank but still looks decent after a few years.
Also, does anyone else feel like lighting gets overlooked? I spent ages picking out cabinets and counters, but adding under-cabinet lights made the biggest difference for actually using the kitchen. Sometimes it’s those little upgrades that end up being the most practical...
Kitchen Redesign Adventure: Worth the Hype or Not?
You nailed it about open shelving. Every time I walk through a flip with those, I just think about how fast they’ll get cluttered. They look great in staged photos, but in real life? Dust, mismatched mugs, and random cereal boxes everywhere. I’ve seen more than one client regret that choice after a few months.
On the countertop front, I hear you about butcher block. It’s affordable and looks warm, but it’s high maintenance. I’ve had a few rentals with it, and unless tenants are super careful, it gets beat up fast. Laminate’s actually come a long way—some of the newer stuff is surprisingly convincing and way less fussy. I’ve also had decent luck with mid-range quartz for projects where the budget allows. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s basically bulletproof and doesn’t need sealing or special care. If you’re sticking to a tight budget, though, high-quality laminate is probably your best bet for durability and looks. Just avoid the really cheap stuff—it chips and peels.
Lighting is one of those things people forget until they’re actually living in the space. Under-cabinet lights are a game changer, especially if you cook a lot or have darker counters. I always recommend them now, even in basic remodels. Swapping out old overhead fixtures for something brighter or adding dimmers can make a huge difference too. It’s funny how the little upgrades end up being the ones you appreciate most day-to-day.
Honestly, you’re making smart calls by sticking with classic cabinets and hardware. Trends come and go, but simple, sturdy choices hold up—both for your sanity and resale value. It’s easy to get sucked into what looks good on Instagram, but real life is messier. You’re not alone in figuring out what works and what just looks good in photos.
