I keep seeing this split, honestly. Some buyers are really into the “lived-in” look—like, they’ll gush over original wood floors or a weird old pantry door, even if it creaks. But there’s still a big crowd that wants everything new and spotless, especially in kitchens. I think it depends on the area and price point, too. In my neighborhood, younger folks seem more open to quirks, but they still want the basics to function well. Maybe it’s less about the materials and more about whether the space feels intentional rather than just patched together?
Maybe it’s less about the materials and more about whether the space feels intentional rather than just patched together?
- Totally get this. My kitchen is a Frankenstein of “intentional” and “what was on sale at Home Depot.”
- I love old details, but if a drawer falls off every time I grab a spoon, it’s not “charming,” it’s just annoying.
- Function > fancy finishes, at least for me. If the oven works and the sink doesn’t leak, I’m happy.
- That said, I did keep the weird 70s tile backsplash. It’s ugly, but now it’s “retro,” right?
- Honestly, as long as it doesn’t look like a Pinterest fail, I call it a win.
Honestly, I see this all the time—folks get hung up on matching everything or chasing trends, but most kitchens that actually work for people are a mix of what they like and what they could afford at the time. That “intentional” feeling you mentioned? I think it comes from making choices that suit how you actually live, not just what looks good in a magazine spread.
That said, I’m a little skeptical about holding onto stuff just because it’s “retro.” Sometimes that 70s tile is cool, sometimes it’s just...old. There’s a fine line between quirky and outdated, right? Curious—do you ever find yourself wishing you’d ripped it out, or does it actually make you smile? I’ve seen people regret keeping something for the nostalgia factor when it turns out to be more of an eyesore than a feature.
Here’s something I wonder: if you had to pick, would you rather have a kitchen that looks amazing but is a pain to use, or one that’s super functional but not exactly Instagram-worthy?
Honestly, I ripped out some “vintage” linoleum once because it just bugged me every time I walked in the room. I get the nostalgia thing, but if it’s not making you happy or it’s a pain to clean, what’s the point? I’ll take function over looks any day. A kitchen that photographs well but drives you nuts in real life isn’t worth it—been there, regretted that. Give me ugly-but-useful cabinets over fancy ones that barely hold a pot.
Totally get where you’re coming from. I once designed a kitchen for a client who insisted on these gorgeous glass-front cabinets—looked amazing, but she called me a month later frustrated because nothing fit and fingerprints were everywhere. Sometimes the “ugly” stuff just works better in real life.
