10 Kitchen Upgrades That Aren't Worth The Money, According To Pros - Tasting Table

"There are several reasons why you may have been feeling that itch to upgrade your kitchen. Attracting a more lucrative resale value is an obvious benefit, yes, but strategic upgrades can also improve the functionality of your everyday cooking experience. Boosting the aesthetic appeal of the space is another worthwhile reason to invest in some design and functional value-adds. But when you weigh the cost versus benefit of certain upgrades, you'll find that the scales do not always balance."

"If you are looking to future-proof your kitchen investments, it helps to consider certain factors before making a big splashy purchase. Are your chosen upgrades heavily influenced by trends that might die out soon, such as color-of-the-year cabinetry? Given the cyclical nature of trends, what is old will always be new again, but you will be stuck with outdated elements in the interim."

"What do waffle makers, ice cream churners, and s'mores makers have in common? There is a good chance that they will be relegated to the back of your kitchen cabinet once the excitement wears off. According to Melissa Schneider, co-founder and lead designer at Homes Innovation, specialty appliances can be broadly split into two categories: "The built-ins that look seamless and cost a small fortune, and the ones you stash in a cabinet until inspiration strikes.""

Kitchen upgrades can increase resale value, improve everyday cooking functionality, and boost aesthetic appeal. Cost-versus-benefit calculations sometimes leave upgrades underperforming. Future-proofing requires avoiding elements driven by fleeting trends, such as color-of-the-year cabinetry, because cyclical styles can leave spaces feeling outdated during interim periods. High-maintenance materials like marble countertops and luxury backsplashes can erode investment value through ongoing upkeep costs. Specialty appliances such as waffle makers, ice cream churners, and s'mores makers often end up unused or stored away. Prioritize timeless, low-maintenance, and functional upgrades to protect long-term value.

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