Past Its Used-By Date: Signs Your Old Kitchen Needs Modernizing

Photo by Semanur Kale 

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Kitchens can experience a lot of wear and tear over the years. With technological changes and evolving aesthetic trends, these spaces can gradually transform from state-of-the-art rooms into dysfunctional time capsules. But how do you know when your kitchen needs rejuvenation? Here are a few signs that it might be time to modernize your kitchen.

Outdated décor trends

Start by considering whether your kitchen looks old-fashioned. While some decor trends are timeless or come around in cycles, others continue to lose their charm as the years go by. Examples of kitchen trends that are definitely outdated include:

• Linoleum floors
• Popcorn ceilings
• Tile countertops
• High-gloss finishes
• Shiny brass fixtures
• Glass block walls

Unless you really do like the ‘vintage’ look of these features, consider updating them with newer stylings to give your kitchen a fresh feel. Try not to buy into controversial new trends that may only be short-lived fads – you don’t want to be updating your kitchen again in 5 years time.

Ancient appliances

Most kitchen appliances have a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years. Once continuous problems start occurring, it’s time to ditch these ancient appliances. What if my refrigerator from 1984 is still in good working order? While it’s true that some old appliances were built to last, you also need to consider how much energy they are guzzling – a newer appliance could use half as much electricity (look into ENERGY STAR rated products). Upgrading your appliances also allows you to explore new features that might not have existed on older appliances. This is particularly the case with ovens and dishwashers, which now have all kinds of smart and automated features for handling different tasks more easily. 

Scarred countertops

Countertops can take a beating. Eventually, even the toughest materials can start to show scars in the form of scratches, chips, and stains. Investing in new countertops could be worthwhile once it gets to this stage, not just to make your kitchen look more attractive, but also to make it more hygienic. Cracks and scratches can often harbor bacteria—unless you’re scrubbing deep into these crevices, you may not always remove these germs, and they could risk contaminating food. Some countertop materials may be possible to refinish, like butcher block, but for many materials, replacing them is the better option. Modern countertop materials you may want to consider include quartz and recycled glass.

Sagging cabinets

Your kitchen cabinets can also become damaged through years of use. Hinges can loosen, and doors can hang unevenly, while drawers can become stuck. In other cases, shelves can start bowing, or the sides of cabinets can start to warp. Once you start noticing any kind of sagging, it’s usually a sign that new cabinets are required urgently—you don’t want a cabinet to suddenly collapse with all your plates or glasses in it. Upgrading cabinetry can be a chance to not just avoid catastrophe but to expand storage options and design more practical shelves and drawers. For example, you might be able to create pull-outs in sections that were once hard to access or raise the height of shelves to fit taller glasses below. 

Peeling paintwork

Peeling and chipping paintwork can not only be unsightly but also potentially a symptom of moisture damage. Bubbles, cracks, and discoloration can occur as a result of prolonged exposure to steam and splatters. If there are signs of mold growth, it’s definitely time to not just repaint, but identify sources of damp and potentially replace wood that may have become rotten. When repainting walls or cabinets, choose colors and finishes that are contemporary and practical. Opting for lighter hues could help to brighten up your kitchen if it’s currently a bit dark (look into tones beyond white if you want to give your kitchen more personality).

Corroded plumbing

Sinks and taps can develop corrosion over time. Frequent issues like leaks or drainage issues are signs that pipes could be rusting away—replace these to avoid future problems. If your kitchen faucet is visibly corroded or scaled up, it might be time to replace this fixture too. Modern tap designs that could be worth looking into include pull-out taps and touchless faucets. You should also consider whether your sink basin needs upgrading. Generally, it’s a good idea to replace a sink once it has started to become noticeably scratched, as these scratches could end up hosting bacteria. Explore different sink basins and faucet designs that match each other well. 

Awkward workflow

Next, consider your kitchen layout. Many older kitchens weren’t designed with ergonomics in mind or may have become inefficient over time as a result of extra appliances being squeezed in. If your kitchen is too narrow or if outlets are hard to reach, it might be worth considering a complete kitchen remodel with the help of a general contractor. It may be possible to extend your kitchen space outwards and give yourself more room. Alternatively, if you don’t want to take up extra space in your backyard, you may be able to borrow space from a neighboring room. Sometimes simply knocking down an internal wall to create more flow between a kitchen and living space can do wonders in helping to make it less cramped. You could even consider extending a countertop out to create a breakfast bar—giving you more space to prepare food and an extra dining space. 

Gloomy lighting

Your kitchen shouldn’t feel like a cave. Lighting could be another important aspect to consider if you have an older kitchen—some homes may still have rooms lit by a single overhead fluorescent bulb. By considering solutions like track lighting or recessed lighting, you can fully illuminate the room. Under-cabinet lights can also be great for brightening up countertops. You can also hang pendant lights over islands or breakfast bars to provide focused task lighting. Choose LED bulbs to improve brightness and energy efficiency. You can buy bulbs in different color temperatures—some people prefer cooler lighting for a modern look, whereas warm lighting may complement a rustic kitchen better. 

*This article is based on personal suggestions and/or experiences and is for informational purposes only. This should not be used as professional advice. Please consult a professional where applicable.