Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]

5 Design Trends That Are Dating Your Kitchen

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 05/01/2024

Unfortunately, some trends do not keep their appeal long-term. If you’re designing your kitchen based on popular past trends, you might find yourself stuck with a dated aesthetic years later. Sometimes, dated kitchen features can even work against you when selling your home. If you’re putting your house on the market and considering some kitchen updates, here are some good places to start:

Granite Countertops

Granite countertops have been a standard in kitchen design for a long time. However, today’s homebuyers tend to prefer other materials like marble or concrete. Butcher block or vinyl imitation wood are also great options if you want to replace your granite for something more up-to-date.

Traditional Wood Cabinets

Traditional style wooden cabinets are becoming less popular. One reason is how much space they can take up compared to more modern shelving solutions. Cherry-colored cabinetry, in particular, is a good trend to avoid, as it can seriously date your entire kitchen.

Dark Colors

Dark colors, both for walls and wood finishes, were all the rage for quite some time. These days, the trend is fading in favor of lighter, brighter color schemes for kitchens. Darker colors can make a space appear smaller and more cramped, which is never ideal in a kitchen. Lighten up your dark walls or wood finishes and create some extra space.

DIY Backsplashes

A kitchen backsplash is a popular place to show your creativity and test your DIY skills. However, they can also distract and send the wrong message to potential homebuyers. Consider replacing your self-installed tile or custom painted backsplash with something simple with universal appeal.

Overly Ornate Details

Ornate details are another thing that can date your kitchen and cause a distraction to potential buyers. Things like intricate trim designs, ornate handle pulls or overly decorative wood accents can make your kitchen look busy to those who prefer a simpler style. Try going for clean lines and classic shapes instead to make a better impression.

Some trends are here to stay while others fade quickly. Some style choices you thought would last forever might be better replaced with something new. Keep these ideas in mind and consult a real estate professional or home stager to find the best way to update your kitchen for potential buyers.

About the Author
Author

Teresa Merelman, Broker

 Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include: 

  • ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
  • CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
  • e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
  • CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
  • CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
  • AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
  • TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
  • RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
  • GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009) 
  • SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009) 
  • SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
  • AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
  • SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

  • Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
  • Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
  • NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder 
  • Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
  • Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.