In your 30s, you may be done chasing flash-in-the-pan trends and ready to invest in home elements that will stand the test of time. The kitchen is one area of the house that needs special attention. While the kitchen will likely be the most popular room no matter what it looks like, bringing an intentional stylistic edge to the space will make it both stand out and feel incredibly homey.
“People in their 30s are leaning toward finishes that balance modern aesthetics with a timeless feel, ensuring the space will age gracefully as trends evolve,” says Elana Tenenbaum Cline, interior designer and founder of Carta Creatives.
Adds Kellie Sirna, principal designer and founder of Studio 11 Design, those in their 30s are foregoing the long-dominant interior design trend of all-white, beige, and neutral kitchens in favor of darker, moodier hues, colorful tiling, textured finishes, and overall sense of warmth and personalization–and returning to the idea of the kitchen as “the heart of the home.”
Those 30-somethings are also getting more creative in the kitchen and want space to expand their go-to devices.
“People in their 30s often have the means and interest to cook a bit more adventurously, so they like trying new cookware and appliances,” says Christina Melander, interior designer and founder of Knotty Pine Design. “The danger there is accumulating too much stuff that clutters up your counters, and using things once or twice and then deciding they’re not all that useful on an ongoing basis. So they need clever and convenient storage for all these new tools they acquire.”
Whether it’s a dated home feature that came with the place when you bought it or the pile of appliances that are collecting dust, there are many things that people over 30 shouldn’t have in their kitchens. We asked interior designers about what absolutely has to go and/or how it can be improved for those in this particular phase of life.
Tile Countertops
Tile countertops, common in older homes, can look dated and are notoriously difficult to keep clean due to grout lines.
“Over time, grout stains and chips make the countertop look old and worn out,” says Colleen Bennett, principal designer and founder of CBB Design Firm. “Smooth surfaces like quartz or butcher block offer a modern, seamless look and are much easier to maintain.”
Bulky Overhead Cabinets
Oversized upper cabinets can create a closed-off atmosphere and contribute to an outdated look in the kitchen.
“They consume visual space and are often unnecessary given the availability of more efficient storage options,” says Brittany Cooper, founder and principal designer at Rathell Home. “Opting for open shelving or sleek, minimalist cabinetry fosters a modern and airy ambiance, making the kitchen feel more open and inviting.”
Laminate Countertop Materials
Quality countertops will save you money in the long run.
“This makes the kitchen look dated and will wear quickly, therefore needing to be replaced sooner than a stone or solid surface countertop,” says Lesley Ray, interior designer and owner at Lesley Ray Design.
Hanging Pots and Pans
Storing pots and pans in a very visible space (like from the ceiling) not only takes away from the decor, but it can make your kitchen seem smaller.
“No one wants to spend the time required to scour the bottoms of pots and pans so that they look clean and shiny enough to display. Plus, it just amounts to visual clutter,” says Melander. “Avoid both ceiling racks and pegboard or other wall hanging systems for cookware. Keep cookware in cabinets and drawers.”
Fluorescent or Harsh Lighting
Soft lighting can help your kitchen feel warm and inviting, important for anyone in their 30s who wants to create a cozy home.
“Harsh fluorescent lighting can be unflattering and doesn’t complement a warm, inviting kitchen space,” says Tenenbaum Cline.“Switching to under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, or recessed fixtures with dimming options allows you to create ambiance and control the atmosphere. Modern kitchens benefit from layers of lighting that can adapt to different needs, whether it’s meal prep or entertaining.”
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Having More Than Two Coffee Makers
A coffee maker is a nonnegotiable kitchen appliance for most people in their 30s, but having multiple coffee makers can cause kitchen clutter.
“There are so many ways to make good coffee now, so we naturally gobble up new apparatuses for pour-overs and single-cup brews. You have to consolidate,” says Melander. “Limit yourself to one manual coffeemaker (e.g., French press, pour-over, moka pot) and one automated system (e.g., drip coffee maker, Nespresso machine, Keurig single cup). One hack is that there are plenty of models that combine both drip and single-cup functionality.”
Using Disposable Plates as Everyday Dishes
While convenient, you should skip using them and get them out of your kitchen for good.
“In your 30s (if not sooner), you should upgrade to real porcelain or ceramic dishes,” says Ray.
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Mismatched Cabinet Hardware
Mismatched or outdated cabinet hardware can instantly make your kitchen feel disjointed and old-fashioned.
“Coordinating handles and pulls in modern finishes, such as matte black or brushed gold, can instantly refresh the look of your kitchen, giving it a more cohesive and updated appearance,” says Bennett.
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Junk Drawers
This is one spot in the kitchen that can quickly become overstuffed and overwhelming.
“Few people in their 30s have the luxury of a kitchen so large they can sacrifice a drawer to hold a bunch of random stuff. Space is precious and almost everything in your kitchen should have a clear purpose and function,” says Melander. “If you need to have rubber bands, pen and paper, and tape in your kitchen, then neatly combine those items with food wrap in a well-organized drawer. Limit yourself to one or two pens and a single notepad.”
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Random Food Storage Containers and Water Bottles
Kitchen storage space can quickly become filled with mismatched storage containers and random water bottles.
“Invest in quality food storage that matches and lasts: glass, ceramic, or sturdy plastic containers with plastic snap lids. Recycle or toss takeout containers. Get rid of containers with broken or missing lids,” says Melander. “Same goes for water bottles. Only invest in ones whose bottles and caps can be easily cleaned to avoid having to throw out moldy caps. Designate one drawer or shelf for food storage/water bottles and if it gets too crowded, it’s time to get rid of some.”
Heavy Over-the-Range Microwaves
Instead of a bulky over-the-range microwave, which tends to dominate the visual space above the stove, consider a sleek hood vent or downdraft system.
“These options not only improve ventilation but also add a sophisticated focal point,” says Tenenbaum Cline. “Moving the microwave to a designated shelf or within cabinetry maintains a clean and polished look.”
Having a Toaster, Toaster Oven, and Air Fryer
Save kitchen counter space and get a combined model.
“The goal with any kitchen is to keep the counters as spare as possible. A multitude of small appliances junks up counters and robs you of prep space,” says Melander. “There are great air fryer/toaster oven combo models available; no reason not to streamline!”
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