Just like every other kind of trend, kitchen trends tend to come and go. One of the latest on the chopping block? Farmhouse kitchens — even though Gen Z is trying to bring them back. Elements like Shaker-style cabinets, light color palettes, and subway tile give life to the cozy, lived-in, welcoming tone of the overall aesthetic. Thanks, Joanna Gaines!
But it’s not all hearth vibes and open-shelving fun. Some characteristics of farmhouse kitchens aren’t as great as they seem. I spoke to real estate expert Ben Mizes, founder of CleverOffers, for his insights on what people with farmhouse kitchens have discovered about the real-life implications of the trend.
“While many people love the look initially, I’ve started to hear some common regrets from homeowners who are either looking to sell or have lived with the style for a few years,” he says. “It’s not that they hate it, but certain elements can become tiresome.” Here are some specific aspects that have lost their luster, according to real home cooks.
They’re Not Unique
As with so many trends, having a farmhouse kitchen can stop feeling fresh and ends up feeling like you’ve hopped on a bandwagon. “The biggest issue I’m hearing is that the style has become so popular that it feels generic,” Mizes says. “Buyers are walking into house after house with the same white Shaker cabinets, subway tile backsplash, and farmhouse sink. What was once charming and unique now feels like a checklist. Homeowners regret that their ‘dream kitchen’ looks just like their neighbor’s.”
Farmhouse Sinks Aren’t Practical
A staple of the farmhouse kitchen, apron-front white porcelain sinks might have a lot of personality, but they can fall short in function. “While the large, deep farmhouse sink is a visual centerpiece, it can also be a pain to use,” says Mizes. “Because it’s so deep, you have to lean over more, which can be hard on your back. It’s also prone to chipping, especially if it’s made of fireclay or porcelain, and the exposed apron can show marks.”
Porcelain sinks can also be notoriously hard to keep clean. Mizes sums up life with a farmhouse sink succinctly: “It’s a high-maintenance showpiece that often doesn’t live up to its romanticized image in daily use.
A Light Color Palette Is Hard to Maintain
“The classic farmhouse look relies heavily on white and other light colors,” Mizes says. These colors go a long way in making a kitchen feel light and airy, but in the hardest-working room in the house, they can also create a lot of extra work. While a light color story in the kitchen can be “beautiful and bright,” he underlines how “in a high-traffic area like a kitchen, it shows every spill, smudge, and stain.”
When it comes to day-to-day life, don’t just take it from him: “I’ve had many sellers tell me they’re tired of constantly wiping down white cabinets and grout lines — especially if they have kids or pets. The dream of a pristine, rustic kitchen quickly turns into a chore.”
If you find yourself stuck between craving a farmhouse kitchen but being worried you might regret it, think about incorporating your favorite elements into a more classic look. “In the end, it’s about balance,” says Mizes, suggesting that a more transitional style leans on the steadfast qualities of timelessness and practicality, which results in a kitchen that feels “welcoming and warm without being a cliché.”
What do you think about farmhouse-style kitchens? Let us know in the comments below!