8 Obvious Kitchen Decorating Mistakes Designers Want You to Avoid

Audrey Scheck knows her way around a kitchen. As an interior designer based in Austin, Texas, she often puts her stylish touch on kitchen remodels by creating custom design plans that reflect each owner. From down-to-the-studs renovations to arranging the final touches of decor, Scheck is there for it all. That's why we turned to her to reveal the common decorating mistakes she sees in the heart of a home. Read on eight decorating mistakes you may be making in your kitchen—and how to fix them.

Not Installing a Backsplash "Damaged kitchen walls are no joke," Scheck says. Nothing feels luxurious about a wall full of stains, discoloration, grease, and moisture—so the best way to prevent damaged walls is to incorporate a backsplash.

A backsplash will not only elevate the overall design aesthetic but protect your walls from splatting sauces and oils, too. Backsplashes also add significant value to your kitchen —a bonus if you plan to put it on the market someday.

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Too Much Decor on Countertops Anyone who has ever bumped elbows while cooking knows that counter space is prime real estate. You wouldn't want to clutter essential prep space with unnecessary items.

Be selective with accent pieces to optimize vegetable chopping space and reduce visual distraction. Scheck recommends carefully choosing a couple of standout items with pops of color—a crock for your utensils or a framed piece of vintage art, perhaps—to complement the calming, soft tones of your kitchen.

Using Dark Colors Dark shades, whether painted on your walls or cabinets, can make a kitchen feel small and enclosed. They tend to acquire stains and scratches more noticeably too. Instead, choose lighter-colored paint or wallpaper to maximize sunshine that streams in—that'll instantly brighten your kitchen.

"Trust neutrals—they are timeless and elegant," Scheck says. "Soft tones provide tranquility through the test of time."

Uncomfortable Seating Whether your kitchen is the site of homework help over bowls of mac-and-cheese or elaborate multi-course dinner parties, one thing is a must: comfortable counter chairs. "Chairs that are poorly designed can detract from the enjoyment of dining and entertaining in your kitchen," Scheck says.

High-quality counter chairs will withstand the daily wear-and-tear of a busy kitchen environment while lending to a sense of luxury. Win/win.

Overlooking Knobs and Sink Fixtures If your kitchen is lacking harmony, rethink your hardware . Your choice of finishes on sink fixtures and cabinet pulls plays a pivotal role in your kitchen's appearance. "Improperly sized knobs or poor-quality materials that clash and tarnish easily are not sustainable nor appealing," Scheck says.

More durable fixtures will live a long life in your hard-working kitchen, and need less maintenance over the years too. Don't be afraid to mix metals either, encourages Scheck; that look offers a vintage charm that harmonizes old and new.

Disproportionate Scale Focus on balance and symmetry when selecting decor items for your kitchen. It's common to see a too-small rug, too-large decorative accents, or too-crowded shelving, says Scheck. Each of these disrupts the flow of your kitchen.

"Inaccurate measurements of kitchen decor and appliances lead to awkward visuals and design constraints," Scheck says. To ensure cohesion throughout your kitchen, Scheck recommends giving each piece of decor enough space to be appreciated. That ensures it can contribute positively to your kitchen's overall design.

Neglecting Light Fixtures Disproportioned light fixtures—ones that are too small or too oversized—can disrupt the cozy, welcoming ambiance of your home. That's especially the case in a kitchen, as the wrong fixtures will produce an uneven illumination of light throughout your space, says Scheck.

First, try to maintain a balance between natural and artificial light. Then, consider if you need to correct the positioning or size of your light fixtures.

Visual Clutter Disorderliness distracts from an aesthetic appeal. Each item in your kitchen, from a blender to a spatula, should have a dedicated home. This prevents the chaos of clutter from taking over your countertops. If you're in the midst of a renovation, consider the bigger ways to create a sleek look in your kitchen. Scheck loves integrated appliances that can be seamlessly built into the cabinetry as well as floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, which visually expands the height of a room, eliminating the awkward gap between the cabinets and ceiling.

Open shelving is another great way to showcase decorative items while providing a spacious appeal.