Go onto any real estate website and you’re bound to see some amazing sights. Just because someone wants to sell a house doesn’t mean they have good taste. People do all sorts of crazy things to their homes. Bad paint jobs, ridiculous setups, and odd lighting fixtures are all part of the fun. Well, part of the fun for us, that is.
That’s not to say all of us are naturally good at designing homes, which is sort of like singing. Some people are really good at it. Most of us are average. And then some people are fantastically bad at it. That’s why we watch American Idol fail compilations on YouTube. And it’s why there are entire blogs dedicated to terribly designed homes.
Kitchens are some of the worst offenders. As the main room of the house, the kitchen is a place to congregate over good conversations and meals. For that reason, it should be relaxing, comfortable, and functional. But as these design fails show, that’s not always the case.
Some of them are cramped. Some look like your grandmother’s house. And some people are trying so hard to be creative that the outcomes will leave you scratching your head.
1. Yikes
Say it with me: there’s never a reason to have a toilet in your kitchen. It’s unsanitary for one thing. And if you really need a toilet that urgently, you might need to see a doctor.
2. Sorry, my eyes crossed for a minute
Do you love optical illusions? Do you want to be confused every time you try to get a kitchen utensil? If so, we have the perfect drawer pattern for you.
3. In the jungle, you’re always eating al fresco
It’s possible to take any hobby too far, even one that involves caring for houseplants. The foliage in this kitchen is over the top. But it just barely distracts from those awful kitchen cabinets.
4. I guess I’ll be skipping dinner
Here’s a diet plan for people with no willpower. It’s impossible to overeat if you literally can’t open your fridge. That’s what this kitchen layout is for, right?
5. “But how else will they know what we love?”
Nothing says “We have money” like a window etching in the shape of a fancy car. But to avoid being too ostentatious, throw in a couple of female gymnasts on the other windows. Let’s not be tacky.
6. Was this designed by a professional?
I’m not a professional architect, but I’d like to think I could design a better kitchen than this. To be fair, this is setting the bar pretty low. All I have to do is make sure none of the cabinet doors hit the sprinkler system and I win.
7. Why?
There’s nothing like having a major support beam — and tripping hazard — in the middle of your kitchen floor. Here’s the kicker: this house is a multimillion-dollar home in Los Angeles.
8. At least it’ll hide the real mold
Between food remnants and moisture, mold is almost unavoidable in kitchens. The solution to that is bleach or you could hide it by putting in a tile pattern that looks like fake mold.
9. When open-floor designs get too extreme
We’re all for keeping things open and uncluttered, but this is taking it a step too far. If I was in this kitchen, I’d be worried there was a murderer behind that fridge unit.
10. I don’t think you understand spoons
Who doesn’t love a cutesy sign in the kitchen? But seriously, this was an easy mistake to avoid. Even if you’ve never seen a spoon, just Google “what is a spoon?” Also, why haven’t you seen a spoon?
11. Oh dear
Here’s the kitchen cabinet design your grandmother would have. She would’ve never noticed it. Everyone else would have to pretend there weren’t penises on the cabinets.
12. For the multitasker in your life
Do you want to know a good way to get electrocuted while also starting a fire? Try taking a shower, frying an egg, and doing a load of laundry in the same 10-by-10-foot space.
13. So they’ll never forget their love
Forget putting up some nice pictures of yourself and your spouse from your wedding day. This couple opted to turn themselves into their kitchen backsplash. It’s going to be really awkward if they get divorced.
14. The oven looks horrified
Patterned cabinets can be tasteful, but textured ones…not so much. Especially if the texture you choose is “vintage leather couch at Grandma’s house.”
15. Do you like to be dramatic?
Do you dress up in ball gowns daily and identify strongly with Morticia Addams? Do you eat all your meals sitting at one end of a long banquet table? Buy this house immediately.
16. I’m having a panic attack
This kitchen is so far from the opposite of minimalism, I think Marie Kondo would combust at the mere sight of it. Seriously, do you not know when enough is enough?
17. Just order at the counter
No one likes these hanging cabinets that create a faux wall. And no one likes when the counter and the oven are completely different sizes. This is so stressful.
18. I like my kitchens with tripping hazards
Every kitchen island should have unnecessary legs. They offer no support at all and they increase your chances of stubbing toes, bruised shins, and faceplants.
19. Someone loves pizza a little too much
At first glance, you might think the counter is covered in a giant layer of uncooked pizza dough. But no, it’s just a design that someone created.
20. I hate this so much
If you want to drive your residents insane, design a kitchen exactly like this. Make sure every time you open the refrigerator it hits the light switch. You’ll eat your snack in the dark or not at all.
21. Are there too many chandeliers?
Can you ever have too many chandeliers? What’s the top number that you should put in a kitchen? Personally, I don’t think it’s possible to make a kitchen too fabulous.
22. You might be a little too patriotic
There’s loving where you’re from and then there’s this next level of loving where you’re from. There are only a few state shapes that make good tables and Kentucky isn’t one of them.
23. What’s happening?
Is this a kitchen or a bathroom? Surprise, it’s a kitchenette in a bathroom for when you want to take a bath but just can’t wait to cook your pizza.
24. If you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen cubicle
There’s no reason for this wall to be there. Also, there’s no reason for the oven to be in the middle of the room. Who thought this was a good idea?
25. Watch your end
Most people want their kitchen to be a place where they can feel safe and cozy. But not this family. They prefer to do all their cooking with the threat of being crushed by a falling piano.
26. Who loves butterflies?
Have you ever seen someone’s house and immediately figured out everything you needed to know about them? I don’t know anything else about this homeowner. But their love of butterflies has me backing away.
27. This counter is for giants only
This counter is such a mess that I can’t even tell what it’s supposed to be. Was it installed upside down? Are you supposed to climb up to it using steps?
28. Nope, don’t like that
What’s up with all these toilets in kitchens? This has never been necessary in the history of the world. Remind me never to eat at any of these homes.
29. Guess I won’t be using these drawers
You often hear people complaining that their kitchen doesn’t have enough drawer space. But you probably won’t hear them saying there are too many drawers. Where are you supposed to put your spatulas?
30. Taking multitasking too far
I can just see a renter trying to pass this off as a studio apartment. We can see the bathroom in the background. Why isn’t the shower over there?
31. This is exactly what the kitchen was missing
Every kitchen needs two giant pillars interrupting the sightlines and counter space of the room. At least there’s a helpful outlet. Side note: that corner window is almost just as bad.
32. That’ll fix it
When one renter moved into this house, they were shocked to find a tub and shower attachment in the kitchen. There was nothing they could do except put up a shower curtain so no one knows it’s there.
33. Priorities, priorities
When you don’t have a separate laundry room in your house, you have to get creative with space. That doesn’t mean putting a washing machine in the kitchen and the fridge on the counter.
34. Where’d my wall go?
Most kitchens have ovens placed up against the wall for good reason — they’re hot and they need to vent. This designer preferred a freestanding version. Newsflash, we hate it.
35. I guess there’s more counter space
Who needs counters when you can use a washing machine and dryer? Just don’t try cutting any vegetables during the dry tumble cycle.
36. My eye is twitching
This is enough to drive anyone crazy. The sink is at the wrong angle to the edge of the counter. How’s it possible these homeowners haven’t lost their minds?
37. A room with a view
There’s nothing like looking out at the view while you do some dishes. If you don’t have a window, then an elaborate picture will have to do.
38. There’s a lot to unpack here
Sure, you might be looking at those bare hanging light bulbs. But I’m distracted by the counter that has the Family Feud stations in the middle.
39. This is another level of bad
It’s one thing to have a toilet in your kitchen — that’s bad enough. It’s another thing to have a toilet in a place of honor above your kitchen.
40. Open floor plan or no open floor plan?
This designer desperately wanted to go with an open floor plan. They just couldn’t resist putting in a couple of pillars to make everyone uncomfortable.
41. Can I get a margarita, please?
If your kitchen looks like it has its own bar, you might be doing something wrong. On the other hand, you might be doing something very right.
42. For the modern Last Supper
I have a lot of questions about this kitchen. Does anyone need three (count them) kitchen tables? Why don’t those chairs have any legs?
43. This stove is a perfect fit
I don’t think this was the simplest way to arrange this kitchen. I’m going to guess this person has never played Tetris.
44. For the Casablanca fan
There isn’t any reason to have a light post in the middle of your kitchen. That’s unless you’re a really big fan of Casablanca. Or Singing in the Rain, perhaps.
45. Taking shabby chic a little too far
Shabby chic has taken the design world by storm in the last few years, but people can go overboard with it. For example, when you’re building your kitchen out of literal trash.
46. This vent is necessary
There’s nothing like having a vent above your oven. Ideally, it would actually vent somewhere, as opposed to just straight up into the ceiling.
47. Those cabinets are a bit busy don’t you think?
Everyone knows not to let your kitchen cabinets look overly decorated. Or if you do, at least throw in some stainless steel to break it all up.
48. ix-nay on the unique counter shapes
There are only a few good shapes for a counter. They don’t include whatever this shape is. How many times do people hit their hip on that thing?
49. Something doesn’t belong here
On its own, this kitchen isn’t terrible. But they just had to add a stove hood that looks like it’s straight from a garbage dump. Is rust “in” now?
50. I hope they have a dishwasher
If you hate washing dishes, you might need some extra incentive to push yourself. This homeowner’s solution was to build a sink that’s so small, you can’t let anything accumulate.
51. Everyone loves a clown motif
Who doesn’t love the world of colorful abstract art? Forget having a design that means something. Let’s substitute it for random blotches and swipes of color.
52. Marie Kondo strikes again
Minimalism is great, but like anything, it’s possible to take it too far. Then you end up with a bare kitchen with one tiny island in the middle.
53. Even the dogs hate this kitchen
Do you love stained glass but wish it was garish and ugly? We have a kitchen for you. It’s sure to disappoint your guests as much as it disappointed these dogs.
54. Order up
Everyone wants their kitchen to feel like the order window at a greasy spoon diner. Is that a new design style we’re going for these days? Just stick a few order tickets on the window to complete the look.
55. There’s no limit to the amount of faux wood you can have
There are traditional and stainless-steel refrigerators. Then there is the rarely-seen wooden fridge, a conversation piece that everyone hates. Who knew a refrigerator could be so ugly?
56. I wonder if they like cows
It’s possible to like anything a little too much, like this homeowner’s love for cows. With the motif wrapping around the entire room, it looks more like a slithering monster than a regular cow.
57. Ah, my favorite color
It can be hard to choose the right color when you’re painting your kitchen. Most people go for something light, bright, and comforting. This homeowner went for “puke purple.”
58. Stop trying to be creative
There are lots of cute ways to save space in a kitchen. Many of them are great ideas. But suspending your fridge a foot above the ground isn’t one of them.
59. Come back here, coffee
Have you ever seen a kitchen gadget that looks completely useless? This coffee “nook” is the design equivalent of an infomercial kitchen gadget. This is the banana slicing machine of design ideas.
60. When you can’t agree on a design theme
This kitchen looks like the result of a feud between two spouses. Dad wanted a “rustic Tuscan pizza restaurant.” Mom wanted an “old-fashioned fancy bathroom.” Both of them lost.
61. I hope you like red brick
Red brick can be a beautiful material — in moderation. Like anything, it can be overdone. And boy, was it overdone.
62. Please take a visitor’s pass
There’s nothing like a kitchen where you can relax and enjoy yourself. Of course, this one also has a little desk in the reception area — I mean, by the fridge.
63. Take me to your spaceship
This kitchen has a futuristic vibe but not in a good way. More like a “1960s BBC drama with no budget” way. But hey, it’s only $4.5 million.
64. Who are you calling ostentatious?
You thought that dusting your kitchen ceiling was annoying. Just imagine trying to Swiffer through all the spruce branches and pine cones overhead.
65. We need less counter
This kitchen has the perfect design for a cozy little kitchen nook. Unfortunately, someone got a little too carried away with the counters. Who needs a kitchen table when you have all this countertop space?
66. A kitchen for very thin people
Designing, like anything else, takes practice. I’m not a professional designer by any stretch. But I know when you have to put a sink in sideways, there’s not enough space.
67. Someone seriously thought this was a good idea
There are good ways and bad ways to get creative when designing a kitchen. Good creativity is adding a nice kitchen backsplash. Bad creativity is putting in two nonsensical sinks.
68. For when you’re having King Louis over for brunch
Everyone needs elaborate white molding in their kitchen. My only question is how are you supposed to climb into those chairs while wearing a hoop skirt?
69. But will you, though?
This listing for this house advertises a kitchen with multiple sinks and ovens. Is that really what anyone wants? I just see more stuff to clean. Also, what’s up with the giant red vent?
70. I’m going to vote nay
Repurposing items is great, but there are only so many ways to use old pallets. If you’re not going to make them look nice, then what’s the point?
71. What to hate first?
This kitchen is perfect for anyone who’s ever wanted some subway tile on their ceiling. Or anyone who wants four refrigerators. Or anyone who wants to walk a mile to get from one end of the kitchen to the other.
72. Can we stop with the whimsical tables?
Seriously people, stop making tables in funny shapes. Tables are for eating on and that’s hard to do if they’re in an irregular form. Why is this so stressful?
73. They forgot the refrigerator
Some kitchens were built before the invention of modern refrigeration. But this kitchen looks fairly new. They obviously forgot there needs to be a spot for the fridge.
74. Textured walls are in, probably
Who doesn’t love a good textured wall? Sure, there’s no point to them and they’re a bit visually confusing. But how else will people know that you’re a trendsetter?
75. Someone likes knotty pine a little too much
Natural wood is beautiful, and it should be used wherever it fits. But there’s such a thing as too much of any material. These designers reached that point.
People share 75 of the worst kitchens designs they’ve seen, and they’re too funny for words
Cedric Jackson
11.15.19
Go onto any real estate website and you’re bound to see some amazing sights. Just because someone wants to sell a house doesn’t mean they have good taste. People do all sorts of crazy things to their homes. Bad paint jobs, ridiculous setups, and odd lighting fixtures are all part of the fun. Well, part of the fun for us, that is.
That’s not to say all of us are naturally good at designing homes, which is sort of like singing. Some people are really good at it. Most of us are average. And then some people are fantastically bad at it. That’s why we watch American Idol fail compilations on YouTube. And it’s why there are entire blogs dedicated to terribly designed homes.
Kitchens are some of the worst offenders. As the main room of the house, the kitchen is a place to congregate over good conversations and meals. For that reason, it should be relaxing, comfortable, and functional. But as these design fails show, that’s not always the case.
Some of them are cramped. Some look like your grandmother’s house. And some people are trying so hard to be creative that the outcomes will leave you scratching your head.