The kitchen is the undisputed heart of the home. From family dinners to experimenting with new recipes to working from home, it can get endless use. As a result, it is also one of the areas that prospective buyers take the biggest interest in when they're scouting for their next home. In every kitchen, there are certain must-haves that buyers are looking for. From state-of-the-art appliances to high-style tile work, certain elements will undoubtedly catch their eye. But there are also many things that can quickly turn a buyer off when they walk into the space. From a lack of color to the wrong countertops, discover these design and cabinet trends to avoid if you're considering selling your home.

The monochromatic color palette

While keeping your kitchen all one shade can give it a clean look, it can also cause it to fall a little flat. Try to mix it up to create some contrast. If you have white cabinets and white countertops, consider adding a soft blue, green or gray paint color to the walls. On the other hand, if your cabinets and countertops are dark, lighten things up by opting for a brighter shade of paint for the walls. That way, the room feels dynamic and multidimensional instead of one-note.

The all-white aesthetic

While white cabinetry, white countertops and white walls can help to make a space look larger, it also can make a space feel sterile. Though it's a trendy option right now, stay away from choosing white finishes for everything if you know you'll eventually sell. Opt instead for a more timeless aesthetic that incorporates multiple warm hues — such as blues, grays or greens â€” and natural materials such as wood or stone. Such design schemes will appeal to more buyers, making it easier for them to imagine living in the space.  

The open-air shelving

While exposed shelving has been a popular trend the past few years, it's not for everyone. For many people, open shelving is an impossible option because everything must always be painstakingly styled and stacked to get that ironically effortless look. Dust and cooking splatters also accumulate quickly along open shelves, which forces you to wash dishes and accessories more often. From flatware and glassware to small appliances such as air fryers or mixers, it's easier to hide your items away behind cabinet doors for a more realistic and practical storage solution. 

The over-the-top hardware

While hardware is a wonderful way to easily infuse your space with your own aesthetic, it's also an easy way to instantly turn off buyers. If you have ornately designed pulls and knobs, opt instead for simple brushed chrome or matte black alternatives that transition between different interior design styles. That way, it will be easier for prospective buyers to envision themselves in your kitchen, instead of getting distracted and fixated on such a small detail. 

The granite countertops

Though granite was once considered the crème de la crème of kitchen countertops — and is still popular — alternatives have taken over as buyer favorites. Other options such as concrete, quartz, quartzite and wood are trending up, thanks to their durability and more modern feel. Plus, they offer an ideal way to add a natural, contrasting element to the kitchen for extra added dimension. While granite may not be a deal-breaker for your sale, other materials can create more wow factor â€” and appeal to more buyers.