The counters are scratched, the cabinets are rickety, the sink is leaking, and the once-shiny floors are now shabby at best. This, in a nutshell, is the worst kitchen nightmare – and all too many people’s harsh reality! If your kitchen is due for a remodel, you’ll know just how time-consuming, inconvenient, and expensive this project can be. However, by making smart decisions that stand the test of time, you’ll ensure that your space stays spick-and-span for decades to come. To help you design an age-resistant room, let’s take a look at the five hallmarks of all quality kitchens.

1. A Dateless Design

When it comes to your kitchen’s layout, it’s easy to fall into the trap of prioritizing chic over functional. But while the triangular island and the slick, pull-out dining table may be stylish, how happy will you be when the corners of your island keep getting in your way and the surface area is too small? Or when you spend an extra 15 minutes setting up your table before every group meal? Sooner or later, your frustration will outweigh your satisfaction, and you’ll wish that you’d opted for a more practical layout in the first place. So, don’t underestimate the value of a simple, open-plan design, featuring wide walkways and spacious, easily accessible surfaces. It does wonders in all quality kitchens!

2. Fantastic Flooring

There’s something to be said for glossy wooden floors, but fast forward a few years: how will you feel when the shine wears off, they’re covered in water marks, and the boards creak under your feet? To save yourself a whole lot of time, work, and money down the line, it’s wise to go with a more low-maintenance option, such as tile or engineered wood. These surfaces are not only aesthetically pleasing, but have the additional benefit of being slip- and water-resistant. Two birds, one stone.

3. Carefully Considered Cabinetry

Your inclination may be to go with traditional cabinets, equipped with door fronts. However, while this design has dominated the scene for years, many modern quality kitchens are trying something new: more drawers. These fully extending storage wonders not only look lovely, but are also very handy, enabling you to take stock of their contents with one single glance and to maximize space. What’s not to love?

4. Sound Sinks

It’s entirely possible that you haven’t given your sink much thought, but contrary to popular belief, it’s an essential kitchen feature that’s easy to get wrong. For example, while materials such as porcelain may look elegant, they stain and chip easily, resulting in extra cleaning time and maintenance work on your part. As a rule of thumb, your sink should not only look stunning, but should also be streamlined. Stainless steel strikes an ideal balance between these two criteria, as do matte finishes, cast iron, and flush-set sinks.

5. Convenient Countertops

For passionate cooks, this decision is a make-or-break factor and should be considered carefully. Again, you may be tempted to go with a classically beautiful surface material such as wood, but by now you’ve probably realized that only thinking about how it’ll look is a big no-no. From water stains to mold to scratches, you’re setting yourself up for a maintenance nightmare, so consider the practical alternatives. Some of the top contenders for quality kitchens are quartz and countertops, which are known for their versatility and durability. But neolith, a sintered stone from Spain, is undoubtedly the cream of the crop, thanks to its water-, heat-, and scratch-resistant properties. Oh, and it looks pretty fabulous, too!

A remodel can be daunting and costly, but keeping the big picture in mind and

making practical choices is sure to save you a whole lot time, frustration, and money in the long run. By opting for an ageless design, chances are that your space will still look as good as new ten years down the line – the defining feature of all quality kitchens!