An interior designer shares 9 things she'd never have in her own kitchen

Designing a kitchen that's comfortable and functional can be challenging.

John Keeble/Getty Images We asked interior designer Lane Mari to share which design trends she'd never have in her kitchen.

The designer said she stays away from cheap appliances and synthetic materials.

She also avoids black hardware and harsh overhead lighting in favor of warmer materials and shades.

The kitchen is often one of the most-used spaces in a home, whether you're cooking for family or hosting friends .

With so much time spent there, the design choices you make can have a big impact on how the space looks and feels.

To help you avoid any kitchen-design missteps , Business Insider asked Lane Mari, an interior designer with experience in both design and construction, what she'd never have in her own kitchen and what she recommends instead.

Here's what she had to say.

Black hardware can stand out too much.

Black hardware can look harsh against lighter cabinets.

Tyler Smiley/Getty Images When it comes to kitchen-cabinet pulls, Mari is skipping black hardware.

"It's too harsh and creates too much contrast on a white or light cabinet," Mari told BI.

If she wants something dark, she'll usually go for oil-rubbed bronze hardware instead.

Its warm undertones can help make it look more balanced in a space.