8 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes

A kitchen remodel is a great investment and is one of the best ways to improve your home’s value. Spending your money wisely by making the right choices is an important part of maximizing that investment as well as your long-term enjoyment of the renovation. A professional kitchen designer can help you navigate the many options, work with you to set priorities and help you stick to your budget while creating a beautiful and functional kitchen. With thought and planning, it is possible to avoid these common kitchen design mistakes.

1. Ignoring the Kitchen Work Triangle

The work triangle is a time-tested guide for creating an efficient workspace. The stove, sink and refrigerator are the three points that make up the triangle and should be between four and nine feet apart for greatest efficiency. Each point should have a clear path to the others, without appliances, cabinets or trashcans in the way.

2. Inadequate Storage

Proper storage is one of the keys to keeping a kitchen organized and efficient. Overstuffed cabinets make it difficult to find things, and can even lead to forgetting what’s there. Today’s cabinets have many options for shelves and drawers that neatly store specific items such as large pots and serving trays and small utensils and spice jars, and keep them easily accessible. In smaller kitchens, maximize storage by utilizing often-unused space, such as above the refrigerator.

3. Not Enough Counter Space

Allow room for countertop appliances, space for meal preparation, multiple cooks and stations for different activities such as baking.

4. Poor Lighting

Consider all the ways the kitchen is used, especially when there is a limited amount of natural light. Be sure to include multiple light sources for different purposes. General lighting for overall illumination can be achieved with recessed lighting or a chandelier. Pendants or track lights are good for task lighting over work areas. Accent lighting with under- or in-cabinet lights provides softer illumination.

5. Improper Island Size and Placement

Islands continue to be popular kitchen features because they are practical and functional for meal prep, family meals and entertaining. Design the island so that it works for these purposes rather than gets in the way. An island that is too big, can be difficult to maneuver around. One that is too small takes up space without providing much practical use.

6. Improper Placement of Appliances

Consider the space needed to easily access appliances, drawers and doors as well as where in the kitchen they are located.

7. Choosing Cabinets Based on Price Not Quality

Cabinets can include many extras that make using them comfortable and efficient such as shelves that slide out or drop down and drawers that don’t slam shut. While you may not need all the high-end bells and whistles, investing in quality construction for durability is a good investment. Choose cabinets that will stand up to daily wear and tear and continue to function and look beautiful for many years.