Lifestyle

Common Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid

Designing a kitchen layout may seem like it requires little effort, but it can, in fact, be very challenging. Knowing how to keep the right workflow without being in each other’s way all the time and being aware of the importance of the appliance size are just some of the aspects that many homeowners oversee when they start contemplating a new kitchen design for their home. To be sure you’re not making some of the most common kitchen design mistakes, keep on reading our tips.

Wrong flooring

Have you ever designed a kitchen before, or did you move into your previous home when it was already fully equipped? Considering kitchens are high-traffic areas, they require high quality, durable flooring. Low maintenance floors such as tiles and vinyl are the best options. Keep in mind that there will be crumbs, spills and stains during cooking, so go for flooring such as laminate to be able to simply sweep and mop at the end of every meal cooking.

Even if you’re browsing for the best colours online, don’t purchase until you see the colour and pattern live. The last thing you need Is kitchen flooring that reveals even the tiniest of spills, such as sparkling white or one that shows crumbs like dark brown, black and maroon.

Too many appliances in plain sight

A cluttered kitchen is an unsightly kitchen. However, not many people think about it when they start shopping for kitchen appliances. While an entire arsenal of machinery may be necessary for your household, they don’t necessarily need to be on display all the time. Only display two to three smaller appliances that you use daily, and store the rest in the cabinetry or on shelves. A toaster and a blender will fit into the kitchen layout seamlessly, for instance. If you’re used to your morning power smoothies, it’s only natural to have a blender out in the open. Unless you bake for a living, a mixer doesn’t need to be out of the cabinetry all the time. The same goes for a food processor, a waffle maker and a milk frother.

Not taking the right measurements

Have you completely fallen in love with that metallic stove? Or maybe you’ve had your eye on that side-by-side fridge? But have you measured them to see if they can fit into your kitchen? One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is not measuring your kitchen well and ending up with too big a dishwasher. So, before you invest in your favourite gas burner, make sure you’ve measured the area where you’ll place it so that it fits like a glove. Is there enough room between an island and your drawers for you to pull the drawers out entirely? Take all these aspects into consideration before you make the final decisions.

Having a kitchen island at any cost

While kitchen islands are one of the most popular kitchen elements, they are not meant for every kitchen. That’s especially true for smaller homes, where there’s barely enough space for the bigger appliances and counters. Instead of cramming the kitchen, consider a better alternative to an island, such as the peninsula. Breakfast bars add the same type of wow factor while incorporating a high seating arrangement that many homeowners love.

Forgetting about storage options

Upper and lower cabinetry with several drawers, and standard cabinets is all you need, right? Wrong! There’s so much more to storage space than the standard options. Open shelving on higher levels is a good alternative or an addition to regular storage. Store away items more efficiently with pull out corner storage that fit into the cabinets seamlessly. To avoid clutter during cooking, install storage for spices and oils near the cooking zone. Do you have a dishwasher, but your cutlery is out of arm’s reach when you need to unload them from the washer? Cut the unloading time in half by installing another storage for cutlery near the dishwasher.

Overseeing the workflow importance

The sink, the stove and the fridge are the three main spots in the kitchen that require a seamless connection for optimal workflow. They create the kitchen work triangle that offers convenient workflow, allowing you to move conveniently from one spot to the other. Allow for a decent expanse of countertop space when you start contemplating your ideal kitchen design. There should be 4 to 9 feet between each of the work triangle’s legs to avoid cooking in too snug a space.

Final thoughts

Planning a new kitchen design will be a big responsibility because it will require detailed planning and research. You need to know how to take precise measurements and opt for the most durable and low-maintenance materials for floors and walls, to name a few. You’ll want your kitchen to be trendy and fully functional, so always look out for the latest hits and ask for guidance when you’re not sure which way to go. It’s always better to ask for help than to make some of the biggest design mistakes.

Carolin Petterson

Carolin Petterson is a businesswoman and content marketer with years of experience under her belt. She has had the opportunity to contribute to a number of popular business and marketing websites.

Carolin Petterson has 69 posts and counting. See all posts by Carolin Petterson

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