Thinking about a new kitchen design? Be aware of these top seven kitchen design mistakes. They’re not irrevocable, but they could be expensive errors you regret a couple of years down the road…
#1 Cheap Cabinets
Cabinets are subject to a lot of wear and tear. Some cabinets are probably opened and closed 30-40 times per day. For this reason alone, it’s important to invest in well-built cabinets. Of course, cheap cabinets also just look bad. Since your cabinetry is a major part of your visual kitchen design, choose cabinets that you’ll love for years to come.
#2 Too Much Stuff
In most situations poor kitchen design isn’t the result of a lack of space; it’s the result of too much stuff. We all have hefty appliances and serving dishes that are lucky to be used once every season. Store these items somewhere outside the kitchen so you have room for the things that are really useful to you.
#3 Unrealistic Kitchen Design
Another major issue: unrealistic kitchen design. Sure, islands are in vogue, practical, and usually great additions to a kitchen. However, if an island doesn’t make sense for your space, then don’t try to force it into your kitchen design. Be realistic. Consulting with a professional kitchen designer can help you keep a realistic focus throughout the process.
#4 Soffits Everywhere!
What are you doing with all of that empty space between the top of your cabinets and the ceiling? Probably nothing, right? Why not get rid of that space and extend your kitchen cabinets all the way up to the ceiling?
#5 Brand New Technology
We’re big fans of new kitchen technologies. However, we try to encourage our kitchen design customers to wait out the newest technologies a little bit. How many of us have intercom systems in the house that haven’t been used for years? Exactly. But removing this technology is expensive, so it still remains. Wait on installing new technology until you’re fairly confident it will stand the test of time.
#6 Unsocial Workspaces
We all spend a lot of time in our kitchens. Make them social. Don’t design a kitchen where you have to face a wall to get your work done. If your kitchen is adjacent to a breakfast room or sitting area, focus on ways that you can orient the work you do in that direction.
#7 Halfway Jobs
Lastly, if you want a new kitchen design, get a new kitchen design. Obviously, it’s important to stay within your budget, but don’t expect to feel like you have a brand new kitchen if you only change the countertops or the cabinets. Treat your kitchen remodel project as a comprehensive project. Make top-to-bottom changes; don’t pick and choose!
What kitchen design mistakes have you made along the way? What would you do differently next time around?
