Quick answer: The five most common kitchen design mistakes are poor layout and flow, planning appliances around the cabinetry instead of the reverse, forcing in an island that doesn't fit, scrapping a workable existing layout, and choosing the wrong materials. Avoiding them up front saves costly rework later.
Designing or redesigning any room in your house is a chore, but kitchens have an extra challenge because of their nature as a multi-purpose space. Certain design elements—and flaws—are more noticeable in the kitchen. Here are five common kitchen design mistakes to avoid when designing or remodeling.
Why do layout and flow issues matter most?
The layout of your kitchen directly affects the function and flow of the space. Have you ever been in a kitchen with a bad layout? Some tell-tale signs include searching for and failing to find outlets where you need them, appliance crowding (for example, a refrigerator that is too close to the sink or dishwasher, which creates a cramped feeling), and other issues that show up as you move through the room.
Layout and flow issues are hard to rectify once you've gotten into the construction of the space, so it's important to take your time and not rush through the design process. The best practice for circulation and flow is to have about 4 feet of space between countertops, to give the room enough open areas to work in, which also helps the space feel less cramped.
Should you plan appliances or cabinetry first?
Another kitchen design mistake is planning your appliances around your cabinetry. There are typically two approaches that work best here: choosing the appliances first and then building the cabinets around them, or leaning toward a more open concept to leave room for replacement appliances that may differ in size.
Think of it this way: a living room entertainment center is built around a certain size and shape of television. We don't typically choose an entertainment center we like and then find a TV to fit. Those appliances are the reason we need the cabinets and countertops, which means they should be chosen and planned before you start working on cabinet design and construction.
When does a kitchen island become a mistake?
Islands can create more counter space and work areas, but they also have the potential to disrupt the flow of the kitchen, or create a bottleneck by taking up valuable space in a smaller kitchen. When planning your kitchen, take note of the available space and make sure your design layout can accommodate an island—and adequate movement around it.
Should you start your layout completely from scratch?
If you are remodeling a kitchen to update appliances, storage, or other elements, many people want to start fresh. But before you scrap every element of your previous layout, take a moment to consider why the previous layout was in place and whether any elements would be best kept.
Doorways, cabinet doors and the directions in which they open, drawer angles, and more can be part of an existing plan, for better or worse. Taking note of these things could create a better kitchen experience in the end, even if you don't completely reconfigure the flow.
How do the wrong materials cause problems later?
Just because something looks beautiful or is trendy right now doesn't mean it will work well in your kitchen. Using the wrong paint and countertop materials will only create more work for yourself later.
For example, marble countertops are gorgeous but are prone to stains and scratches. And flat paint is in style right now, but semi-gloss or glossy paint holds up better to scrubbing and cleaning. Be sure to think about the maintenance that goes into the materials you are considering—your kitchen is already a high-maintenance area, and no one wants more work after a gorgeous remodel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space should I leave between kitchen countertops?
Aim for about 4 feet of space between countertops. This gives the room enough open area to work in and helps the kitchen feel less cramped.
Should I choose my appliances before designing the cabinets?
Yes. Appliances are the reason you need cabinets and countertops, so choose and plan them first, then build the cabinetry around them—or use a more open concept that leaves room for future appliances of a different size.
Are marble countertops a bad choice for kitchens?
Marble is beautiful but prone to stains and scratches, so it requires more maintenance. Consider how much upkeep a material needs before committing, since the kitchen is already a high-traffic, high-maintenance space.
