Even pros can sometimes overlook the little details that can turn into big problems in kitchen design. As a homeowner, though, you want to avoid every little error that can turn into a costly nightmare. Here are five common kitchen design mistakes to avoid — and how to fix these errors!
1. Ignoring Kitchen Workflow
“Without a workflow, a kitchen will be inefficient, and homeowners will end up scrambling between the different parts of the kitchen every time they cook, wash or do anything else,” says Aaron Rechner, a kitchen specialist at Academicbrits and Nextcoursework.
Remember: No two homeowners use their space in exactly the same way, so it’s important to consider specific needs related to cooking and storage of food, containers, dishes, cutlery pots and other tools, prep and cleanup.
2. Ignoring How You Use Appliances and Cabinets
Unless you are paying for custom cabinets, you will ultimately need to design your kitchen to fit standard cabinet and appliance measurements. To avoid large costs, spend a lot of time planning how you will use your kitchen appliances and cabinets and then design your kitchen layout based on use and standard cabinet width and heights. Be sure to check the measurements of appliances, too, as you want to be sure that new stove, refrigerator or dishwasher will fit nicely into the space you’ve allotted.
3. Poor Lighting
Insufficient or task-inappropriate lighting not only can set the wrong mood, it can also be dangerous to work in — especially when knives are in use. Consider consulting with a lighting expert for the best way to position lighting, appropriate fixtures, colour and intensity. Install task lighting, pendants and sconces on separate switches, so it’s easier to control the lighting levels and atmosphere.
4. Positioning the Island Incorrectly
Kitchen islands are great for prep and storage. But, if the kitchen is small, an island can take up precious space and hamper smooth flow. Ensure the island fits the kitchen’s dimensions appropriately and according to code, and doesn’t interfere with the opening radius of cabinet doors or appliances.
To best do this, try to envision how you want to position the island. “If you feel you might struggle with your proposed island position, then find another way to accommodate your design needs with your space requirements, especially if they need special accommodations (i.e. handicapped)” says John Blake, a design blogger at Origin writings and Phdkingdom.
5. Positioning Cabinet Doors and Drawers Incorrectly
If installed incorrectly cabinet doors and drawers can block doorways and walkways when they’re open and disrupt flow. Worse still, if there’s not enough clearance, they won’t be functional. Consider the full swing radius of all cabinet doors, drawers, doors to other spaces, and appliances — accounting for people standing in front of them with adequate space to work. Remember: Plan the layout with workflow, cabinet door radius and needs in mind.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re looking to impress friends and family with your next kitchen renovation be sure to keep in mind these five common mistakes and learn how to avoid them.
