Designing your dream kitchen is one of the most exciting parts of a home renovation. It’s a space where functionality meets style, and daily routines blend with personal taste. However, it’s easy to get ahead of yourself and make some costly mistakes. Let’s explore the top 7 mistakes to avoid when designing your dream kitchen, according to a professional kitchen designer.
1. Neglecting the work flow triangle
The kitchen triangle refers to the optimal placement of the sink, stove, and refrigerator. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is neglecting the layout of your kitchen. These three points should form a triangle that allows for easy movement between tasks.
When the triangle is too large, you’ll find yourself walking unnecessary distances when preparing food. If it’s too cramped, it can make your kitchen feel congested and difficult to navigate. To avoid this mistake, aim for each leg of the triangle to be between 4 and 9 feet.
Here is our blog on the ideal kitchen layouts if you are interested in finding something to suit your home.
2. Inadequate storage solutions
Storage should never be an afterthought in a kitchen. First and foremost, the kitchen is a functional space, so storage should be at the forefront of your mind when planning a kitchen. Don’t make it just about looks! A kitchen without adequate storage can quickly become cluttered and disorganised, making cooking more stressful than enjoyable.
Start by thinking about what items you need to store, from pots and pans to small appliances and food items. Vertical cabinets that go to the ceiling are great options to maximise vertical space. Pull-out shelves, lazy Susans, and deep drawers can also help you make the most of every inch.
3. Poor lighting choices
Lighting is a crucial element of kitchen design that is often overlooked. Poor lighting can make even the most beautiful kitchen feel cramped and uninviting. Take a look at one of our recent blogs about choosing the perfect kitchen lights. There are three main types of lighting that you need to utilise in combination to create a functional and visually appealing space:
- Ambient lighting: provides overall illumination, usually from ceiling fixtures
- Task lighting: focusses light on specific work areas, like under-cabinet lighting over the countertops.
- Accent lighting adds depth and highlights features such as a backsplash or an island.
4. Overlooking ventilation
Without efficient and suitable ventilation, your kitchen can quickly become filled with smoke, steam, and lingering odours, making it an unpleasant place to cook and entertain, especially in open planned living. We work exclusively with Neff and Siemens Appliances for their incredible customer service and state-of-the-art technology. Range hoods that pull the air away are the most common ventilation options. However, vented induction hobs pull air down and away, making them ideal for kitchens desiring a clean look or ones without overhead space for a hood.
Here is our blog about vented induction hobs if you are interested in finding out some more information.
5. Ignoring aesthetic and functional balance
When it comes to creating a dream kitchen, its easy to get caught up in the aesthetics and forget about functionality, or vice versa. A kitchen should be both beautiful and practical, striking the perfect balance between form and function.
For instance, while marble worktops are visually stunning, they can be prone to stains or scratches. This might make them a less viable option for a high-traffic kitchen. More durable worktop options, like Cosentino’s Silestone or Dekton, offer a similar look with unmatched durability.
6. Not planning for the future
A kitchen is a significant investment, so it’s wise to design with the future in mind. Consider how your needs might change over the next decade or so. Will the family be larger? How old will the family be? Will you need more space to entertain?
7. Not collaborating with a professional kitchen designer
Designing your dream kitchen is a thrilling process, but its crucial to avoid these common fit-ins that can lead to frustration and additional costs down the road. This blog covered the top 7 mistakes to avoid when designing your dream kitchen, but there are undoubtedly more. Working with a professional kitchen designer ensures you get a kitchen that suits your family’s needs and lifestyle.
If you’re interested in having a conversation with our design specialists, we encourage you to get in touch at 01323 642075.