Kitchens are usually the most frequently visited rooms in the home. When setting up a kitchen in a new home or renovating the existing one, most people invest too much time and energy in the designing process, forgetting about kitchen functionality. The primary function of any kitchen is to cook and prepare meals, which you should not overlook by focusing solely on the design.
1. How you will use the kitchen before designing it.
For example, if you. cook many meals, you will need more counter space than cooking occasionally. If you have a lot of family members, you will need a larger kitchen than if you live alone.
2. Not including enough storage space.
No one wants to live in a cluttered kitchen, so make sure to include plenty of storage space in your design. Cabinets, pantries, and shelves are essential for storing pots, pans, dishes, and other kitchen items.
3. Choosing the wrong kitchen layout.
There are many different kitchen layouts to choose from, so make sure to select one that will work best for your needs. For example, if you have a small kitchen, you may want to choose a layout that utilizes every inch of space.
4. Not including enough lighting.
A well-lit kitchen is not only more attractive, but it’s also safer and easier to work in. So ensure to include plenty of light fixtures, preferably ones that can be dimmed, in your design.
5. Installing cabinets or appliances too high or low.
If you install cabinets or appliances too high or low, you will not use them comfortably. Instead, make sure to measure the height and width of everything before you install it in your kitchen.
6. Not using suitable materials.
Not all materials are created equal, so make sure to choose durable and easy to clean. Granite or quartz countertops, for example, are both very durable and easy to clean.
7. Not considering the color scheme.
The color scheme of your kitchen can significantly impact its appearance. Make sure to choose colors that will work well together and complement the rest of your home’s décor.
8. Choosing faulty appliances.
Not all appliances are created equal, so make sure to choose appliances that meet your needs. For example, if you cook many meals, you will need a larger oven than if you only cook occasionally.
9. Not budgeting enough money for the project.
Kitchen renovations can be expensive, so make sure to budget enough money for the project. However, if you run out of money partway through the renovation, you may end up having to compromise on your original design plans.
10. Choosing the wrong countertop material.
Not all countertop materials are created equal, so make sure to choose durable and easy to clean. Granite or quartz countertops, for example, are both very durable and easy to clean.
11. Not thinking about the layout of the kitchen.
The layout of your kitchen can have a significant impact on its appearance. Make sure to plan and choose a layout that will work well for your needs.
12.Choosing low-quality cabinets
Cabinets are the most expensive items in the kitchen, so choosing the best possible quality materials is always a wise decision. The most important feature of a good kitchen cabinet, apart from the design, is its durability and easy maintenance. Replacing low-quality cabinets is not easy to afford, so opting for durable materials and solid construction may prove to be cheaper in the long run.
13.Insisting on the marble countertop
Although marble countertop looks stylish, they are not always the best solution for your kitchen. It erodes over time from acidic ingredients such as vinegar and lemons. Putting a stone or granite countertop is a much more durable solution.
14.Selecting inadequate floors
The purpose of the kitchen dictates the floor style. Therefore, when selecting a kitchen floor, everyone should consider safety, durability, and ease of cleaning. High quality and low maintenance should always take priority over design. However, that does not mean you must neglect the aesthetics. Instead, try finding a middle solution between functionality and style.
15.Working with the wrong paint
Selecting a pleasant paint color for your kitchen walls should be done wisely and per your affinities. But have in mind that kitchen paint needs to be more durable than paint in other rooms. Preparing meals involve splashes and spills, as well as moisture and grease that can ruin the paint color on your units and walls. So always make sure to choose grease-resistant and washable kitchen paint.
16.Misplacing door layouts
Placing different kitchen cabinets is crucial if your goal is to have a free flow in the kitchen area. However, you should always allow enough space between the kitchen elements so that there is enough space for doors to open without disrupting everyday usage.
17.Cutting corners
Kitchen corners are often left unused. Save precious space by utilizing corners with pull-out mechanisms in your kitchen cupboards.
18. Leaving space above cabinets
Leaving space between kitchen cabinets and the ceiling serves no purpose. Besides, it is hard to clean. Instead, consider filling that space with some decorative architectural features.
19,Preferring cabinets over shelves
Insisting on kitchen cabinets can be an expensive solution if your budget is limited. Alternatively, consider open shelves on higher levels instead of cupboards. That is a cheaper solution allowing you to display your favorite mugs and family photos.
20.Missing out on counter space
The counter is the central working space in your kitchen. That is a space where you prepare your meals and display kitchen appliances. Sometimes, the counter serves for eating and socializing, as well. Do not economize on this crucial part of your kitchen.
21.Miscalculating storage space
Putting too much emphasis on a design, some people forget to include enough storage space for pots and pans to avoid cluttering kitchen space. Never allow aesthetics to get in the way of functionality.
22.Neglecting ventilation
Cooking often leaves unpleasant smells. To prevent circulating such smells throughout your home, you should invest time in installing a proper ventilation system in your kitchen. In addition, your household members will be able to enjoy delicious meals without experiencing lingering smells.
23.Inadequate rubbish storage
If possible, include the rubbish storage into integrated bins to avoid odors. Otherwise, there is a wide variety of stylish freestanding containers. In addition, you can fit them in your kitchen design without disrupting the aesthetics.
24.Poor lighting
Not having enough light can represent a significant hurdle in preparing your meals. To keep your kitchen functional, make sure to include multiple light sources throughout the entire working space. Proper ambient lighting is necessary not only for kitchen work purposes. Sometimes you want to sneak in for a midnight snack without waking everyone else.
25.Ignoring expert advice
Even though you may feel that do-it-yourself solutions can save you some money, it is always wiser to involve an expert when designing your kitchen. That is crucial when dealing with complicated electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems. Seeking help from experts proves to be more cost-effective because fixing your own mistakes is more expensive than hiring an expert in the first place.
26.Overspending
Designing a new home is always followed with a lot of enthusiasm. To avoid overspending, make sure to create an inventory list and adhere to it. You can also prevent going over budget by designating a specific amount of money for that purpose solely. Or, put the money in a separate bank account and use it only to cover the expenses of kitchen design.
27.The inadequate placing of electrical outlets
Placing a toaster, blender, and other kitchen appliances on the counter requires a proper electrical outlets scheme. To avoid miscellaneous wires cluttered on your countertop, ensure to ask for professional help in placing electrical outlets in the right place.
28.Prioritizing style over substance
In pursuing the latest design trends, do not forget that not all of them are suitable for your kitchen. However, with the help of experts, try to create an individualized solution that is both aesthetic and functional.
29.Opting for short-lived designs
Sometimes you are tempted to follow the latest trends in kitchen design. But bear in mind that some current design trends are only temporary. In a short time, they will be yesterday’s news. If you can not change your kitchen design often, take necessary precautions while following the newest fashion.
Call ABC Construction, now known as ABC Construction Building today to schedule your appointment and discuss how to avoid these and many other mistakes in kitchen design.
We provide services in Boca Raton Delray Beach and Deerfield Beach, Florida.
