Top Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes To Avoid When Remodeling
View our kitchen design for a home in Harbor Ridge at the North River Yacht Club
The most important factor in a new kitchen renovation is a layout.
Without the right kitchen design, meal preparation can go from seamless and natural to a task that's cumbersome and challenging.
For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home. From a place for the kids to do their homework after school to a comfortable spot for drinks, socializing and of course cooking and dining, your kitchen needs to be both comfortable and functional. When planning a kitchen renovation you need to take into account not only design aesthetics, you also need to focus on organizational needs, layout, and functionality when developing your kitchen design.
Put any group of kitchen designers into a room and ask them about kitchen design. You'll probably have a number of different aesthetic design opinions, but when it comes to the basics concerning functionality they'll all most likely agree. If you don't pay attention to the basics you'll run into trouble.
Let's take a look at the big picture first, then examine several common kitchen design layout mistakes to avoid when remodeling.
First, Look At The Big Picture!
Whether it's a DIY project, or you've hired a design-build firm for your upcoming kitchen remodeling, you need to first take a look at the big picture. Workflow is an important factor in the kitchen and any design that ignores the traditional “kitchen triangle design” may end up being problematic.
For example, if you've placed your refrigerator outside the triangle, say behind an island away from the stove and sink, it may look great, but every time you need to get something out of the refrigerator you'll need to walk around the island. This will get old quickly! The kitchen triangle has become a traditional design element for a reason. It works!
Another “big picture” item to avoid is getting carried away with form over function! While it's fun to get caught up with the details like backsplash tile, countertops and cabinets, if your design places the dishwasher next to a cabinet in a way that prevents you from opening both at the same time, it's a problem! Think through the details and make sure that everything functions perfectly.
Finally, when planning your kitchen design, really examine the way that you shop, live and entertain. If your needs are not defined you may end up with giant appliances or a kitchen full of cabinets that you don't need. Take your lifestyle into account especially during the planning stages.
Avoid These Common Kitchen Design Mistakes
So much of your families activities take place in the kitchen that when undertaking a kitchen renovation the end result needs to be both beautiful and functional. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you to achieve a kitchen design that is both practical and elegant.
Stick with the Kitchen Design Triangle!
The sink, cooktop/oven or range, and refrigerator make up the three points of the kitchen triangle. Keep it unobstructed to allow for proper workflow. Make sure the sink offers easy access to the stove and refrigerator as well as countertop workstations. Regardless of the size or layout of your kitchen make sure you stick with the triangle!
Don't Waste Storage Space
Kitchens have a lot of stuff! From small appliances and cooking utensils to pots and pans, dishes, glasses, and silverware, one common design mistake is not including enough storage. Spend time thinking about your storage needs. If your kitchen space is small,consider extra tall upper cabinets. Make sure to include cabinet space above the refrigerator for large seasonal items. Almost every kitchen has some wasted space that can be utilized with a little planning and forethought!
Inadequate Counter Space
Another common mistake is skimping on the counter space. Almost every kitchen activity from appliance storage to food prep requires counter space. Fit as much horizontal surface area in the kitchen as possible!
Task and Ambient Lighting
Make sure you plan for adequate lighting. The kitchen is the one room where proper lighting matters. Lighting is important for food prep and showing off design aesthetics. Consider adding lighting directly above all of the major work areas as well as ambient lighting and under cabinet lights.
Poor Ventilation
The best kitchen design will not matter if there are odors in the room. Inexpensive range hoods simply circulate dirty, stale air around the room. A good ventilation system will exhaust odors out of the house and can keep the kitchen cleaner and extend the life of your appliances. Good ventilation will make your kitchen more pleasant. Especially if your home features an open concept kitchen that is open to the living or dining area!
Hire a Kitchen Design Expert
Finally, taking on a DIY kitchen renovation to save money is the most common mistake. It can actually end up costing you more money, time and energy than hiring a professional design build company. Kitchen design is a complicated endeavor and professional designers are up-to-date with the latest ideas, information, and technology. They can help to identify your needs and translate them into a design that fits your lifestyle and budget. If you're thinking about a kitchen renovation contact us and let our expert design team show you how you can have your dream kitchen within your budget!
About Toulmin Kitchen & Bath Design - We're West Alabama's award-winning, premier kitchen and bath showroom. We're experts who are known for a design-build process that makes the construction process stress-free. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a design consultation
