Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid

There is no other room in your home that is used more or needs to function more efficiently than your kitchen. Remodeling a kitchen is something most people think about doing for a long time before they actually take the first step in the process. When you are ready to dive in and begin that remodel, there are some very important things that you should consider to ensure that the finished product fits not only your style, but enhances the way you live. To get you started, we have put together some of the most common mistakes you should avoid when remodeling your kitchen:

STORAGE
We all love storage. No one has ever said “I love that kitchen but there is just too much storage!” But having room for everything is only the first storage goal. The second, which is just as important as the first, is accessibility. Not only do you want to include sufficient storage, but you want to make sure that your things are stored where you can get to them when needed. Cabinets that are too high, too low, too awkward (raise your hand if you have a crazy “corner” cabinet that you practically have to crawl into to access), or not adequately sized will be a hindrance to you every time you need to put anything in it or retrieve it. Planning for the correct type of storage is essential. For example, when planning cabinets and pantries, pull-out shelves, lazy susans and other storage options can all make your life easier. Installing large drawers instead of lower cabinets is also a great way to maximize the ease in which you access things below the counter. When designing your new kitchen, think about the things that you use daily, the things you use every so often, and the things you use maybe once or twice a year. Look at the size of your small appliances, your cookie sheets, and anything else you need to store. Many cabinet lines offer cabinet and drawer inserts to fit a myriad of consumers’ needs.

TRAFFIC
Don’t make the mistake of going for that gorgeous, over-sized island only to realize upon remodel completion that you do not have enough space to move around it or that it is an enormous road block to the flow of your kitchen. Not leaving enough clearance between islands and counters is a big mistake that doesn’t show itself until the remodel is done, but it will haunt you for the rest of your kitchen’s days. Suffice it to say – you need more clearance than you think, especially when you add bar stools or chairs and actual people into the mix. Making sure your floorplan is designed to accommodate the way you will live and move in your kitchen should be at the top of the consideration list.

APPLIANCES
Choose your appliances first! You need to be able to plan the space needed for your appliances when you are creating your floor plan. Finding out that the refrigerator or dishwasher does not fit the day it is getting installed is a completely avoidable mistake but one that happens all too often.

COUNTER SPACE
Having enough counter space to prep, store and serve is essential to good kitchen design. Cluttered counters can make a kitchen feel less inviting and be extremely difficult to work around. Make sure you provide ample counter space around sinks and appliances, and in areas where you want your family and guests to gather, such as breakfast bars, islands and peninsulas. Like space around islands and counters – you probably need more counter space than you think.

FORGETTING TO THINK OF EVERYTHING
Okay – this one seems a little ridiculous because honestly, how can you think of everything? But a kitchen has a lot of components that need to work well together as well as look good together. Cabinets, countertops, hardware, backsplash, wall color, lighting and flooring are the main elements that should be in harmony in your design. Think of the big picture before you begin your remodel. Pick a palette that pleases you and go from there, making your choices thoughtfully and purposefully, and keeping in mind how it all ties together.

Are you ready to start your kitchen remodel and would like the help of an experienced kitchen designer? The Design Team at KBF can create the kitchen you have always dreamed about, combining both function and style. Call us at (407)830-7703 to schedule your complimentary, in-home consultation.