Bad lighting in a kitchen can really make it look dull and dirty. Without sufficient lights, the space can look dreary, disorganized and downright depressing. Hot spots and shadows can create unflattering angles when preparing food or while entertaining. With a kitchen design that's missing a bright and inviting atmosphere, it will become an unappealing and uncomfortable environment for family and friends. Poor lighting can be quickly remedied with the help of a few of the right fixtures, such as recessed lights, pendant lights, and wall sconces. Installing numerous sources of light can help to brighten up a dull and dreary space.Poor Lighting
Organization is key to great kitchen design. While having helpful gadgets can be useful, they can also cause chaos if not kept in check. Too many items on the counter will leave it cluttered and unappealing, resulting in an area that looks messy and overwhelming. Cluttered countertops can be remedied with a few tips and tricks, such as tidying up and organizing after each use, getting rid of unnecessary kitchen items, and using wall mounted storage spaces to keep items off the countertop.Cluttered Countertops
Cabinet doors present an opportunity to show off your kitchen design style. Old, outdated, and worn-down cabinet doors can make the entire room look unattractive and outdated. The good news is that unappealing cabinet doors can be serviced with ease. Consider painting them with a fresh coat of paint or purchasing newer, stylish cabinet doors. For an added effect, try out different hardware for the handles. Unappealing Cabinet Doors
Cooking produces steam, smoke, and smells that can overwhelm the kitchen if proper ventilation is not present. Poor ventilation can cause an array of issues such as mold growth, a lingering smell, and a musty, unpleasant atmosphere. Without a proper ventilation system, all the other beautiful design elements can be overshadowed and render the kitchen virtually unusable. Installing a hood with an exhaust fan or at least an over-the-range microwave can help reduce steam, smoke, and odors. All vent fans should be ducted properly.Poor Ventilation
Similar to the cabinet doors, outdated flooring can drag down the entire look of the kitchen. Old and worn out linoleum or tile flooring will do nothing for the beauty of a kitchen. Even a spill can leave an ugly mark that is hard to remove. Flooring can be a simple fix to help freshen and modernize a kitchen design, so consider updates or changing the flooring entirely if the budget allows it. Different types of materials such as tile, stone, or laminate can give the space a new look. Outdated Flooring
Unbalanced and uncoordinated colours can give life to an ugly kitchen. Without the proper balance of warm and cool tones, one can easily feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable in the kitchen. The right colour schemes can add warmth and depth to the space, helping portray a more inviting atmosphere. Working with a colour palette is a great way to coordinate with the other elements of the kitchen design. Keeping the wall colour neutral is a great way to start before adding pops of colour with the cabinets, countertops, and accessories.Uncoordinated Colours
Counter space is a must in any kitchen design. Without an area to chop, roll out dough, and mix ingredients, the kitchen will feel restricted and difficult to navigate. To increase the kitchen's counter space, try using a kitchen island or counter extenders. Additionally, you can free up more room on the counters by displaying items on shelves or wall mounted racks. A Lack of Counter Space
Pots, pans, and utensils come in all shapes and sizes, so having the right storage options is essential in the kitchen. Without proper storage solutions, the items can easily become cluttered and unorganized, making it difficult to find the tools needed for meal-preparation. Poor utensil storage can be resolved with hanging racks and drawer organizers that keep the utensils in their place. Additionally, pantries with doors and drawers can keep items tucked away and off of the countertops.Poor Utensil Storage
The classic triangle layout for a kitchen is effective for everyday tasks, such as cooking and doing the dishes, but it can leave the space feeling limited and cramped. Without an ideal layout, the kitchen can be difficult to navigate and can become an area of anxiety rather than one of relaxation. To limit the kitchen's layout, consider the size and space of the kitchen and create a plan that allows for easy flow and access to items. You can enhance the existing layout by knocking down a wall or adding an island with a moveable shelf.Limiting Layout
Having high-quality appliances is just as important as the other design elements in the kitchen. Without reliable and powerful appliances, it can be difficult to properly cook meals. Inadequate appliances can also be a major inconvenience when entertaining; the last thing you want is for everyone to be waiting for food to cook or for coffee to brew. Consider investing in reliable, energy-efficient appliances such as a refrigerator, ovens, and dishwashers for quick and efficient cooking. If the budget doesn't allow for new appliances, a few upgrades may do the trick.Inadequate Appliances