Counter space is incredibly important in the kitchen, as it is the place where you will do most of your preparing and cooking. Without enough space, it’s difficult to get food prepped, appliances plugged in, and groceries sorted. It also affects the aesthetic of the kitchen, making it appear cramped and disorganized.Inadequate Counter Space
Inadequate Counter Space
Lighting is an essential component of good design. Without sufficient lighting, it’s hard to work in the kitchen, as it can be practically impossible to find ingredients and cook safely. Lighting should come from at least two sources, both overhead and ambient light.Improper Lighting
Improper Lighting
Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of certain appliances can be tricky, as there are so many different options. The size, shape, and features of kitchen appliances are important, so it’s wise to research them ahead of time. Otherwise, you could end up with an appliance that simply doesn’t fit into your kitchen design.Incorrect Appliances
Incorrect Appliances
The traditional “work triangle” would typically involve placing the refrigerator, the sink, and the stove in a triangular formation to ensure that you move around the kitchen with ease. These days, kitchens are often bigger and more complex, so the work triangle has changed to make the workflow more efficient. However, not every kitchen benefits from this, so it’s key to consider your layout carefully.Erratic Work Triangle
Erratic Work Triangle
Every kitchen needs enoughdrawers and cupboards to store everything. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a cluttered workspace and an untidy kitchen. Counter space, in particular, can be lacking without sufficient storage. Consider installing extra shelves or racks to give the kitchen just enough room for all of your items.Lack of Storage
Lack of Storage
When food is cooked, the air can often become murky and smelly. Without proper ventilation, air pollution can build up in the kitchen. Be sure to install fans to expel heat out of the kitchen, or an exhaust fan or rangehood to suck out any food odors.Bad Ventilation
Bad Ventilation
Designing a kitchen is not just about making it look good; it is also about making it as ergonomically sound as possible. This means making sure that the appliances are easy to access, counters are level, and drawers are convenient to open. All of these things are essential to ensuring a comfortable cooking experience.Ignoring Ergonomics
Ignoring Ergonomics
Dishwashers are often quite bulky appliances, so it is important to plan ahead in terms of where to place them. You should make sure that the dishwasher is near the sink, as this will make it much easier and more efficient to unload and reload the dishes. A door should also be installed near the dishwasher so that moving the dishes is simplified.Placement of Dishwasher
Placement of Dishwasher
The colors that you choose can make all the difference in how your kitchen looks. If you pick colors that clash, your kitchen is likely to look tired and dated. Choose paints and materials that are soothing on the eyes, and compliment each other to create a pleasing aesthetic.Unappealing Colors
Unappealing Colors
Layout design is all about maximizing space, and companies usually have access to software these days that can provide them with accurate simulations of how a kitchen will look with certain layouts. Before you decide, spend time and energy on designing a layout that is practical and ergonomic.Poor Layout Design
Poor Layout Design
Ignoring the Workflow
Designing a kitchen without taking the workflow into account can be one of the biggest
kitchen design errors
. When creating your kitchen, you need to create an efficient workflow throughout the space. Think of how someone would move from one workstation to the next. Make a point to incorporate traffic lanes throughout the space, while ensuring you also optimize counter space. Additionally, it's helpful to create different cooking, prepping, and cleaning areas.
Not Utilizing the Space
It's important when designing a kitchen to make sure that all the space available is actually being utilized. Cabinet, drawers, and counters can be fitted in at every corner. Not taking advantage of having an
additional storage
options can result in a disruption of your kitchen workflow. Maximizing storage is a great way to unclutter your countertops, allowing for an efficient use of the space.
Getting Appliances That Don't Fit
One of the worst
kitchen design mistakes
is getting appliances that are too large for the space. To ensure you're purchasing the right size kitchen appliances, make sure to measure the size and dimensions of the area that it needs to fit in. Consider venting needs and gas line lengths, as it's crucial to make sure your appliances fit properly. It's also important to take into consideration the door sizes from the kitchen to the other parts of the house. Making sure to take these measurements before purchasing any kitchen appliances will ensure they fit in the space you have available.
