Having the right lighting in your kitchen is essential for creating an inviting atmosphere and helping you to get the desired effect when you prepare meals. Poor lighting can induce stress and may make it difficult to perform tasks. One of the top mistakes homeowners make is choosing an incorrect lighting height and putting fixtures in the wrong places. Countertops should be illuminated by light fixtures that are 22 to 30 inches from the base of the counter. When placing a light above a kitchen island, aim for a height of 28 to 35 inches. Lighting, height and countertops are all critical components of proper lighting in a kitchen.Improper Lighting
Improper Lighting
Getting the right appliances for your kitchen is paramount in getting the most out of its use as well as the space available. Investing in an oversized refrigerator looks impressive but might be too large for your kitchen, limiting your space for other essential items. Just as bad, having an appliance that is too small for your needs can be just as problematic. Make sure to measure the area designated for the appliance before making the purchase to save on wasted space. Appliances, oversized and measurements are all important to consider when seeking the right size appliances for your kitchen.Wrong Size Appliances
Wrong Size Appliances
A common issue facing many households with kitchens is not having enough storage space. Kitchen items tend to take up a lot of room which can be easily be solved by having a good storage plan. Some ideas for gaining extra storage include utilizing the corners, utilizing wall space by hanging items, adding shelf inserts to drawers, and utilizing ceilings to hang pots and pans. Good storage saves time and maximizes efficiency. Storage, corners and space are all important aspects to keep in mind to make sure you kitchen has sufficient storage.Insufficient Storage
Insufficient Storage
Having an adequate amount of counter space is a common complaint in many kitchens. Business writer, Susan Ward states, “Without adequate countertop space, food preparation can become a hassle. Countertop clutter makes it even worse.” Investing in furniture with built-in counter space can help increase productivity and may even reduce clutter. Portable kitchen carts and islands can also provide extra counter space without taking up too much space. Additionally, adding extra counter space above the refrigerator can give you a surprise bonus. Counter Space, clutter and productivity are all important in having a well-functioning kitchen with adequate counter space.Inadequate Counter Space
Inadequate Counter Space
Using different materials in the kitchen can make it look modern and stylish, but it can also be a source of major design issues if it’s not done correctly. Different materials will expand and contract at different rates when exposed to varying temperatures, so it is important to use materials that are compatible. For instance, using marble and granite in the same countertop can be a recipe for disaster. Make sure to consult a professional to ensure the materials you choose will work well together. Materials, expansion and consult are all key points to consider when choosing which materials are compatible in your kitchen.Incompatible Materials
Incompatible Materials
Having a kitchen with adequate ventilation can extend the life of your appliances, ensure a steady supply of fresh air and help control moisture. Poor ventilation is a common issue in many kitchens as the systems might not be the right size or placed in the right areas. Investing in air deflectors, whole house fans, and range hoods are the three main areas for keeping your kitchen fresh. Ventilation, systems and investing are all necessary considerations in making sure your kitchen has the right ventilation.Inadequate Ventilation
Inadequate Ventilation
Having a good layout in your kitchen is essential when you need to maximize the space you have to work with. Accessibility to the main components, such as the sink, oven and refrigerator, should be a priority in the kitchen layout. Also, kitchen space should be allocated accordingly, separating cooking and food preparation areas from the cleaning area. Workflow should be mapped in a way so that moving from one area to the other is done in the most efficient way. Layout, accessibility and workflow are all important elements to consider when designing the layout of your kitchen.Poor Layout
Poor Layout
Having the wrong type of plumbing or it being incorrectly installed it is a common fault in many kitchens. Many bathrooms and kitchens require professional expertise in the planning process. Choosing the right type of pipes, making sure you position the drains correctly, and being aware of any local regulations are just some of the few things you must consider. Some homeowners might think they can save money doing it themselves but it’s likely to only cost you more in the long run. Plumbing, pipes and local regulations are all important components to consider when selecting and installing plumbing in your kitchen.Inappropriate Plumbing
Inappropriate Plumbing
Having too many items in the kitchen can lead to inefficiencies due to overcrowding. Not only can it be a nightmare to keep, excess clutter won’t have a positive effect when trying to prepare meals. Identify what equipment you actually use and remove unrequired items. Regularly purge and organize all the items in the kitchen will help you clear out the unnecessary clutter and maximize the space. Overcrowding, clutter and identify are all important points to consider when tackling overcrowding in your kitchen.Overcrowding
Overcrowding
White kitchens have an undeniably classic look but can become bland if not combined with accent colors or patterns effectively. Adding darker colors to countertops, islands, and walls can create a sleek, modern look. Indoor plants, artwork, and colorful dinnerware can also help to add more life to the kitchen. Keep in mind to select colors and patterns that will blend in with its surroundings and create a focal point. Color, patterns and focal-point are all important to keep in mind when selecting colors for your kitchen.Lack of Color
Lack of Color
What are Common Kitchen Design Flaws?
When it comes to
kitchen design
, many homeowners may overlook some common issues that can lead to reduced efficiency or outright failure. Poor kitchen design can lead to long-term frustration and costly, time-consuming renovations. As such, homeowners should consider the following common kitchen design flaws before deciding on their finished kitchen design.
Inadequate Lighting
One of the most overlooked aspects of kitchen design is lighting. Without ample lighting, there can be issues such as shadows in which task-focused activities can be impaired. Not to mention, without proper lighting it’s difficult to properly identify food colors, shapes, and textures, making meal for guests difficult. Incorporating a mix of task lighting, accent lighting, and natural lighting can help improve overall visual performance to the benefit of guests and those at home.
Poorly Positioned Appliances
Part of the functionality of a kitchen design comes down to how you position both small and large appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators, sinks, and more. When placing appliances, be sure to consider the flow and ergonomics, as well as electrical requirements for bigger kitchen appliances. Having appliances too close to each other can result in accidents as well as an inability to work efficiently.
Inadequate Storage
Kitchens require storage to accommodate kitchen necessities and ingredients, as well as serveware items and ingredients. Without sufficient storage, most kitchens tend to end up cluttered making it difficult to keep ingredients fresh and rotate kitchen tools and utensils. To ensure adequate storage to maintain efficiency, consider adjustable shelves, hooks, shelves with doors, and adjustable shelves for easy access.
