A common kitchen design nightmare is having an inadequate amount of space for essential appliances. From ovens and refrigerators, to dishwashers and microwaves, a kitchen design should take into account the amount of space needed to accommodate every appliance. Many homeowners choose to forgo some appliances in an attempt to create a smaller, clutter-free kitchen, however, if these appliances are necessary for everyday life, the lack of space can be a huge inconvenience. No Space for Essential Appliances
No Space for Essential Appliances
It’s often overlooked, but having adequate lighting in your kitchen is key to creating a comfortable cooking and eating environment. Low light levels can create a dull and dreary atmosphere in the kitchen, ultimately leading to a lack of inspiration and enjoyment. Too much light can create a cold, uninviting atmosphere that doesn’t fit with the rest of the house. Adjust the lighting to best suit the needs of the home, ensuring that every corner of the kitchen is well-lit and free of dark shadows.Poor Lighting
Poor Lighting
Having an untidy kitchen with piles of clutter everywhere is a major source of stress for many people. If work surfaces and cabinets are too full, it eliminates the space needed to cook and store food. To simplify your kitchen and keep it looking tidy, purchase pieces of furniture with multiple uses, such as a kitchen island that can act as both a storage and counter space, and buy functional appliances in multiple sizes or designs. Additionally, you should assess which items in your kitchen are actually used on a regular basis, and remove anything that’s not needed.Clutter
Clutter
Using outdated finishes in your kitchen can cause the design to look dated and unappealing. Updating old finishes with a modern style can create a fresh, contemporary look. For flooring, lino tiles, hardwood, and vinyl are all popular options, whilst stone, quartz, and granite can be used for work surfaces. Of course, all modern designs should include state-of-the-art appliances which bring the kitchen design up-to-date.Outdated Finishes
Outdated Finishes
Uneven counters can make it difficult to prep, cook, and clean in the kitchen. When certain areas of the counters are higher or lower than the rest, it can throw off the symmetry of the kitchen design and make it challenging for multiple people to use the same counter. To avoid this problem, standard counter height should be used and the counters should be uniform throughout the kitchen.Uneven Counters
Uneven Counters
Investing in high-quality cabinets is the best way to ensure your kitchen survives the test of time. Cheaply made cabinetry may look good at first, but can easily chip and deteriorate in quality in a shorter space of time. A kitchen design should include quality cabinets that stand out as a feature, as well as pull together the design of the space. Cheap Cabinets
Cheap Cabinets
Having inadequate storage in a kitchen can lead to a lot of clutter and mess. Your kitchen design should include a plenty of cupboards and drawers to store utensils, pots, and pans, and plenty of open shelves which are perfect for storing everyday essentials. Utilizing the space you have available, along with investing in furniture pieces that double as storage, is an effective way of making sure your kitchen is fully optimised for storage.Inadequate Storage
Inadequate Storage
Having too few outlets can limit both the functionality of the kitchen, and the amount of appliances you can use. Ensure your kitchen design includes a minimum of two outlets per counter to make sure it’s able to support all appliances you wish to use. Fitting more outlets will also give the kitchen a more luxurious finish, and will reduce the clutter from using multiple extension cords.Insufficient Outlets
Insufficient Outlets
This is another common issue that can make everyday life in the kitchen difficult. Basic kitchen appliances such as fridges, microwaves, and dishwashers should be strategically placed in the kitchen, so their use is both safe and efficient. Importantly, they should be positioned in a way that allows easy access for any persons using the kitchen. Placing your appliances in the wrong areas can disrupt workflow, and can prove hazardous if not done correctly.Incorrect Placement of Appliances
Incorrect Placement of Appliances
Choosing an unsuitable countertop material can lead to issues regarding long term wear. For example, wood surfaces are prone to warping and rotting if they’re not treated properly. Quartz, granite, and marble are all popular counter surfaces, however quartz is often the number one choice, due to its heat and scratch resistant qualities. Select a countertop material that not only matches the style of your kitchen, but that also stands the test of time.Unsuitable Countersurfaces
Unsuitable Countersurfaces
The Most Common Kitchen Design Nightmares
Homeowners who are in the process of renovating their kitchens are often confronted with daunting design dilemmas. Although the prospect of an entire renovation may be exciting, this process can quickly come to a halt in the event of an unexpected design problem. When it comes to kitchen design, numerous issues can occur. From spatial constraints to budget mismanagement, kitchen design problems can easily derail a homeowner’s vision for an ideal kitchen.
Space Challenges
A lack of space is perhaps the
most common kitchen design nightmare
, and it’s experienced by many homeowners. When it comes time to design a kitchen, the limited amount of space available can be especially problematic. Homeowners may find that their existing kitchen floor plan is too cramped to accommodate the elements of their dream kitchen. If this is the case, the homeowner should consider contacting a professional kitchen designer to evaluate their space and determine what can reasonably be accomplished with the layout.
Budget Allocation Issues
Another issue that many homeowners face when it comes to kitchen design is misallocation of funds. Renovations can quickly become expensive, and it’s important to consider the cost of all the materials and labor that are necessary in order to create the desired result. Juggling different design elements in order to keep the project within the expected budget is often a challenge for many homeowners. If a homeowner is taking on a kitchen renovation without professional help, they should be wary of biting off more than they can chew in terms of finances.
Furniture Placement Conundrums
Another
common problem
for homeowners is determining the best way to incorporate existing furniture and appliances into their kitchen design. Existing features like countertops, ovens, and refrigerators may make achieving a desired look more difficult. It may be necessary to move certain components around in an effort to achieve the desired kitchen layout. Homeowners should conduct research and consider the available floorplans to make sure their furniture will fit seamlessly into the new kitchen layout.
Overall Aesthetics
Finally, it’s important to consider the aesthetic of the kitchen to ensure the final result is cohesive and visually pleasing. A common
kitchen design nightmare
is the end result being an unfinished product that lacks character and looks quite generic. Homeowners should think carefully about what they are looking to achieve with their kitchen design and select materials accordingly. Design details like cabinetry, countertops, and floors should all be carefully measured and selected to create a space that looks seamless and beautiful.
Conclusion
Kitchen design nightmares are a common struggle encountered by many homeowners who are in the process of renovating. Spatial constraints, furniture placement, budget allocation, and overall aesthetics are all important considerations when it comes to designing an ideal kitchen. Though this process can be seemingly daunting, approaching this task with careful research and attention to detail can ensure that the desired kitchen design is achieved.
