6 Kitchen Design Choices to Avoid from Kitchen Design Experts

The Kitchen Master

 

 

There’s more to a kitchen than beautiful fixtures, countertops, and cabinetry; it’s also about functionality and practicality.

When crafting your dream kitchen, inefficient layout designs, poor storage selection, and other factors can quickly turn your most used space into a daily frustration.

Our kitchen design experts have gathered the most common design missteps to avoid, helping you create a kitchen that is both visually appealing and highly functional for years of enjoyment.

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The 6 Kitchen Design Choices to Avoid

There are important factors to consider when designing your kitchen, and while most homeowners encounter them during the design process, they’re often overlooked or dismissed.

That is—until the inconvenience and daily annoyances of cluttered countertops, poor lighting, lingering odors, and difficulty navigating space become apparent and unbearable.

So, let’s jump into what design choices you should avoid and how to create a space that is beautiful and practical for everyday use.

Inadequate Storage Planning

Storage is a central function of your kitchen. Not only does it help you maintain clutter-free countertops for that polished look, but if done correctly, it can minimize wasted space and enhance functionality.

By understanding your storage needs and incorporating thoughtfully designed and innovative solutions such as custom cabinetry, pantry spaces, and pull-out shelves, you can maximize every inch of available space and ensure that everything has its designated place.

Poor Lighting Choices

Improper lighting doesn’t just affect your mood, it can impact visibility and the ambiance of your space, making your kitchen the last place you want to be.

Common lighting mistakes in the kitchen often include insufficient task lighting, overly bright or harsh lighting, and neglecting to consider the color temperature of the light bulbs.

By laying ambient, task, and accent lighting that is energy-efficient and upgrading your switches to dimmable controls, you can create a versatile lighting scheme for every occasion.

Inefficient Layout Designs

The foundation of your kitchen experience is in the layout of the space. A layout that doesn’t serve the flow and function reduces the efficiency and enjoyment of your kitchen activities.

From creating cramped work areas and awkward appliance placements to inadequate storage solutions and safety issues, an inefficient layout can impede your ability to cook and move comfortably in the kitchen.

By following the kitchen work triangle guideline, incorporating functional work zones like a kitchen island, and considering ergonomic factors such as counter heights and aisle widths, you can enjoy an optimized layout.

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Ignoring Ventilation Needs

The air in your kitchen can impact the rest of your household, so it’s important to ensure your ventilation needs are met for proper odor and air quality control.

Homeowners often overlook the importance of a correctly sized range hood and proper ductwork installation. Opting for a high-performance range hood or downdraft ventilation system, along with strategically placed windows, can help to effectively remove cooking odors, excess moisture, and airborne pollutants from your kitchen.

Overlooking Maintenance and Durability

While they may look great, selecting high-maintenance countertops, floors, backsplashes, or cabinetry can lead to increased expenses and difficulty cleaning over time.

Quality materials that require low maintenance and provide long-lasting durability are always recommended. By choosing easy-care materials, water-resistant finish, and taking preventative measures to protect against wear and tear, homeowners are guaranteed to enjoy their kitchen without the stress of frequent repairs and upkeep.

Sacrificing Functionality for Aesthetics

If you find yourself thinking, but it looks great, chances are it’s not the best idea. By striking a balance between practicality and style—and prioritizing ergonomics in the design of your kitchen—you can create a space that serves your daily needs and looks high-end.

Consider functional elements like pull-out trash cans, utensil drawers, and easy-to-reach storage solutions that optimize organization, efficiency, and workflow.

Trust The Kitchen Master For Your Kitchen Remodel

A beautiful and functional kitchen isn’t just a dream—we make it a reality at The Kitchen Master.

Since 1977, we’ve provided award-winning designs and services to fit the needs, lifestyles, and budgets of our clients. From start-to-finish construction to do-it-yourself design services, we are dedicated to bringing your vision to life with expertise and care.

Bring your dream kitchen to life with The Kitchen Master! Call 630-369-0500 to schedule a complimentary consultation in our showroom in Naperville!