6 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Your kitchen is perhaps one of the busiest spaces in the house. Unfortunately, homeowners sometimes inherit kitchen design ideas that are badly planned. Or perhaps things have changed, and your kitchen no longer fulfills your requirements.

Kitchens are, unsurprisingly, at the top of most remodeling wish lists.

The room in your house where you dine and cook should be the most well-designed. The fact is that creating an efficient, useful space needs significant planning and preparation.

So, what are some of the most typical kitchen blunders people encounter (and fix)? These might ring a bell:

1. Lighting Is Drab

Your kitchen is illuminated and filled with ambient light. Despite being the dominant source of light, it has the potential to throw shadows and darken some regions.

Many households overlook the importance of extra lighting and lack task lighting, which directs direct light onto your most frequently used areas. This can be solved with energy-efficient under-cabinet lights. Use spotlights recessed into the ceiling to highlight favorite aspects of your kitchen design.

2. There Is A Shortage of Storage Space

Every square inch of a kitchen counts, yet not enough storage is included in the cabinet design from the start. As a result, countertops get crowded, and cooking items are stashed in places where they aren't needed.

A walk-in pantry or wall cabinets will provide extra storage, but not all kitchens will be able to accommodate one. Instead, talk to a designer about creative ways to deal with inadequate storage, especially if you have a tiny kitchen.

3. There Isn't Enough Countertop Space

Coffee makers, toasters, and other regularly used equipment quickly consume counter space that should be set aside for preparing meals or other goods.

To enlarge your workspace, store infrequently used things behind closed doors, invest in a foldable drying rack, or add bespoke pull-out cutting boards.

If you're short on room, utilize your sink as a prep area! Installing a completely level sink with (or lower than) your countertop is the key.

Then, add an extra-large cutting board or butcher block extending beyond the sink's width, offering you more room to prepare or cook meals.

A kitchen island that effectively combines use and design may be the answer to your worktop troubles but consult a designer first to avoid kitchen design island blunders that can disrupt the flow of your room.

4. The Ventilation Is Inadequate

Although an open-plan living area has many advantages, it also has several disadvantages if not properly ventilated. For example, when preparing and cooking meals, the area adjacent to the kitchen might get overly hot and stinky.

Cooking odors will be reduced, indoor air quality will be improved, and temperature will be regulated with the correct ventilation system. A designer can assist you in selecting a system that is both functional and appealing to the eye.

5. Waste and Recycling Require a Space in the Home

Nobody wants their garbage can to be the center point of their kitchen, but if you don't include innovative storage choices in your design, that's exactly what you'll get.

Remove a shelf from a bottom cupboard for a cleaner look and replace it with slide-out rubbish and recycling bins under your counter.

Make sure they're big enough; garbage receptacles that are too tiny may require frequent emptying. If you compost, smaller containers can be placed beneath the sink or inside a cabinet door.

6. Workflow Isn't A Top Priority For You

Color schemes and new appliances come to mind first when envisioning your new kitchen. However, talk to a kitchen remodel designer about workflows before choosing backsplash tiles or appliances.

Keep the sink, refrigerator, and stove at appropriate distances from one another to maintain the highly functional "kitchen work triangle." Then go a step further by establishing different places and constructing zones that leave enough room to work.

Conclusion

Designers correct these frequent mistakes in kitchen design in California, ensuring that functionality and aesthetics are properly combined. Speak with professionals now if you're seeking to overhaul your kitchen completely or need some ideas on how to make some significant improvements.

Reno Concepts OC is a one-stop shop for kitchen and bath renovations and a design and builds studio. Our team integrates professional design and construction skills to make your ideal kitchen remodeling in California. Get a free estimate today!