8 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes

Creating a kitchen is no mean feat, so the last thing you want is to get to the end of the renovation only to find that it doesn’t live up to your expectations in either form, functionality or both.

There’s a lot to consider when designing a kitchen, so it makes sense that mistakes happen.

Here are 8 common mistakes people make when renovating, updating and reconfiguring their kitchens. 

1. Failing to consider the working triangle

Having your kitchen appliances too far away from each other can interfere with your cooking. 

One of the things to think about with kitchen layouts, and it’s often talked about, is the working triangle.

The first mistake is people having those things too far away from each other, so you are constantly walking around your kitchen.

2. Not leaving enough room for cabinets to open freely

If you’re installing a new kitchen it’s important to allow enough room between drawers, doors and appliances to cater to handles and knobs, as well as how much space you need to open a fridge or dishwasher drawer.

Ideally, you want enough space that every drawer and door could be open without any one hitting the other.

3. Choosing the wrong bench top

Marble and natural stone are luxurious and gorgeous options for kitchen bench tops, but let’s be honest, who has time to clean up every spill as soon as it happens to stop it staining a marble bench top?

On top of that, natural stone will quickly show signs of wear and tear if it often has bowls, plates, pots and pans sitting on top of it. Try granite or engineered quartz materials instead.

4. Installing cabinetry that doesn't reach the ceiling

Leaving a gap between the top of your cabinetry and the ceiling not only creates a space that gathers dust and dirt, but it can make you ceiling feel lower and the room more cramped.

For a more polished look that won’t create dust-catching nooks, extend your cabinetry all the way to the ceiling.

5. Poor lighting

Kitchens need excellent lighting for cooking and cleaning, so don’t skimp on it. If you’re going for a pendant light, bigger is better.

If your kitchen doesn’t have a window (like some apartments) or is poorly lit, invest in some bright LED downlights or strip task lighting.

6. Going overboard with open shelving

While open shelving is a wonderful opportunity to showcase a beloved stoneware collection or colour-coordinated teaware, it isn’t particularly practical when it comes to the everyday use of the kitchen. 

A good kitchen has an even mix of concealed and open shelving and storage, so all the things that are used often then hastily stuffed back away (often in a mess) can be hidden behind doors, while the things that are used for special occasions and easily kept tidy are left on display.

7. Forgetting to include a place to charge electronic devices

Technology is an essential part of daily modern life, but kitchen design has struggled to keep up. Most standard kitchen setups don’t take into account the sheer amount of electronic devices each family member owns - which inevitably leads to a kitchen bench cluttered with cords and chargers.

8. Trying to fit too much in

Getting the most out of your space is important, however, a common mistake is trying to fit too much in.

Ignoring this can ruin the flow in your kitchen, leaving the space cramped and unusable.