There are a LOT of decisions that we must make when designing a room in our home, especially our kitchen, since that is where we do a lot of entertaining and spending time with the family.  So, it’s important to know some mistakes other’s have made in the past to help us make the best design choices. Let’s face it, from picking colors, to cabinetry, flooring, and fixtures, there are so many styles and designs to choose from that it’s easy to make some design choices that we may later come to regret.  Here are some of the worst mistakes that people make in designing a kitchen: 

Mistake #1:  A Boring Kitchen  

The kitchen is where people just tend to congregate, whether getting together with family and friends over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, the kitchen is one place that needs to be both beautiful and functional.  Give your kitchen some soul and warmth.  Think about installing a backsplash. You can add both style and functionality because not only will a backsplash add a great color and texture contrast, but they are super easy to clean!

Mistake #2:  Being Too Trendy

In contrast to being boring, being too trendy is a mistake as well.  Most trendy designs have a short half-life, and when they’re out, they’re really out. Where kitchen design is concerned, wood finishes and trims, countertop colors and materials, flooring styles and just about everything else can be an expression of the current fashion. Think timeless!  You plan on being in your kitchen for a long time, so don’t over do it with designs that you might regret in a few years.  Even if you’re sure that turquoise will be your favorite color forever, your circumstances may change and when you move, the new owners may not share your passion.

Mistake #3:  Place Looks Over Function

People get too focused on finishes without making sure everything functions first. If you’re not sure that something will work, ask your designer if there’s a suggestion he or she can make to improve the space.  Also, remember to focus on quality, too.  Just because one set of cabinets is pretty, make sure they are strong and well built.  You’re going to be opening and closing those doors and drawers all the time so make sure you get something strong and good-looking. Look for hard woods, a good finish, and strong hinges!

Mistake #4:  Obstructing The ‘Kitchen Triangle’

Specialists refer to the sink, stove and refrigerator as the kitchen triangle, the area of greatest activity which requires careful planning and unobstructed access. Of the three, the sink will see the most action and should have easy access to the stove and refrigerator, as well as your countertop workstations.  Once you’ve established a good flow, give some thought and attention to other areas in the room.  Evaluate how food will be served and eaten using your new kitchen design.  Will you have in-kitchen seating? If so, how many people will you need to accommodate? You just want to be sure you can move around freely.

Mistake #5:  Bad Ventilation

The best of kitchen design fades in the presence of bad smelling air. If you’ve ever walked into someone’s home and smelled last night’s fish&chips lingering on the stale air, you’ll understand the importance of good ventilation. Inexpensive range hoods simply circulate dirty, stale air, while a good ventilation system will help improve the quality of your indoor air and also help keep your kitchen cleaner.  Effective ventilation systems also help extend the life of your appliances and although they can be an investment, if you have a kitchen that opens to a living area or family room, they will make life easier, cleaner and more pleasant for everyone.

The next time you do any kitchen renovating be sure to visit Plumbtile.com!