While many of us have our own ideas about what we like and how we want things to look, there are a few mistakes many people make when designing a kitchen. Here’s a list of kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Mistake#1 Not thinking about the backsplash early
The right backsplash can really make a kitchen pop. Think about it early on in the design phase so you can decide if you’re going for a statement material, an experimental finish or tiles, and if you want it to be tall, short or cover the entire wall.
Mistake #2 Too much colour
Having a colourful kitchen isn’t a bad thing, but it can date quickly. You’re better to go with neutral permanent fixtures, cabinetry and appliances, then inject colour via lighting, stools, art and accessories. These can be changed out and updated easily and without great cost.
Mistake #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 laminate, granite or engineered quartz materials instead.
Mistake #4 Not allowing enough space
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.
Mistake #5 Not extending cabinetry to 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.
Mistake #6 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.
Mistake #7 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.
This article originally appeared on Better Homes and Gardens.
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