A new kitchen is a substantial but worthwhile investment for any house. In terms of aesthetics and function, it will always add value to your home. There are, however, a few key kitchen design faults to avoid in order to save money in the long run. You don’t want to miss any of the smaller details.
When it comes to creating or reconfiguring kitchen layouts, we frequently overlook the most basic details, such as where the trash cans go and how accessible the refrigerator is when cooking.
Because the primary function of a kitchen is to cook and prepare food, it must be very functional. As a consequence, it’s vital to start the design process by thinking about how you’ll utilize the space for meal prep and cooking.
Avoid these common kitchen design blunders.
It’s easy to get carried away with the creative design process, but it’s critical to sit back at the start and consider what you truly need.
Do you need space for a huge family table or a second oven for your monthly roasts? Have your children gone out and all you need now is a breakfast bar? Consider whether the space works for you or if you’ll need to take down a wall or build an extension if you’re planning a major kitchen makeover.
1. Getting out of the groove
Always consider how the kitchen layout will flow first and foremost – this is the key to any design success. The working kitchen triangle is a traditional design guideline in which the flow of the kitchen is centered on the ‘triangle’ formed by the placement of the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator. The triangle represents the path from one to the other, and it determines how to best design a kitchen based on the trip flow. However, with contemporary kitchens working harder than ever before, the premise of the age-old triangle is no longer valid.
The kitchen has evolved into a multifunctional space that continues to evolve in terms of aesthetics, function, and arrangement. As a consequence, unlike the original work triangle, you can no longer assume it will include only three work zones. Adapt the working concept to your needs while maintaining a continuous flow.
It’s critical to have a smooth kitchen process. Your kitchen will not run as efficiently as it should if you don’t have one. People might focus on the aesthetics too early in the planning stages. The most important consideration should be functioning. If it appears great but doesn’t operate, it will quickly become a nuisance, causing tension rather than delight.
2. Worktops that have been mismeasured
Securing worktops at the incorrect height might jeopardize a kitchen’s overall operation. Is there a method for determining the ideal height for a workstation? The height of kitchen worktops is usually between 890 and 940mm. For many culinary activities, this is the most comfortable working height.
However, because worktop thicknesses and plinth heights are normally limited, there is no optimal height for worktops. These two components are subject to change based on your provider or personal choice.
3. Floor installation that isn’t up to standard
Choosing the wrong flooring for your kitchen is a major and costly mistake. In kitchens, there are three main considerations: safety, durability, and cleaning ease. Because kitchens receive a lot of foot traffic, choosing high-quality, long-lasting flooring that requires little care and lasts a long time is essential.
Hard flooring options for kitchens, such as vinyl and laminate, are long-lasting and cost-effective, with each having its own set of features and benefits. Before selecting a kitchen flooring type, consider the space you want to alter to avoid making mistakes. This will help you choose appropriateness and style.
Before making a purchase, examine the detail to see whether it replicates the aspects of your selected flooring design. It’s important going to a store or obtain samples to see each finish in person and make sure it matches the rest of your decor and the appearance you’re going for.
4. Using the incorrect paint
While color is important with kitchen paints, it’s more about the finish because if you get that incorrect, the paint won’t endure – no matter how beautiful the shade is, splashes and spills will rapidly damage it. A kitchen paint should be more durable than a standard matt emulsion.
Kitchens are perhaps the most hardworking areas in our houses, so you’ll need paint that can keep up with them. On kitchen walls, standard emulsion paints may rapidly get worn, so search for something that has been particularly created in a lovely matt finish that is hard-wearing, grease-resistant, and washable.
To avoid paint chipping or scratching, use a primer formulated for tough surfaces. Because it’s water-based, you won’t have to deal with any awful solvent fumes, and it’s also better for the environment.
5. A lack of ventilation
In any kitchen, especially one where a wonderful dish is prepared on a regular basis, good ventilation is crucial. Cooking, especially on the stove, can leave behind lingering aromas that, if not properly ventilated, can travel throughout the home. While the perfume of home-cooked food is pleasant at the moment, you don’t want it to spread throughout the house and destroy the atmosphere.
Invest in a suitable ventilation system that captures contaminants, circulates air, and keeps your kitchen clean in general. Avoid low-cost devices that only recycle the flow of air and consume a lot of energy. There’s always a way to limit noise and energy use to a minimum. Custom Range Hood might be the ideal choice for this.
6. Cabinets are being considered as a possible option
When it comes to storage, kitchen cabinets aren’t the only option, especially if you’re on a budget. When it comes to designing and planning your new kitchen, the cabinets might account for a significant portion of the budget. If you’re on a tight budget, open shelving on higher levels instead of wall cabinets may be a better option. This will let you to store anything from mugs and glasses to cookbooks, as well as showcase elegant accessories and family photographs, giving your kitchen a “heart of the home” vibe.
Final words: A decent kitchen should last at least ten years, so it’s crucial to do it correctly the first time. It’s also worth considering its resale potential, especially if you plan to move within the next ten years.
Now that you have a comprehensive checklist, you’re ready to start planning to your heart’s delight – but don’t make these kitchen design blunders.
