Rethinking your kitchen design can be an exciting opportunity to put your personal stamp on your home. But sometimes homeowners get caught up in an overwhelming array of choices for what many people think of as the heart of the home. Do you choose hardwood flooring or vinyl tile? Should you get rid of those old cabinets or try to reuse them? What about brand new hardware, granite counter tops, and a farmhouse sink? Before you start thinking choosing all the specifics in your kitchen design, you might want to take note of these seven common kitchen mistakes.
- Don’t skimp on storage
One of the biggest complaints experts hear when home remodeling is that families never have enough storage. For all the kitchen necessities you use on a daily basis, you’ll want to have more than enough room. Even if you have a relatively small kitchen, there are tons of storage solutions can help you maximize your space. Make the most of your cabinets, and be sure that you incorporate ample storage into the design. - Leave room to breathe (and work!)
When you decide to get new flooring, you want to make sure people can actually see it — and that you can use it adequately! Don’t forget your floor plan when doing a remodel. Think about the traffic pattern you utilize when working in the kitchen, and don’t clutter it up with appliances or furnishings that are too large for your space. Above all, you need your kitchen to be functional, so don’t overcrowd or make design decisions that won’t allow for easy access. - Have ample counter space
For many families, having one small counter top just won’t cut it. Plan for having more counter space than you think you need. You’ll want to have room to prep food, for all your appliances, and for any little necessities you might forget during the design space. - Stick to your budget
It might be tempting to spring for expensive flooring or the most expensive counter tops when they aren’t really necessary, but it’s better to focus on what isn’t working and make the vital aesthetic improvements that will add value to your home. It’s easy to go overboard when doing a remodel, so resist the urge to add on to the original concept. Your remodel will add value only if you are able to get out more than you put in, so don’t go beyond your budget. - Remember the style of your home
It can be jarring for visitors and potential buyers to step into a room that has no relation in design to the rest of the house. You need to make sure your design is cohesive throughout your home, and stick within the same style, or at least something similar. If the rest of your home’s interior is historic and industrial, don’t have a modern, sleek kitchen. The kitchen should reflect the rest of your home in a seamless way. - Make sure you love it
The kitchen is often a room where people spend quite a bit of time — so you should make sure that you love being in it! If you’re looking to sell your home and have begrudgingly agreed to using neutral colors, try to choose hardware or decor that you love. Choose a back splash that will appeal to everyone, including yourself. Make sure your kitchen reflects you and your style, too. - Use an expert
Kitchen design DIYs can so easily go wrong. In a room with so many important appliances, incorrect wiring or faulty installation can totally negate the financial value you wanted to add to your home. Make sure your flooring, counter tops, appliances, and cabinets are installed by a professional, and that all of your wiring and plumbing is expected and is declared up to code. The last thing you want is for someone to have to rip out that whole new kitchen due to a problem!
Whether you’re in the market for a brand new kitchen or are looking to do a few little upgrades, make sure to avoid these all too common mistakes in your next renovation. If you do, you’ll ensure your kitchen looks beautiful and functions to the fullest.
