Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes To Steer Clear Of When Renovating

Kitchen Layout Mistakes You Should Avoid When Renovating

While many homeowners focus on the aesthetic elements of kitchen design. Design build remodelers understand that while aesthetics are important, the most important factor in a renovation is the kitchen layout. Without the right layout, your kitchen might look great, but meal preparation can go from seamless and natural, too cumbersome and challenging in a heart beat.

The kitchen is the heart of your home. It's where we prepare meals for our families and entertain friends. It's where the kids sit and do homework after school and where we all catch up and share the events of our day. Your kitchen is a unique room in your home. It not only needs to be comfortable and inviting, but it also needs to be functional as well.

When planning your kitchen renovation, you not only need to consider the aesthetic design, you also need to take into account organizational needs, overall layout and functionality. Put any group of kitchen designers, or design build contractors in a room and ask them about kitchen design. While you'll probably get a range of aesthetic design ideas, they'll all most likely agree that when it comes to functionality, if you don't pay attention to the basics details, you'll have problems.

Take A Big Picture Approach First

No matter if you're undertaking a DIY remodeling or a complete down-to-the-studs kitchen renovation with a design build firm, you first need to look at the big picture. Workflow is the key to a successful kitchen layout. Any design that ignores the traditional “kitchen triangle” design will run into trouble.

The kitchen triangle has become a design element for a reason... it works! - If you've placed your refrigerator outside the triangle, for example, behind the island and away from the stove and sink, it might look awesome, but whenever you need to get an ingredient out of the refrigerator, you'll need to walk around the island. This can get old fast!

Consider the details to make sure functionality hold up. - It's important not to get carried away with form over function. The details are the fun part of remodeling. It's exciting to consider backsplash, countertop, tile and flooring options, but if your design places the wall oven across from a cabinet in a way that makes it impossible to open them both at the same time, it's a big problem.

Don't forget to consider your lifestyle! - Your kitchen design needs to reflect your lifestyle to be effective. Examine how you shop, live and entertain. If you have young children prone to spilling their juice boxes, Carrara marble might not be the best countertop choice. If you don't take lifestyle into account, you could end up with giant appliances, or too many cabinets that you don't need. Lifestyle matters!

Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes to Avoid

Your kitchen is a hub of activity for family and friends. When undertaking a renovation or remodeling, the result needs to offer both aesthetic beauty and functionality. Avoiding these common kitchen layout mistakes can help you to create a kitchen design that is not only elegant but also functional.

Honor The Triangle!

Your sink, cooktop, and refrigerator are the three points in the kitchen triangle. Make sure the flow between these elements is open and unobstructed for proper functioning. Verify that the sink offers easy access to the stove, refrigerator and countertop workspace. It doesn't matter how large or small the space, honor the triangle!

Don't Waste Storage Space

Kitchens are full of everything from small appliances to utensils, pots, pans, dishes, glassware, silverware and dry good. One all to a common mistake is not taking your storage needs into account when planning and designing your kitchen space. Almost every kitchen has some wasted space that can be better utilized with a little planning.

Lack of Counter Space

Another common mistake is inadequate counter space. Almost every activity in the kitchen from appliance storage to food preparation requires a counter top. Fit as much horizontal work space into your kitchen layout as possible!

Inadequate Lighting

In the kitchen, under counter lighting is incredibly important. From food preparation to accentuating your design, lighting matters. Make sure to add task lighting above work areas, decorative lighting to set the mood, and ambient lighting to enhance your design.

Improper Ventilation

It's not as glamorous as choosing your appliances, but make sure you install proper ventilation. No matter how stunning your design, if there are cooking odors in the room it will affect your enjoyment of the space. This is especially important if your home features an open design concept. A good system will remove odors, keep your home cleaner, and extend the life of your appliances.

Hire A Kitchen Layout and Design Expert!

Finally, the biggest mistake you can make when remodeling your kitchen is taking a DIY approach to save money. In the end, it can end up costing you more money and taking more time than hiring a professional design build firm to handle the work. Contact the designers at Forward Design Build Remodel to discuss your project.

Kitchen design is a complicated project, probably one of the most complex home improvement projects you can undertake in fact. Professional designers understand your needs and are up-to-date with the latest ideas, techniques, information, and technology. They can work closely with you to understand and identify your needs and translate them into the perfect functional kitchen layout and design to perfectly fit your needs, lifestyle and budget. If you're thinking about a kitchen renovation, give us a call at (734) 761-8403 and let the Forward Design Build team help you to create your dream kitchen within your budget!

Forward Design Build is a residential design-build firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan that is known for its commitment to craftsmanship and communication. We are committed to improving our neighbors quality of life with inspired design and creative remodeling. Our homes are highly functional, exquisitely beautiful, and remarkably comfortable. Contact us to speak with an expert about your new home or remodeling project.