Blog>Planning Guides>Top 11 kitchen remodel regrets
Last updated: 28 June 2023
Top 11 kitchen remodel regrets
When planning your kitchen remodel, you'll want to make sure you avoid those regrets of other homeowners tackling this project before you! Check out these common kitchen remodel regrets.
If you’re looking to update your home, one of the best renovations you can do is remodel your kitchen. Not only is it a great way to ensure your home fits with your lifestyle, but it will hopefully add value too.
However, the last thing you want is to end up with kitchen remodel regrets.
Here are some common mistakes you should avoid at all costs.
7 major kitchen design mistakes
First things first, here are the key kitchen design mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of.
1. Lack of storage
Be realistic about how much you’ll need to store in your kitchen and plan your design around that. For instance, if you’re a keen baker, you’ll need enough room for all your baking equipment.
Not planning in enough storage will result in ugly clutter that can turn your stylish new kitchen into a stressful environment.
2. Prioritising aesthetics over functionality
Be wary of blindly following design trends that you’ve spotted on social media or in magazines. While there’s nothing wrong with following a trend if it works for you, it’s important to consider whether it will suit your lifestyle.
One good example is open shelving. While it can look gorgeous when properly styled, it won’t leave you with anywhere to hide your kitchen clutter.
3. Too few power sockets
Modern kitchens are full of appliances. And we don’t just mean the large ones like dishwashers and ovens, there are also microwaves, kettles, toasters, food processors and much, much more.
Failing to install enough sockets will leave your appliances fighting for power, and it can get tedious having to unplug your toaster each time you want to use your kettle!
4. Bad-quality materials
Your kitchen is a workhorse, so it’ll need to withstand lots of wear. Warped worktops, flaking paint and battered kitchen units are a few common complaints.
Investing in good-quality materials will give you the best chance of enjoying your kitchen for many more years to come.
5. Not enough lighting
Your kitchen lighting must perform many functions, especially if you have a kitchen diner. You’ll need to be able to see what you’re doing when you’re chopping vegetables. But you’ll also need to be able to rustle up some atmosphere when you have friends over for dinner.
Investing in the right kitchen lighting, and enough of it, will ensure that you don’t have any dark, gloomy areas, and that you can use your kitchen for all the purposes you intend to.
6. Lack of worktop space
Not planning in enough worktop space can be a major kitchen remodel regret. Kitchen worktops can quickly get crowded with dirty dishes sitting by the sink or kitchen appliances waiting to be used. So, you can easily end up without enough room to chop vegetables and prepare meals.
As well as ensuring you have plenty of worktop space in your kitchen design, consider giving appliances a dedicated corner so they don’t encroach on your food preparation areas.
For instance, a countertop cupboard can be a fantastic way of hiding away your appliances without having to unplug them and put them away between uses.
7. Choosing the wrong colour
According to Moneywise, nearly 41% of people regret painting their cupboards a colourful shade, or refinishing their original boxes.
When you’re picking out a colour for your kitchen cabinets, make sure to think carefully about whether the shade you’ve picked out is going to stand the test of time.
The latest design trends might look tempting, but they can quickly become dated. Instead, consider what colour will best enhance your kitchen’s natural features, like the light and space available.
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The 4 biggest kitchen layout mistakes
One kitchen design regret that crops up again and again is to do with layout.
Here are the primary kitchen layout mistakes to learn from.
1. Inoptimal positioning of cabinets
There’s no point in having plenty of kitchen cabinets if they’re not usable. Doors that crash against one another or that prevent one another from opening will quickly get on your nerves. And that’s not to mention how frustrating it can be when open cabinets block walkways.
Ultimately, getting the positioning of your kitchen cabinets right is key to making sure your kitchen flows seamlessly, which brings us onto…
2. Not considering flow
The best kitchen designs allow you to easily reach all areas without having to stretch. Many professionals advise keeping the space between your sink, cooker and fridge to seven metres or less. This is known as the ‘kitchen triangle.’
This is where kitchen planning is key - use this kitchen planning super guide to help you out.
3. Squeezing in an island where there’s no room
Many modern homeowners dream of having a big kitchen island. But squeezing one in where there isn’t enough room can create more problems than it’s worth.
If there’s not enough room for a kitchen island, or you pick one that’s too big for your space, you’ll end up with narrow walkways that make your kitchen feel cramped and impractical.
4. Not accounting for appliances
To avoid making kitchen layout mistakes, it’s best to choose your appliances before deciding on the layout of your kitchen.
Fridges and cookers come in lots of different sizes. Take into account the size of the appliances you want so that you leave enough room for doors to swing without restricting walkways.
Key takeaways
Your kitchen is a workhorse. Think of practicality before aesthetics to make sure it works how you need it to.
Identify your kitchen’s primary purpose before designing it. For instance, some homeowners will be after a child-friendly kitchen, while others will want one that’s perfect for entertaining or even easy to sell.
Avoid blindly following trends. They might look appealing but it’s important to check whether they work for your needs before hopping on the bandwagon.
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