Kitchen design mistakes you’ll want to avoid

Kitchens and bathrooms have a reputation for being one of the more expensive areas of the home to renovate, so it’s extra important to get it right the first time. Don’t waste your time and money fixing something you could have prevented – read our tips below before you put that first nail in the wall. Even better, hire the professionals at Ballard Fine Homes for your next renovation to guarantee the job gets done right while looking absolutely perfect.

Your kitchen layout should be functional and flow

One of the most important things to consider is the layout. Avoid overcrowding the kitchen by leaving ample space for movement and work areas. Another mistake related to the layout is inadequate storage. Be sure to plan for enough cabinets, drawers, and pantry space to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. If you are downsizing your storage space from your current kitchen, make sure you downsize the amount of utensils and kitchen tools you currently have, otherwise it just won’t work.

How does your current kitchen function? What are things you like about it and what are things that drive you up the wall? If you can think of examples of other kitchens you’ve been in and enjoyed, that will already put you one step closer to avoiding a costly mistake on your own design.

Air circulation often gets overlooked

Another common kitchen remodel mistake is neglecting the ventilation system. Proper ventilation is essential for eliminating cooking odors and maintaining good air quality. Hood fans and the ability to open a window when that tray of cookies stayed in the oven just a bit too long is both functional and safe.

Spacing out the distance between counters and an island will also help with air circulation. This is important for regulating the temperature of the room and overall air quality. Kitchens are usually more enjoyable to be in when they aren’t hot and stuffy, right?

Measure before you buy

Have your eye on some new appliances? Measure first at home before you get to the store. Often, buyers get tempted by a great deal or a beautiful piece only to find out it doesn’t work in their space because it is too large or doesn’t match the decor. It can be an added expense to return appliances to the store in terms of time and gas for your vehicle, and an unnecessary headache. If you ordered your appliance online, you may be required to pay hefty shipping fees to send it back to the store – even if it was free shipping to get to your house.

Sometimes it can be helpful to view a showroom to see exactly how an appliance looks up against a particular style of cabinet or countertops design. As always, a professional eye cannot be overstated. When in doubt, ask the experts.

Kitchen design tip: Can you see what you’re doing?

Lighting is often overlooked, but it plays a crucial role in both functionality and ambiance. Avoid relying solely on overhead lighting and consider incorporating task lighting and ambient lighting for a well-lit and inviting atmosphere.

If possible, natural light is always a plus but be mindful about that functionality, too. If you are someone with mobility issues, are you really that likely to jump up on the counter to wash your windows from time to time? If hiring someone to help, it may take them longer to wash a large window than if it were a little bit smaller.

Do your countertops make sense?

Lastly, don’t forget about the countertops. Choose durable materials that are easy to clean and maintain, and ensure you have enough counter space for food preparation and other kitchen activities. If you have young children, try the “fingerprint test” to see how easily smudges and fingerprints show on your countertops and appliances. If smudges and fingerprints are not something you want to be constantly touching up, then make sure your design choices accommodate your lifestyle in that way.

The same goes for common backsplash mistakes. Is the design too busy? Is your grout the correct colour? How does the backsplash colour scheme work with your walls, floor, countertops, and large appliances? Although it is a smaller component of a kitchen, it makes a large impact.

Check out kitchen designs that work and look beautiful

You know what to avoid but how about some kitchen inspiration that is guaranteed to work? At Ballard Fine Homes, we have an extensive showroom that displays various light fixtures, finishes, countertop designs, and sample layouts. Casually walk around and take in the variety of beautiful designs, and talk to one of our staff members for any questions or advice moving forward. Our custom features make it easy to design a kitchen or home just the way you want it.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can better remodel your kitchen, contact the team at Ballard Fine Homes to get that professional touch in your home.