If you want to create a space that oozes elegance and sophistication, avoid making these mistakes during your kitchen renovation. Foremost, measure all the openings twice. Take your measurements in person, and ideally, with the doors open. Do not make estimates that are too far off from reality. Instead, draw up drawings of all the measurements and square footage, and compare them to the original layout. These steps will make your renovation a success!
There are many ways to design a functional kitchen, but homeowners’ biggest mistakes are often inefficient storage solutions. Instead of focusing on functionality, consider how your family uses the space, including where you need to store trash and recycling bins. For example, you may want to have different zones for trash, recycling, composting, dog bowls, and groceries. Similarly, you may want to designate a “drop zone” for groceries, backpacks, and purses.
-
Avoid Dark Colors
While traditional interior design experts have long said that dark colors should be avoided in small kitchens, the field of interior design continues to evolve and become more experimental. While dark colors make small rooms look cramped, they can also be beautiful. Dark countertops and cabinetry can create a unique space in a kitchen, especially if they are paired with lighter-colored cabinetry and fixtures. However, choosing dark colors for kitchen countertops should only be a consideration if the room has adequate natural lighting.
-
Use Saturated Hues
Dark colors are not necessarily the only choice; it is vital to use a suitable color scheme. Navy blue, for example, can overwhelm a small room. Use navy blue sparingly and pair it with a white backsplash and other fixtures to achieve the desired effect. The same goes for the color of the island countertop. Leather bar stools are an excellent choice for a dark-colored kitchen.
-
Use A Mixed Blend
Adding natural lighting to a small kitchen will make it appear more spacious. Using a lighter-colored granite countertop with darker cabinets will give a kitchen an illusion of a larger room. Similarly, darker countertops may make them appear smaller than their lighter counterparts. By balancing out dark colors with lighter-colored cabinetry, you can create the illusion of a larger kitchen. You can also make your kitchen look larger with small details, such as a backsplash that runs horizontally up the wall.
-
Adding Storage Features
When undergoing a kitchen renovation, you should think about your storage needs and the work zones. Some kitchen essentials may be stored in a deep, dark cupboard, but kneeling to reach them will quickly get old. Choose areas that require more effort to reach for items you use less frequently. For instance, you can add a large pantry or an island with a built-in refrigerator.
-
Avoiding Adding Too Many Cabinets
A common mistake in kitchen remodeling is ignoring storage needs. While open shelving and glass cabinets are beautiful, too much open storage can make a room appear cluttered. Make sure that there is sufficient closed cabinet space, and if possible, add more open shelving. For more storage space, add a pantry and pantry pullouts. This will give your kitchen a more functional look while also providing additional storage options.
-
Maintain Accessibility
Some kitchens are too small. Make sure you plan the layout so that the most common items will be accessible without crowding the room. Also, make sure there is enough counter space to work efficiently. If there is too little space, use decorative elements to extend the countertop, such as corbels or shelving supports. Consider reconfiguring your layout to incorporate an island or peninsula. Make sure to plan the space properly so that the island fits within the room.
-
Planning Ahead
Considering your budget when renovating your kitchen is an excellent way to avoid making kitchen renovation mistakes. Budgeting is essential, but so is deciding what to include. It’s best to add a buffer for unexpected costs, such as delays. Budgeting by room size can help you avoid a big surprise at the end. You’ll also want to consider the time it will take to complete the project, as underestimating the time may cost you more money than you planned. Don’t forget to factor in the costs of permits and inspections.
-
Proper Ventilation
If you decide to add new cabinets, plan for a smooth transition from the old space. Kitchens can become unusable if they don’t provide enough ventilation. Whether replacing existing cabinets or installing new ones, make sure you have proper ventilation and lighting. Remember that a beautiful kitchen isn’t necessarily the best for daily use. If the kitchen isn’t usable, you’ll make many mistakes, so plan accordingly.
-
Mind The Cost
Getting advice from professionals is also vital to avoid making costly mistakes during the renovation. Consult professionals about what you need to update your kitchen before starting the project. Make a rough list of the materials you need and order them in advance. Professionals charge by the hour, and delays can increase your costs. A rough list will help you avoid this problem. You’ll also be able to get a better estimate of the costs associated with each of these elements.
-
Choosing The Correct Type Of Storage
Getting the most out of your kitchen storage is crucial for the organization of your home. With many appliances, utensils, and white goods, it is no surprise that you struggle to find adequate space for them. Modern kitchen designs are often equipped with kitchen drawers. These drawers are designed to allow you to store more items on a lower level, improving organization. They also eliminate the need for doors, which is why they are often overlooked.
-
Considering Other Spaces
Renovating a kitchen can be an exciting and daunting experience. The first step is to strategize – which aspects of your kitchen are essential to you and which ones can wait? For example, are you planning to add extra seating, storage space, or a breakfast bar? Or is your main focus to add new materials and finishes? This will determine how much money you can spend. And remember to stay within your budget.
-
Layout
The layout is a critical part of the design process when remodeling your kitchen. The suitable layout will improve the functionality and aesthetics of your room while avoiding common mistakes. We asked three design experts to share their tips for avoiding the most common mistakes in layout and searched for kitchen renovation pictures to identify a few examples of kitchens that avoided these blunders. Keep reading to learn how to avoid these mistakes when renovating your kitchen.
-
Have Enough Space
Always err on the side of extra counter space. Countertops are used for so many things, so having too little counter space can lead to significant problems. A good designer will guide you through the best storage solutions, such as pullout storage for pots and pans. You may also want to consider hiding your appliances behind an appliance garage, so they can still be easily accessible without detracting from your new layout.
-
Make It Functional
A good kitchen layout is crucial for both functionality and efficiency. A good layout will improve your home’s appearance and overall functionality. A logical layout will make it easier to reach kitchen appliances and workspace. This will make the cooking process more straightforward and make your house look better, too. And a good layout will help you cook meals faster and more effectively. So pay attention to kitchen layout before starting any other work on your kitchen.
-
Lighting
Many people think that too much-recessed lighting in a kitchen is a good idea, but this can hurt the space. Without proper task lighting, the kitchen can look dingy and over-saturated, and it could also interfere with conversations. When designing your lighting, think about how much light you will need in each room, and choose accent lights to pair with your primary lighting source.
Final Take
If you plan to install recessed lighting, consider the type of bulb and the cover. Recessed lighting does not give enough light to vertical surfaces. Also, check the electrical outlets in your kitchen, as they are likely to be outdated. Lighting is a kitchen renovation mistake to avoid! If you’re unsure how to install recessed lighting, talk to a professional. Then, decide on the type of bulb you want.
