The kitchen is the best part of the home, and preserving its warmth while updating its look is one of the challenges of kitchen design. Your kitchen is a hub of activity, and with so much going on, it can be a challenge to create a space that will be all things to all people. The good news is that most of these problems are easy to avoid if you do a little planning. Let’s explore four common kitchen mistakes to avoid, so you can create the perfect kitchen remodel.

One major complaint about kitchen redesigns is lack of counter space. It’s important that your countertops be decorative and functional at the same time. When updating your kitchen, evaluate your countertop work space by thinking about how you use countertops and keeping in mind your future needs. The amount of space you need will depend on your limitations and budget. Understanding the flow of traffic in your kitchen is crucial when organizing countertop space to be efficient and comfortable. Make a list of the activities you need your countertop space for, and evaluate how they may overlap when more than one person uses the kitchen. Also, consider the number of appliances you have taking up precious countertop workspace, and choose what appliances you want to keep out. A lot of people do not carefully evaluate their kitchen countertop space and take it for granted. When designed well, countertops can be a very functional and pleasing element in your home.

A second common kitchen remodeling mistake is that some interior designers miss the golden triangle connecting the sink, stove and refrigerator. There should be unobstructed access to and from these locations. The sink usually sees the most action and should have easy access to the refrigerator and stove. Narrow aisles, inconvenient door swings, and islands that cut off direct access to these key areas make kitchens less efficient and less convenient. When you’re in the design stages, having just a little extra space doesn’t seem like much, but after a few hundred trips around an obtrusive island corner you’ll start to feel differently. Once you have created a good flow, pay attention to other areas of the room that need easy accessibility. For example, you’ll want the trash close to the exterior door for easy disposal. You’ll also want convenient access to a countertop after you’ve gone grocery shopping. Evaluate how food will be eaten and served with your new kitchen design, and make sure the pathways are unobstructed for maximum efficiency.

A third big design mistake is not including enough storage. Kitchens typically have lots of stuff – pots, pans, serving ware, china, glasses, bakeware, small appliances, etc. – and finding storage for your kitchen stuff while still keeping your kitchen accessible is tricky. Kitchen space is prime real estate. It’s easy to invest your design dollars in things that give you visual payback like flooring or beautiful appliances, but making your kitchen functional should be the prime consideration. If you have to go out to the garage every time you want to use your wok, fryer or waffle iron instead of having them available at your fingertips, you may start to feel cheated, especially after the newness of all those shiny, expensive surfaces has worn off. While you are planning your dream kitchen, take an inventory of appliances and other kitchen items and determine how accessible each item is and if it fits within your overall layout.

The idea of installing an island kitchen offers room for additional storage, prep and serving space in the kitchen, but choosing the wrong island or having it in the wrong spot can be a disaster – that’s the fourth common mistake. Remember, the kitchen is a work area, and anything that gets in the way of that is problematic. Islands that obstruct the flow of traffic from the sink, refrigerator, stove and primary workstations will create bottlenecks and big headaches. One solution is to add a sink or stove to the island and make it part of the functional kitchen triangle. Also, make sure there is plenty of space around the island so it doesn’t impede foot traffic. The layout of your kitchen is important when considering an island. Single wall and L-shaped kitchens usually work well with islands.

Going from the planning stages of a kitchen remodel to the actual work may involve inconvenience and expense, but if you’ve done your homework, the rewards of a good kitchen redesign should be worth the effort. Your kitchen is a valuable space and deserves careful attention. Overall, it’s important that you have the space you need and maximize it if necessary. Your kitchen should be accessible, functional and warm. It’s important that you pick a contractor who has a lot of experience in kitchen redesign. That’s where we come in. Statewide Remodeling has the expertise to make your kitchen a comfortable gathering place that is fully-equipped with state-of-the-art appliances and beautifully crafted furnishings. Call today to get a free quote.