NOT ASKING THE EXPERTS
The kitchen is the most complicated – and expensive – room in the house to design, so asking for expert advice at the start of a project can take the stress out of the process and save you money in the long run. Even if you already have a good idea of what you want, a professional kitchen designer can help you fine-tune your scheme and help you avoid costly mistakes.
BLOCKING THOROUGHFARES
When you design your ideal kitchen, it's essential to consider the overall floor plan of your property too. Some kitchens are thoroughfares to other rooms, so access needs to be a top priority. If you're dealing with a narrow galley space, ensure your cabinetry doesn't impede passage through the room. Streamlined units and sliding pocket doors that recess into the wall rather than swinging out are a great way to make a tight spot more manoeuvrable.
NEGLECTING CORNER CUPBOARDS
Without proper planning, your corner cupboards can easily be reduced to a dumping ground or unusable dead space. While they may be tricky to work with, there's an array of intelligent storage solutions out there so you can utilise even the most inaccessible nooks. Thinking hard about your corner spaces to ensure you're getting the most space from your design.
OVERLOOKING DOOR CLEARANCES
While it's tempting to prioritise the appearance of your new kitchen, don't forget to account for the existing elements in your space. Particularly important in smaller rooms, door clearances (the amount of space required for a hinged door's swing) can have a significant impact on the design of your kitchen. Otherwise, you could end up with units that can't be appropriately accessed or a door that only opens halfway. If you're short on space, consider a sliding door that won't require clearance. Ask about hinge types, some open back on themselves, so in a hallway, doors won't get in your way.
CONSIDER INTEGRATION
Consider how many appliances are likely to clutter up those lovely new benchtops – if they're unlikely to leave enough space for food preparation, consider integrating some of your gadgets into your kitchen. From swapping out the kettle for a hot water tap to fitting out your cabinetry with space to recess your microwave, it's best to consider integration before finalising your kitchen design. Make sure those large appliances (Mixmaster, bread machines) have a home.
FORGETTING TO MEASURE APPLIANCES
It's easy to focus on the dimensions of worktops and cabinetry and simply assume the appliances you've chosen will slot perfectly into your new space. This can lead to protruding refrigerators and ovens that can disrupt your kitchen's workflow, rendering that streamlined finish. As well as the standard dimensions, don't forget to measure the clearance; they'll need to open to ensure they're not impeding access to drawers or colliding with other appliances.
FORGETTING A SPLASHBACK
Never underestimate the importance of a quality kitchen splashback. Not only do they protect walls and deflect mess from cookers and countertops, but the colour, material and finish can make or break your scheme. Tiles, stone, magazine are just the start of your options, keeping in mind required specifications for cooktops.
NOT MAKING ROOM FOR RUBBISH
Don't forget to plan a place for your waste disposal. A built-in bin that recesses inside your cabinetry is a great way to keep unpleasant smells at bay whilst taking up less floor space than a pedal bin. Opting for a segmented model will make your life much easier when separating general waste from recycling.
MISSING THE RANGEHOOD
Ventilation is especially crucial in open-plan living spaces as cooking smells can linger and permeate soft furnishings, plus excess moisture can lead to mould and dampness. Ensure you plan a range hood with an extractor fan into your design to avoid stale odours hanging around. A ducted extractor will carry airborne particles outside, (while a ductless design will recirculate the air through a carbon filter).
NEGLECTING YOUR HOME'S CHARACTER
It's essential to consider the age and style of your property before you settle on a kitchen design. Try to be sensitive to its character and opt for a look that will complement prominent architectural features rather than clash with them. A Shaker-style aesthetic is a perfect fit for an older home with rustic beams, whereas a modern and minimalist design will look striking in a contemporary space.
CHOOSING PRACTICAL HANDLES
On-trend kitchen fixtures like sleek knob handles may look smart, but they're no use when you're trying to open a stiff fridge or dishwasher door with wet hands. Reserve stylish handles for standard cupboards like these and install pull handles that you can get your fingers behind on anything that requires a bit more heft to open.
BEING A SLAVE TO TRENDS
It's good to stay abreast of the latest trends, but most people only renovate their kitchen about once every ten years, so you need to develop a design that will stand the test of time. If you want to incorporate the latest finish or dramatic colour, it's safest to add them through your accessories and small home appliances, which can be swapped out quickly and cheaply if your tastes change.
