{"id":21116,"date":"2014-09-15T10:00:59","date_gmt":"2014-09-15T10:00:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/?p=21116"},"modified":"2021-04-27T14:07:18","modified_gmt":"2021-04-27T13:07:18","slug":"avoid-common-kitchen-design-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/avoid-common-kitchen-design-mistakes","title":{"rendered":"4 common kitchen design mistakes to avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s no denying that replacing a kitchen is a big project. It\u2019s often left until last in a whole property revamp, yet its importance in your home can\u2019t be overstated. Faced with a greater than ever amount of choice, it\u2019s easy to become overwhelmed and make snap kitchen design mistakes and decisions that you could end up regretting for years to come. Here are just a few to sidestep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen Design Mistake One: Replacing like for like<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"linley<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to accept that layout that\u2019s already in your home is the right one but rethinking the kitchen can be the key to unlocking more room for storage, workspace and a better flow. Picture the room as a blank slate, remember that services, such as water and power, can be moved and think about what you want from your design. For example, you could block up an unused door or move a window to gain runs of units. There\u2019s no need to even put it in the same room \u2013 converted garages, first floors and extensions can all become kitchens with more space, increased natural light or a better view. This extension creates far more useable space for a gorgeous two-tone Linley kitchen. Check out some more kitchen extension ideas on our Homeowner Advice Centre<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image Source: LINLEY Fitted Cabinetry<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen Design Mistake Two: Not including enough, or the right type, of lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter the size of your kitchen, you\u2019ll need different kinds of lighting and enough of it \u2013 task to prep food by (e.g. undercabinet, such as downlights from Betta Living, below, and shelf lighting), general for everyday use (e.g. overhead pendants and spots) and mood for accentuating features of the kitchen or for ambience in the evening (e.g. plinth and cornicing lights). Often overlooked, lighting within drawers and cabinets is also a great idea \u2013 meaning you can see what\u2019s inside at a glance and never lose items at the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Betta<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Image Source: Betta Living<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen Design Mistake Three: Not including enough workspace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Being worktop-poor is one of the biggest issues I have with my own kitchen, often using the induction hob as extra space (it beeps forlornly when I put things down on it that aren\u2019t magnetic) for dishes when baking or cooking a large meal. I pine for large stretches of uninterrupted worktop, so if you can include this, I recommend it. Site it where you need it the most \u2013 close to built-in ovens for hot dishes, next to a sink for washing fruit and vegetables and beside cupboards, so putting away shopping is a cinch. If you\u2019re above or below average height, ask for your worktop to be higher or lower to avoid backache as you\u2019re using it. Or opt for a sliding worktop, like this version from Neil Lerner. Depending \u00a0on your kitchen size and preferences you can also consider kitchen designs for small kitchens<\/a> or kitchen designs for cooking<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Neil<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Image Source: Neil Lerner<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitchen Design Mistake Four: Buying appliances on good looks alone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

My own dishwasher is too dinky for my dinner plates (I didn\u2019t measure them before I bought them) and a freezer that can only just squeeze in a small amount of shopping. I can\u2019t stress enough that gorgeous appliances must also suit your lifestyle. So, when you\u2019re buying a fridge freezer, think about the division of space for fresh and frozen food \u2013 especially relevant in American-style models that don\u2019t always come with a large frozen section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, invest in an extractor that\u2019s powerful enough to whisk away steam and smells from the room. You\u2019ll need to work out how many cubic metres your kitchen is (multiply the room\u2019s length x width x height to get the capacity, then multiply by how often you want the air changing per hour) then buy a model that can extract that much (e.g. 540m3\/hr). You\u2019ll need to think about how close your extractor should be to your hob and how wide it needs to be to extract efficiently (both can vary by the hob\u2019s fuel type). This Silla hood by Blanco by Gutmann has a high extraction rate of 1200m3\/hr, LED lighting and an edgeless body for easy cleaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Blanco<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Image Source: Blanco UK<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning to change the design of your kitchen but not sure where to start? Post your question on our Ask an expert forum<\/a> and get professional advice from kitchen specialists in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you already know what you want doing, post your job for free<\/a> and up to 3 local kitchen fitters<\/a> will provide you with quotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n