Kitchen design is considered to be one of the most popular areas of interior home design. The kitchen is also one of the most expensive rooms to design or remodel. While many people attempt to do it themselves many more homeowners plan to hire an interior designer when it comes to remodeling their kitchen. Either way it can cost to a lot of money, and careful planning is needed to achieve the effect you are looking for in your kitchen design. If doing it yourself you need to be aware of some of the biggest mistakes made by homeowners when re-designing their kitchen. You will find that the best kitchen design ideas are usually sensible ones. Besides trying to come up with the perfect kitchen, to insure a good kitchen remodel you must make sure to avoid common mistakes.
While you may kept up on the latest kitchen design trends deciding to remodel your kitchen has the potential to become one of your most expensive home projects because it requires careful planning and measurements. There are plenty of things that can go wrong during a kitchen project. Below you will find a few common mistakes to avoid.
Inaccurate Measurements
This can be the most common and most avoidable problem. Not getting this simple task right can ruin any great kitchen design. If you fail to measure carefully, things like cabinets or appliances will not fit right. If you use a contractor make sure they will guarantee their accuracy in measurements, and deliver the finished design according to the agreed to specifications.
Not Utilizing Storage Areas of Kitchen
It’s not just the amount of space to be provided for cabinets that you need to take into consideration for kitchen storage areas. You also have to know exactly where they should be installed. For instance there should be approximately forty-eight to seventy-two inches of cabinets for dishes and glasses above your sink and dishwasher for convenience. There should be approximately forty-eight to seventy-two inches of cabinet space near your oven for holding the cooking dishes and supplies. Floor cabinets or base cabinets should be placed near the stovetop for pots and pans.
Having an Oversized Kitchen Island
An island countertop can be great for most kitchens. However an island countertop that’s 36 to 48 inches deep and 36 to 120 inches wide provides a large enough ample work space and also enough room for an overhang for sitting. Anything larger can be hard to use or clean.
Inadequate Lighting
Correct lighting for your kitchen workspaces would include halogen or fluorescent lighting. Even the brightest recessed ceiling and pendant lights tend to cast shadows when you’re working at the counter. So be prepared to wire for under-cabinet halogen, xenon, or fluorescent task lights wherever you or a other family members will be doing kitchen chores.
Inadequate Ventilation
Ventilation is another important aspect of kitchen design. Most kitchen design professionals will tell you that proper ventilation must be added to ensure that offending odors and excess heat is removed from the home.
Other common mistakes in kitchen design include the use of dark cabinets in a smaller kitchen. While dark cabinets are popular today, they create a more impressive kitchen design and look better when used in larger kitchens. It is still a good idea to use lighter woods in a smaller space. Cabinets made from maple, birch, or pine will help make the space appear larger.
Another common kitchen design mistake is to choose the latest trend over practical designs for your kitchen. Remember your kitchen is the heart of your home. Make wise choices with an eye on livability. It is best to be practical, even conservative. Choose the more classic, and timeless kitchen styles.
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