When planning on a kitchen renovation, it is crucial to consider desirable changes alongside unwanted inconveniences. Determining the latter will help avoid any additional expenses and rearrangements and exclude the need to tune something up after the whole project is done.
You do not have to own a kitchen franchise to understand that some details may become a real pain in the neck later if not being paid particular attention to in advance. It is imperative to organize a space where you will spend a fair amount of time every day.
Here are some basic mistakes to avoid and advice to consider when designing your kitchen project:
Underestimating the Importance of Lighting
Like in any other room, proper lighting can bring significant changes to your kitchen’s overall look and make it more convenient to operate in. Kitchens with a bright color scheme already seem more lit visually. However, if you plan to get dark cabinets or walls, be sure to consider the number of light sources seriously.
The most beneficial way is to make several levels of lighting in the kitchen – the overhead lighting, lighting features directed at the working areas (for example, under cabinets lighting), and pending lights over the dining table.
It is also crucial to think about placing enough switches and sockets to always have all the needed appliances at arm’s length. In general, the more there will be light in the kitchen, the more comfortable and cozy this space will be to cook and spend quality time with family and friends there.
Installing Cabinets Without Bases
If you plan to get cabinets with beautiful legs at the bottom instead of those with base, you should think about it twice (or better reconsider). Installing them will lead to the increased space for cleaning, dust accumulation, and too many things rolled into the farthest corner under your cabinets.
Therefore, it is better to order base cabinets (with a bar attached to the legs of the garniture) for the kitchen, as they perform several useful functions. They close the space from the bottom from dust and small debris and make the kitchen look much neater. The base’s standard height is about 10-15 cm, meaning such cabinets will not be higher than those with legs.
Lacking Buffer Zones on the Countertop
Going logically through the whole cooking process, first, you need to get the food out of the fridge (or freezer), put it on the countertop, then wash the ingredients and cut them, and only then you move to cook on the stove. Thus, buffer zones are the essential areas of the working surface that should be placed between the fridge, sink, and stove to make your cooking as convenient as possible.
Another critical thing to consider is that you should not install the stove and oven close to the fridge – otherwise, it may break quickly. When heated by high temperatures, the refrigerator will run at maximum, trying to keep the cold, and as a result, it will fail at some point. It is also recommended to allocate at least 400 mm between the stove and the sink to exclude high humidity around the stove.
Sticking To Just One Flooring Type
There are two most commonly used types of flooring for kitchens – porcelain tile or laminate. Despite the popularity and affordability of laminate flooring, it is not the most durable solution for the kitchen, as it will swell from moisture sooner or later. On the other hand, a completely tiled floor will not create a feeling of comfort – your feet will always be cold, and accidentally dropped dishes can break it off.
Therefore, perhaps the best solution would be to combine tiles with more durable flooring – wood parquet, for example. The most convenient way is to place tiles near the working spaces and use wooden flooring to cover the dining area.
Leaving Corners Unused
Every kitchen has its corners, and your goal is to think through the empty ones to make them functional and expand the storage space. It is particularly essential if you operate in a limited space.
One of the cost-effective solutions is to install a rotary carousel – they are designed especially for kitchen corners. Folding cabinet doors are a little more expensive, but they are irreplaceable, as you can use all the space inside, thereby freeing up the working surfaces from appliances and storage baskets.
Corner or diagonal drawers are another great alternatives to idle storage areas. You can even place a stove or sink there, but make sure to pick proper lighting.
The Bottom Line
The kitchen is one of the most visited rooms in any house, and you should keep that in mind when working on your renovation project. Some details may seem insignificant or unobvious, but neglecting them will lead to constant discomfort later on.
It is crucial to think through all the possible inconveniences and ways to make the most out of this space and avoid unwanted consequences. Ensure that you get comprehensive working surfaces with proper lighting to deal with most future problems beforehand. Your kitchen should be multifunctional and easy to use, so make sure to adjust the layout accordingly to its size and frequency of use.
