If you’re gearing up for a remodel, you will want to read this and take notes! Let’s be honest— Any type of kitchen remodeling can be overwhelming. There are a ton of little details you don’t want to mess up or realize after the fact that you wanted to include.
Kitchen remodeling is one of the best ways to increase your home’s value and recoup a greater percentage of the money you’ve invested in your home.
We’re going to share our best advice to help you sidestep those pesky mistakes that can turn your dream kitchen into a kitchen island of regret.
The Big Picture: Kitchen Remodeling Begins with Planning
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the importance of having a solid plan. You wouldn’t start off on a road trip without a map to your destination or marking the places you want to see along the way, so why would you start a remodel without considering everything on your bucketlist?
Skipping the Pre-planning Stage
One of the biggest kitchen remodeling mistakes you can make is jumping in without a clear vision. We’ve all been there— the excitement of a new project can be intoxicating! But take a deep breath and ask yourself:
- What do I love about my current kitchen?
- What drives me crazy about it?
- How do I actually use my kitchen day-to-day?
- What have I always wished for in a kitchen?
Jot down your responses and use them as your guide. Hate that you always run out of countertop space while baking – put it on the list. Fridge hits the cabinets every time you open it? Write it down. Wish you didn’t see your frequently used kitchen appliances on the countertop when not in use? Make a note of it.
This simple exercise can save you from costly mistakes down the road.
Ignoring the Work Triangle
The work triangle is not just some designer jargon— this concept refers to the imaginary line between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. A well-designed work triangle can make your kitchen feel like a well-oiled machine.
Pro tip: Aim for a total distance of 12-26 feet between these three points. Imagine gliding effortlessly between your prep, cooking, and cleaning stations.
Common Kitchen Remodeling Oversights to Avoid
Now that we’ve covered the big picture let’s zoom in on some sneaky details that can trip up even the most careful planners.
Skimping on Storage
Those sleek, minimalist kitchens on Pinterest look amazing and hassle-free. But in real life, we need spaces to stash our appliances, gadgets, groceries, and that growing pile of reusable bags.
When planning your kitchen remodeling project, think creatively about storage:
- Extend cabinets to the ceiling for extra space
- Consider pull-out organizers for hard-to-reach corners
- Remember to include vertical storage for baking sheets and cutting boards
Neglecting Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of kitchen design. Some of the most gorgeous kitchens fall flat because of poor lighting choices.
Here are four types of lighting to keep in mind during your kitchen remodel:
- Natural lighting
- Ambient lighting
- Task lighting
- Accent lighting
Pro Tip: Install dimmer switches to easily transition from bright meal prep to a cozy dinner ambiance.
Underestimating the Power of the Proper Backsplash
A good backsplash isn’t just about protecting your kitchen walls— it’s a chance to inject personality into your kitchen. But here’s where many kitchen remodeling projects go awry: choosing the backsplash as an afterthought.
Consider your backsplash early in the planning process. It can set the tone for your entire color scheme and tie all your design elements together.
Forgetting About Ventilation
A powerful rangehood is not just a luxury— it’s a necessity. Proper ventilation keeps your kitchen smelling fresh, reduces moisture, and will help your cabinets last longer.
Neglecting Workflow When Adding a Kitchen Island
Kitchen Islands are fantastic— they provide extra countertop and storage space and can be used for everything from meal prep to entertainment. But kitchen islands need to be planned carefully. Kitchen remodeling projects can become more of an obstacle than an asset with a poorly placed kitchen island.
Consider these questions when planning your kitchen island:
- Is there enough clearance around each side? (Aim for at least 36 inches)
- Does it interfere with opening appliances or cabinets?
- Does it enhance or hinder your kitchen’s workflow?
Choosing Appliances Last
It’s tempting to focus on the materials and finishes first, but when it comes to kitchen remodeling, you’ll want to focus on appliances first. Their sizes will impact every other design decision.
Pro tip: Choose your appliances early on in the kitchen remodeling process, and design your layout around them. This approach will save you from awkward fits and costly adjustments later on.
Forgetting About Trash & Recycling
This is the less glamorous side of kitchen remodeling. However, waste management is crucial in a well-designed kitchen. Plan for integrated trash and recycling bins to keep your kitchen looking tidy and functional.
Don’t Overlook These Final Touches
Neglecting Outlets & Charging Stations
You can never have enough outlets in the kitchen for appliances. And your future self will thank you for having a dedicated charging station that doesn’t clutter up your beautiful new countertops.
Not Planning for Enough Countertop Space
From chopping veggies to rolling out dough and setting up a coffee station for guests— your countertops are the most occupied space in your kitchen.
Here are some tips to make sure you don’t fall into the too-little countertop trap:
- Aim for at least 36 inches of continuous countertop space next to the kitchen sink and cooktop. This gives you plenty of room for food prep.
- Consider adding a kitchen island or peninsula if space allows. It’s a great way to increase your work surface, can double as a casual dining area, and is great for entertaining.
- If you’re working with a small area, consider incorporating vertical storage to free up your countertops.
Rushing the Process
There’s a temptation to finish your kitchen remodeling quickly— you’re ready to move all your kitchen items into your newly remodeled space. But good things take time. A well-executed kitchen remodeling project can take several weeks or even months. Patience now means fewer regrets later on.
Your Kitchen Remodeling Journey Awaits!
Remember, every kitchen is unique, working with its own size and constraints— what works for one kitchen may not work for another. The key is to think carefully about how you’ll use the space and consider what you might need in the future.
What kitchen remodeling mistakes have you made that you want to warn other homeowners about before they begin?
