Common mistakes made in kitchen design

All interior design comes with its challenges, but bespoke kitchen design can be particularly challenging. With so many elements to consider – from the colour scheme to layout and appliances, a kitchen re-design can be overwhelming.

1. One-colour kitchen space

Even if colourful design isn’t to your taste, it’s a mistake to design your kitchen with just the one colour. Too much of one colour can be a bad thing and leave your kitchen looking dull and flat. Contrasting and complementary shades, on the other hand, add depth and variety. We recommend that you choose a dominant colour (used in 60% of your kitchen space); a secondary colour (used in 30% of the space) and an accent colour (for the last 10%). Don’t forget that different shades of the same colour can be accentuated when you mix materials too. For example, a high gloss deep grey is a great complement to light grey worktops or walls.

2. Poor lighting

Good lighting is crucial in the kitchen; it’s essential for both food prep and creating the right atmosphere. Instead of picking any old light fitting, you need to think carefully about specific task lighting and separate accent lighting. These will be layered alongside the general lighting in your kitchen space.

3. Trend-led design

Mimicking this season’s hottest trends often results in a kitchen that soon looks out-dated. At Kitchen Design Centre, we offer a variety of kitchens including traditional kitchens, German kitchens and contemporary kitchen designs. While our final designs have an overall look and feel about them, we make sure your completed kitchen remains timeless. Instead of following the latest trend and copying a trendy Pinterest design, why not opt for a classic or modern design with just a hint of the season’s latest trend? For example, a modern kitchen can be paired with industrial-style touches such as copper and chrome fittings and industrial-inspired light fittings.

4. Ditching the kitchen triangle

If you’re a regular reader of the Kitchen Design Centre blog, you’ll have heard us talk about the kitchen triangle on many occasions. A staple in kitchen design, the work triangle makes kitchen life easy. Re-designing this layout or obstructing access to the kitchen triangle will make any use of the kitchen clumsy. Your family will be tripping up over each other and food preparation could be a very tiring task!

5. DIY design

DIY-ing your own kitchen can be a long and arduous task. And even if you’re a DIY enthusiast, there’s still a chance that you’ll make a number of design mistakes in your new kitchen space. This can mean that cheap kitchen designs end up being expensive and that a quick renovation ends up taking months. Furthermore, there are safety risks too – especially if you’re dealing with lighting and plumbing.

Working with an expert kitchen design team can ensure your kitchen is designed to brief, on budget and on time. The team at Kitchen Design Centre can also help you with every step of the design, from the colour scheme to your kitchen appliances. To find out more about our kitchens, visit your nearest showroom.

What kitchen faux pas have you made in the past? We’d love to know! Share your design stories with us over on Twitter @ModernKitchens