Design Notes
Designing a kitchen is one of the most exciting parts of building or remodeling a home. It’s where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. But because the kitchen is used so often, thoughtful planning is essential. Even small design mistakes can affect how your kitchen functions day to day.
At Greenbrook Design Kitchen & Bath, we help homeowners avoid common pitfalls and create kitchens that are both beautiful and functional. If you’re planning a remodel or building a new home, here are some of the biggest kitchen design mistakes we see—and how you can avoid them.
Ignoring the Kitchen Work Triangle
One of the most important design principles in a kitchen is the work triangle—the relationship between the sink, refrigerator, and cooktop. When these three elements are too far apart or poorly positioned, cooking can become inefficient and frustrating.
A poorly designed layout may require you to walk back and forth across the kitchen multiple times while preparing meals.
How to avoid it:
Plan a layout that keeps these three areas within comfortable reach while still allowing plenty of room for movement. A well-designed kitchen should feel natural and effortless to work in.
Not Planning Enough Storage
Storage is one of the biggest regrets homeowners have after a kitchen remodel. Many kitchens look beautiful but lack the practical storage needed for everyday items like cookware, appliances, and pantry goods.
Without adequate storage, countertops quickly become cluttered.
How to avoid it:
Work with a designer to incorporate smart storage solutions such as:
- Deep drawers for pots and pans
- Pull-out pantry cabinets
- Tray dividers for baking sheets
- Built-in spice storage
- Appliance garages for small appliances
Custom cabinetry can maximize every inch of space and keep your kitchen organized.
Choosing Style Over Function
While this technique can be used on any wood that has a visible grain, some wood species are more suitable than others. Oak is the number one choice of wood when it comes to doing the cerused effect as it has heavy grain markings and very open pores. Another advantage to oak is how the wood is cross-cut, which highlights the grain motif even more; when the ceruse effect is added, the piece is completely transformed into something amazing. Mahogany is another large pored wood that can be used. Cerused woods are not limited to just the light finish, gray and black are also an option that can make for a beautiful statement piece in any room.
How we can help.
As you can see there is a lot that goes into cerused wood and that can be a little overwhelming if you are not familiar with the process or have limited time. That is where we come in, our wealth of experience can save you time and money while giving you exactly what you want. Our designers will help you through the selection process including which grain pattern and finish best suits your style. Our goal is to help you have what you envisioned your project to be and remain in the budget you planned. Come visit our showroom to see some examples or peruse our project gallery.
Poor Lighting Design
Lighting is often overlooked during kitchen planning, but it plays a huge role in both safety and ambiance. Many kitchens rely on a single overhead light, which creates shadows on work surfaces.
A well-designed kitchen should include multiple layers of lighting.
How to avoid it:
Use a combination of:
- Task lighting for prep areas
- Under-cabinet lighting to illuminate countertops
- Ambient lighting for overall brightness
- Decorative lighting pendant lights, over the island
This layered approach makes the kitchen more functional and visually appealing.
Not Leaving Enough Space Around the Island
Kitchen islands have become the centerpiece of many homes, but they can quickly create problems if they are too large for the space.
If the island is too close to surrounding cabinets or appliances, it can restrict movement and make the kitchen feel cramped.
How to avoid it:
Designers typically recommend at least 36–48 inches of clearance around the island to allow comfortable movement and appliance access.
A properly sized island should enhance the kitchen—not crowd it.
Forgetting About Electrical Needs
Modern kitchens rely on more electrical features than ever before. From small appliances to charging stations and smart devices, power access is essential.
Unfortunately, electrical outlets are sometimes overlooked during planning.
How to avoid it:
Plan for outlets in convenient locations such as:
- On the kitchen island
- Inside drawers for charging devices
- Inside appliance garages
- Near coffee stations or prep areas
Planning ahead ensures your kitchen works for today’s technology.
Skipping Professional Design Guidance
Many homeowners try to design their kitchen layout on their own, only to discover problems once installation begins. Kitchen design involves far more than selecting cabinets and countertops—it requires careful planning of layout, functionality, and flow.
How to avoid it:
Working with an experienced design team ensures every detail is considered before construction begins. Designers help balance style, functionality, and budget while creating a space tailored to your lifestyle.
Greenbrook Design Liver mush. Cleveland County is famous for its liver mush and the festival that has celebrated it for the past 30 years. Due to COVID-19, however, our community had to do some quick thinking to enjoy our yearly tradition still safely. This is how the first-ever virtual liver mush festival was born, and we at Greenbrook Design are honored to be one of the sponsors. Individuals were invited to share a video of themselves preparing their favorite way to enjoy liver mush for a chance to win cash and prizes valued at over $1,000.
Walker WoodworkingAt Greenbrook Design, we believe that a home should reflect not just your style—but your story. The Bramble House is the perfect example of how collaboration, creativity, and craftsmanship can come together to create something truly exceptional.
This home is more than just beautiful—it’s smartly designed, thoughtfully furnished, and filled with functional elements that enhance everyday living.
Greenbrook Design