Design Notes
The kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home, and over the last year, it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has evolved into a multifunctional space where everyone gathers to perform a wide range of tasks. With so much at stake, planning a renovation requires careful thought and well-designed plans. Many designers caution against following the latest trends, but there are a few additional design mistakes they also encourage their clients to avoid. If you are considering a renovation or a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes to avoid.
Plan Your Kitchen Layout
A kitchen layout is one of the most critical parts in planning a renovation or new construction. It dictates the flow and function of the entire space. There needs to be plenty of room to move around, especially if there are a lot of people living there, without tripping or stumbling into one another. It is also important to utilize the space you have to its fullest potential, which means thinking through the area and finding the best layout to ensure that your kitchen is at its very best. Appliances, cabinets, and even the pantry placement are key factors when designing the initial layout. The purpose of the kitchen also plays a critical role in the design. Take a moment to write down what you will be doing besides cooking.
- Hosting large family gatherings
- Additional seating area
- Workstation for the kids after school
Layout means working through every possible scenario and planning a flow that will accommodate your lifestyle. Think of it as mapping out your day-to-day routine with your designer and letting them help you create the best route.
Avoid The All White Color Scheme
White is a timeless color and is always in style; however, designers do not recommend using it as the sole color in your kitchen. Some of the reasons they recommend avoiding an all white kitchen are:
- Makes the space feel cold
- Lacks visual interest
- Difficult to keep clean
We don’t deny that white is a beautiful color, representing simplicity and neutrality, and it is also very versatile. It is also bright plus blends with any number of styles and layouts. It is a key ingredient in many of the looks we love, such as farmhouse and traditional, yet making it the sole star of your kitchen can leave it feeling lifeless and even sterile. Color adds warmth and texture to any space, especially the kitchen, and provides elegant visual interest. We are not saying that you need to avoid it altogether; in fact, white is a popular kitchen color when paired with other shades. It creates a stunning contrast with whatever it is paired with, such as dark woods, blues, and inviting grays. Choosing to utilize a bold or contrasting color for the kitchen island can help make a statement in your space and add warmth to the heart of the home. Backsplash and countertops are also great ways to bring color and contrast to the kitchen. Remember, white is good, but in moderation.
Ignoring The Work Triangle
The work triangle is a staple design element when creating the initial layout of a kitchen; it ensures that the refrigerator, range, and sink are all within easy reach of each other, creating an imaginary triangle. Utilizing the work triangle limits the amount of movement required to cook, as well as the number of people who need to pass by, which minimizes accidents. No matter the size of your kitchen, there is always room to incorporate the work triangle into your design. Some things to keep in mind when planning your triangle are:
- Sufficient counter space
- Don’t stretch the triangle too far
- Never interrupts the flow of traffic
Consider the steps you take to prepare dinner. Counter space plays a significant role, as you need enough open areas to lay out the ingredients and freely move things around or spread them out. The work triangle provides functionality to your kitchen and can even include smaller versions, such as baking zones. Extra preparation, sinks, and clear traffic flow are also helpful points to keep in mind. House Beautiful agrees that life is easier when you utilize the work triangle rule. Find out what else they had to say in this article, and how it can be blended with another helpful design element.
Lack Of Storage Space
Storage is vital to creating a great kitchen space that is both functional and practical. It also brings a host of benefits to the kitchen, including:
- Keeping a clean look
- A place to store dry ingredients
- Adequate storage for larger items
- Organization
- Time saver
Incorporating good storage into your kitchen layout means there will be sufficient areas to place the many necessary things that make up a kitchen. Plates, mixers, platters, baking sheets, utensils, coffee maker, large bowls, and more all need their own spot, or things can quickly become cluttered and dysfunctional, leading to increased stress and morning chaos. Having a designated place for everything gives you the ability to keep everything in order and alleviates stress levels. Also, consider where you want certain items and plan accordingly; for example, breakable glassware should be kept out of reach of children. Kitchen islands and pantries are great ways to gain additional storage for a large array of items and still create a space that is aesthetically pleasing to everyone. If you don’t take the time to plan for proper storage, it inevitably will cause problems and frustrations later for you and your family. Be sure to discuss with your designer the items that will need to be in your kitchen, including paper products and cleaning supplies, so they can create the best layout for your heart of the home.
Accessories That Are Not Practical
Renovating or constructing a new space is an exciting endeavor, and it is easy to get carried away when selecting the fun elements for the space, such as lighting and hardware; however, it can also be the most costly. The kitchen is a functional area of the home, meaning that the items should be more practical. It does not mean that there cannot be some fun things incorporated into the design, but if sticking to your budget is a high priority, consider going with more functional choices when it comes to things such as:
- Hardware
- Lighting
- Backsplash
- Appliances
While hardware and lighting are meant to be a crowning part of the design, indeed the finishing touch, that does not mean they have to be the most expensive or elaborate. A dark matte pull or brass knob can do just as good a job as an intricately carved piece. The same principle applies to lighting; it doesn’t have to be the biggest or most extravagant. This is better suited for areas such as the living room, where you go to relax or entertain guests. We are not saying that you can’t, especially if your budget allows for it, but if you are looking for ways to stretch your renovation budget, this is a good category to consider.
Walker Woodworking While these inspirational photos spark our imagination, they can also raise a common concern—will that beautiful design actually work for our lifestyle, especially with young children or busy households? The good news is that designing for function in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style. A luxurious, classy home can also be highly practical and comfortable for everyday living. By thoughtfully blending form and function, you can create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. And the best part? Elevating your home’s style doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few easy, functional ways to enhance your home while keeping it elegant and family-friendly.
Walker WoodworkingWhen it comes to most areas in the home, there are things that often get overlooked because they are thought to have little value or impact. The bathroom sink falls into this category, but it holds more value than you may realize. The right sink can add a touch of character to your bathroom space and enhance its overall appearance and style. We have come a long way since the caveman days, when sinks were made from whatever material was handy, such as wooden bowls or even a turtle shell. Today, there are numerous options available as manufacturers have explored various styles and materials to create sinks that suit each homeowner and serve different purposes. With such a wide variety, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for you and your specific needs. Today, we want to explore the selections offered and what they have to offer you.
Greenbrook Design Increasingly, homeowners are not only interested in using eco-friendly products and materials but also in designing their homes to have the least possible impact on the environment. This has led to a rise in zero waste kitchen concepts, with designers seeking to meet their clients’ requests in a way that provides a functional, environmentally friendly, yet stylish kitchen. We know that certain materials are better than others, and incorporating more natural elements into our home is beneficial, but what exactly does it mean to design a zero-waste kitchen or bathroom? We aim to answer that question, while also providing you with helpful tips for your upcoming renovation.
Greenbrook Design The bathroom is a critical part of the home; while we don’t gather for meals and conversation, it is the place we get ready for the day, and one of the last places we go before bed. This means that it should be designed to function in such a way that is beneficial to everyone who uses it. While a bathroom’s primary purpose is to be functional, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. There are many ways to create a look that represents your unique style and personality, such as through tile and color choices. If you’re considering renovating your bathroom space and giving it some much-needed upgrades and updates, but are lacking inspiration, let us help you. There are several fun and beautiful bathroom trends for 2022. Let’s explore a few of them today.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that make up a room, including color, layout, and decor style, but one key ingredient can add depth and tone to a space: texture. Like many design tools, texture often becomes an afterthought when creating a plan for a new area in the home. Many might even think it has little impact on a design, but that is not true. Texture provides balance, visual weight, and warmth to your home, which is why it should be a part of the planning stage from the start. Texture is not limited to fabrics and furniture, but can also include wallpaper, glass, and plants. Let’s discuss adding texture to your home and creating a space that is inviting to the touch for everyone.
