The kitchen is the heart of the home. Every morning, every meal, and every gathering starts here. Over the years, kitchens see a tremendous amount of wear and tear. This, paired with changing trends and lifestyle needs, can result in an outdated kitchen that simply isn’t working for your family as it should. Fortunately, kitchen remodeling is one of the most valuable home upgrades, but also one of the easiest to mismanage without expert oversight. Today, we are going over six of the most common kitchen modeling mistakes homeowners make and what you can do to avoid them.
6 Commons Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1: Neglecting the Kitchen Layout
The most common and hardest to “fix later” kitchen remodeling mistake we see people make is neglecting the kitchen layout. The wrong design can make time in the kitchen a battlefield, especially if you are competing for space or constantly bumping into others.
Solution:
Layout should be prioritized when remodeling a kitchen. We suggest planning with efficiency in mind and using the Work Triangle Method. The Work Triangle Method is when you craft your design based on the ideal spot for the sink, stove, and refrigerator, which are the most commonly used components of a kitchen. To do this, we suggest visualizing different layouts using 3D mockups.
Mistake #2: Choosing Trends Over Timeless Design
Another common mistake we see is choosing overly trendy design elements, which quickly go out of style. This can include textures, colors, materials, appliances, and finishes. It’s not hard to think of outdated kitchen designs. In terms of cabinets alone, there were the orange-tinted cabinets of the 1970s, the distressed cabinets of the early 2000s, or the all-white shaker cabinets of the 2010s.
Solution:
When determining an overarching design, it is always best to opt for a timeless style with durable elements. If you want to add a fun aesthetic that aligns with current trends, we recommend using easily swappable elements, such as kitchen towels, décor, window treatments, and rugs. That way, should they fall out of style, or you no longer enjoy them, they are easily replaceable.
Mistake #3: Underestimating Storage Needs
When doing kitchen remodeling, people often end up with insufficient cabinetry, poor drawer planning, and wasted vertical space. If someone is active in their kitchen, one of the first things they will realize is how quickly storage space can run out. From appliances like bulky Instapots to themed holiday dishware to extra food products, everything needs a place.
Solution:
We always recommend doubling what you “think” you want for storage space. This doesn’t just have to be more cabinets; it can be incorporated into your kitchen remodeling design in creative ways. For example, we often recommend deep drawers, hidden compartments, pull-out shelves, and full-height upper cabinets.
Mistake #4: Cutting Corners on Materials or Labor
Another common mistake we see people make is cutting corners on quality to save on cost. This can include choosing to purchase low-quality cabinetry, countertops, or flooring, as well as using amateur installation teams. In terms of materials, low-quality products require more maintenance, wear more quickly, and require more frequent replacements. Choosing amateur installation teams or going DIY can mean extended project times, hidden costs, poor installation, and, often, mistakes that cost even more money to fix than was saved.
Solution:
While it may be tempting to try to cheapen your kitchen remodeling, it rarely pays off in the long run. You will achieve much better results and a higher home value by investing in high-quality, durable products installed by professional, trusted teams. So if it means you have to modify your budget or wait a little longer to save up more money, you will be glad you did so in the end.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Lighting and Electrical Planning
Kitchen lighting is often an afterthought that, when inadequately planned for, can make even the most gorgeous kitchen remodeling designs fall flat. Not enough lighting or lights placed in inconvenient areas can make a kitchen dark or dysfunctional.
Solution:
To address lighting problems, it is best to incorporate electrical planning into your kitchen remodeling design early. This will ensure you not only have updated, functional lighting, but you can also plan to add extra outlets for all of your appliances. Regarding lighting for your design, we recommend a mix of lighting types: task, ambient, and accent. Our top favorites are under-cabinet lighting for prep areas, pendants over islands or countertop seating, and warm, bright overhead ceiling fixtures to light up the space.
Mistake #6: Not Considering Workflow and Lifestyle
Lastly, a common mistake we see when people start a kitchen remodeling project is failing to take into account the unique aspects of their lives. While they could craft the most beautiful kitchen in the world, it won’t do them much good if it doesn’t meet their lifestyle needs and how they could evolve in the future.
Solution:
Every kitchen remodeling project should reflect how the homeowner cooks, entertains, and uses the space. For example, those who entertain may benefit from an open floor plan with an island, ample seating, and a beverage fridge. On the other hand, a large family may prioritize a durable, easy-to-clean kitchen with quick access to breakfast items or snacks. Alternatively, an aging-in-place homeowner may want to consider designs with accessibility in mind, such as lower countertops, pull-out shelves, easy-grip handles, and non-slip flooring.
How JLS Consulting and Contracting Helps Homeowners Avoid These Mistakes
The #1 way to avoid common pitfalls in kitchen remodeling projects is to have a professional team guiding you. At JLS Consulting and Contracting, our expert design team can help you update your kitchen with practicality, beauty, and value.
Our personalized consultation process, paired with expert guidance on material selection and layout planning, ensures that you get a kitchen built to your specific needs that will stand the test of time, both aesthetically and functionally.
Planning a kitchen remodel? Contact JLS Consulting and Contracting today to book your free consultation with us.