Designing a new kitchen can be an exciting and creative process, but it’s important to strike a balance between style and function. By avoiding common mistakes, you can ensure that your kitchen not only looks beautiful but also functions efficiently.
We asked Symphony’s Design Manager, Josie Medved to share her top ten crucial mistakes to avoid when planning your new kitchen design, helping you create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
1. Prioritise Style over Function: One of the most significant mistakes people make is focusing solely on style rather than considering the functionality of their kitchen. While an Instagram-worthy kitchen may seem appealing, it’s crucial to ensure that it meets your practical needs.
2. Neglecting Sufficient Storage: Open shelving may be trendy, but it often lacks the storage capacity required for a functional kitchen and is often hard to keep clean. Instead of relying solely on open shelves, opt for a combination of cupboards and shelving to maintain a clutter-free and organised space.
3. Disrupting the Working Triangle: The working triangle, formed by the sink, cooking appliances, and refrigerator, is a vital concept in kitchen design. Avoid placing an island or other obstacles that disrupt the flow and movement between these key elements. Definitely don’t put a major appliance such as a refrigerator in another room!
4. Insufficient Space Around the Island: If you decide to incorporate an island in your kitchen design, ensure that there is at least one meter of space surrounding it. This allows for easy movement and prevents the kitchen from feeling cramped.
5. Oversized Pantry Cupboards in a Small Kitchen: While tall, full-height pantry cupboards may be visually appealing, they can consume a significant amount of space in a smaller kitchen. Carefully consider the available work surface area and opt for more space-efficient storage solutions.
6. Overlooking Proper Extraction and Ventilation: Proper extraction and ventilation are essential for maintaining a clean and healthy kitchen environment. Avoid neglecting these elements due to their aesthetic impact. Explore options such as hobs with integrated downdraft systems to minimize condensation, greasy particles, and cooking odours.
7. Inadequate Plug Sockets: Ensure that your kitchen design incorporates an adequate number of plug sockets. Consider your small cooking appliances and dedicate a specific area for charging mobile phones away from the food preparation area, keeping your countertop clutter-free.
8. Insufficient Task Lighting: When planning your kitchen lighting, don’t overlook the importance of task lighting. Pendant lights over the food preparation area and under-cabinet lighting can provide focused illumination for specific tasks, improving visibility and safety.
9. Neglecting Ambient Lighting: In addition to task lighting, ambient lighting is crucial for creating a pleasant atmosphere in your kitchen. Consider incorporating LED ceiling lights to provide general room lighting that complements other lighting fixtures.
10. Forgetting the Waste Bin and Recycling: Designing a dedicated space for waste bins and recycling is often overlooked. Consider integrating them into your cabinetry or allocate a specific area for a freestanding bin to keep your kitchen organised and eco-friendly.
A well-designed kitchen is a space where style and functionality come together seamlessly, resulting in a truly enjoyable cooking and dining experience. Good luck with your planning!
Want to discuss your ideas further? Please speak to your nearest retailer to discuss your kitchen renovation plans via our dealer locator
