10 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid - Cliq Studios10 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes to Avoid - Cliq Studios

Creating the perfect kitchen starts with a thoughtful design. Your new plan should eliminate problem areas and avoid typical design mistakes that hinder your kitchen’s function. Here are a few common kitchen design mistakes that CliqStudios can help you avoid.

1. Forcing an Island Into the Space

An island is one of the most requested kitchen features, but it isn’t the best choice for every space. Begin by confirming that your layout has the adequate clearance for the island itself. Does it seem that an island just won’t work in your home? Don’t despair! A peninsula may better suit your space and allows for similar seating and countertop space.

2. Failure to Use Crown Molding

Crown molding is more than just a decoration. Molding is built to complement cabinetry and help blend your design together. Additionally, molding conceals irregularities in soffit or ceiling surfaces. Think of molding as the finishing touch for a polished kitchen.

3. An Ill-fitting Wall Oven

Wall ovens are often on the appliance wish list of many homeowners. Be mindful that forcing a wall oven into a small kitchen can cramp the area and eliminate much-needed countertop space. Some kitchen layouts work better with a traditional range, which keeps countertop space free for prep and serving.

4. Missing an Opportunity to Customize

Storage solutions help improve the flow of your work space. Homeowners should think about what features will add personality and practicality to their space. For example, Roll-out Trays keep various kitchen utensils organized and easy to access, while Pot and Pan Drawers neatly tuck away bulky cookware.

5. Crowding the Cooking Zone

Crowding the cooking zone of your kitchen is a potential safety hazard. Efficiency guidelines require a minimum of 12-inches of countertop on one side of a cooktop and 15-inches on the other. Additionally, a 9-inch buffer is needed between a heat source and combustible materials. CliqStudios designers are experts in ensuring your space meets safety recommendations.

6. Narrow or Unsafe Passageways

A critical way to improve the safety of your kitchen is to allow for enough room in passageways. A kitchen aisle should be 42-inches wide for one cook and 48-inches for multiple cooks. Many homeowners opt to make room for multiple people so that cooking can be a family activity.

7. Asymmetrical Wall Cabinets

It’s important when laying out your cabinets to remember that the eye tracks horizontally. Avoid an unbalanced look by keeping upper cabinets symmetric in width and in orientation.

8. Reusing a Problem Footprint

Don’t let history repeat itself with your new kitchen design. You will want to consider the problem areas of your old kitchen and the ways you can solve them. An experienced kitchen designer will identify opportunities for footprint improvements.

9. Colliding Doors and Drawers

Avoid the headache of colliding doors and drawers. This seemingly small error can have a huge impact on the overall functionality of your design. The right layout of doors and drawers will ensure that everything opens without obstructions.

10. Poorly Fitting Appliance Cabinets

One advantage of using semi-custom cabinetry is the elimination of poorly fitting appliance cabinets. To avoid unsightly gaps or cramped spaces, your kitchen design should be created specifically for the models of appliances you plan to use.

One advantage of using semi-custom cabinetry is the elimination of poorly fitting appliance cabinets. To avoid unsightly gaps or cramped spaces, your kitchen design should be created specifically for the models of appliances you plan to use.

Simply stated, to create your functional dream kitchen remember to dodge these common design mistakes. How can you be sure you don’t slip up? At CliqStudios, you’ll work with an experienced kitchen designer who translates your ideas into a functional layout. With their guidance, you will avoid these design errors and create the kitchen you’ve always wanted.