Are you considering a kitchen remodel? It’s an exciting project, but it can also be overwhelming. As a seasoned interior designer, I’ve seen my fair share of kitchen renovation mishaps. In this post, we’ll explore the first five of ten common kitchen remodel mistakes to help you navigate your project with confidence.
But first, let’s clear up a common confusion: the difference between a remodel and a renovation.
Remodel vs. Renovation: What’s the Difference?
A renovation is what I call a kitchen refresh. It’s a smaller project with less construction and lower costs. You might paint cabinets, change appliances, or update countertops, but you’re keeping some elements of your current kitchen intact.
A remodel, on the other hand, is a more extensive project. It often involves changing layouts and taking everything back to the studs. This means more construction work and, naturally, higher costs.
Now, let’s dive into those kitchen remodel mistakes you’ll want to avoid!
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Kitchen Remodel Mistake #1: Prioritizing Looks Over Function
We all dream of a Pinterest-worthy kitchen, but here’s the truth: function trumps form every time. A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t work for you is like a sports car with no engine – pretty to look at, but not much use.
The good news? You can have both beauty and function, but it takes careful planning. When I work on kitchen designs, I spend weeks thinking about storage, function, and how the space will be used. Trust me, this planning pays off big time in the end!
Kitchen Remodel Mistake #2:
Not Taking Inventory
Before you start your remodel, take inventory of everything in your current kitchen. Taking inventory serves two purposes:
- It helps you plan your storage needs accurately.
- It gives you a chance to declutter and organize.
Then as you organize and take inventory, group similar items together such as:
– Baking supplies
– Small appliances
– Cookware
– Dishes and glassware
This organization will help you design a kitchen where everything has its place, making your daily cooking and cleaning routines SO much easier and much more efficient.
Kitchen Remodel Mistake #3: Neglecting Proper Lighting
With all the decisions there are to make in a kitchen remodel, lighting is often an afterthought, but it’s crucial for both function and ambiance. A well-designed kitchen should have four main lighting features:
- Main lighting: Illuminates the whole kitchen (think recessed lights or ceiling fixtures).
- Task lighting: Helps you see what you’re doing (lights over the sink, cooktop, or prep areas).
- Decorative lighting: Adds style (like pretty pendant lights over an island).
- Accent lighting: Creates ambiance (under-cabinet lighting or in-cabinet lights on glass-front cabinets).
And please don’t forget dimmers on all your lights! They’re a game-changer for adjusting the light and creating the right mood.
Kitchen Remodel Mistake #4:
Ignoring Your Home's Overall Style
Your kitchen should feel like it belongs in your house. Meaning, your kitchen design should complement the overall style of your home. And while you don’t have to strictly adhere to your home’s architectural style, there should be a cohesive flow between your kitchen and the rest of your home.
For example, an ultra-modern kitchen in a traditional colonial home will feel jarring and could even hurt your resale value. Remember, that we want the rooms in our homes to “talk to each other” so having a similar style between rooms helps.
Aim for a balance that respects your home’s architecture while incorporating your personal style.
Kitchen Remodel Mistake #5:
Getting Caught Up in Trends
It’s easy to get swept up in the latest kitchen trends, but keep in mind that trends come and go. Your kitchen, however, is a long-term investment.
Remember the all-open-shelving craze? It looks great in photos, but imagine dusting all those dishes? No thank you!
Instead of going all-in on trendy designs, consider incorporating small trendy elements that can be easily updated. For example, instead of removing all your upper cabinets, try adding a small section of open shelving for a touch of trendiness without sacrificing storage. Think about which trends and elements truly fit your lifestyle and aesthetic and incorporate them in small doses.
Final Thoughts...
Avoiding these common mistakes will set you on the path to a successful kitchen remodel. Remember, a great kitchen balances beauty and functionality, respects your home’s overall style, and stands the test of time.
Stay tuned for part two, where we’ll cover five more kitchen remodel mistakes to avoid.
In the meantime, why not start your kitchen planning process? Download my free Kitchen Planning Guide at nestorations.com/kitchen to help you make those first three crucial decisions.
Happy planning!
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