7 Key Mistakes in Kitchen Design
Designing a kitchen is challenging due to its multifunctional nature. It’s a space where food is prepared and various demanding tasks are performed daily, so it must be ergonomic, practical, and functional. At the same time, the kitchen is a traditional gathering place for family conversations, tea with friends, or relaxing with a cup of coffee after a long day. Therefore, the kitchen’s interior should blend style with coziness, comfort with beauty. Before starting renovations, it’s essential to think through every detail—from the placement of utilities to the amount of decor—and to create a detailed plan for your future kitchen. To avoid mistakes that are difficult or costly to fix later, it's best to consult with experienced professionals at the design stage. Here are some of the most common kitchen design mistakes often made by inexperienced homeowners:
1. Lack of a Functional Work Triangle
An ergonomic work triangle in the kitchen—formed by the stove, sink, and refrigerator—makes kitchen tasks much easier. These three elements define the main area of activity, and each should be easily accessible. Ideally, "buffer zones" such as countertop areas between them should be available to set down groceries, washed produce, or pots taken off the stove. The recommended perimeter of this triangle is between 3 and 7.5 meters. A smaller perimeter makes the area too cramped; a larger one wastes energy on unnecessary movement. Poorly arranged appliances and furniture can not only complicate everyday tasks but also damage equipment—for example, placing the stove next to the refrigerator can cause it to overheat and malfunction.
2. Insufficient Electrical Outlets
A modern kitchen relies on many electrical appliances. A refrigerator, cooktop, oven, and dishwasher are standard large appliances, while smaller devices—from mixers and toasters to microwaves and even TVs—are also common. Each requires appropriate electrical connections, often of different types. Outlet quantity, type, and placement should be planned during the renovation design phase. Large appliances need dedicated connections brought in advance. For smaller appliances, it’s advisable to install one or two outlet blocks near the work area, and potentially another near the dining area if you plan to use appliances there. Don’t skimp—extra unused outlets are better than relying on power strips and extension cords later.
3. Narrow Walkways
Today’s kitchens are often filled with appliances and furniture. Cabinets should provide ample storage for food and cookware, a countertop is needed for food prep, and there must be space for a dining table and chairs. Carefully plan the layout to place appliances and furniture efficiently without blocking movement. Ensure enough space for the dining area too. A walkway width of 110–120 cm is recommended for comfort and accessibility. This width also allows drawers to open fully and cabinet doors to swing freely. The absolute minimum is 90 cm, which may be reduced to 75–80 cm in compact apartments—but this often causes discomfort. If expanding walkways isn’t possible, avoid protruding handles and opt for recessed grips or push-to-open mechanisms.
4. Inappropriate Countertop Height
An incorrectly positioned countertop can cause back strain or force the user to raise their arms uncomfortably high. This makes kitchen work more tiring and time-consuming. According to some standards, countertop height should be 89–90 cm; in Europe, it's typically about 2 cm higher. These figures suit people of average height. When ordering kitchen furniture, it’s possible to adjust this height. For shorter individuals (around 150 cm tall), a height of 76–82 cm is ideal. Taller people may need a countertop around 1 meter high. The surface area should also be large enough for comfortable food prep and other tasks.
5. Poorly Designed Storage Solutions
A kitchen stores a wide variety of everyday items—functionality in storage is key. Food, small appliances, dishes, textiles, and more need to be organized and grouped for easy access. Without proper storage, clutter will spill onto the countertop, making it harder to use. A common issue is having spacious cabinets with simple shelves where items are hard to find or reach. Modern storage systems like pull-out or rotating shelves, specialized holders, and drawer dividers are much more efficient. Take full advantage of vertical space, too—for example, add rails above the worktop or stove. Avoid open shelves; they collect not just dust, but also grease and grime.
6. No Designated Space for Small Appliances
While large appliances are usually planned in advance, small ones are often forgotten—yet they still need storage space. And new gadgets are constantly being added to the mix. Microwaves, toasters, coffee makers, electric kettles—all of these are used daily and should be kept within easy reach, not hidden in a cabinet. Without a plan, they’ll clutter your countertop and constantly need moving around. It's better to preallocate a shelf or a section of the counter specifically for them. A clever and functional solution is a recessed niche with a door, built into the work zone. You can also use pull-out shelves or drawers designed for small appliances.
7. Poor Lighting
Even with the brightest ceiling light, the countertop can remain in shadow—this can be unsafe and inconvenient. Modern kitchens typically use layered lighting with various types of fixtures to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Each area should be lit individually. Pendant lights above the dining table, LED or halogen lights under wall cabinets for the work area—these are good options. Some models offer adjustable angles for added convenience. If space allows for a cozy seating area with soft furnishings, consider adding a floor lamp or wall sconce. Built-in ceiling spotlights are also a popular choice. Each light group should have its own switch, positioned conveniently for easy access from anywhere in the kitchen.
Interium Cabinets offers high-quality custom kitchen furniture. You can work with our designer to create your own unique kitchen project.
