Kitchen Remodeling provides the exciting opportunity to breathe new life into one of the most vital spaces in your home. A successful kitchen remodel is not just about making the right decisions. It is also about learning what the most common regrets are. Chances are you might only do this once in your lifetime, so understanding these regrets are essential to creating a kitchen you will love for years and years to come. In this blog, we'll explore findings from a Country Living survey that uncover top kitchen remodeling regrets and provide you with design tips and insights to avoid them.
Regret 1. Insufficient Countertop Space
Countertop space is the landing strip of any kitchen, where everyone and everything lands on. From grocery bags and meal prep to school bags and homework, the countertop is a kitchen work horse. Beware of design decisions that minimize your space and impact everyone coming in and out of your kitchen.
Consider:
- Layout Optimization: Work with a professional to design a layout that maximizes countertop space throughout the kitchen without sacrificing flow through and around the kitchen.
- Embrace Kitchen Islands: Incorporate a kitchen island to provide additional workspace and create a central hub for cooking and socializing. Already have a kitchen island? Look for creative ways to expand. Even adding 12-16” of overhang on one side (or both depending on space) of your kitchen island with seating can dramatically change your island experience. Don’t underestimate small changes!
- Selecting the Right Materials: Utilize countertop materials that balance aesthetics and durability to withstand daily use. Quartz, granite, and butcher block are popular choices known for their resilience and timeless appeal.
Regret 2. Insufficient Storage Space
Insufficient storage is more than just a cabinet issue. It is also how you use and organize every cabinet to improve the use and experience of the kitchen. If your kitchen is cluttered and chaotic now, it might get worse without a proper store strategy.
Consider:
- Cabinet Configuration: Choose cabinets with already built-in features. Adjustable shelves, pull-out trays, and deep drawers provide versatile storage solutions for kitchen items of every size.
- Vertical Space Utilization: We know the options tall cabinets, be it a pantry or utility cabinet, offer every kitchen. But what about the pull out options for storing cooking utensils, spices and baking items. Some come in as narrow as 3” widths, allowing a space to become a vital part of the design and allow for easy access to frequently used items.
- Customized Organization: Integrate custom organizers and dividers for your utensils, spices, and kitchen tools to keep them neatly arranged and accessible. Drawer inserts, door organizers, and utensil trays contribute to an organized and clutter-free environment.
Regret 3. Poorly Designed Layout
We all wonder whose idea it was to place the trash and recycling cabinet in the spot furthest away from the sink…or even worse, why we don’t have one in the kitchen at all. Or why there is not proper storage for larger pots and pans right next to the range. Improperly positioned cabinetry disrupts the kitchen's workflow and aesthetics.
Consider:
- Use the Triangle Design to Guide You: The kitchen work triangle takes the sink, stove, and refrigerator to create a functional layout to streamline kitchen activities, with an emphasis on cooking tasks, minimizing excessive movement and creating efficiency. While it should be a consideration in every design, it should not be forced as every kitchen and how it is used is different.
- Streamlined Traffic Flow: Ensure that cabinet doors and drawers won't hinder movement paths and door openings. Proper clearance between cabinets, appliances, and entrances maintains a seamless flow.
- Ergonomic Accessibility: Position cabinetry, appliances and organization accessories at comfortable heights where possible. Consider factors like user height and reachability when determining the placement of cabinets and shelves that can help avoid straining and bending.
Regret 4. Not Selecting Better Quality Materials
As mentioned earlier, this might be the only time you remodel your kitchen. Sacrificing on materials or what you want now is regretted later, especially if this is going to be your dream kitchen. Not to mention the wear and tear of everyday use on the products you select.
Consider:
- Investing Wisely: Choose high-quality countertops, cabinets, and flooring that withstand daily use and maintain their beauty over time. Consider what is most important and prioritize those materials that offer a balance of the aesthetics and durability you must have.
- Durability Evaluation: Prioritize materials with greater resistance to moisture, heat, and scratches for a kitchen that stands the test of time, particularly when it comes to countertops. Granite and quartz are durable options suitable for kitchen surfaces.
- Expert Guidance: Consult professionals to make informed material selections based on your lifestyle and budget. Design experts can recommend materials that align with your design vision while meeting practical requirements.
Regret 5. Not Enough Power Outlets
We’ve never had more devices that require power or charging. The kitchen is our gathering place, but no one wants to see their phone charging next to the stove or even worse, the sink. Insufficient power outlets can hinder the look and the flow of your kitchen.
Consider:
- Strategic Outlet Placement: Consider devices in and out of the kitchen to plan power outlets near counters, islands, cooking stations and perimeter areas for easy access. Adequate outlets ensure you can use appliances and charge devices without limitations.
- Dedicated circuits: It should go without saying, but we will anyway. Install separate circuits for your heavy-duty appliances, especially when adding new appliances to the existing ones you already have. Dedicated circuits enhance safety and prevent electrical issues.
- USB integration: Incorporate USB outlets to conveniently charge electronic devices and keep your kitchen connected. Some cabinets come with a plug ready outlet in the drawer, offering hidden charging and a place to put all your devices so you can enjoy your family meal or focus on homework.
A successful kitchen remodel is built on thoughtful planning. We don’t know what we don’t know, so sharing these common regrets is an important part of the thoughtful planning required to create that successful kitchen remodel. By understanding these common regrets you will make better decisions along the way to your kitchen’s transformation to create a space that delights and serves you for years to come.
Ready to embark on your kitchen remodeling journey? Contact us today for personalized guidance and unlock the potential of your dream kitchen. Your new kitchen awaits!
