Dear Designer!
The kitchen is defined as the central home part and the most important house place as meals are cooked and shared, and lives start to be built. And that’s why kitchen renovations have a great demand. However, this process is extremely delicate, and making errors whilst in the renovation phase can put you off, and set you back time-wise, and financially. It is important for anyone involved in the design of a new kitchen to be aware of some basic don’ts when redesigning a kitchen. Here are five things that it might be wise to avoid if you are going to be doing kitchen remodelling.
- Neglecting the Work Triangle
One of the most important principles of designing a kitchen renovation is the “work triangle” concept, which maximizes space efficiency. This principle depicts the three main working stations used in cooking: the sink, stove, and refrigerator. These should be placed at points to create an easy flow between them, making it efficient to prepare meals, cook, and clean.
Most designers, however, end up either oversimplifying the work triangle or ignoring it altogether. When these three zones are spread too far apart or obscured by counters, islands, or cabinets, it results in a disjointed and frustrating cooking experience. Make sure that the kitchen layout always works from this balance, so the flow remains natural and efficient.
- Undersizing Storage Requirements
Storage is one of the most critical aspects of any kitchen. Ample and smart storage is overlooked in excitement when choosing counter-tops, cabinets, and appliances. Cabinets often end up selected before realizing the volume of storage needed for your household.
Kitchen tools, appliances, and pantry items often get overlooked in the design process, requiring specific space allocations. Pull-out pantry shelves, deep drawers for storing pots and pans, and built-in appliance storage for mixers or toasters can greatly enhance functionality. Custom shelving, corner pull-outs, and vertical storage systems are also very useful for optimizing space in renovation. A pretty kitchen is nice, but it needs to be functional as well.
- Style over Functionality
Of course, those fancy finishes like marble counter-tops, fancy back-splashes or installing open shelves may look the part but fashion should never trump functionality. One of the worst mistakes is choosing the material exclusively for appearance and failing to consider that the material is not going to withstand everyday wear. For instance, marble inclined counter-tops may look trendy and high-end, but cannot withstand damage from the daily heat and spills in a kitchen.
Sure, open shelving is on trend, but it means that you will have to wipe the shelves every time you pass by or every time you enter the kitchen with dirty hands. Layouts selected as well as the finishes and the material should also be both fashionable and durable, which can be challenging during construction depending on the different activities that go on within the kitchen.
- Not Considering Proper Lighting
Lights are the most important and somehow neglected parts of kitchen remodelling. Task lighting, general lighting and accent lighting are necessary in a kitchen to meet the operational needs, as well as to create a warm ambience. Task lighting is necessary in work areas oriented on food preparation, below the cases, and above sinks. There is the main lighting, which offers overall lighting, and secondary lighting which will highlight an area like a back-splash or decorated shelves.
Many designers don’t plan for layered lighting, or place the light fixtures in the wrong locations. This results in poorly lit workspaces and a dull atmosphere. Lights should be designed that adjust between task and mood. Consider dimmable lights, under-cabinet lights, and even pendant lights over the island to enhance functionality as well as ambience.
- The Budget: Ignored or Overestimated
A kitchen remodelling can very quickly become overly expensive if one does not reign in the expenses. The biggest mistake most people make, is in identifying the overall total needed for this renovation, especially when there are extra expenditures during the renovation process. Some underestimate the amount of money they have and end up using finishing that is way out of their price range.
This can be worked around by setting a realistic budget in the initial stages and then having space for the extra costs to be incurred. The sensible thing is to splurge where benefits the elements receive in functionality and longevity including cabinetry, appliances and counter-tops. Speaking of expenditures, a good designer will always make sure that any dollar spent does not put at risk the total outlook of the place.
Conclusion
Kitchen remodelling is one of the most exhilarating projects in any home and will be a great investment if done correctly. By always referring to the work triangle, having enough storage space, where to put what you like, how to get lighting, and controlling costs, you will be ready to complete a kitchen that is both artistic and easy to use. In today’s practice as a designer, skills in avoiding the following common pitfalls will lead to effective completion of a kitchen renovation for which your clients will be content in the years to come.
