13 things to avoid when designing your kitchen.

1. Giving Up Counter Space

Counter space is one of the most important elements of your kitchen, so don't settle for less! Extend your counter work space by using decorative corbels, or shelving supports, to create added room for your countertop. 

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2. Not Sweating the Small Stuff

Don't pass on seemingly small add-ons and storage features, like additional drawer dividers, or cabinet storage solutions like pantry pullouts and lazy Susans. These storage solutions will increase your kitchen storage efficiency, and are much more costly to add on if you decide you need them down the road.

3. Forgetting Your Workflow

When planning your remodel, remember your kitchen's busiest areas: the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Make sure these areas and appliances are in an efficient location that is relevant to one another. Many designers refer to this as the kitchen "work triangle," as the relation of these to one another typically resembles a triangle.

4. Going It Alone

Even if you're the DIY type, make sure to consult a kitchen design expert before starting your project. A professional will be able to help fine-tune your remodel plan, offer tips and advice, and maybe even recommend some ideas you hadn't already considered. The kitchen designers at Linden Kitchen and Bath can help.

5. Forgetting Other Spaces

While completing your remodel, make sure to protect other rooms and surfaces from your new kitchen materials, paint drippings, or remodeling debris.

6. Forgetting Other Spaces

While completing your remodel, make sure to protect other rooms and surfaces from your new kitchen materials, paint drippings, or remodeling debris.

7. Not Thinking About It as an Upgrade

A kitchen remodel is usually a significant expense for most homeowners, but it's one that will last you for years to come and can increase the overall value of your home. Therefore, consider your family and your lifestyle to plan your kitchen accordingly, so you can get the most out of your space. Do you like to cook a lot? Does your family socialize in the kitchen? Is cabinet storage a problem for you now? These are all factors to keep in mind when selecting new features and the overall design of your kitchen.

8. Forgetting the Big Picture

When you're planning your kitchen remodel, remember to consider every element: including wall color, your backsplash treatment, flooring, cabinet hardware -- and how it all ties together.

9. Choosing Appliances Last

If you're giving your kitchen a total makeover,  make sure to choose your gadgets first. It's easier to choose cabinets and countertops to fit appliances like your refrigerator and dishwasher, rather than the other way around.

10. Skimping on Cabinet Storage

There are tons of new storage solutions that come with new kitchens that can really help maximize your kitchen -- so don't miss out! Storage solutions like pantries and super cabinets go a long way in helping you get the most out of your cabinets.

11.Not Having Fun

Your backsplash is one of the main focal points of your kitchen. Try an unexpected yet elegant material like a quartz countertop to really amp up your space. Play with color -- using different shades of the same tone can add a very sophisticated and put-together look to your kitchen. Think about what pieces of art you might put on the walls. Little details like these are what will make your kitchen feel like home.

12. Leaving Spaces Underutilized

Think beyond traditional cabinet placement to take advantage of unused areas in your kitchen. Toe-kick storage located beneath cabinet doors is a creative place to store items that aren’t used on a daily basis, like serveware and linens. Maximizing your kitchen’s floor plan to find additional storage opportunities will help keep your countertops free of clutter.

13. Limiting Yourself to Traditional Cabinet Use

When designing your new kitchen, consider creative ways to transform cabinets into something functional and unique. For example, a standalone hutch can store items for entertaining in a convenient location. Add a dry-erase insert to the door for writing quick notes and reminders. The look of the hutch can blend seamlessly with your overall kitchen design or can be used as an accent piece.

Linden Kitchen and Bath can help you avoid these pitfalls with your Kitchen or Bath Project,

talk to one of our designers to see how we can help.

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