We’ve all been there. Something makes sense in our imaginations and even on paper, but in real life, it just doesn’t quite work. Redesigning a kitchen is a complex and rewarding process, but there are ideas that might seem great at first but end up making your kitchen less than everything you had imagined. Read on to learn about some of the most common mistakes in kitchen design so you can avoid mistakes and learn from other people’s experiences. Also, keep in mind that our support team at Nelson Cabinetry is here to help you – give us a call at 832-998-6598.
1. Forgetting About the Kitchen Work Triangle
The kitchen work triangle provides the most efficient, comfortable space for working in the kitchen. It consists of three points – the refrigerator, the stove, and the sink – this is where the most activity in the kitchen takes place. The distance between each element should be between 4 and 9 feet, with the sum total of all sides being between 13 and 26 feet. To maximize your workspace, ensure that the paths between each station are clear. Items such as a freestanding kitchen island unit should not intersect any sides by more than 1 foot. You can even incorporate one of the stations into the island since there are kitchen middle islands with sinks and stoves.

2. Going Beyond Your Budget
After you’ve decided how to apportion the costs of your kitchen remodel, you might come up with a new idea that could put a dent in your budget. Though it’s tempting to make changes along the way, it can lead to headaches down the line. It’s better not to stray from your original plans to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible financially.
3. Focusing Too Much on the Main Features
To ensure the success of your remodel, don’t forget to consider how the more minor details fit into the bigger picture. This includes planning everything down to the kitchen toe kicks, wall filler, and crown molding around cabinets. Nelson Cabinetry has got you covered down to every last detail of your new cabinets.

4. Neglecting Corners
This is one area where you don’t want to cut corners: lazy susan kitchen cabinets and blind base cabinets significantly add to your overall remodel by transforming the “dead space” into fully functional storage areas. The back areas of corners tend to get neglected and cluttered, but with a blind base cabinet or a lazy susan, you’ll have all your items at your fingertips and make the most of your kitchen space.

5. Failing to Keep an Open Layout
An open layout is the best option for an inviting kitchen with a good workflow. Keep in mind how many people are usually there when meals are being prepared and where they tend to be. This way, you can ensure they won’t be in the way when the cook needs to access storage or when moving from one point of the work triangle to the next.
6. Not Taking Storage into Consideration
Be sure to plan your kitchen layout according to what activities occur most frequently in your kitchen, which involves storing items that only occasionally get used. If you only use an electric mixer every once in a while, for example, it’s best to store it in bridge cabinets over the refrigerator or stove. A single- or double-door kitchen pantry or utility cabinet is an excellent choice for cooks who need to organize and access smaller items like ingredients and cookware.
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7. Wrong Measurements
Mistakes in measurements are one of the most common problems that consumers can encounter. Double- and even triple-checking is key to ensure everything is accurate. It’s a good idea to buy a few extra filler pieces just in case.
8. Not Squaring the Sink Base with a Window
It’s important to get the sink base squared with the window. Usually, if a window is 36″, you’ll want the sink to be right beneath it and get a 36″ sink base. If the window is 30″, go for an SB30; for a 33″ window, make sure to choose an SB33, etc.

9. Choosing Cabinets Based on Price Rather Than Quality
Big chain stores like Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards sell some low-quality cabinets for a low price. However, these cabinets are made with particle board and MDF, often have ball-bearing glides, and are not designed to last long or to look good. You’re sure to spend a lot of time around your cabinets, so choose a high-quality product.
10. Not Asking for Help
For a project as substantial as a kitchen remodel, it’s always a good idea to get expert advice. While most consumers have limited experience with kitchen remodels, the experts know all the ins and outs of the industry and can give you some great tips whether you have questions about design, cost, or quality.
All too often, homeowners make the mistake of neglecting certain aspects of their kitchen remodel. This can lead to big problems down the line, so it’s important to be aware of potential pitfalls before embarking on your own kitchen renovation. With a little planning and forethought, you can avoid these common mistakes and ensure a successful outcome for your kitchen remodel.
Quick Summary
•The most common mistakes in kitchen design include forgetting about the kitchen work triangle, going beyond your budget, focusing too much on the main features, neglecting corners, failing to keep an open layout, not taking storage into consideration, wrong measurements, choosing cabinets based on price rather than quality, and not asking for help.
• By being aware of these potential pitfalls before starting your own kitchen remodel project, you can avoid making costly mistakes that could jeopardize the success of your renovation.
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Nelson Cabinetry
Nelson Cabinetry is an online distributor of high quality kitchen and bathroom cabinetry. We pride ourselves in delivering a high quality product via an easy to use, convenient website. Placing your cabinet order has never been easier and you can do so from the comfort of your home, office or job site.




