Five ‘common’ kitchen cabinet mistakes to ‘avoid’ to achieve a ‘high end look’ for less (Image: LochAnna Kitchens)
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Kitchens are often one of the most used rooms in a home, and when it comes to designingand decorating them, there are a few faux pas you may want to avoid. From common style faux pas, to functional problems, there's a host of common errors that can trip households up along the way. To avoid this, Express.co.uk caught up with Sinead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager at LochAnna Kitchens, who shared five commonmistakes she often sees Britons make when choosing their kitchen cabinets.
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1. Choosing furniture that only has one function
The designer noted that it’s best to invest in kitchen furniture that “doubles up in function” to ensure that the “money is stretched as far as possible” as well as maximising use of the space, reducing wasted storage space.
Sineadexplained: “An island or breakfast bar can work as both a storage area and a place for dining. The cupboards that fit beneath the island are also a useful place to keep pots, pans or food.
“Larger islands or breakfast bars also mean that a hob or sink can be fitted in as well, again utilising every inch of available space.”
The type and variety of storage options your cabinetry contains are also key. The expert added: “Consider more purpose focused cabinetry such as pull-out larders, corner optimisers and pull-out bins to instantly declutter your kitchen while improving workflow."
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An island or breakfast bar can work as both a storage area and a place for dining (Image: LochAnna Kitchens)
2. Selecting looks over practicality
A “common mistake” when designing a kitchen is planning the look of the space without considering the practical aspects of the layout. Sinead said: “When starting to design a kitchen we recommend you take the time to understand how you can make the most of your space, and tailor your design to your personal needs.
“The first step is to consider how you will want to use the space and then start designing with that purpose in mind.If you spend a lot of time socialising in the kitchen, make sure there are elements that lend themselves towards that goal. For example, you can install a large kitchen island that people can gather around to cook, eat, and chat or install a small breakfast nook that allows for more intimate meals as a family or couple.”
Alternatively, for those who require a lot of storage, they should make sure to think about what storage solutions will work best for their needs and plan around these.
The kitchen pro highlighted that an ergonomic design is “so important in your kitchen”. She said: “If you struggle bending down, then tall oven housings where the oven is at eye-level are the perfect solution and include storage above and below the appliances – ideal for storing your casserole dishes and baking sheets.”
Equally, pull-out storage means people won’t need to stretch to get into corners or tall larders.Sinead added: “Not making accessibility a focus for years to come is an all-too-common mistake.”
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3. Not considering the extra details
When striving for a certain aesthetic or current trend, homeowners may find themselves disregarding what their future selves might require from their kitchen cabinetry, which is why it’s a good rule of thumb to select a colour or style you are confident you will enjoy for a long time rather than only following trends, advised the expert.
She said: “Whilst personal preference is always encouraged, if you’re struggling with where to start, it is a good idea to look at the overall design of your home, certain period properties such as cottages or barn conversions may suit a more traditional or heritage design approach, whereas a modern build may lend itself to an ultra-sleek look.”
Features such as knobs, handles and even plug sockets “can add a luxury quality even in a kitchen designed on a budget”. Households could consider selecting a complementary coloured brassware such as pairing knurled brass handles with a navy-blue kitchen.
Sinead said: “Matching these touch points is a great way to enhance cabinetry to look more luxurious, giving a cohesive final appearance to the kitchen design.”
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Knurled brass handles when paired with a navy-blue kitchen is a great combination (Image: LochAnna Kitchens)
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4. Not investing wisely
Having a smaller budget doesn’t mean one would need to compromise on style or quality. The expert argued: “To create your dream kitchen on a budget there are a few tricks that you can use to get the most out of your choices.We recommend making small switches to emulate the look and feel of a high-end kitchen on a smaller budget.”
One place you can do this is with worktops. Acrylic worktops have the look of natural stone and are a “cost-effective way” of creating a “luxurious looking kitchen”.
Another great swap you can make is choosing timber effect worktops and cabinet doors instead of real timber. Sinead said: “Our Solutions laminate worktops feature a horizontal front grain and vertical end grain that emulates the look of real wood but saves you between 20 to 30 percent in cost.
“By making this choice you also eliminate the need to regularly oil a real wooden worktop to prevent the wood drying out or splitting. By choosing these elements you can get the authentic look of a high end natural looking kitchen on a budget.”
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Acrylic worktops are a “cost-effective way” of creating a “luxurious looking kitchen” (Image: LochAnna Kitchens)
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5. Not using professional kitchen companies who do the hard work for you
Moving on from the style and function faux pas, it is also important to think about all the planning that goes into a kitchen re-design. Designing a kitchen from scratch can be time-consuming and there are often hidden or unexpected costs with this.
Instead, find a kitchen company who already has relationships with other kitchen brands so they can do the hard work for you and source sinks, taps, worktops, lighting and more. This way, you know exactly what you are getting for the price you pay.
Sinead said: “Quality independent retailers are experts when it comes to the kitchens they sell and consulting them to get your storage right is crucial – they will visit your home to measure for the kitchen, do a design and make suggestions to fit with your lifestyle.
“Consulting a professional on which cabinetry options will best suit your home also ensures that you avoid common pitfalls such as miscalculating storage dimensions, door clearance, placement and amount of power supplies as well as not varying cabinet storage options. Equally, having a professional look at your space will give you further insight into what is achievable within your space to have a solid workflow.”
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FAQs
What not to do in kitchen design? ›
- Mistake #1: Not Enough Closed Storage. ...
- Mistake #2: Not Considering Countertop Appliances. ...
- Mistake #3: Outlet Overload. ...
- Mistake #4: Disregarding Overall Home Aesthetic. ...
- Mistake #5: Too Much Stainless Steel. ...
- Mistake #6: Opting For Trendy Over Timeless. ...
- Mistake #7: Not Considering Workflow.
- Invest in high-quality cabinetry.
- Consider the storage setup.
- Choose a finish that fits your lifestyle.
- Think about your style vs. trends.
Shaker Style
Shaker cabinets have quickly become one of the most popular cabinet styles for kitchens of every type. The simple, square-paneled doors look flawless with any hardware. This kitchen features dark-hued shaker cabinets with striking brass hardware that leaves the space feeling clean and modern.
Particleboard, plywood, metal, and plastic are common materials. Construction methods vary greatly. Lesser quality drawer boxes use butt or rabbet (notched) joints secured with staples to hold the sides together. These may have particle board drawer bottoms.
What is the number one rule in any kitchen? ›1. Wash your hands well and often. Washing your hands well and often is the golden rule of food safety. Your hands are full of bacteria, and you pick up new bacteria every time you touch something.
What is the kitchen trend for 2023? ›While white will continue to be a popular choice for kitchens in 2023, we can expect to see kitchens get a bit more colorful in the new year. In particular, homeowners are embracing warmer tones and bold pops of color rather than monochromatic, Scandinavian-style minimalism or white and gray farmhouse-style kitchens.
What is a timeless color for kitchen cabinets? ›White is the most timeless cabinet color of all, with popularity dating back over half a century. It's hard to beat the crisp, clean beauty of bright white cabinets. They lighten the entire room and lend a refreshing, airy feel.
What are 3 factors that a well designed kitchen will address? ›- Contamination.
- Equipment accessibility.
Natural Finishes
The warm, rustic look of cabinetry that emphasizes its wood grain creates an inviting atmosphere. "Although we've already seen a bit of this in 2022, we will see even more natural wood finishes in kitchens in 2023," designer Hilary Matt says.
Well, it should be no surprise… the classic white cabinet will still be the #1 cabinet color for kitchens in 2022 and beyond. White is crisp and clean, will brighten any kitchen, and will most likely never go out of style.
What is the most popular cabinet color for 2023? ›
White is still the most popular kitchen cabinet color in 2023 and beyond. However, we are seeing a shift towards warmer and more natural tones.
What is the kitchen color for 2022? ›Green is the must-have color trend everyone is buzzing about in 2022, and it's poised to be especially popular in cooking spaces. "Because green is found in nature, it is a safe and timeless color to add to your kitchen," says Tara Miller of the Omaha-based firm The Heartland Interior Design.
What is the most durable kitchen cabinet finish? ›The Strongest Kitchen Cabinet Finish
The most durable kitchen cabinet finish is a catalyzed conversion varnish. This is the most durable finish available for wood. It's chemical and moisture resistant, making it easy to clean.
Cabinets are grouped into four grades based on quality of construction: ready-to-assemble (RTA), stock, semi-custom and custom.
What is the most expensive kitchen cabinet material? ›White oak is one of the most expensive cabinet materials on the market and can be roughly 40% more expensive than its red-oak counterpart. While price doesn't always indicate the quality of a material, in the case of white oak, it's worth the investment.
What is the most important position in the kitchen? ›Head Chef (Chef de Cuisine)
The head chef remains at the top of the hierarchy in restaurant kitchens without an executive chef. Like an executive chef, this person controls all aspects of the kitchen. They are responsible for creating menus, controlling kitchen costs, and managing the kitchen staff.
The rule of thirds simply states that no more than two-thirds of the plate should be covered with food.
What are 5 basic rules for the kitchen? ›- Watch What You Heat. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. ...
- Keep Things That Can Catch Fire Away from a Heat Source. ...
- Keep Children and Pets Away from the Cooking Area. ...
- Prevent Home Kitchen Fires. ...
- Be Prepared for a Fire.
Tiny Backsplashes
Skinny backsplashes are out of style, we are happy to report. A ceramic tile or glass backsplash that stretches from counter to cabinets is much easier to keep clean, and is more likely to catch spills and splatters.
Pick Classic, Neutral Colors
When choosing a quartz countertop that's designed to last through the decades, stick with neutrals like beiges, grays, off-whites, and bright whites.
What cabinet hardware is timeless? ›
Timeless Kitchen Hardware
Brass is the most timeless metal, in my opinion, and if you choose unlacquered brass hardware, it will only get prettier with time. From appliance pulls to cup pulls and the sweet round knobs and hinges we used in this space, every piece references historic elements.
Raised Panel Cabinets
These are no longer sought-after styles in homes and exactly why we're seeing them used less and less by owners and designers. Homeowners and designers agree that this look is a long-outdated kitchen trend.
For several decades, in fact, white has been the leading cabinet color in kitchen cabinet trends. As the most popular shade for cabinetry then, it's a good option for many styles of kitchens. It certainly fits well with a simple, straightforward design choice that won't go out of style.
What is the most timeless kitchen countertop? ›Slate, soapstone, and honed granite are timeless materials for countertop and backsplash, for houses of almost any period. This marble look-alike surface material from Okite is a compound of natural quartz and resin, which complements this period-style kitchen.
What is the Golden triangle in kitchen design? ›Developed in the early twentieth century, the working triangle—also known as "the kitchen triangle," also known as "the golden triangle"—is a theory that states a kitchen's three main work areas should form, you guessed it, a triangle. Specifically, the sink, the refrigerator, and the stove.
Where should refrigerator be placed in kitchen? ›The fridge should always be located in close proximity to a bench with ample available space. This will allow grocery loading to be prompt, meaning the door is open for a lesser amount of time, and when gathering ingredients for food preparation one can easily grab what is required and place down promptly on the bench.
What is the perfect kitchen layout? ›The U-Shape
Arguably the most versatile layout for any size of kitchen, a U-shaped floor plan surrounds the user on three sides, so it allows for longer countertops and extra storage cabinetry. “If you have enough space, I love a U-shaped kitchen with an island in the center,” says interior designer Tina Rich.
Greens and blues will continue to dominate home design in 2022, and the kitchen is no exception. But according to the NKBA, white and wood tones will also be popular. Together, these hues are the foundation for today's popular organic style.
What color granite is outdated? ›If you are thinking of a kitchen renovation, you should know that dark speckled granite is no longer in vogue. In my part of the country (New England) many homeowners have grown tired of being bossed around by the busy, dark, speckled stone.
What is the most popular kitchen backsplash? ›Ceramic tile is the most popular option for a kitchen backsplash. Ceramic tiles are incredibly versatile—they come in many shapes, sizes and colors and can be installed in numerous patterns.
What color kitchen cabinets are best for resale value 2022? ›
Stick to neutral paint colors like white or gray if you're painting your kitchen cabinets for resale.
What color cabinets does Joanna Gaines use? ›The cabinets are coated in a featured color from the Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines® paint line, Locally Grown, which is a deep hunter green dusted with olive tones.
Is granite out of style 2022? ›However, thanks to its natural beauty and properties that make every piece unique, granite consistently found its way into American kitchens over the course of the twentieth century and is still a top choice in 2022.
Are white countertops going out of style? ›The short answer to this question we've been hearing a lot recently is: “Absolutely not! White kitchens are here to stay…in 2022 and beyond.” The simple truth is, the best white kitchens never go out of style. They provide a clean, fresh, versatile background onto which you can infuse a variety of décor preferences.
What colors will be popular in 2023? ›Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023.
What is 2022 grey of the year? ›PPG Paints' chose Olive Sprig, a soft green-gray as their 2022 Color of the Year. According to PPG Paints, "this soft gray-green is soothing, like a fragrant plant, reminiscent of the natural world; it brightens any space with organic liveliness.
What is the color of the year for 2023? ›The Color of the Year for 2023 is Viva Magenta, which the company describes as powerful and empowering. “Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration... [It] revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint.”
What are 5 common mistakes people make in the kitchen? ›- Packing Your Pans to the Brim. ...
- Improper Preparation. ...
- Adding Food Too Early. ...
- Going Rogue. ...
- You Overcook or Undercook.
- Rule 1: The Work Triangle. ...
- Rule 2: Make it social and functional. ...
- Rule 3: Think about every door and how you'll use them. ...
- Rule 4: Smooth clean-up after a meal. ...
- Rule 5: Easy unpacking of groceries.
- Poor circulation. There's nothing worse than not giving your client enough space to freely move around in their kitchen. ...
- Ignoring the work triangle. ...
- Ordering wrong size appliances & cabinets. ...
- Inadequate lighting. ...
- Not utilizing vertical space.
What are the 5 things you should not do in the kitchen? ›
- Never try to catch a falling knife. ...
- Don't add dry flour or cornstarch to hot liquid. ...
- Never use wet oven mitts to handle hot pots or pans. ...
- Don't put a hot glass dish on a wet surface. ...
- Never serve a dish before you taste it.
Store your most frequently used items in the most accessible places. Keep things you use most often at eye level; store heavy items below waist level and infrequently used items on high shelves (keep a step stool within easy reach for such items) or in another area of the house.
What is the most practical kitchen layout? ›The U-Shape design is the most versatile layout for both large and small kitchens. It provides storage and countertop space on three walls, which creates an efficient work triangle for food prep. This layout is great for creating two distinct spaces, the kitchen and the dining area.
What are 10 common design mistakes designers can make? ›- Too Much Going On. Portray pertinent business information right away on your website. ...
- Too Little Going On. ...
- Too Confusing. ...
- A Terrible CTA. ...
- Poor Use of Content and Whitespace. ...
- Ugly or Irrelevant Images. ...
- Hidden Navigation. ...
- Missing Your Target.
For this reason, consider the five crucial factors outlined above—layout, storage, lighting, flooring, and ventilation. All these can enhance the kitchen's overall look and make every part practically useful.
What are the 5 golden rules of cooking? ›- Avoid contact between raw foods and cooked foods. ...
- Wash hands repeatedly. ...
- Keep all kitchen surfaces meticulously clean. ...
- Protect foods from insects, rodents, and other animal. ...
- Use safe water.
- Mistake #1: Not cooking meat, chicken, turkey, seafood, or eggs thoroughly. ...
- Mistake #2: Eating raw batter or dough, including cookie dough, and other foods with uncooked eggs or uncooked flour. ...
- Mistake #3: Thawing or marinating food on the counter.
Basic Kitchen Layouts
There are four main kitchen layouts: “Galley,” “L,” “U,” and “G” (Peninsula). Each accommodates a work triangle in its own way.