How to Avoid Common Kitchen Remodeling Mistakes

We’ve written a lot about remodeling trends, custom cabinetry, appliances, and how much you should expect to invest. Diving into a sea of colors and finishes with infinite possibility is exhilarating and a big part of why we love what we do! But, it’s crucial not to be so distracted by pretty things that you forget the basics and wind up making costly mistakes.

Sticking to a handful of foundational basics from the start will help ensure smooth sailing toward the kitchen of your dreams.

Function & Flow

The placement of your sink, refrigerator, and stove is known as your work triangle. If your sink and stove are too close together or your fridge is on the other side of the room, the flow is choppy and less efficient. Selecting your major appliances first allows you to plan your cabinetry around them. It’s also a good idea to measure smaller equipment like blenders, food processors, and microwaves to incorporate them into your cabinet planning, so they aren’t cluttering your counter space. Then, fine-tune your plan so you don’t have doors opening into each other or blocking usable space. Last but not least is your trash can.  If you have room and can spare a cabinet close to your prep area, it will be out of sight when not in use but right where you need it to keep those drips and scraps off your beautiful new floor!

Storage

Here it’s important to consider how you use your kitchen. Taking your cabinets to the ceiling offers storage for lesser-used items and frees space for what you use more frequently. Keeping cutlery near the sink and spices and oils near your cooking zone are two examples that make a huge difference.

Circulation

Friends and family almost always migrate to the kitchen. To provide adequate circulation, you’ll want to avoid overcrowding a smaller kitchen with an island or leaving too little area between countertops. In a larger kitchen, 48″ works great but try for a minimum of 39″ where space is restricted.

Lighting

Lighting is an excellent example of where you can get distracted by pretty things. No matter how gorgeous that pendant light is, if it doesn’t shine enough light over your workspace, you’ll be left prepping in the shadows. In addition to selecting appropriate lighting, you’ll want to consider separate circuits so you can control the intensity and overall atmosphere.

No matter the size of your project, our designer’s priority is to listen and work closely with every homeowner, from consultation to completion and beyond. Visit our portfolios, learn more about The Callier & Thompson Experience and contact us for a consultation today!