Designing your kitchen can be a challenging, yet fun and exciting task. Whether you know what you are doing or not, there are some guidelines you should keep in mind. Here is a short list of what not to do.
THE NOT-TO-DO LIST: THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES THAT OTHERS HAVE MADE
1) Copy Kitchen Designs. One of the biggest mistakes that many do-it-yourself kitchen designers make is that they fail to allow their own personality to shine through their kitchen design. Rather, they attempt to copy a design they've seen in a magazine or on a website. Have some fun with your kitchen project and be creative. Make your kitchen your own.
2) Hanging Cabinets Below the Ceiling Line. Another big mistake that many novice kitchen designers make in their kitchen designs is hanging their cabinets too low. Not only does this shortchange you when it comes to storage space in the kitchen, the void above the cabinets tends to get dirty and cluttered with unnecessary items. Rather than to fall into this trap, simply purchase and install kitchen cabinets that reach all the way to the ceiling.
3) Cluttering the Kitchen. Ever heard the phrase: less is more? This is savvy advice for many aspects of your life, including your kitchen design. You will be better served by keeping your design simple, yet functional rather than trying to cram too much into your design.
4) Adding too much stainless steel. The latest and greatest craze in kitchen design is stainless steel. However, with so many options for adding stainless steel to your design, it’s easy to go overboard and lose the visual appeal. Add stainless steel appliances and balance it with a natural stone or tile backsplash and flooring solution. Or add a stainless steel counter top and stick with black appliances and vinyl flooring.
5) Going bigger is not always the better solution. If you have a small kitchen, why not make it work for you? As long as you are using the best materials and are putting thoughtful detail into the design, having a small kitchen can actually have its advantages. The trick is to make the space work in your favor. Make the best use of both your horizontal and vertical space and keep your design simple in order to make the most of your small kitchen.
6) Less is more. Don't go overboard with accessories or with cabinets in a small kitchen. It's okay to have some main ideas in the kitchen, but the space in your kitchen is your most precious commodity. Putting too many accessories, appliances of other design elements into a small kitchen will overwhelm it and make it look cluttered.
7) Stick with the good stuff. Whether your kitchen is large or small, investing in quality appliances and design elements will not only make your kitchen look classy, but ensure that your kitchen will serve you well for many years to come.
