Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where functionality and style should go hand in hand. However, during a kitchen renovation, it’s easy to make mistakes that can impact the space’s effectiveness and look. Here are seven common kitchen design mistakes to avoid.

1. Selling Yourself Short- Budgeting is crucial for any kitchen renovation. Cutting corners or opting for cheap fixes often leads to disappointment, requiring another costly renovation down the line. Research before diving into a renovation. On average, kitchen renovations cost around $25,000. If that’s out of reach, consider financing options to ensure your kitchen design isn’t compromised.

2. Poor Lighting Lighting is essential in any kitchen design. A lack of proper lighting can make cooking and entertaining difficult. Kitchens benefit from task lighting, overhead lights, and accent lighting for ambiance. Use layered lighting, especially over workspaces, and consult a professional to get it right the first time.

3. Following Fads Too Closely Trendy kitchen designs can quickly become outdated, especially if you plan to sell your home. Bold, trendy choices might not appeal to future buyers. Solution: Stick to timeless designs like neutral colours. If you want to incorporate trends, do it with elements like cabinet finishes or paint, which are easier to update.

4. Skimping on Storage A common kitchen design mistake is not including enough storage. Kitchens house a variety of items, and proper storage is vital to keep the space functional and tidy. Solution: Plan for sufficient storage by using vertical space, under-sink solutions, and overhead cabinetry.

5. Overlooking Flooring- Flooring is often an afterthought in a kitchen renovation but is critical for both durability and style. A poor flooring choice can quickly wear out in this high-traffic area. Solution: Plan and budget for durable flooring that suits your kitchen’s needs from the start.

6. Scrimping on Hardware Cheap hardware can make your kitchen feel low-quality and may not last long. Drawer rails, hinges, and lift systems play a significant role in everyday use. Solution: Invest in high-quality hardware to ensure your kitchen remains functional and long-lasting.

7. Skipping Professional Help- Kitchen design is intricate, with many factors to consider. Not consulting a professional can lead to costly mistakes that affect both functionality and aesthetics. Solution: Hire a professional kitchen designer to help plan and optimise your kitchen renovation. Their expertise ensures your space works perfectly for your needs.