Typical kitchen design mistakes – and how to avoid them

 It’s the heart of the home and has long since become more than just a place to cook – the kitchen is a living space, a meeting place, and a design statement. And it’s precisely in kitchens that planning errors can quickly creep in, later leading to visual and literal chaos. Which typical faux pas should be avoided – and how to do it better?

The incorrect layout of the kitchen

Cooking, washing up, and storage – each zone has its own requirements. Without a clear structure, you lose track of things and disrupt your workflow. Good kitchen planning, therefore, considers short distances, logical sequences, and sufficient space between zones. Especially in open-plan kitchens, a well-thought-out layout helps create order and a sense of calm – and maintain it in the long term.

Some ideas for such zoning: Store oils and spices directly by the stove so they are quickly accessible while cooking. Knife blocks and cutting boards, on the other hand, are best placed where you actually use them – for example, above, under, or next to the worktop. Tea and coffee are ideally located near the kettle and coffee maker.

Too little or uncomfortable light

Despite modern furniture and numerous thoughtful details, a kitchen can feel unwelcoming if the lighting concept isn’t right. A common mistake is neglecting indirect lighting. In addition to a ceiling light, you should also provide atmospheric lighting at the kitchen table and plan for focused task lighting.

Ideally, light sources should be arranged at multiple levels – for example, LED spotlights under wall cabinets, indirect lighting in the plinth area, or pendant lights above the kitchen island. Table or wall lamps and decorative candle holders complete the overall look.

Avoid impractical surfaces in the kitchen.

High-gloss fronts, open-pored natural stone, or matte worktops in dark tones are beautiful, but also incredibly delicate. Water stains, splashes, and fingerprints are practically unavoidable in everyday use – and anyone who doesn’t want to be constantly wiping them down should carefully consider whether it’s worth it. Our tip: When planning a kitchen, don’t just focus on its appearance, but also on the ease of care and durability of the materials.

But it’s not just the material; the color of kitchen cabinets and backsplashes also requires careful consideration. While colorful fronts and striking tiles are currently trending, they also shape the kitchen’s overall design. For those who enjoy frequently changing accessories and styles, we recommend opting for a neutral base and letting your creativity run wild with color in decoration. Otherwise, you might quickly regret buying an expensive kitchen in the latest trendy color. However, if green has been your favorite color for decades, you’ll likely still love green cabinets in ten years.

Storage space without a system

Cooking utensils, canned goods, dishes – a lot needs to be stored in the kitchen. Storage space is therefore essential. However, it’s not the quantity of storage space that’s crucial, but its usability. Open shelves, overly deep base cabinets, or drawers without dividers make the kitchen look cluttered. Well-thought-out interior organization with pull-outs, pantry units, or cleverly integrated solutions like corner pull-outs is much better. Even tall wall cabinets should be sensibly divided to ensure that the space is fully utilized.

Too little freedom of movement

Especially in smaller kitchens, every centimeter counts. Practically designing the space isn’t always easy. A common mistake: kitchen units placed too close together, open doors that block each other, or islands that obstruct passage. Therefore, a good rule of thumb is: there should be at least one meter of clearance between two rows of cabinets or between the cabinets and the wall – more if cabinets are opened simultaneously. Other furniture and accessories, such as bar stools, wastebaskets, or freestanding appliances, also need space, which should be considered from the outset.

Monotonous color scheme and few contrasts

Of course, a kitchen should look harmonious and well-planned. But if you rely too heavily on harmonious colors and shapes, it can quickly become monotonous and boring. To give the room depth and structure, you need contrasts – for example, matte fronts with glossy tiles, light countertops with dark fronts, or warm woods with chrome and metal accents.

Besides walls and kitchen cabinets, small accents can also add splashes of color to the kitchen. Colored handles and knobs, brightly colored furniture like chairs and shelves, or colorful decorations such as vases or storage containers add variety. However, have you ever heard of color drenching? This involves using the same shade on walls, cabinets, and so on. Contrasts and shades in other forms are therefore all the more important.

Decorative item without function

Too many open accessories or impractical design objects can quickly create a cluttered look. Especially in small spaces, less is more. It’s better to focus on a few high-quality accents – such as a striking light fixture, a unique faucet, or an eye-catching sink – and showcase them thoughtfully. Our tip: Place attractive everyday items that you should always have within easy reach on the countertop or shelves. Following the motto “Everything comes in a beautiful version,” choose elegantly shaped cutting boards instead of cheap plastic ones, a decorative knife block, or attractively patterned tea towels.

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