6 Biggest Faux Pas in Kitchen Design

Dodging Design Don'ts




With the countless things that can go right in a kitchen—smooth work flow, just-right lighting, and a warm and welcoming vibe—just as many things can go wrong. From the floor to the ceiling to the materials in between, there’s plenty of opportunity to fall into some all-too-common design pitfalls, like this "before" photo shown to the left. Designers Ili Nilsson and Maika Winter share a list of serious slip-ups you want to avoid. Keeping this list of don'ts in mind (and taking a cue from the kitchens with design done right) will ensure your kitchen is fabulous—not flub-filled.

Editor's note: The photos you'll see on the slides following are suggested "fixes" to the (not so suggested) faux pas.


An Enormous Island




Photo by: Mick Hales
Designed by: Jennifer Howard




The Faux Pas: Most modern kitchens boast an island for food prep space, seating, and storage, but bigger doesn’t always mean better. Though the added counter space is typically a sanity saver, “more than 48-inches deep, and you have to walk around it to wipe it clean,” says Nilsson. “Plus, you start collecting piles of stuff just because you have the extra surface.”

The Fix: Talk to your designer about which island dimensions will work best for your kitchen size and layout, as in the kitchen shown here, and adhere to the 48-inches rule.



Too Much Texture



Photo by: Karyn Millet
Designed by: Interior Design by Karen Harautuneian



The Faux Pas: “The mistake I see most from do-it-yourselfers is going overboard with texture and unique materials,” says Winter. “It’s easy to get caught up in them—they’re all beautiful, and you want to use everything you find in the showroom.” Unless you have a very large kitchen, too much texture can be distracting and visually over-stimulating. “Remember,” says Winter, “materials generally stand out more when there is less around them to compete.”

The Fix: This kitchen does it just right. Selecting materials is a lot like dressing yourself, says Winter. “Pick what you think looks good; then always take something away.”


A Cramped Countertop



Designed by: Carver + Schicketanz Architects AIA


The Faux Pas: Too little space between the sink and the cooktop is a food prep nightmare, Nilsson says. “This is the most utilized spot in the kitchen, and there should be 24 to 30 inches between them.” This gives you plenty of room for that open cookbook, cutting board, and meal components. “If you can tuck a pullout trash bin directly below a 30-inch workspace, you are golden,” Nilsson adds. “Just rinse, chop, wipe, and sauté—it couldn’t be easier.”

The Fix: If you are building or remodeling, emphasize this measurement-must with your designer. Ample room to move, as in this kitchen, is your aim.



An Ignored Ceiling




Photo by: Photo Design
Designed by: Robin Rigby Fisher, CMKBD/CAPS

 The Faux Pas: “The ceiling is so often overlooked as a design element,” says Winter. “You’ll typically see nothing but a lot of can lights, which designers call a ‘Swiss cheese ceiling.’ ” Ceilings can play a key role in the delineation of work zones and the overall flow of your kitchen. “Whether through the use of a soffit, a suspended ceiling over the island bar, or strategic lighting, the ceiling can and should be a critical design element,” Winter says.   The Fix: Make sure you share your ceiling concerns with your designer so that he or she can present a plan that, as in this space, elevates the rest of the room.



Poor Fridge Placement




Photo by: Ralph Fasano Jr.
Designed by: Ralph Fasano Jr., C.K.D. and David Graham, AIA



The Faux Pas: A common—and unfortunate—floor-plan blunder is the blocking of high-traffic pathways by open refrigerator doors. “People forget that we spend much of our time in the kitchen taking stock of what goodies might be in the fridge,” Nilsson says.   The Fix: “If you are tight on space, consider glass front doors,” she suggests. The one in this photo shows just how good-looking they can be. You’ll not only save space and energy; you might even find yourself buying healthier food and keeping your fridge clean, knowing visitors can see your eats.



Overly Bold Cabinets




Designed by: Bonesteel Trout Hall

 The Faux Pas: Avant garde—or even just a bit unusual—cabinetry may sound like an exciting way to set your kitchen apart, but, says Nilsson, “If you are on a budget, stick with the classics. Trends are fun and great but will require updating more often, and that can be costly.”   The Fix: Instead, pick a clean cabinet style and infuse color and detail with easily changeable elements, like wall color, throw pillows, art, or, as in this kitchen, decorative objects in a pretty color scheme.
Source:  Cultivate, article by Susan Hall