Are you someone who absolutely loves being in the kitchen? When it’s time for a potluck, you’re cooking up a storm. If there’s a big “food holiday,” your house is home base for dinner, right? What if your kitchen isn’t set up for it?

Many kitchens aren’t exactly optimized for an ambitious home cook, especially if they’re in older homes. If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen, it’s time to start looking for some common mistakes so you can remedy them (or not make them yourself).

Read on for some of the top kitchen layout mistakes you should avoid if you want a more functional space.

Inadequate Workspace

A common mistake in kitchen design is inadequate workspace. If you’re someone who loves cooking, you know this can be an issue. Insufficient counter space, lack of prep areas, and cramped cooking stations can make meal preparation a challenge. 

Make sure your kitchen has ample countertops, ideally placed strategically near appliances and sinks, to provide efficient workflow. If you’re planning a renovation, consider where you naturally want to set things down so you can set up more counter or table space there. 

Poor Traffic Flow

Do you have “too many cooks in the kitchen,” especially during holidays or parties? Poor traffic flow in the kitchen can lead to congestion and frustration. It’s also a safety issue, especially when there are hot pots and pans in play.

Avoid placing islands or appliances in high-traffic areas, and maintain a minimum 36-inch clearance between countertops and obstacles. Consider the “work triangle” concept, where sink, stove, and refrigerator form the points of a triangle, optimizing movement. You don’t want anything to get in your way. Again, it’s a good idea to make notes of where you naturally want things to be before you start your renovation. 

Not Considering Work Zones

Consider your kitchen your workspace. You’re likely speeding a decent amount of time in there trying to make magic for dinner. If your setup isn’t conducive to an easy workflow, you might have trouble. 

Not considering work zones can disrupt your workflow and cause you to waste valuable time. Divide your kitchen into zones (such as, cooking, prep and cleaning) and design each zone with specific tasks in mind. Make sure there’s adequate space and amenities for each zone. This will help you customize your kitchen renovation for your specific needs. 

Inefficient Storage

This is one of the most common problems people have with their kitchen layouts, and is sometimes the entire reason they choose to get a kitchen renovation. Inefficient (or insufficient, in many cases) storage can lead to clutter and disorganization. 

Avoid shallow cabinets, inadequate drawer space, and poorly designed pantry areas. Make sure all cabinets and drawers are able to be opened without obvious blockages. You’d be surprised how often storage options are blocked and unusable! Incorporate deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and adjustable storage solutions to maximize storage capacity.

Insufficient Lighting

This is another of the most common issues people have with their kitchens. Kitchens don’t often have space or electrical sockets for extra lamps or light sources. In other words, in the kitchen, what you see is what you get when it comes to light.

Insufficient lighting can make tasks difficult and create ambiance issues. Avoid relying solely on overhead lighting; incorporate task lighting (e.g., under-cabinet lights) and ambient lighting (e.g., pendant lights) to create a layered lighting effect.

Inadequate Electrical Outlets

As we mentioned, many kitchens (especially in older homes) don’t have enough electrical outlets. Yes, this is a problem for those who need more lighting, but it’s also a problem for anyone who uses a lot of modern appliances. You don’t want to have to choose between your coffee pot, blender, and toaster when you’re making breakfast in the morning.

 Inadequate electrical outlets can also lead to cord clutter and safety hazards if you remedy the issue with surge protectors. When it’s time for a kitchen renovation, install outlets every 4 to 6 feet along countertops, consider pop-up outlets for islands, and consider incorporating USB ports for convenient device charging.

Poorly Placed Appliances

Poorly placed appliances, both standard and countertop, can disrupt your workflow and create inconveniences. Sometimes appliances are poorly-placed by homeowners because of a lack of suitable outlets or counter space, as we mentioned before. Others, like the stove or dishwasher, may be outside of the homeowners’ control. 

Avoid placing appliances too close to corners or doorways, ensure adequate clearance for doors and drawers. You don’t want to make it so it’s unsafe (or worse, impossible) to access the appliance. Consider integrating appliances for seamless functionality and a classier appearance.

Wasted Corner Space

Too many people forget that the corners of any room, kitchen included, can be incredibly valuable. You paid for that space, so don’t waste it!

Wasted corner space can reduce storage capacity. Utilize corner solutions such as a carousel or lazy Susan to maximize storage. You can also get shelves that fit perfectly in corners to place pantry items, plates and bowls, or even just decor items. 

This is especially important if you’re working with a small kitchen. Use the space you have!

Avoid These Pesky Kitchen Layout Mistakes

These kitchen layout mistakes can make cooking and baking feel like chores, even if you normally enjoy your time in the kitchen. If whoever designed your home made these mistakes, no worries! Now that you’re in charge, you can create the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of. You may just need a bit of help.

At LA Carpet, we’re here to help you make your kitchen dreams come true. We offer so much more than just carpets. If you’re ready to start a kitchen renovation project, reach out today for a free estimate.