Renovating your kitchen is an exciting, transformative process. But let’s face it: it’s also a bit of a balancing act. Between finding the right style and fitting in all the essentials, it’s easy to make a few common missteps. At Forever Kitchens, we’ve seen it all—from runaway budgets to ovens that block the fridge. Here are some of the most common kitchen renovation mistakes to watch out for, along with some funny lessons learned along the way!
1. Ignoring the Work Triangle: No One Wants a “Workout Kitchen”
The “work triangle” connects the sink, stove, and refrigerator, creating an efficient flow that’s essential for kitchen function. But some remodels ignore this golden rule, leading to kitchens where you’re sprinting from one end to the other like it’s an Olympic event. We once heard about a kitchen where the fridge was two rooms away from the stove. Imagine having to sprint to the next room every time you needed to grab the milk—talk about unplanned cardio!
Forever Kitchens Tip: Keep your work triangle within 4 to 9 feet between each point. This balance saves you steps and helps avoid any unintentional marathon cooking sessions.
2. Choosing Style Over Substance: Beauty is Only Cabinet-Deep
It’s easy to get swept up in glossy kitchen designs on Instagram. But those sleek, handle-free cabinets and marble counters may not work for your lifestyle. Think about it—fingerprint-magnet finishes or open shelving might not be ideal if you’re not planning to polish them daily (and who is?). Functionality is crucial; a kitchen that looks great but doesn’t meet your needs can turn into a very pretty headache.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Balance style with practicality. Look for materials and designs that hold up to your cooking habits (or, let’s be honest, your cooking mess).
3. Forgetting About Storage: A Recipe for Chaos
Storage is always in high demand but easy to overlook. In the excitement of picking colors and countertops, forgetting about where you’ll put everything can lead to a kitchen that’s bursting at the seams. Imagine unwrapping that beautiful new stand mixer, only to realize it’s going to live on the counter because all your cabinets are packed. Goodbye, counter space!
Forever Kitchens Tip: Invest in smart storage solutions like pull-out shelves, deep drawers, and corner cabinets to maximize every inch. A well-organized kitchen is worth every penny.
4. Skimping on Lighting: The Unintentional Mood Lighting Mistake
Lighting is one of the most important (and overlooked) elements in a kitchen remodel. Good lighting makes the kitchen feel welcoming and ensures you can see what you’re cooking. Skimping here means risking dim, shadowy spots or overly bright areas that feel like an interrogation room. Ever tried dicing onions in dim light? It’s a fast track to tears, even if you’re not prone to crying over onions.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting. Pendant lights over the island, under-cabinet lights for countertops, and general overhead lighting give your kitchen a balanced glow.
5. Not Planning for Appliances: Don’t Box in the Fridge!
An all-too-common mistake is designing the layout without considering the appliances. Make sure the fridge, stove, and dishwasher have enough room to open fully. Otherwise, you could find yourself in a kitchen where the fridge door hits the countertop or, worse, the wall. We know a couple who planned a beautiful kitchen but realized too late that their fridge blocked the only drawer with their utensils. Dinner prep quickly became an obstacle course!
Forever Kitchens Tip: Measure everything and leave extra clearance around appliances. Remember that cabinets, walls, and other obstacles can get in the way if you’re not careful with spacing.
6. Overloading the Island: Too Much of a Good Thing
Kitchen islands are amazing—they provide extra storage, counter space, and even seating. But an oversized island can make a kitchen feel cramped. Too much island, and you’ll find yourself skirting around it to reach anything on the other side, turning your kitchen into an obstacle course.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Keep an aisle of at least 36-42 inches around the island so people can move freely without feeling like they’re navigating a kitchen maze.
7. Neglecting Ventilation: Cooking Up a Storm (and Smells)
Ventilation is often an afterthought in kitchen remodels. But without proper ventilation, cooking smells linger long after dinner’s over, leaving a “fragrance” that no one wants in their home. One client told us they loved making fish on the grill until they realized their kitchen had zero ventilation. Their entire house smelled like seafood for a week!
Forever Kitchens Tip: Invest in a good range hood and consider ducting options if possible. Proper ventilation helps clear smoke, steam, and smells from your kitchen.
8. Underestimating Counter Space: Elbow Room is Essential
A lack of counter space is a top complaint among homeowners post-remodel. It’s easy to get caught up in making room for cabinets and appliances, but without adequate counter space, your kitchen won’t be functional. Think about everything you do on your counters—from meal prep to homework and everything in between. Without enough counter space, your kitchen may feel cramped or cluttered.
Forever Kitchens Tip: When in doubt, add a bit more counter space than you think you’ll need. It’s always better to have too much than not enough!
9. DIYing Everything: A Little Help Goes a Long Way
We get it—home renovation shows make DIY look like a walk in the park. But not every project should be tackled with YouTube tutorials alone. Hiring a professional for key aspects of your kitchen remodel can save you time, money, and stress. A client once told us they tried to install their own backsplash. Halfway through, they realized they didn’t know how to finish the edges, so they just left it…unfinished. Talk about a cliffhanger!
Forever Kitchens Tip: Save DIY for smaller projects like painting or decorating. For anything involving plumbing, wiring, or cabinetry, hiring a pro will ensure a polished, safe finish.
10. Not Having a Budget Buffer: Because Surprises Will Happen
Kitchen remodels often come with unexpected surprises—whether it’s a hidden pipe, electrical upgrade, or the sudden urge to splurge on a fancier faucet. Having a little extra cushion in your budget can make these moments a lot less stressful. You’ve finally selected every piece for your kitchen, and then—surprise!—that dreamy marble backsplash costs twice what you planned. Cue the budget scramble.
Forever Kitchens Tip: Keep a 10-15% buffer in your budget for unexpected expenses. It’s like a safety net that helps keep your project on track, no matter what comes up.
In Conclusion: Avoiding Kitchen Renovation Regrets
Kitchen remodels can be exciting and rewarding, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you create a space that’s functional, stylish, and truly yours. At Forever Kitchens, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right layout to picking the perfect finishes. We believe in making your dream kitchen a reality without the headaches and with plenty of laughter along the way.
Remember: A successful kitchen remodel doesn’t just look beautiful—it makes you feel right at home.