5 Things I would NEVER do in a kitchen design as a professional kitchen designer

Think about it: the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s usually the first thing buyers look at when they walk through the door. So, before you start knocking down walls or ordering those beautiful new kitchen cabinets, let’s have a seat over here for a chat.

A lot of people think, "Hey, it’s my house, I can do whatever I want!" And sure, you absolutely can. But if you plan on selling your home someday, a bad kitchen design can seriously hurt your resale value.

Designing a kitchen isn't just about picking out pretty colors; it’s about making a space that actually works for your everyday life. You don't want to spend all that money just to realize you can't open your dishwasher and your favorite drawer at the same time!

Why do you need our tips before your kitchen renovation?

As kitchen designers, we’ve seen some absolute stunners, but we’ve also walked into spaces that made us want to break down and cry (sometimes).

That’s why we’re here to share some of our top kitchen designer tips, so you don't make the same expensive mistakes we see all the time (and believe us, they A LOT).

Let's dive right into some real talk about why getting your layout right is a huge deal, especially when it comes to the future of your home.

1. NEVER Skip Out on Internal Cabinet Organizers 

One of the biggest mistakes we see is people buying gorgeous new kitchen cabinets, but completely forgetting about the inside.  A lot of homeowners focus entirely on the exterior look of their cabinetry and completely forget about what goes on inside.

But you aren't investing in gorgeous new cabinetry just to waste space, right?

Skipping smart storage solutions means you aren't making your cabinetry work for you. You do not want to see your massive empty boxes, pots, pans, and Tupperware end up in a chaotic pile in about two days.

Opting for clever inserts and organizers helps increase both your available storage space and your daily cooking efficiency. 
Plus, if you grabbed them in your initial cabinet order rather than adding them later, you will actually save yourself some extra cash. 

2. NEVER Design a Layout That Causes Accidental "Cabinet Collisions" 

Traffic flow is everything! Another common kitchen design mistake homeowners make is inadvertently causing cabinet collisions. So, if you're constantly bumping into things, or having to do a weird dance just to put away clean dishes, and two doors can't both open fully at the same time, then the layout has totally failed.

This is why we highly encourage you to take the extra time during the design phase to measure multiple times. It helps to literally visualize yourself opening every single cabinet and appliance door simultaneously. If you're ever unsure whether anything will bump into each other, then measure again!

3. NEVER Ignore the Kitchen Work Triangle

The three busiest spots in any kitchen are your sink, your stove, and your refrigerator. These three main zones form your classic "work triangle," which keeps your everyday cooking workflow smooth and efficient.

When we design a kitchen, these focal points should be relatively close to each other with completely unobstructed pathways in between them. An inefficient workflow just adds unnecessary stress to your daily routine. 

For extra guidance on designing a layout that flows naturally, you can always connect with us!

4. NEVER Choose Appliances Last

This is honestly one of the most common design blunders out there. Most folks assume that picking out appliances happens right at the very end of a kitchen renovation. But doing this can lead to a seriously costly mistake!

Whether you are completely revamping your layout or just shifting things around slightly, you really need to pick out your major appliances first. 

It is so much easier to choose your cabinetry and gorgeous countertops to fit snugly around your appliances than trying to do it the other way around.

5. NEVER Forget About Your Trash Can’s Location

Picture this: your brand-new kitchen is finally complete. It looks stunning, everything is sparkling, and then you suddenly realize you completely forgot to plan a spot for the trash can.

Now it's just sitting awkwardly out in the open!

Thinking about where the trash can would go is definitely not the most glamorous part of a kitchen remodel, but planning for it does save you from major headaches and weird kitchen odors down the road.

Consider integrating built-in storage with separate bins for your trash and recycling right near your prep zones. That way, everything stays super convenient while remaining completely tucked away out of sight.

Why choose Lily Ann Cabinets for your kitchen design? 

A designer’s eye helps you avoid costly blunders before they happen. We look at the big picture, from how you cook, how your family moves through the space, and how to maximize every single inch of storage. 

At Lily Ann Cabinets, we actually offer a fantastic free 3D design service where our award-winning experts use advanced modeling software to create a virtual layout of your exact space. 

We take your measurements and build it out before you spend a dime. That way, you know your new kitchen cabinets fit perfectly, and you won't be left with any nasty surprises on installation day.

For more great advice and kitchen design tips, you can check out our main blog! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bad kitchen design affect a home’s resale value?

Yes, it absolutely can! Poor design choices, like a cramped layout or a lack of smart storage, can be huge red flags for future buyers. Most buyers want a kitchen that looks great and functions perfectly right out of the gate. If they have to fix an awkward layout or replace cheap cabinets, they will definitely offer a lot less for your home.

Why is getting a professional designer's opinion so important for your kitchen?

A kitchen remodel is a massive investment. Getting a professional designer's opinion ensures you don't waste your hard-earned money on a layout that doesn't work or products that won't last. A designer helps you maximize your space, improve traffic flow, and create a 3D visual of the room so you can see exactly what you're buying before you spend any money.

What is the "Work Triangle" in a kitchen?

The work triangle is the invisible line connecting your sink, stove, and refrigerator. Keeping these three areas close to each other without any obstacles in between creates a super efficient workflow, making cooking and cleaning a breeze instead of a chore.