Kitchen design is an investment for 15–25 years
Yet many people decide without adequate preparation and make mistakes that are hard to fix later. Take a look at the most common ones and find out how to avoid them before production even begins.
1. Underestimated work triangle
The most common kitchen mistake is poor placement of three key elements – refrigerator, sink, and cooktop. The distances between them should be 120–270 cm so that movement in the kitchen is natural and efficient.
If the refrigerator is too far from the sink or the cooktop is too close to a corner, everyday cooking becomes unnecessarily exhausting.
2. Lack of work surface
Many people overestimate the visual effect of cabinets and underestimate work surface. A minimum of 80 cm of uninterrupted work space is absolutely essential – ideally 120 cm or more.
Especially next to the cooktop and sink, there must be sufficient space for laying out food, dishes, and kitchen utensils.
3. Unresolved storage spaces
A kitchen without adequate storage is a kitchen full of chaos. Use the full height of the room – cabinets up to the ceiling eliminate dust and maximize capacity.
- Corner cabinets with pull-out systems
- Drawers instead of lower cabinet doors
- Built-in organizers for cutlery and dishes
- Sliding shelves for spices and accessories
4. Poor lighting of the work surface
Kitchen light over the center of the room isn't enough. The work surface needs its own direct lighting – LED strips under upper cabinets are an elegant and functional solution.
5. Inappropriate material selection
A kitchen is a working space. Glossy white surfaces may look beautiful in photos, but they are extremely prone to fingerprints. Matte or semi-matte surfaces are more practical for everyday use.
Similarly, the work surface must withstand heat, moisture, and mechanical stress – not every material is suitable for kitchen operation.
6. Forgotten ergonomics
The standard kitchen countertop height of 85–90 cm may not suit everyone. If the main cook is significantly taller or shorter, adjust the height to their build – your back will thank you after decades.
7. Inadequate ventilation
A range hood is not just decoration. It must remove odors and moisture out of the apartment – not just filter them and send them back. Investment in a quality range hood with external exhaust pays off.
8. Designing a kitchen without considering the context of the entire space
A kitchen that doesn't visually match the living room or dining area disrupts the overall impression of the apartment. Materials, colors, and style must communicate with the surrounding space – especially in open layouts.
How to avoid these mistakes?
The best prevention is professional consultation before design even begins. An experienced interior studio will guide you through the entire process, alert you to potential problems, and suggest solutions that will work for decades.
At KADO we offer a free consultation, where we will discuss your space, needs, and budget – and design a kitchen you'll fall in love with.
The KADO team
Bespoke interiors & kitchens, Brno
