Top 5 Kitchen Design Regrets (and how to avoid them)
Designing a kitchen is an exciting and daunting task with so many details to consider. It's where functionality meets aesthetics, and the choices you make can significantly impact your daily life for years to come (no pressure!)
At Archetype Kitchens, we've had the privilege of working with many clients with diverse requirements, and we often hear them share their insights and wishes about their home renovation or building experience after the fact. To help you make the most of your kitchen renovation or design project, we've compiled the top 5 things clients wish they had done differently during their renovation or home build project:
(Our Landsdowne project featuring Satin Magnolia Polymer and Natural White Oak veneer cabinets with a practical butler’s pantry hidden behind the fridge wall and full height uppers for maximum storage).
Plan for Ample Storage:
One of the most common regrets we hear is not planning for enough storage space and investing in functional organization accessories. Consider your current and future storage needs and set aside the appropriate budget to invest in space saving solutions like extra pull-out drawers in base cabinets, pantry organizers, and full height upper cabinets. According to the research for Kitchen and Cooking Intelligence, 40% of homeowners regret not investing more in their kitchen renovation.
Choose the Right Lighting:
Adequate and well-placed lighting is crucial in a kitchen. Clients often wish they had given more thought to lighting fixtures, including under-cabinet lighting, pendant lights, and task lighting to create a well-lit and inviting space. We offer integrated LED lighting inside and underneath all of our cabinets and floating shelves if desired as well as inside drawers. Integrated lighting is much more costly and difficult to incorporate into your kitchen after the fact so we recommend planning ahead and building this into your cabinet design at the time of original order if possible.
Prioritize a Functional Layout:
The kitchen's layout should prioritize functionality above all else. Homeowners often regret not consulting with a professional designer to optimize the flow and efficiency of their kitchen. Your designer will take into account the type of cooking and/or baking you like to do, the special accessories and appliances you use most often, and the proximity of your kitchens different “hot spots” so you and whoever else is using your kitchen aren’t tripping over each other!
Select Durable Materials:
The kitchen is a high-traffic area, so choose materials that are high quality enough to withstand normal wear and tear for many years. According to the New York Post, Americans each spend an average of 400 hours per year in their kitchens. Homeowners often wish they had selected more durable surfaces for their cabinets, countertops and flooring and went with a manufacturer who stands behind the quality of their products with a great warranty.
Budget Wisely:
Finally, some clients wish they had created a more realistic budget from the beginning and better prioritized their spending. Careful budgeting at the beginning of your project can help you avoid overspending on the wrong things and ensure you get the best value for your investment right from the start. For example, you wouldn’t want to wildly overspend on one appliance and not leave enough in your budget for quality cabinets or countertop!
At Archetype, we understand the importance of these considerations in creating a kitchen that truly reflects your needs and desires at a price that works for your budget. Our team of experienced designers with backgrounds in Interior Design, custom woodworking and kitchen cabinetry work closely with you to ensure that your kitchen design is a reflection of your lifestyle and meets all of your current and future requirements. Designing your kitchen is an exhilarating process, but it's essential to make informed decisions along the way with the help of a professional.
By considering these common kitchen design regrets before you start, you can embark on your kitchen design project with confidence, knowing that your dream kitchen will become a reality. Get in touch with our team today to get started!
(Our WindsorHaus kitchen with a drop down breakfast table in Brushed Ash veneer with Durango glazed finish and Satin Magnolia Polymer paneled in appliances).
