Leah Berenson

Leah Berenson

January 19, 2025

How to Fix These 3 Common Kitchen Design Errors

Accomplishing a good look for home decor takes a special eye. Pieces have to be cohesive with color palettes that match or accent, without creating too much of a contrast. Here are some common design errors and alternatives that should help create an aesthetically pleasing and energy efficient home, starting with kitchen design. 

Sizing and Designing the Refrigerator 

Two pictures of refrigerators with different placement options.
Image Credit: Redesign Daily

Firstly, the most common error that people make when it comes to kitchen design is the size of the refrigerator. It’s commonly measured to fit the depth of the cabinets or the counters. However, experts agree this only creates an open space for food, grime, and other debris to get stuck. 

Integrate for Aesthetic Kitchen Design

A refrigerator built in to match white cabinets.
Image Credit: Redesign Daily

Instead, kitchen design experts recommend a happy medium. An integrated panel fridge is recommended to ensure needs are met both functionally and aesthetically. 

Lighting Matters for Kitchen Design

Modern LED ceiling chandelier with on off control panel. Adjusting the brightness of the lighting in the room

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/modern-led-ceiling-chandelier-on-off-2037437231

Secondly, lighting in kitchen design makes a huge impact. For example, you want the lighting to be warm and inviting but not so dim that you can’t see when you’re preparing a meal. Needless to say, it’s a safety hazard while dealing with hot pans or chopping and dicing. As such, finding the right balance of lighting for kitchen design can be a challenge. 

Kitchen Design Experts Explain

A ceiling of a kitchen showcasing proper placement for lighting in kitchen design.
Image Credit: Redesign Daily

Fortunately, kitchen design experts at RedesignDaily have offered an explanation. Purportedly, if not obviously, the easiest way to control lighting is to have dimmers or motion activated sensors installed. Meanwhile, “overhead lighting should be positioned 24” above or away from overhead cabinets to prevent shadows” or sight impairment. 

Avoiding Dust

A kitchen with white cabinets.
Image Credit: Redesign Daily

Thirdly, another place for dust to gather is on top of cabinets. As such, kitchen design experts believe that if it’s in the budget you should splurge to fill the gap, ensuring cabinetry goes to the ceiling. In some cases, it may not be usable space but can serve as a hidden or bonus opportunity to add more kitchen decor. For instance, the space can be lined with family photos, souvenir vases, or other special objects. Alternatively, the space can be used to store excess food, cleaning supplies, and more. 

Next, Colors Matter for Kitchen Design

Green Empty wooden table with the bright white interior of the kitchen as a blurred background behind the bokeh golden sunshine
Source: Shutterstock

According to experts at Martha Stewart paint is “one of the most impactful decisions” regarding home and kitchen design. Most commonly, people select white trim for their home, no matter what color the room is. However, experts agree this is a mistake and a “missed opportunity.” 

Complementary Colors 

Furniture accessories. Colorful wooden floor for home renovation.
Source: Shutterstock

Instead, experts suggest choosing colors for the trim like baseboards that complement the color of the wall. “This will add a layer of sophistication and help the room feel more thoughtful,” explains Andrew Pharis, a renowned architect and interior design expert. 

Mixing Light Temperatures is a Common Kitchen Design Mistake

Christmas lights hanging from the trees. There are many different colored lights
Source: Shutterstock

Although lighting placement and dimmers help enhance the ambiance and create a more aesthetically pleasing and inviting environment, experts say that light temperature, or brightness, should match one another. If they don’t the combination can be jarring and unpleasant to look at, in some cases causing headaches or difficulty with depth perception. 

Light Fixtures are too low 

Four different types of light fixtures hanging from the ceiling. The fixtures are of different shapes and sizes, and they are all lit up. Scene is warm and inviting
Source: Shutterstock

Another common kitchen design flaw pertaining to the lighting is how low or high the fixtures are hung. They should be around 3 feet above countertops and seating areas, to avoid causing injury and to maintain unison. 

All One Set

Group of minimalist interiors with stylish furniture and decor near color walls
Source: Shutterstock

Another common kitchen design mistake, interestingly extends to other areas of the home. The mistake is people often play it safe by getting sets that are all the same. For instance, a couch set in the same color and fabric is boring and can make a room seem monotonous. However, buying a couch in one color with brightly colored chairs, loveseats, or a smaller couch is one way to add more fun and appeal to a room. Additionally, this fun and simple design tip can be used for towel sets and bedding, or throws. 

Too Much Space Throws Off Kitchen Design

Young woman near shelving unit with clothes and decor at home
Source: Shutterstock

Interestingly, a common design flaw for most rooms in the home is too much space. Although it’s slightly counterintuitive, the fact remains that a clutter free and minimalist space often yields the best results for focus, discipline, success, serenity, and a clear mind. Therefore, too much extra storage and empty space in the home creates a need to fill the space, adding more clutter and chaos to your home, life, and home or kitchen design plans. 

Kitchen Design Layout Flaws

Professional Spray Painter Holding Spray Gun Spraying Renovated Kitchen Over Design Drawing.
Source: Shutterstock

Modern kitchen design uses concepts like adding an island for more counter and storage space. However, experts say that optimal kitchen design takes into account the number of steps required to go through preparing a meal. As such, the layout should be convenient and cohesive, with a large open space out of the way for family and friends to gather, or offer assistance. 

Lastly, Home and Kitchen Design Should Prepare for the Future 

A businesswoman taps a start button for New Year 2025, sets goals, and develops strategies to achieve better results in the future.
Source: Shutterstock

The U.S. Department of HUD encourages buyers and builders to consider their current needs, and their future needs, according to HowStuffWorks For instance, some things to consider include whether or not stairs will work as you and your family ages. Perhaps, you plan to have more children and will need extra bedrooms. Or, your kitchen design might need to be adjusted to accommodate a larger kitchen table so everyone can sit together at dinner.