• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Gplus
  • Home
    • Get Started
    • Our Story
    • FAQ
    • Meet the Team
      • Meet Travis
      • Meet Stacey
      • Meet Jeneane
      • Meet Taylor
      • Meet Heather
      • Meet David
    • Testimonials
    • Publications and Awards
  • Cabinets
    • Cabinet Options
      • Walker Woodworking
      • Dura Supreme
      • Cabinets by Cabico
      • Metropolitan Woodworks Cabinets
      • Fabuwood Cabinets
      • James Martin
    • Browse by Room
    • Cabinet Accessories
      • Decorative & Functional Components
      • Decorative Cabinet Hardware
  • Inside the Showroom
    • Award Winning Showroom
    • Design in a Day
    • Interior Designer
    • Randy McNeilly
    • Resources & Partners
      • Cabinetry
      • Countertops
      • Decorative Cabinet Hardware
      • Decorative & Storage Components
      • Kitchen and Bath
      • The Galley Dealer
      • Graber
      • Grouthouse Solid Wood Surfaces
      • Furniture and Home
      • Karran Sinks
      • Kessick Custom Wine Cellars
      • Lighting Resources
      • Nora Fleming
      • Spatial Solutions
      • Stikwood
      • Stoll Industries
      • Tile Resources
      • Vintage Vinyl
  • Our Process
    • 7 Step Process
    • Our Services
      • Kitchen and Bath Design
      • Millwork
      • Install FAQ
      • Interior Designer
  • Contact Us
    • Service Areas
  • Blog
  • Where to Start
  • Happenings
    • February Events
    • March Events
    • Event Gallery
    • Grand Opening Gala
    • Community
980-404-9600
Greenbrook Design Center
  • Home
    • Get Started
    • Our Story
    • FAQ
    • Meet the Team
      • Meet Travis
      • Meet Stacey
      • Meet Jeneane
      • Meet Taylor
      • Meet Heather
      • Meet David
    • Testimonials
    • Publications and Awards
  • Cabinets
    • Cabinet Options
      • Walker Woodworking
      • Dura Supreme
      • Cabinets by Cabico
      • Metropolitan Woodworks Cabinets
      • Fabuwood Cabinets
      • James Martin
    • Browse by Room
    • Cabinet Accessories
      • Decorative & Functional Components
      • Decorative Cabinet Hardware
  • Inside the Showroom
    • Award Winning Showroom
    • Design in a Day
    • Interior Designer
    • Randy McNeilly
    • Resources & Partners
      • Cabinetry
      • Countertops
      • Decorative Cabinet Hardware
      • Decorative & Storage Components
      • Kitchen and Bath
      • The Galley Dealer
      • Graber
      • Grouthouse Solid Wood Surfaces
      • Furniture and Home
      • Karran Sinks
      • Kessick Custom Wine Cellars
      • Lighting Resources
      • Nora Fleming
      • Spatial Solutions
      • Stikwood
      • Stoll Industries
      • Tile Resources
      • Vintage Vinyl
  • Our Process
    • 7 Step Process
    • Our Services
      • Kitchen and Bath Design
      • Millwork
      • Install FAQ
      • Interior Designer
  • Contact Us
    • Service Areas
  • Blog
  • Where to Start
  • Happenings
    • February Events
    • March Events
    • Event Gallery
    • Grand Opening Gala
    • Community
  • Search
  • Menu

Top 5 Kitchen Design Mistakes

Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Greenbrook Design, managing day to day operations, marketing, sourcing product and keeping the showroom beautifully designed. Stacey also does interior design & home styling for a select number of clients. Find out more about Stacey here.

The kitchen tends to be one of the busiest areas in the home and over the last year it has become more than just a place to cook food. It has transitioned into a multifunctional place where everyone gathers to do a myriad of tasks. With so much at stake, planning for a renovation requires sufficient thought and well thought out designs. Many designers caution against following the latest trends but there are a few additional design mistakes they encourage their clients to say no to as well. If you are considering a renovation or even a new construction project, here are our top five biggest kitchen design mistakes that look to be avoided.

Plan your kitchen layout

A kitchen layout is one of the most critical parts in planning a renovation or new construction, it dictates the flow and function of the entire space. There needs to be plenty of room to move around especially if there are a lot of people living there without tripping or stumbling into one another. It is also important to utilize the space you have to its fullest potential which means thinking through the area and finding the best layout ensures that your kitchen will be at it’s very best. Appliances, cabinets, and even the pantry placement are key factors when designing the initial layout. The purpose of the kitchen also plays a critical role in the design, take a moment to write down what you will be doing besides cooking.

  • Hosting large family gatherings
  • Additional seating area
  • Workstation for the kids after school

Layout means working through every possible scenario and planning a flow that will accommodate your lifestyle. Think of it as mapping out your day to day routine with your designer and letting them assist you in creating the best route.

Avoid the all white color scheme

White is a timeless color and is always in style, however, choosing to use it as the only color in your kitchen is not encouraged by designers. Some of the reasons they recommend avoiding an all white kitchen are:

  • Makes the space feel cold
  • Lacks visual interest
  • Difficult to keep clean

We don’t deny that white is a beautiful color and it represents simplicity and neutrality, not to mention it is so versatile. It is also bright plus blends with any number of styles and layouts. It is a key ingredient to many of the looks we love like farmhouse and traditional yet making it the sole star of your kitchen can leave it feeling lifeless and even sterile. Color adds warmth and texture to any space, especially the kitchen and provides elegant visual interests. We are not saying that you need to avoid it all together, in fact, white is a popular kitchen color when paired with other shades. It creates a stunning contrast with whatever it is matched with like dark woods, blues, and inviting grays. Choosing to utilize a bold or contrasting color for the kitchen island can help make a statement in your space and add warmth to the heart of the home. Backsplash and countertops are also great ways to bring color and contrast to the kitchen as well. Remember, white is good, but in moderation.

Ignoring the work triangle

The work triangle is a staple design element when creating the initial layout of a kitchen, it ensures that the refrigerator, range, and sink are all within easy reach of each other creating an imaginary triangle. Utilizing the work triangle limits the amount of movement you have to do to cook as well as people needing to get by which minimizes accidents. No matter the size of your kitchen, there is always room to incorporate the work triangle into your design. Some things to keep in mind when planning your triangle are:

  • Sufficient counter space
  • Don’t stretch the triangle too far
  • Never interrupts the flow of traffic

Think through the steps you take to get dinner on the table. Counter space plays a big role in that you need enough open areas to lay out the ingredients and freely move things around or spread out. The work triangle provides functionality to your kitchen and can even have smaller versions within such as baking zones. Extra prep sinks and clear traffic flow are helpful points to keep in mind as well. House Beautiful agrees that life is easier when you utilize the work triangle rule, find out what else they had to say in this article and how it can be blended with another helpful design element.

Lack of storage space

Storage is vital to creating a great kitchen space that is both functional and practical. It also brings a host of benefits to the kitchen including:

  • Keeping a clean look
  • Place to store dry ingredients
  • Adequate storage for larger items
  • Organization
  • Time saver

Incorporating good storage into your kitchen layout means there will be sufficient areas to place the many needful things that make up a kitchen. Plates, mixers, platters, baking sheets, utensils, coffee maker, large bowls, and more all need their own spot or things can quickly become cluttered and dysfunctional which leads to increased stress and morning chaos. Having a designated place for everything gives you the ability to keep everything in order and alleviates levels of stress. Also consider where you want certain items and plan accordingly such as breakable glassware should be kept out of reach of children. Kitchen islands and pantries are great ways to gain additional storage for a large array of things and still enable you to have a space that is aesthetically pleasing to everyone. If you don’t take the time to plan for proper storage it inevitably will cause problems and frustrations later for you and your family. Be sure to talk with your designer about the things that will need to be in your kitchen, even paper products and cleaning supplies so they can create the best layout for your heart of the home.

Accessories that are not practical

A renovation or new construction is an exciting thing and it is easy to get carried away when selecting the fun elements for the space such as lighting and hardware but it can also be the most costly. The kitchen is a functional area of the home meaning that the items should be more on the practical side. It does not mean that there cannot be some fun things incorporated into the design but if sticking to your budget is a high priority consider going with more functional choices when it comes to things such as:

  • Hardware
  • Lighting
  • Backsplash 
  • Appliances 

While hardware and lighting are meant to be a crowning part of the design, indeed the finishing touch, that does not mean they have to be the most expensive or elaborate. A dark matte pull or brass knob can do just as good a job as an intricately carved piece. The same principle goes for lighting, it does not have to be the biggest or extravagant lighting. This is better suited for areas such as the living room where you go to relax or entertain guests. We are not saying that you can’t, especially if your budget allows for it, but if you are looking for ways to stretch your renovation budget, this is a good category.

Bypassing kitchen design mistakes

You deserve the very best renovation for your kitchen and good planning will play a vital role in giving you a space that is perfectly suited to every member of your family. Visit our 5,000 square foot showroom and walk through our cabinet displays to get a feel for what we can do for your home. We are a short drive from Charlotte, Spartanburg, Tryon, Gastonia, and Greenville. Our experieced design team can help you design a kitchen you will love for years to come so connect with us to get started.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on Google+
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on Linkedin
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Did you enjoy this post?

If so, we invite you to sign up for our monthly newsletter for new post updates and featured projects from our designers.

Did I mention we only send these once a month?

Newsletter Sign-Up

Instagram

greenbrookdesign

Now offering virtual design meetings
Email 🖥 jan@greenbrookdesign.com for more info
Follow👉 @walkerwoodworking

Greenbrook Design
We enjoyed filming this and are excited to share t We enjoyed filming this and are excited to share the final results soon!
#greenbrookdesign 
#uptownshelby 
#electricfilms 
#filmday 
#smallbusinessowner 
#womeninbusinessrock 
#charlottesbackyardnc 
#showrooms 
#dreamteamhouse 
#filmedit 
#recordingsession
Are you frustrated because you can't find anything Are you frustrated because you can't find anything in your pantry? That is just one of the reasons we love including roll out drawers in our client's design. It makes it easy to locate everything and keep it organized too!
#greenbrookdesign
#rolloutdrawers
#kitchendrawers
#homeorganization
#pantrygoals
#kitchenproject
#storagesolution
#pantryorganization
#kitchenorganization
#kitchenideas
#kitchensofinstagram
#kitchenstorage
#storagesolutions
#paintedcabinets
WHY a Beverage station? A bar or beverage station WHY a Beverage station? 
A bar or beverage station should add functionality to your life and to the gatherings you host. It should also fit seamlessly into your home and complement the surrounding spaces.
Althought not quite finished, this beverage station will acheive all of the above! 
 
Metropolitan Cabinetry (offered at Greebrook Design) - 
Color- @sherwinwilliams  Inkwell
Cabinet Door Style - Frameless 
#greenbrookdesign
#builtins
#openshelving
#storagesolutions
#cltdesign
#installday
#kitchenandbathdesigner
#housegoals
#livingspaces
#instahomedecor
#redecorate
#luxurylivingroom
#homedecorinspo
#detailsmatter
#charlotteconstruction 
#sherwinwilliamspaints 
#sherwinwilliams
The bathroom is where you start and finish your da The bathroom is where you start and finish your day which is why the design matters.
#greenbrookdesign
#masterbathroomvanity
#soakertub
#bathroomdesignideas
#freestandingbath
#bathroominspiration
#bathroomstyle
#dreambathroom
#bathroomsofinsta
#newbathroom
#cltdesign
#charlotteinteriordesign
A designer's job is sometimes part interior expert A designer's job is sometimes part interior expert and part mediator as they seek to often help couples find a happy medium between each oftheir styles & expectations.
Heather does a wonderful job doing just this, blending ideas and designs along with function & aesthetics, resulting in happy clients.
#greenbrookdesign 
#meettheteammonday 
#kitchenandbathdesigner
We love our @norafleming display! #greenbrookdesig We love our @norafleming display!
#greenbrookdesign 
#cltdesign 
#norafleming 
#personalizeyourlife 
#hostingtips 
#partydesigner 
#colorfulhome 
#interiordesignideas 
#makehomeyours
What usually starts as an idea on a napkin, turns What usually starts as an idea on a napkin, turns into framing and walls, to a complete home renovation. Take a look into this stunning kitchen transformation by Walker Woodworking and Buchanan Construction. Swipe to see the final result.
#greenbrookdesign
#newhomerenovation
#charlotteconstruction
#kitchenrenovation
#paintedcabinets
#kitchengoals
#kitchensofinsta
#kitchendeisgnideas
#personalizeyourspace
#kitchenproject
#kitchenisland
#moderninterior
#contemporaryhome
Sometimes you need a little bold color in your lif Sometimes you need a little bold color in your life.
#greenbrookdesign
#boldcolors
#whatstrending
#bathroommakeover
#masterbathroom
#bathroominspiration
#colorfulhome
#societyofdesign
#dailydecordetail
#bathroomdesignideas
#bathroomvanity
#bathroomtiles
#tilestyle
Getting close to the END RESULT! Installation of Getting close to the END RESULT! 
Installation of semi-custom cabinets offered at Greenbrook Design, @cabicocabinetry , can be an alternative to custom cabinets. The clients got exactly what they needed in their new kitchen, and within their budget! 
#greenbrookdesign
#hellocabico
#whitekitchendesign
#kitchenrenovation
#installday
#cabico
#cabinetdesign
#kitchencountertops
#livingspaces
#kitchenrenovations
#kitchentransformation
#kitchenisland
#newkitchen
New tablescape in the showroom! #greenbrookdesign New tablescape in the showroom!
#greenbrookdesign 
#cltdesign 
#tablescapestyling 
#placesetting 
#tablescapes 
#showrooms 
#tablestyling 
#diningroomdesign 
#golddesign 
#tablescapetuesday 
#tablescaping 
#designanddecor
Each of our designs are rich in expression because Each of our designs are rich in expression because our design team takes the time to listen to our clients and learn their specific needs and what is important to them.
#greenbrookdesign
#homefabulous
#beautifuldecorstyles
#thedelightofdecor
#webelieveinhome
#interiordesign
#homebeautiful
#southernliving
#charlotteinteriordesign 
#closetdesigner 
#organizedcloset 
#walkincloset 
#masterclosetgoals
Who wore it best? Which white bathroom vanity woul Who wore it best? Which white bathroom vanity would you prefer?
#greenbrookdesign
#masterbathroom
#bathroomdesignideas
#bathroommakeover
#kitchenandbathdesign
#bathdesign
#bathroomvanity
#detailsmatter
#cabinethardware
#bathroomlighting
#dreambathroom
#bathroominspiration
#cltdesign
#newbathroom
#tileinspiration
Working together to set the industry standard in c Working together to set the industry standard in cabinetry. 

Nat Blanton, lead finisher, at Walker Woodworking is informing our Greenbrook Design team about Rubio finish, a finish product used in many of our custom cabinet projects.

Meetings are essential in any business and we think doughnuts are too! 
Contact us if you have a project to discuss. 
#greenbrookdesign
#staffmeetings
#designeducation
#alwayslearning
#buildingtheteam
#bestcustomerservice
#maketimefordesign
Meet the team Monday! #greenbrookdesign #meetthet Meet the team Monday!
#greenbrookdesign 
#meettheteammonday 
#dreamteam
From flash to flash, we love photo shoot day and o From flash to flash, we love photo shoot day and our amazing photographer @electricfilmsnc 
#greenbrookdesign 
#cltdesign 
#photographylifestyle 
#kitchenphotography 
#photoshootday 
#kitchenphoto 
#kitchenremodel 
#charlotteinteriordesign
Another install with Metroplitan was completed. #g Another install with Metroplitan was completed.
#greenbrookdesign
#installday
#cabinetdesign
#kitchenandbathdesign
#cltdesign
#design
#build
#kitchenrenovation
#kitchenreno
#homefabulous
This throwback kitchen is from 2009, when the onla This throwback kitchen is from 2009, when the onlays and French Country were trending, still this kitchen is beautiful.
Fun Fact: The island inspiration this came from is still in our showroom today. 
#greenbrookdesign 
#throwbackthursday 
#frenchcountryhome 
#kitchendesigner
Are you looking to redesign your home with a uniqu Are you looking to redesign your home with a unique design flair that reflects you? Our talented design team can help you with that.
#greenbrookdesign 
#ashevilleinteriordesign 
#personalizeyourspace 
#lesshousemorehome 
#charlotteinteriordesign 
#newyearnewhome 
#homerenovationideas 
#mountainhomestyle
Gray backsplash is a classic look! #greenbrookdes Gray backsplash is a classic look! 
#greenbrookdesign 
#cltdesign 
#kitchenbacksplash 
#tilestyle 
#kitchendesigner 
#kitchenlighting 
#tileinspiration 
#kitchendesignideas 
#lightingideas 
#personalizeyourlife 
#lightinginspiration 
#tilelove 
#kitchensofinstagram
Design is a worth while investment that provides y Design is a worth while investment that provides your family with a space that is exactly what they need. 
#greenbrookdesign 
#kitchenrenovation
#twotonedkitchen 
#bluekitchendesign 
#kitchenandbathdesigner 
#design 
#build 
#install 
#cltdesign 
#openconcepthome 
#openconceptdesign 
#tileinspiraton 
#kitchencabinetsideas
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Visit Us in Uptown Shelby

Showroom Hours

  • Monday 9 to 5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 to 5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 to 5 pm
  • Thursday 9 to 5 pm
  • Friday 10 to 4 pm (First Friday’s extended hours 5 to 7 pm)
  • Saturday 10 to 2 pm

Make an appointment today for a design meeting!

112-1 N. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC
980-404-9600

 

GBD Logo

Visit Us in Historic Shelby

112 N. Lafayette St., Shelby, NC
980-404-9600

Dealer for

Walker Woodworking

 

Showroom

Call & schedule a showroom tour!
980-404-9600

Newsletter Signup

Greenbrook Design - powered by Enfold WordPress Theme
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Gplus
Top 5 New Items in Kitchen and Bath Top 5 Countertop Questions
Scroll to top