11 WORST Kitchen Design Mistakes You're Probably Making (2024)

Considering the amount of time you spend preparing meals every day, your kitchen design scheme deserves to shine. But according to interior design pros, there are some major kitchen design mistakes you need to avoid at all costs, especially if you have a small layout. Whether you live alone or have an active family with children, follow these helpful pointers to find the right setup for your lifestyle.

From improper lighting and the wrong storage solutions to poor color choices and keeping your personal style under wraps, these thoughtful expert design tips will bring you one step closer to having the kitchen of your dreams. You might even be inspired to put a few kitchen trends to the test, too!

Don't copy what you see on Instagram and social media. Take field trips to stone yards and get a feel for the slab that calls your name. Stone yards offer a beautiful peek into Mother Nature's creations! Take photos and videos of your favorites. Visit a tile shop and look for tile that looks like it was made from an element in that slab. If you start coordinating materials in this way, soon you'll build a story around a design that speaks to your heart, and that's where the magic happens." — Lindsay Lucas, Lindsay Laine Interiors

"One of the most common pitfalls homeowners make is choosing the wrong materials for key surfaces like countertops, flooring and backsplashes. While it's tempting to select materials based on aesthetics alone, it's crucial to consider durability and ease of maintenance. For instance, natural stones like marble are undeniably beautiful but can be quite porous, leading to potential stains and requiring regular sealing to maintain their appearance. At Dwellify, we always advise clients to balance style with practicality, ensuring their kitchen not only looks stunning but also stands up to the daily demands of a busy household." — Alexa Larson, Dwellify

"Though some ceilings are taller than others, the standard ceiling height is 8'-0". Many homes are of a standard height, therefore when you have upper cabinets in a kitchen, it's best to not have a gap between the ceiling and the cabinetry. It drives me crazy, as it will just collect dust bunnies and other creatures up there. It's best to close off that gap with either a nice molding or flush filler." — Linda Hayslett, LH.Designs

"Avoid pendants that are too small for your island size. Nothing screams builder-grade more than light fixtures that are inappropriately sized. I'd always rather see two larger pendants instead of three smaller ones, if you're tight on space." — Jeanne Barber, Camden Grace Interiors

"I like a kitchen in a soft, singular color palette. Since the kitchen usually sees the most activity in a home, it will also likely see the most clutter. Think about kids homework on the kitchen table or island, art projects hung on the refrigerator, calendars, mail, magazines, purses and backpacks hanging on backs of chairs. A kitchen with a soft color palette will absorb these items better and won’t look so confusing and messy." — Tara Felice Engelberg, Tara Felice Interiors