Design Buy Build Issue 42 2020 | Page 68

Kitchens Five Kitchen Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 4. Neglecting ventilation The kitchen is the place where your mornings begin and where time is spent in the evening alongside family and friends, but when it comes to a kitchen renovation, there are a number of mistakes that are often overlooked throughout the process. Here, the team at Optiplan Kitchens shares the five most common design mistakes and how to avoid them. 1. Miscalculating storage One of the first steps towards designing and maintaining a kitchen is by forward-planning your storage arrangement. Storage is always about achieving a balance, as by not using all the available space creates empty areas that could ruin the aesthetic, while an overwhelming number of shelves can give off the look of a cramped space. Prevent this happening by making use of every available place, but be clever about it. Utilise space underneath units or creatively within drawers. Another storage hack that you may not think of is installing cabinets above the fridge. The fact of the matter is that integrated storage plays a crucial role in preventing the unsightly last minute solutions like rarely used pots and pans from stacking up and getting in the way. 2. Lack of lighting One of the key elements not only in kitchen design, but also a basic of interior design for all rooms in the house, is good lighting. From setting the mood for dining areas to accentuating countertop areas, the choice of light makes a huge difference. Instead of placing harsh lighting everywhere, opt for warmer tones that create an ambient feeling and use dimmer switches for places where family and friends gather. For accent or task lighting in spaces used for cooking, we recommend cooler-toned bulbs for focal spotlights. 3. Going over budget This may be obvious, however, it is a common mistake on a lot of kitchen renovations. An easy way to avoid this is by creating an inventory list that includes both furniture and contents. Plan accordingly and allocate a space for every single thing, from spice jars to cutlery-separating drawers. Although the temptation to keep adding to the list can be big, a clear initial index will keep you on track and you won’t end up overcrowding your brand new kitchen. 68 Kitchen ventilation is one of those less glamorous aspects yet crucial it is not overlooked. Cooking delicious dishes can leave lingering smells throughout the home, effectively ruining the pleasant atmosphere. Invest in a proper ventilation system that is efficient at capturing impurities, circulates air and, overall, keeps your kitchen clean. Try not to go for inexpensive products that only recirculate the flow of air and use up lots of energy; there’s always a solution that keeps the noise levels and energy use to a minimum. 5. Not asking for help There’s no shame in getting some expert advice, especially when undertaking a massive project such as a kitchen renovation. Complicated wiring, plumbing or ventilation systems are not to be messed with unprofessionally. Plus, having a registered tradesperson to lend a helping hand can relieve the pressure of thinking about every single detail. Looking at the bigger picture, a smart investment at the beginning of the project can prove to be more cost- effective in comparison to an amateur take on such a complex task. For more information about Optiplan Kitchens, visit www.optiplankitchens.co.uk