There are a lot of elements to consider when redesigning your new kitchen, but the over-riding factor is that it needs to be functional. So you might be surprised to know that many people get this wrong right from the start and end up with a kitchen that does not fit their lifestyle or their needs.

So to help you design the kitchen of your dreams and one that will enhance your lifestyle – here are 7 common kitchen design mistakes that you need to avoid:

1. Ignoring the triangle: This is a very basic mistake and is so easy to avoid. Without a doubt, the triangle between the stove, sink and refrigerator is the design element that you must get right. This is the busiest area of the kitchen and needs to be designed so that each side of the triangle is between 1.2m and 2.7m long with an overall total of 4.0m to 8.0m.
2. Not enough storage: Lack of storage is one of the biggest reasons for a kitchen makeover, so make sure you include enough storage in your new design. Consider the size and shapes of your appliances and your pots and pans and design your storage to accommodate all of the different shapes and sizes.
3. Not enough bench space: Consider how you currently use your bench top and how you want to use it in your new kitchen. Obviously, you need a bench top that is large enough for food preparation, but you might also think about extra space around the stove to place hot pans, a breakfast bar or maybe a permanent spot for a frequently used appliance or two.
4. Poor lighting: There is nothing worse than standing in your own shadow when you are preparing food or working at the sink. You will always regret not having a well-designed lighting plan in your new kitchen and if you don’t have this sorted at the beginning – you will be calling the electrician quick smart, because poor lighting is a real pain in the kitchen.
5. Too trendy: If you go for a design that is ultra-trendy, it will be really fabulous for a while – but will quickly become dated. That’s also the problem with an unusual and very personal design – so unless you have your heart stuck on a lime green kitchen with red trims, then it is best to go with the tried and true kitchen styles or at least a design that will stand the test of time.
6. Wrong Island: A kitchen with the island in the wrong position or an island that is too small for the space can be a disaster. It is important that your kitchen island does not obstruct the flow of traffic through the kitchen and it must not impede the kitchen triangle. You also don’t want it to be a dumping ground for everyone as they walk past, so adequate storage is a must.
7. Good ventilation: No-one likes last night’s dinner smells to hang around the house the next day, so adequate ventilation is important. Consider having a unit that vents externally, as the internal options simply recirculate smelly, greasy air rather than venting it safely outside.

For help designing your Perfect kitchen, contact us on 02 9822 4422, email us on sales@perfectkitchens.com.au. Or visit our kitchen showroom in Sydney