When it comes to remodeling a kitchen, most homeowners focus on aesthetics first.
They think countertops, cabinet colors, tile backsplashes. And while those details matter, the biggest regrets usually come from design decisions that affect how the space actually functions, not how it looks.
As builders that work on custom kitchen with interior designers and architects, who’ve remodeled kitchens across San Diego for over a decade, we’ve seen it all: layouts that look great on paper but don’t work in real life, lighting choices that cast shadows over prep areas, and storage solutions that look sleek but feel like a puzzle to use daily.
Here are the kitchen design mistakes we see most often and what to do instead if you want a space that works as good as it looks.
1. Ignoring the Flow of Daily Use
The “work triangle” (stove, sink, fridge) might sound like old news, but it’s still one of the most practical design tools for a functional kitchen. These three points should form a natural flow, not a marathon. Even with today’s open layouts and oversized islands, if you have to walk 12 feet every time you grab a pot or rinse vegetables, the kitchen will frustrate you more than it serves you.
But here’s where things get tricky: not every modern kitchen fits the textbook triangle. You might have a wall oven, a prep sink, or a secondary fridge. That’s where thoughtful planning matters more than rigid rules.
This is one of those moments where a seasoned kitchen remodel contractor can make a real difference. Designers think in terms of aesthetics and flow, which is critical, but contractors think in terms of function, installation, and real-life use. They’ll notice if your fridge door swings into a walkway, if your sink isn’t centered under a window, or if your range hood is impossible to vent because of a beam above. And they’ll help solve those issues before the cabinets are built.
2. Not Planning for Enough Lighting (or the Right Kind)
Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of kitchen design and one of the easiest places to go wrong.
Relying only on a central ceiling fixture or recessed cans leaves shadows in key work zones. We’ve seen beautifully renovated kitchens where homeowners later complain about not being able to see what they’re chopping at night.
Pro tip: Use a layered lighting approach: ambient, task, and accent. Add under-cabinet lights to illuminate counters. Pendant lights over the island aren’t just for show; they help define the space and brighten key prep areas. And dimmers? Always a good idea.
3. Over-Prioritizing Style Over Storage
We get it, open shelving and sleek minimalism are trending. But if you take out all your upper cabinets and don’t replace them with enough functional storage, where exactly are the mixing bowls, serving platters, and bulk pantry items going?
Designing a beautiful kitchen shouldn’t mean sacrificing everyday functionality. Think about how you use your kitchen. Are you a weekend baker? Add a deep drawer for mixing bowls and rolling pins. Hosting often? Plan space for serving ware and overflow pantry items.
Pro tip: Style and function can coexist but function should win when there’s a tradeoff.
4. Underestimating the Impact of Appliance Choices
A common kitchen design mistake we see is homeowners picking appliances last, treating them as plug-and-play features that can be squeezed into whatever layout exists. The truth? Your appliance choices affect everything from cabinet dimensions to ventilation requirements.
We’ve had to redesign entire cabinet runs because a client swapped to a wider fridge or opted for a commercial-style range mid-project.
Pro tip: Pick your appliances early and make sure your contractor and cabinetmaker have the specs. This avoids layout changes down the road and ensures everything fits, vents properly, and has enough clearance.
5. Neglecting Power and Electrical Planning
You’d be surprised how often kitchens end up with too few outlets or outlets placed in awkward spots. We’ve also seen appliance garages, wine fridges, or even microwave drawers installed without a dedicated circuit, which can trip breakers or cause code violations.
Avoid It: Talk through your electrical needs early. Will you be charging devices at the island? Want to tuck away a coffee station with its own outlet? Need USB ports? Small upgrades in planning can make a big difference later.
6. Going Too Trendy Without Thinking Long-Term
Design trends change, especially when it comes to kitchen designs. And while it’s tempting to jump on whatever’s hot right now (ultra-matte black finishes, waterfall counters, or bold patterned tile) remember that your kitchen will be with you for a while.
We’ve revisited kitchens five years later where homeowners regretted going all-in on a trend that quickly dated the space or made resale tougher.
Avoid It: Use trends as accents, not anchors. You can swap out a light fixture or repaint an accent wall. But if your entire kitchen is built around a trend, changing it later becomes a renovation in itself.
7. Skipping the Mock-Up Phase
This one’s subtle but huge. Visualizing your kitchen design is different from feeling it. We’ve walked homeowners through layouts on paper that made sense only for them to realize during framing that an island felt too tight or a window placement didn’t capture the view they expected.
Avoid It: Ask your contractor or designer to mock up key elements with tape on the floor or cardboard boxes. Physically walking the space gives you a better sense of scale and flow than a drawing ever can.
Final Thoughts: Think Like a Homeowner and a Builder
There are plenty of other small kitchen design mistakes we could list, but if there’s one principle to hold onto, it’s this: prioritize function over looks. That alone can guide better decisions throughout the planning process.
It’s easy to get swept up in the artistry of kitchen design, especially with social media constantly showcasing stunning spaces from around the world. But what you’re seeing is a tiny, curated fraction of reality. A few seconds of visual perfection don’t show the full story.
You’re going to spend hundreds, maybe thousands of hours in that kitchen. Cooking, cleaning, maintaining, fixing. So ask yourself: is this kitchen going to work for you… or are you going to work for it?
