6 most common mistakes when furnishing a kitchen

We usually start with the kitchen when renovating or fitting out a new build. The kitchen is the most important room in your home, so it is essential not to overlook it when you are furnishing a house or flat. You will also break free of stereotypes. There is plenty of room for mistakes, and we don’t want you to be left with nothing but regrets. So we have focused on the most serious mistakes people make when fitting out a kitchen.

1. Think about lighting

Do you think sunlight alone will be enough for your kitchen? You are wrong. It may be the most natural light, but you will also need lights to replace it, at night for example. Remember that sticking on LED strips, for instance, will light up your worktop. LED panels, on the other hand, are ideal for lighting the whole kitchen. Cooking in a well-lit kitchen is a much better experience.

2. Kitchen layout

When fitting out your kitchen, try to think logically, as this will also save you a lot of work. The best place to store food is near the worktop and the sink. The oven and hob should also be close by. Sometimes (and hopefully this is not your problem) a kitchen is designed with the cooker and oven right at the far end. I can’t imagine how anyone carries hot pans across it then…

As for cupboards, remember that if you put them too high, you will soon grow tired of pulling up a chair. So think about the right height when designing them. Don’t be afraid to test everything while the house is still a shell. The same applies to the worktop, which ideally should be at waist height or slightly below. Finally, don’t forget to decorate your kitchen units, for example with hydrangeas or herbs.

3. Utility lines

When planning, it is essential to take the overall layout of the utility lines into account.  For example, the gas supply should be very close to the hob. As for the electrical wiring, in this case the sockets must be accessible and the specific cables must lead directly to the appliances. For waste pipes and the water supply, precision is important. Also make sure they come out at the sink or by the dishwasher.

4. Flooring

Every kitchen should have a good-quality floor. So try to avoid lino, which is easily damaged by the touch of a sharp knife that you may drop from time to time. Classic tiles are best, but don’t forget to install suitable underfloor heating beneath them. The most suitable option to try, though, is vinyl. It is durable and easy to maintain.

5. Missing cooker hood

Some people think a cooker hood is overrated. But you will appreciate it especially when you can’t get rid of an unpleasant smell, and it can also remove dirt and greasy fumes. It makes the often unpleasant and lengthy cleaning easier and also works as effective prevention against mould. If your kitchen is open to the living room, a cooker hood will be especially useful.

Unsuitable materials

When fitting out a kitchen, don’t underestimate the materials used for the furniture, sink, worktop or walls. From a practical point of view, the best options are certainly artificial stone, stainless steel or exotic wood.

How to go about fitting out a kitchen

Fitting out a kitchen can be quite demanding, but with a little planning and effort you can create a functional and attractive space for cooking and spending time. Here are a few steps and tips to help you get started:

1. Set a budget: Before you start buying equipment and decorations, it is important to set a budget so that you don’t overstretch your finances. You can save on some things, but on others it doesn’t pay off. You replace wooden cupboards once every 25 years, so it is not worth cutting costs on them.
2. Choose a style and design: Consider which style you like and which will fit best into your home. Would you like a farmhouse-style kitchen? Find out what you need. You can opt for a modern, traditional or rustic design and choose a matching colour scheme and decorations.
3. Choose the equipment: Now it is time to choose the equipment, such as kitchen units, appliances, crockery and utensils. Think about what you will use most often and buy good-quality products that will last a long time.
4. Make a plan: Before you start installing equipment and decorations, make a plan of how you want to arrange the kitchen. Consider where the appliances, cupboards and other elements will go to create the most efficient space possible. Also be guided by your own habits. Everyone uses the kitchen a little differently. Some people cook more, some mostly reheat food and some use the kitchen only when absolutely necessary.
5. Install the equipment and decorations: Now you can start installing the equipment and decorations according to your plan. Don’t forget to follow the manufacturers’ instructions when installing appliances, and make sure everything is correctly positioned and securely fixed.
6. Finish the details: Once all the main elements are in place, you can turn to the smaller details, decorations and accessories such as hooks or a bread bin.

For furniture, remember to choose a matt finish that won’t show all kinds of marks and water drops.