Common IKEA Kitchen Design mistakes you are making

Beginning your IKEA kitchen renovation can be full of bewildering choices and head scratching unknowns. This minefield is full of common kitchen design mistakes that must be avoided. Most of these mistakes seem like common sense and straightforward, however, there are a few that will make or break your final kitchen design.

I have been there. It’s easy to get excided about cabinet door choices, new appliances, and shiny countertops. Even just seeing a kitchen design come together can often lead to over-addition and squeezing as much into the space as possible. However, there are several factors that should be considered to prevent this from happening to you.

We have discussed designing a successful kitchen layout in the past, and the need to develop “the working triangle” for the most functional kitchen possible. Creating a functional kitchen design can be broken down into three categories- flow/circulation, workspace, and headroom. Cumulatively, they all contribute to proper functionality. In addition to function, adhering to a few simple guidelines can also make the overall kitchen design more aesthetically pleasing.

IKEA Kitchen Design mistakes

Flow and Circulation in Kitchen design

Your kitchen must be functional, however this should not come at the cost of proper circulation within the kitchen. Further, the flow in and out of the kitchen should also be considered during the designing stages. It is important to consider the basic cabinet layout, as well as how movement can be interrupted when cabinet doors or appliance doors are opened.

For example, a standard oven door or dishwasher door requires ~24″ of space when open. These appliances should be placed with enough clearance to allow for movement on all sides in a completed kitchen design.

Designing your kitchen with adequate workspace

Have you ever wondered why that sink is shoved off in a corner? Or the range is placed right next to a wall or tall cabinet?

This is why we often start every kitchen design with sink placement. This is one of the points of the working triangle in a functional kitchen. It is often the most difficult and costly aspect of a kitchen to relocate during a renovation. The fridge and the range will make up the remaining two points. This is referred to as the ‘working triangle’ because this layout allows for the greatest functionality when working in the kitchen. However, an important aspect that needs to be considered is the countertop space around these work areas.

Unfortunately, not every kitchen allows for a perfect working triangle. This is where determining how the kitchen will be used becomes essential in a great design. Even a galley kitchen is capable of having a fully functional working triangle- it just takes a little more creativity.

Working clearances

Headroom, and I don’t mean ceiling height

The clearance between the countertop and the wall cabinets is one of the most important aspects of kitchen design. In our kitchen design studio, we aim for an absolute minimum of 18″ of space, because anything less is simply not going to be functional.

There are also a few important places within your design where extra clearance between the countertop and wall cabinets is needed. You never want a full height wall cabinet above the sink (assuming the sink is not underneath a window). From a design standpoint, a solid row of the same cabinet heights also makes for a monotonous design. From a functional point of view, this cabinet will immediately become a head knocker and stress inducer every time the dishes need to be done. Elevating the wall cabinet above the sink will not only make for a better design, but a far more functional one as well.

What’s that beside the range?

Hopefully not a tall cabinet or a fridge/pantry gable! This ties back into creating adequate working space. You are asking for trouble by placing a full height cabinet or gable/end panel directly beside the range. First, this will become a magnet for grease and food splatters that are guaranteed during cooking. Second, it can actually be a fire hazard. Depending on the range or burner temperature, the heat generated is capable of causing peeling or even outright burning the flanking cabinet/panel.

Design your kitchen with appliances

As part of our design package questionnaire, you are asked to provide the details of your appliances. This is for good reason. Appliance selection can make or break a good kitchen design.

For example, narrow walkways or galley kitchens are often in need of counter-depth refrigerators. The depth of these are typically 6-8″ less than a full depth refrigerator. This may not seem like much in the large isles of the appliance store, however that 6″ can be crucial in your kitchen.

There are many other options when it comes to appliances. Should the microwave be above the range to save space, built-in, or hidden within the pantry? Does a cooktop with separate wall oven make more sense than a traditional range? Even the type of sink should be considered during the early stages of kitchen design.

The island

This isn’t so much a kitchen design mistake. However, I feel like someone needs to tell you- Not every kitchen requires an island.

Watch almost any home renovation show and the entire kitchen design revolves around a gigantic island. “We must have an island”! Unfortunately, the real world isn’t so cut and dry, and many spaces just aren’t conducive to including an island in the kitchen design.

Instead, look for alternative measures to create extra countertop space without reducing the flow of your kitchen. These can include breakfast bars, peninsula’s, or walk-in pantries. It might surprise you how some creative thinking can find all sorts of possibilities within the footprint of your home.

Can a professional kitchen design really help?

That all depends on your openness to accept alternative ideas. Speaking from experience, I know what it is like to design kitchens from the ground up. I also know what it is like to install them which can come with its own set of challenges. Even still I love speaking with other kitchen designers. A second set of eyes or fresh ideas is sometimes all it takes to transform a kitchen from good to exceptional.

A kitchen renovation is likely to be one of, if not the most expensive renovation within your home. The cost of a professional design in the early stages will often save you far more money throughout the entire process, compared to going at it alone. As much as I love IKEA’s kitchen system, their Home Planner is absurdly buggy often leaving people stressed and dumbfounded as to why simple tasks seem impossible to complete.

This is why working with Homestud Studios is a far better solution. We take care of some of the stress, by providing you everything from the 3D design to the final entry into IKEA’s Home Planner. Heck, we even include an extra items list with every necessary item to complete your kitchen installation.

You don’t need to go through the most stressful renovation alone, we are here to help!