Last updated on April 1st, 2022
Modular kitchens are way better than ordinary kitchens, without a doubt. But only when they’re planned right. After all, it’s not just the look and feel of the modular kitchen that you’re after, it’s also the convenience and the functionality that it brings with it.
But there are many oversights and design mistakes that end up making modular kitchens function way less optimally than they are supposed to.
Here are 11 of the most common ones, that we’ve put together in this blog. Hope you avoid making them!
1. An Obstructed Work Triangle
The most important design rule to follow, when you set out to plan a modular kitchen is to have a tight work triangle, which consists of the sink, the stove, and the refrigerator. This most-used trio in any kitchen needs unobstructed and easy access at all times. So, avoid islands, aisles, or door swings obstructing access to it in any way.
2. Inadequate Storage
Time to stop thinking of storage in the kitchen as a space for the bare essentials. Think of it as an important decluttering element in the kitchen. You don’t need every appliance that you use, sitting permanently on the countertop. Give everything a home, away from the eyes.
Invest in modern storage units that use every inch of available space, making reaching for things easy with the hardware they use. And don’t forget to put the corners and the space above the refrigerator to good use as well.
3. Delicate Countertops
A shiny countertop might look great, but may not be durable. It’s prudent then, to not get swayed by looks and install a heavy-duty countertop that is resistant to everyday use (and abuse!). Your best bets would be stone, black marble or granite.
4. Poor Lighting
A kitchen needs to have good lighting. Not just for design purposes, but also for safety reasons, since you’ll be handling extremely hot and sharp objects here, on a constant basis. Also, the better the lighting in your kitchen, the more stunning your modular kitchen looks!
5. A Forced Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands look stunning. But to be honest, they are more trouble than they are worth. You should think of installing one only if you have the luxury of a large kitchen. Trying to fit one into your limited kitchen area will only make the space look cluttered, leaving you no elbow room. Keep your kitchen spacious. Ditch the island.
6. No Backsplash
You’ve changed your kitchen to a luxurious-looking modular one but forgotten all about a backsplash. This is one of the most common design mistakes people make when designing their modular kitchen.
Backsplash or the area behind the stove becomes greasy and stained from the splatters that it is constantly exposed to and cleaning it can become difficult over time, leaving the wall behind your stove looking stained and unkempt. Invest in getting your backsplash done. You can choose from a wide range of materials like stainless steel, glass, granite, etc. all of which are easy to clean and hard to stain.
7. Insufficient Counter Space
The countertop is the most important space in a kitchen, considering that almost all activities that happen inside a kitchen require a horizontal working surface, not to mention all the appliances that need a space atop it. Plan this space well and design a kitchen that optimizes it. After all, a stunning modular kitchen that isn’t convenient to use, is hardly any use.
8. Poor Ventilation
Have you ever walked into someone’s home only to smell last night’s dinner still lingering in the air? Unpleasant, right? Especially, if the kitchen opens into the living area.
A well-planned kitchen has windows as well as a chimney to send all the cooking fumes and smoke out and keep the home odor-free. It might be a substantial investment but is critical nevertheless.
9. No Plan For Trash Management
If you’ve taken the trouble of building yourself a modular kitchen, you wouldn’t want to break the décor of the space with an ugly and mismatched trash bin, would you? Not to mention, the sights and smells of an overflowing garbage can! It is vital then, to incorporate a proper enclosed space in your kitchen for two separate trash bins to manage both wet and dry waste.
10. Being Trendy Instead Of Practical
A modular kitchen is a long-term investment and a considerable one at that. Trendy designs and high-end equipment may not always be a great idea, as trends are often short-lived. It’s important to not give in to impulses and choose practicality over what’s in vogue now.
11. Not Seeking Professional Help
There’s a lot to be gained from the suggestions and ideas of professionals who’ve designed hundreds of kitchens like yours. They can help you understand your needs and help chalk out a layout that suits your needs and fits within your budget. Planning it yourself and saving money in the process, might turn out to be more expensive than you think.
Have fun dreaming up and designing your home, folks!
