Kitchen planning is a stage that lays the foundations foundation of convenience for years to come. Mistakes made at the beginning later turn into daily discomfort: it’s inconvenient to cook, there’s nowhere to put dishes, there aren’t enough sockets, the cabinets are in the way.
This article is for those who want avoid the most common mistakes When planning a kitchen. We'll break it down point by point: from zoning to lighting and choosing hardware.
🧭 1. Ignoring the logic of the work triangle
Error: The stove, sink and refrigerator are located far from each other, at different ends of the kitchen.
What is the threat: the tedious running between zones, the scattered logistics of cooking, the fatigue even when preparing breakfast.
What is the correct way:
Organize your kitchen accordingly the principle of the work triangleThe distance between the points should be comfortable—not too far and not too close. Optimally, 1.2–2.7 m between each zone.
📐 2. Columnar layout
Error: The refrigerator, sink and stove are located close to each other in one line, without intermediate work areas.
What is the threat:
There's no space for chopping, storing, or preparing food. There's always nowhere to put a pot or cutting board.
What is the correct way:
Be sure to provide work surface The distance between the sink and the stove should be at least 60 cm. Ideally, 80–100 cm.
🔌 3. Lack of outlets
Error: The layout didn't take into account all the kitchen appliances. As a result, the multicooker and kettle share one outlet, and the toaster only works with an extension cord.
What is the threat:
Constant fussing with extension cords, extra wires in plain sight, and the risk of network overload.
What is the correct way:
— Make a list of all appliances, including small ones (coffee machine, mixer, grinder, blender).
— Install sockets with a reserve, preferably from USB.
— Don’t forget about electrical outlets in the bar area, on the apron and near the dining area.
🚰 4. Sink against a wall or in a corner with no access
Error: the sink is located close to the wall or in a hard-to-reach corner.
What is the threat:
It's inconvenient to wash dishes—there's no space on the right or left for drying and cleaning. Splashes fly onto the wall, and storage under the sink is difficult.
What is the correct way:
Position the sink so that there is a minimum of space on the sides. 40 cm of free spaceThe corner can be used, but with proper organization (trapezoid sink, corner cabinet).
💡 5. Poor lighting
Error: one ceiling chandelier for the entire kitchen.
What is the threat:
Shadows in the cooking area, not visible in the cabinets, gloomy atmosphere.
What is the correct way:
— Add functional lighting under the wall cabinets.
— Pay attention to the lighting inside cabinets and drawers.
— Pendant lights are suitable for an island or a bar counter.
— Use warm light (2700–3000K) to make the kitchen cozy.
🪑 6. Poor furniture ergonomics
Error: the work surface is too low or too high, it is inconvenient to open the cabinets, the doors interfere with each other.
What is the threat:
Constant bending, elbow bumps, fatigue while cooking.
What is the correct way:
— The height of the tabletop should correspond to the height: 85–90 cm for a height of 165–175 cm.
— Lower cabinets have pull-out drawers (not hinged ones)
— Corner areas — with roll-out systems.
— Wall cabinets — no higher than 50 cm from the countertop.
🧱 7. Forgot about ventilation
Error: The hood was not installed or a low-power one was chosen.
What is the threat:
Grease, odors, and moisture settle on furniture, ceilings, and walls. Cooking is unpleasant, especially in an open kitchen.
What is the correct way:
— Choose a hood with power from 500 m³/h and above.
— Take into account the kitchen's square footage when calculating.
— Be sure to vent the hood into a ventilation duct, and not just in recirculation mode.
🍽 8. Lack of a storage system
Error: The cabinets don't hold everything you need. Storage is in two rows, making it difficult to keep things tidy.
What is the threat:
Chaos, long time to find the right thing, constant visual noise.
What is the correct way:
- Use it up to the ceiling cabinets
— Add pull-out drawers, cargo, and soft-close systems
— Corners — with roll-out systems
— Store frequently used items at eye and hand level
🚪 9. Doors and passages are inconvenient
Error: The refrigerator opens the wrong way, the oven blocks the passage, the drawer touches the wall.
What is the threat:
Constant irritation, inability to open the equipment completely.
What is the correct way:
— Check it out. the opening trajectory of all facades
— Do not place the oven near a corner or passageway.
— Refrigerator door - rehang if necessary
— Minimum 100–120 cm of clearance between furniture
🧊 10. Equipment that is too big or too small
Error: a huge refrigerator in a small kitchen, a 5-burner cooktop - when cooking on one.
What is the threat:
Cluttered space or, conversely, lack of functionality.
What is the correct way:
Assess realistically:
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How many people are cooking?
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How often do you use your oven?
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Do you need a 60cm dishwasher if you have 2 people at home?
Choose technology to suit your lifestyle, and not for advertising.
🧩 11. Ignoring style and color scheme
Error: The kitchen is visually overloaded, with many dark and shiny surfaces and clashing colors.
What is the threat:
Visual fatigue, a feeling of chaos, the kitchen seems smaller.
What is the correct way:
— Light tones + 1–2 accents
— Matte facades are more practical than glossy ones
— Think of the apron and countertop as a single ensemble
- Use repeating elements (color of handles, floor texture, etc.)
🧠 How to avoid these mistakes? Helpful tips:
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Start with a plan - draw a kitchen with dimensions
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Make a list of techniques and habits
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Mark key areas - storage, cooking, washing
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Consider real habits — Do you cook every day or once a week?
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Consult with a designer or craftsman, especially if you are planning custom furniture
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Use online planners — IKEA, Leroy Merlin and others
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Don't chase fashion — choose what is most convenient for you
🏁 Let's sum it up
Kitchen planning is not a place to rush. Any little detail that seems insignificant now can become a daily issue later. annoyThat's why it's important to think everything through down to the smallest detail.
By following simple rules, you will create a kitchen:
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functional
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ergonomic
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aesthetically harmonious
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comfortable for years to come
And the mistakes that were avoided are already half the success of the repair.
