When planning a kitchen remodel, choosing beautiful finishes is important, but getting the layout right is just as crucial. A poorly designed kitchen layout can make your space feel cramped and inefficient, no matter how stunning your finishes are. At Dari Design + Remodel, we help homeowners create kitchens that are not only stylish but also functional. Here are 10 common kitchen layout challenges and how we can help you avoid them:
A cramped kitchen makes it difficult to work, especially if multiple people are trying to use the space at once. If there’s not enough room between counters and appliances, things can quickly feel cluttered.
Solution: We recommend leaving at least 4 feet of space between counters to allow for easy movement and access to appliances. If you have a busy kitchen, we can suggest designs that allow for smoother traffic flow.
A kitchen that doesn’t work well for cooking, prepping, and cleaning can be a major frustration. Having everything spread out or in the wrong spot can make you run back and forth unnecessarily.
Solution: We take time to understand how you use your kitchen and design a layout that improves the flow. For example, we ensure your cooking area is close to your prep and cleaning areas to save you time and energy.
Overlooking the size of appliances can lead to issues like not being able to open doors or drawers properly, or appliances sticking out too far.
Solution: We measure all appliances carefully and plan your layout around them. This ensures that your kitchen stays tidy and efficient, with everything in its place.
Bad lighting can make it hard to work in your kitchen, especially when prepping or cooking. While pendant lights can be beautiful, they need to also be functional.
Solution: We ensure your kitchen has ample lighting over key areas like counters and sinks. We can recommend different types of lighting and placement to create a bright, welcoming space that also works for cooking and cleaning.
While a kitchen island can offer more storage and workspace, if your kitchen is small or the island is poorly placed, it can become more of a hindrance than a help.
Solution: We help determine whether an island will work in your kitchen or if a smaller, more efficient alternative is better. We make sure there’s enough room around the island for smooth traffic flow.
It’s easy to focus too much on aesthetics and forget that your kitchen should work efficiently for you. The placement of your fridge, sink, and stove is crucial.
Solution: We help you prioritize function by placing key elements like the sink, stove, and fridge in practical locations. This makes your kitchen more comfortable and easy to use.
Having enough counter space between your sink and stove is essential for prepping meals. Without it, your kitchen becomes less functional.
Solution: We plan your layout with plenty of counter space where you need it most, especially between the stove and sink, so you have room to prepare food comfortably.
Cabinet doors and drawers that swing open into walkways can create obstacles and make your kitchen feel cramped.
Solution: We think carefully about where cabinets and drawers are placed to avoid blocking doors and walkways. This ensures a smooth and efficient layout that allows for easy movement.
If you have a small kitchen, maximizing wall space can give you the storage you need without taking up extra floor space.
Solution: We recommend installing tall cabinets that reach up to the ceiling, or even adding open shelving for easy access to items you use often. This is a great way to keep your kitchen organized and functional.
Sometimes, the existing kitchen layout can be great—it’s just missing a few tweaks to make it work better.
Solution: We work with your current layout to improve functionality without the need for expensive changes. A simple addition like an open plan or a breakfast bar could be all you need to enhance your space.
At Dari Design + Remodel, we specialize in solving these common kitchen layout challenges. Whether you’re remodeling an existing kitchen or designing a new one, we can help you create a space that’s both beautiful and functional. Let us guide you through the design process to make your kitchen the heart of your home!