The 6 Biggest Kitchen & Bathroom Design Mistakes

We do a lot of high-end, state-of-the-art kitchen and bathroom design, for these are the most used spaces in our homes (during waking hours, that is). And usually, these rooms command large budgets because they require costly materials and appliances. That means mistakes are expensive, so our plans are painstaking and comprehensive to circumvent surprises. Plus, hindsight is 20/20; when we revamp or renovate these spaces, we learn what didn’t work out well in the past. So when Insider.com asked us what mistakes to avoid when designing kitchens and bathrooms, we had so much to say we knew it was worth covering here.

Kitchen Mistake 1: Having An Inefficient Layout

We’ve seen kitchens where the dishwasher is in an island behind the sink, making it impossible to load easily and efficiently. Or the ovens are behind the sink, creating the same issue. A strategic layout is critical to the functionality and visual appeal of a kitchen. The placement of appliances and cabinets must suit the way you prep, cook and clean. It takes a lot of soul-searching and good organizational skills to figure out a kitchen layout, especially if it’s for someone who entertains a lot. We often call in kitchen experts for help, especially since it’s extremely costly to reconfigure a kitchen’s layout.

Kitchen Mistake 2: Choosing The Wrong Cabinets

Cabinets are almost always the most expensive item in a kitchen, and must be durable, versatile, aesthetically pleasing to their owner and easy to maintain. Ironically, since we specialize in luxury interior design, price point isn’t always the ultimate indicator of quality and durability. We vet every source we use to ensure cabinets are well-made, well-warranted and use materials that won’t compromise homeowners’ health. For instance, wood cabinets should be solid construction at least a half-inch thick with mortise-and-tenon joinery, well finished surfaces (no imperfections such as wood knots or bad sanding), adjustable shelves, proper shelf and panel routing and nontoxic paints and finishes. The more multipurpose and adaptable, the better as needs change. For instance, we often make sure front cabinet covers are easy to change out as a homeowner’s tastes change.

Kitchen Mistake 3: Choosing The Wrong Countertops

People love gorgeous stones, especially marble. But marble is hard to clean and maintain while granite is much more durable and impervious to harsh chemicals. Yet both are highly heat-and scratch-resistant. Stainless steel shows watermarks, which can drive some people crazy. And limestone and travertine can develop etch marks from acids and bases in cleaning products and food. It’s important to know what homeowners’ needs, habits and proclivities are before choosing a countertop. Some may love a specific material so much that etch marks may not bother them—or not!

Bathroom Mistake 1: Ignoring Universal Design

Slippery tiles, low toilets, high tubs and more can be lethal to household members of every age but especially the young, the elderly or guests who may not be cautious because they aren’t familiar with the space and its quirks. A bathroom’s long-term safety and sustainability is important because needs change as homeowners age. Slip-proof tiles, toilets at the right height, pull bars, strong (not just adequate) lighting and more are critical to consider from the start and integrate into a bathroom’s design.

Bathroom Mistake 1: Ignoring Universal Design

Slippery tiles, low toilets, high tubs and more can be lethal to household members of every age but especially the young, the elderly or guests who may not be cautious because they aren’t familiar with the space and its quirks. A bathroom’s long-term safety and sustainability is important because needs change as homeowners age. Slip-proof tiles, toilets at the right height, pull bars, strong (not just adequate) lighting and more are critical to consider from the start and integrate into a bathroom’s design.