I’m an interiors expert & here’s the 7 things people regret most about their kitchens
WITH each of us spending almost three YEARS of our lives cooking, cleaning and eating in our kitchens, it’s important that we get it right.
Sadly, new research by Which? suggests there are seven key mistakes people make during the renovation process - and most aren’t quick fixes.
This includes a lack of storage, minimal worktop space and a severe shortage of plug sockets.
Luckily, interior designer Louise Fitoussi-Findlay has shared what to consider before, during and after your refurb to help you avoid these same common pitfalls.
And what to do if you’re working with what you’ve already got.
Slack on Storage
“You either have too much storage and fill it, or you don’t have enough.
“We encourage people to do an audit of what’s actually in their kitchen - what they actually have and what they intend to have in their kitchen.
“Also, think about how many people are in your family - how much food you’re going to need.”
And what does she suggest if you’ve ditched everything you can and are still lacking space?
“There’s lots of freestanding kitchen furniture options these days - freestanding islands, freestanding units.
“Even IKEA now have a lot of units on wheels that can be tucked away when they’re not wanted and brought out again.”
“But things like coffee machines or blenders - get quite diligent with putting these things away. Even though it can be a bit of a pain, it’s the first and foremost thing that can help you.
“Shelving is a really good idea. If you’ve got any extra space, it doesn't have to be deep for things like your oils, herbs, jugs and kitchen utensils.
Storage is the bane of everyone’s life. You either have too much storage and fill it, or you don’t have enough.
Louise Fitoussi-Findlay
“And a lot of people tend to put microwaves on the surfaces without really thinking that they can be integrated into wall cabinets - you just need to be able to have a plug in your cupboard.”
She also suggested buying a sink or hob cover, which can sometimes double or triple the space you’ve got.
These are available from various retailers, including Amazon, with prices starting at around £15.
Power cut
“So you’re always going to want at least two doubles that can be constantly occupied. And then probably at least two more doubles that are your move-around [ones].”
She also recommends placing them in the back of drawers or inside cupboards, which will make getting some of those bulky appliances like microwaves and blenders off your worktops.
“I would also say that you want to find nooks and crannies for them, where you are more likely to have your constant plugged-in items.
“Basically your toaster, your kettle, your coffee machine.”
Wrong positioning
Which? also suggested that a common complaint is putting your cabinets or appliances in the wrong place.
Maybe your cutlery drawer is miles from the sink, which makes it a pain when washing up.
So what does Louise suggest if your cabinets are already in place?
Think outside the box.
“It’s all about working out different ways that work. So, for example, I have all of my plates next to my dishwasher but in a drawer, not on a shelf or in a cupboard.
“And so just because you don’t have the ideal space to have it near the ideal place, it doesn’t mean you can’t try and find a workaround.
“Similarly cutlery doesn’t necessarily have to be in a cutlery drawer - it can be like they have it in restaurants, in big tubs for example.”
Quantity over Quality
According to Which?, people tend to scrimp on the materials used in their kitchen in a bid to keep costs down.
But then they end up having to fork out on another renovation just a few years later, due to excessive wear and tear.
So how can people save money but still use quality materials that will last?
“Obviously solid wood is going to be the most long-lasting option, and if you’ve got cabinets that have been painted, then they can be sanded down and repainted time and time again.
“I would put a lot of money on the fact that no one could really tell the difference between the back box from Magnet versus IKEA and Howden’s - it’s all the same stuff.
“And the things that get used most each day really are the doors.
Cupboards are great, but you generally only use the front 10 per cent. You don’t always see what’s behind it, so it gets cluttered and you think you have no storage.
Louise Fitoussi-Findlay
“So if you’re going to save in some places and spend money in others, I would generally split up your back boxes and doors.”
She also suggested getting soft-close hinges so your doors and drawers don’t slam shut, which may help keep them looking good as new.
Not enough cupboards & drawers
For this one, Louise again suggested doing an audit before designing your space.
But she also recommended not overlooking drawers as they can be a great alternative to cupboards.
“People think that just loads of cupboards are a great idea, but they don’t realise how useful drawers can be as well.
“Cupboards are great, but you generally only use the front 10 per cent.
“You don’t always see what’s behind it, so it generally gets cluttered and you forget what’s in there, so it gets filled up and you think you have no storage.”
Layout = Lay It Out
To accurately work out what you need, Louise recommends creating various mock-ups of possible layouts.
She likes doing this with small, to-scale, paper cut-outs of your appliances and cabinets, so you can fit them together like a puzzle.
“Just start with an empty slate. Don’t think about the plumbing, don’t think about where anything is currently.
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“It’s a good exercise just to get you thinking from the beginning again, and not being influenced by what may already be there.”
Lu is the founder of , a London-based interior design studio that offers full-service interior design and design sessions. We take spaces and ensure they become not just beautiful but also beautifully lived in.