The kitchen is typically the heart of our living space. So many activities take place here – preparing food, eating, socializing. Hence we need this center stage of our home to be both functional as well as visually beautiful.

A) NOT ENOUGH COUNTER AND/OR STORAGE SPACE

One of the most common complaints when it comes to kitchen functionality is the lack of counter space. As you build your household, lots of appliances will be added over time, from coffee maker to toaster to the new Vitamix. All of these small and large gadgets usually find their permanent location on top of a kitchen counter. As a result, the actual horizontal surface area that is left for cooking and preparation activities is already reduced.

Here at Hub Space we always recommend to plan a maximum of counter space when designing your kitchen. Good ways to increase the surface area could be to add a kitchen island or a breakfast bar.

The same advise can also be given for actual cabinet space. Kitchens typically contain lots of stuff and you will be grateful for your foresight later on. Also try to minimize wasted space by finding special solutions for corners, for the space on top of the refrigerator etc. Simply installing extra-long upper cabinets or deeper drawers can add a lot of storage space.

B) COMPROMISED FUNCTIONALITY – THE FAMOUS “KITCHEN TRIANGLE”

Professional kitchen planners refer to the sink – stove – refrigerator as the “kitchen triangle”. This is usually the area of highest activity. In order to provide optimum access to all three main points, you need to carefully plan your kitchen. Ways should be unobstructed and not too far spaced apart, else food preparation could end up a tiresome task. Obviously your sink needs to be close to the plumbing. It is possible to relocate the plumbing if it is in a poor location, however this of course  involves additional cost. Sometimes though it will be worth the trouble as you will be much more satisfied later on when using your kitchen and when everything is in the right place.

C) OVERLY TRENDY COLORS OR STYLES

Yes you might love a bright cabinet color when you first see it in a brochure or catalogue. Keep in mind however, that you will typically use your kitchen for many many years and what is fashionable and “in” this year might look outdated after a short period of time. As per our experience here at Hub Space, we would always recommend to go for rather neutral shades and timeless materials. You can always add a splash of color by painting a wall in a popping color or by using bright kitchen accessories, all of which can be easily changed later on should you get bored of the color. Even if at a later stage you are trying to sell your home, white and nude colors or shades of grey are typically always favored by potential buyers; they might not share your taste and liking for a green kitchen.

D) INADEQUATE LIGHTING

Aside from general lights for overall illumination, in your kitchen you would need extra lighting above the main work areas, sink, stove as well as above the countertop areas that you most commonly use for cutting and food preparation. From a design perspective, adding some unique hanging lamps over a breakfast bar or dining table can further enhance the beauty of your kitchen.

E) FORGETTING ABOUT BACKSLASH AND VENTILATION

When budgeting for a new kitchen, the backslash oftentimes is left out to reduce costs. However, installing a backslash above the cook top is a smart idea. It is simply easier to clean any splattering from cooking, oil and grease and will help keep your kitchen in tip top condition for much longer.

Good ventilation fulfills a similar purpose – to keep your kitchen cleaner and the indoor air free of lingering odors.

F) “DO IT YOURSELF” PLANNING

We understand – most of us have a limited budget available for our kitchen project and hence in order to save money we try to take on the planning ourselves. In the case of kitchen design it can actually backfire. This is not an easy task and if not carried out properly you would actually waste more money and time. Professional designers have all the knowledge and insight as well as the technical background to ensure a successful and satisfying result and outcome.

* All Pictures are property of Delta Cocinas. Hub Space LLC is your authorized distributor of Delta kitchens in the UAE.