The Biggest Kitchen Planning Mistakes Kitchen Specialists See All The Time (and How to Avoid Them)

Planning a new kitchen is an exciting stage in any home improvement journey—but it’s also one of the most complex. From kitchen layout and lighting to cabinetry and clever storage, there’s far more to consider than simply picking your favourite colours, and without careful planning its easy to fall into the trap of common kitchen mistakes. At My Kitchen Specialist, our partners work with outstanding brands such as Nobilia, Alku, JJO, Ballerina, Bauformat, Brigitte and Ashley Ann, and through years of hands-on experience, we have seen and understand what works—and more importantly, what doesn’t. 

This guide highlights the most common kitchen planning mistakes and offers expert advice to help you avoid them. Whether you’re at the start of your renovation or midway through making decisions, our advice will help you avoid costly setbacks, design flaws, and overlooked essentials. 

1. Underestimating the True Cost of a New Kitchen 

Let’s start with one of the most common kitchen planning mistakes: budgeting. Many homeowners approach a kitchen renovation without fully understanding the potential costs involved. It’s not just the furniture that adds up—think appliances, lighting, installation, plumbing, flooring, tiling, worktops, and sometimes even structural work. 

The cost of a new kitchen can vary widely depending on size, layout, and the quality of materials chosen. On average, expect to pay anywhere between £10,000 and £35,000+. For a high-end kitchen from a reputable brand such as Ballerina or Bauformat, you’ll likely be looking toward the upper end of that range, but you’re paying for superior engineering, attention to detail, and long-term durability. 

Top tip: Always factor in at least 10–15% contingency for unexpected costs. For example, you might discover outdated electrics or substandard plasterwork once work begins. Talk openly with your kitchen designer and ask for a detailed cost breakdown that includes every element of your project, not just the cabinetry. 

2. Ignoring the Importance of Layout and Flow

One of the most critical elements of kitchen design is the layout. Yet, time and again, we see beautiful kitchens let down by awkward or impractical configurations. It’s not enough for a kitchen to look good—it has to function well too. 

Experienced kitchen designers will help avoid kitchen mistakes by guiding customers away from outdated layout concepts like the rigid ‘kitchen triangle’ and instead recommend a zoned kitchen layout. This approach reflects how people cook and live today, with dedicated zones for prep, cooking, washing, and storage. 

Take Nobilia kitchens as an example. Their modular systems allow incredible flexibility when designing zones tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you’re a passionate cook, a busy parent, or someone who entertains regularly, zoning ensures your kitchen supports the way you live. 

Avoid this common kitchen mistake by: Working with an experienced kitchen designer who can analyse how you use your space and suggest the best layout for your needs. Be open about what isn’t working in your current kitchen. 

3. Skimping on Kitchen Storage

Storage is one of the most overlooked aspects of kitchen planning—until the kitchen is installed, and it’s too late. A common kitchen mistake is that many homeowners focus on visual appeal and forget to plan proper storage for food, utensils, cookware, small appliances, and cleaning materials. 

Choosing furniture from manufacturers like Brigitte or Ashley Ann means you’ll have access to smart internal storage features such as pull-out larders, deep pan drawers, corner solutions, integrated bin systems, and adjustable shelving. 

Practical example: The Ashley Ann Orkney collection includes deep, wide drawers ideal for storing plates and bowls, freeing up wall cupboard space for other essentials. 

Top advice: Take a full inventory of what you currently store in your kitchen—and what you struggle to find space for. This makes it easier to plan in practical storage that doesn’t interrupt your kitchen’s aesthetic. 

4. Choosing Style Over Substance

It’s easy to be swayed by magazine images from Instagram or Pinterest boards. But style alone won’t help if your kitchen doesn’t stand up to everyday use. We often meet homeowners who regret choosing high-gloss finishes that show every fingerprint, or trendy colours that date quickly. 

Brands like JJO and Alku offer a smart balance between timeless design and hard-wearing finishes. Alku’s textured matt surfaces are particularly popular for their tactile, contemporary look that resists marks and daily wear, making them ideal for family homes. 

Avoid this kitchen mistake by: Think long term. Will you still like that ultra-trendy shade in five years? Is it easy to clean? Will it age well with your home? Choose kitchen finishes that are both beautiful and functional. 

5. Overlooking Lighting Design

Kitchen lighting is one of the most underestimated aspects of kitchen planning, yet it can make or break your final design. A single ceiling pendant won’t cut it—especially in kitchens with multiple functions such as dining, working, or entertaining. Instead, we recommend a layered lighting approach: 

• Ambient lighting for general illumination 
• Task lighting under cabinets or above islands for focused work 
• Accent lighting to create mood and depth 

Brands like Bauformat integrate LED lighting within cabinetry and shelving, offering clean lines and clever solutions without cluttering your space with fittings. 

Kitchen lighting mistake to avoid: Don’t rely only on daylight or downlights. Ask your designer about lighting schemes early in the planning stage, and not as an afterthought. 

6. Forgetting the Finer Details

It’s not always the big things that let a kitchen down—it’s the little details that matter too. Poorly placed sockets, not enough power points, clunky bin placement, or a dishwasher that opens into a walkway are common kitchen mistakes that cause daily frustration. 

Real example: We’ve seen beautifully styled kitchens that didn’t allow enough space for the fridge door to open properly due to an adjacent wall—an expensive and annoying oversight. 

Advice from our designers: Mark out your new kitchen in masking tape before installation begins. Walk through the space and act out your daily routine. It’s a simple trick that helps spot potential clashes or ergonomic issues early. 

7. Not Visiting a Kitchen Showroom

The rise of online research means many customers arrive with a strong vision. But nothing compares to seeing products in person. Texture, finish, weight, hinge action, lighting quality—these are details that make all the difference, and they’re impossible to judge online. 

At My Kitchen Specialist, we represent trusted names like Ballerina and Brigitte, both known for quality German engineering. Visiting a trusted local kitchen showroom gives you the chance to compare cabinetry, test mechanisms, and talk to knowledgeable designers who can guide you through pricing, layouts, and finishes. 

Why it matters: A Ballerina drawer might look similar to a cheaper alternative online, but the quality difference becomes obvious in person. From the weight of the soft-close action to the interior craftsmanship, showroom visits help you make confident, informed decisions. 

8. Making Last-Minute Changes 

Last-minute changes often lead to delays, cost increases, and even structural problems. Whether it’s moving a sink after the plumbing’s been installed or switching appliances late in the process, these decisions rarely end well. 

How to stay on track: Avoid making kitchen mistakes by finalising your design, appliances, and finishes before installation begins. Your kitchen designer should provide full technical drawings and 3D renders, so you can visualise the space before giving sign-off. 
 
Financial point: Changes made once work is underway can significantly increase the cost of a kitchen renovation, especially if electrics or plumbing have to be redone. Staying organised can save thousands. 

9. Compromising on Installation Quality

The best kitchen brands still rely on professional installation to reach their full potential. Even the most expensive kitchen can look underwhelming if it’s poorly fitted. Uneven doors, gaps, wobbly worktops, or misaligned appliances can quickly diminish the impact of your investment. 

All My Kitchen Specialists partners work with skilled, experienced installers who understand the intricacies of fitting high-end kitchens from brands like Alku, Ashley Ann, and Bauformat. The level of craftsmanship is just as important as the product you choose. 

Insider advice: Ask to see examples of past installations before committing to an installer. Look for neat mitre joints, clean silicone lines, and flush cabinet alignment. 

Final Thoughts 

Planning a new kitchen is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. Avoiding these common kitchen mistakes helps ensure your space isn’t just visually appealing, but practical, durable, and genuinely enjoyable to live with. 

By working with experienced kitchen designers and choosing high-quality products from trusted brands like Nobilia, JJO, Brigitte, Alku, Ballerina, Bauformat, and Ashley Ann, you’re far more likely to get a kitchen that stands the test of time. 

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, speak to your local My Kitchen Specialists partner for honest advice, transparent pricing, and design insight tailored to your needs. We’re here to help you plan with confidence and avoid the many kitchen mistakes we see far too often.