10 Kitchen Cabinet Mistakes Designers Always Notice
Pros say the key is balancing style and function.
Kitchen cabinets can make or break your space. Ask any interior designer, and they'll confirm that it's crucial to choose kitchen cabinets that blend style and function seamlessly. From settling on the best color option to integrating appliances in a cohesive way, there's so much to consider when picking the right cabinets for your setup.
Here, designers reveal some of the top kitchen cabinet mistakes to avoid at all costs. Use their candid advice to help you steer clear of costly design blunders that can lead to unnecessary stress.
Prioritizing style over function
When it comes to cabinets, kitchen designer Caren Rideau warns against focusing solely on aesthetics. Function is key, too. "I receive so many calls after the fact from homeowners who want to outfit their kitchen cabinets with organizers because they didn’t consider this upfront," says Rideau, principal of Kitchen Design Group. "It’s a big oversight that can impact your daily kitchen use and overall satisfaction."
Overlooking negative space
Regardless of the kitchen cabinet style you choose, be sure to account for negative space in your layout. Maximizing storage isn't the only factor that matters.
"Cabinets are a weighty finish, which draws the eye and creates a focal point," says Sophia deDomenico of the Los Angeles-based design firm, Et Sal Interiors. "When you cram the walls full of uppers, lowers, and pantry cabinets for the sake of fitting every little trinket behind a door you just made the cabinets the star, blocked all your sight lines, and subdued any other feature in the kitchen."
Skimping on quality
It might be tempting to go for the most budget-friendly kitchen cabinets out there, but Jody Jones of Blue Indigo Designs says proceed with caution. "As an interior designer who also owns a custom cabinetry company (Blue Indigo Cabinets), the quality of cabinetry that you are putting in your kitchen is paramount," Jones says. "We always use a combination of solid wood and high-quality plywood in the construction of our cabinets."
Not integrating appliances seamlessly
"Often, cabinet makers may not be fully aware of the best built-in methods to showcase your appliances and appliance panels. This can result in outdated installations that don’t maximize the beauty and functionality of your space," Rideau says. She recommends integrating appliances in a "sleek, modern" way—think a hidden appliance garage to conceal your toaster, coffee maker, blender, you name it.
Installing cheap hardware
Shop around for the best cabinet hardware, be it antique brass, matte black, or mixed metals. Think of it as the jewelry in your kitchen. "The investment in quality hinges and drawer slides will ensure that your cabinetry functions properly for years to come," Jones says.
Chasing design trends
Overly trendy looks are a big no-no for North Dakota-based designer Alexa Kingery. "Right now, huge walk-in pantries are getting a lot of attention, but that may not actually suit how you use your kitchen everyday," says Kingery. "Sometimes, going against trends can lead to the very best cabinet choices."
Only designing for resale
When it comes to kitchen cabinet choices, designer Sarah Storms encourages clients to showcase their personality. "Don’t just put in white cabinets or gray cabinets because you are afraid of 'resale' that often is more than 10 years away," says Storms, the founder of Styled by Storms. "Kitchens are the gathering place of the home and should reflect the personality and style of those living in it."
Being afraid of color
If you're up for having fun with your kitchen cabinet color, Storms prefers timeless shades of blues and greens. "Colored cabinets can actually make your space feel warmer and more like a 'room' versus a work space. I really like when you stay within a color family–perimeter cabinets on color and island another."
Not choosing the right door profile
Don't rush the process of selecting the right cabinet door profile, Storms says. "Most people select a shaker-stylebecause it feels the safest. Some other timeless choices are a raised panel with a single bead if your style is more traditional, a slim shaker if your style is more transitional, and flat panel inset can also look really chic," the designer explains.
Failing to consider everyday essentials
According to Jones, it's a bad idea to commit to a cabinet design without reviewing the kitchen essentials you tend to use frequently. "It's vital to take stock of what is currently in your kitchen," Jones says. "That includes small appliances, hosting dinnerware, spices, and everyday utensils. Your kitchen needs to be able to fully accommodate all of this, and then some."
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, "What's in My Cart."
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