Inadequate room for trash and recycling. Including sufficient trash space to suit a household’s needs is something that’s often overlooked. Often a trash bin is present and fits neatly within a cabinet so that it maintains the kitchen’s clean aesthetic (and conceals smells). But the reality is that the container is too small and fills up too quickly, meaning constant emptying. Or another common problem is that there’s no provision for separating and storing recyclables.
Badly spaced cabinets and appliances. It’s important that cabinets and appliances, while well-positioned for easy use, are also well-spaced. For example, walkways should be about 36 inches wide so that doors and drawers can open clear of one another. Similarly, they shouldn’t be too far apart: For the sake of a smooth workflow, you shouldn’t have to take more steps between appliances than is necessary. Similarly, it’s important not to place wall ovens and microwaves so high that you can’t safely remove hot food from them.
Insufficient counter space where needed. A lack of counter=top space, or counters not being positioned where you need them, is a common design problem. It can also prove to be one of the most frustrating. The counter-top forms part of the kitchen workflow, so this will help to determine where and how much of it you need. A common mistake is not leaving sufficient space next to or opposite a fridge or an oven. With a fridge, this counter space is merely convenient, but having space next to or opposite an oven and a cook-top, as seen in this scheme, is also important for safety. During planning, it’s important to think about all the ways in which you currently use, or intend to use, your counter-tops. For example, you may want space for more than one person to cook at once, or maybe an area where your partner can sit and chat to you, etc.
Often, you don’t realize that electrical switches and outlets aren’t where you need them until after a kitchen is finished. Keep in mind that the placement of electrical outlets is subject to safety regulations. Your designer should be able to advise you on these rules during the planning stage.
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