5 Things We’d Never Design In Our Kitchen

Never say never, but designing a kitchen is all about balance in functionality, beauty and everyday comfort. Over the years, we have seen what works and what quickly becomes a homeowner’s biggest regret. Here are five things we would recommend when designing your kitchen, and why they make such a difference.

1. Tile Backsplash Behind the Cooktop

It looks beautiful when it is first installed… but cleaning and maintaining it is another story. Cooking means splatters, grease, and steam – all of which cling to grout lines and stain over time. No matter how carefully you wipe it down, grout around a cooktop is nearly impossible to keep clean.

Instead, we would opt for a solid backsplash behind the range, something like a slab of quartz, porcelain or the same material as your countertop. It is sleek, easy to wipe down, and keeps your kitchen looking fresh longer.

2. Lower Cabinets with Doors Instead of Drawers

Nothing is worse than getting on your hands and knees to reach the back of a cabinet. That is why we recommend deep drawers or pullouts for lower cabinetry. They make storage infinitely easier by letting you see everything easily and not allowing any space to go unwasted. Whether it is pots, pans, spices or cookie sheets, rollout drawers save your back and your patience.

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3. Skipping the Appliance Garage

A cluttered countertop can make even the most beautiful kitchen feel chaotic. Having a designated appliance garage or coffee station gives your daily essentials (like the coffee maker, toaster, or blender) a home that is easily accessible but still tucked away. It keeps your counters clean and makes your daily routine smoother.

4. Not Having a Trash Pull-Out

Having stand-alone trash can always end up in the way or ruins an otherwise seamless kitchen design. A built-in trash pull out helps keep things organized, concealed, and conveniently close to your prep zones. Plus clean up just becomes so much easier by allowing you to just swipe in any scraps left on your counters.

5. Not Having Landing Zones Beside Appliances

This one is a deal breaker. Every kitchen needs landing zones – countertop space on either side of your major work areas like the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator. Without them, cooking and cleaning become a juggling act. You need room to set down hot pans, groceries, or dishes – and a few inches truly make a difference.

The Takeaway: Function First, Always

Overall, a beautiful kitchen is only as good as it functions. When you design with everyday life in mind – easy clean up, efficient storage, and clutter free zones – it not only looks good but also feels good to use.

If you are planning your remodel or new build, keep these five design “don’ts” in mind, and you will end up with a space that you will truly love for years to come.