7 Kitchen Remodel MISTAKES to AVOID in 2025! [Expert REACTIONS From a 30 Year Kitchen DESIGNER]

[@sterlinglewis5700]

All good points. When we moved into an old home with limited space, we bought a COUNTER DEPTH fridge, so it doesn't stick out. It fits flush with the cabinets and looks great. Also, the lighting was insufficient. We installed under-counter task lights and reconfigured the ceiling fixture to provide even lighting throughout the space. All dim-able LEDs, so also energy savings.

[@KitchenDezign]

Some great, and pretty affordable ways to improve on the space. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@merryhunt9153]

I have a gap above my cabinets. I display my beautiful ceramics collection there.

[@KitchenDezign]

Certainly that is a great use for that space, especially since it is not convenient to access.

[@Beaumiroir]

The thing about the fridge sticking out is that it may or may not be an issue depending on where the fridge is located. My mother-in-law just redid her kitchen and she made that mistake, it's very visible and looks bad because the fridge is in the middle of a wall. I then realized that my own fridge sticks out (I live in a rental), but I had never even noticed because it's in a corner so it's not so visually jarring.

[@KitchenDezign]

That's a good point. Additionally, if the protruding fridge is in a perpendicular walkway, then it won't impede as much either. Thanks for that perspective.

[@jirehtay6092]

Your videos are awesome!! Please update more quality videos like these

[@KitchenDezign]

Thank you! Will do!

[@mariagomes9882]

I am happy I found this channel. I am in the process of building a small house so the White kitchen is going to be small. I’d like your advice on 1- can I have white quartz countertops and white quartz backsplash? 2- the island is only 6’ long. I was thinking of having a 30” stovetop a small sink on the side, and 3 seats. Is the island too small for everything I need it to be? Thank you

[@KitchenDezign]

Thank you for reaching out. 1- I recommend to use contrasting colors on horizontal surfaces touching vertical surfaces, such as countertops to cabinets. Simple rule of thumb- when selecting the colors, stand back 6 feet and squint your eyes…if you can tell the difference, that is a good start. As far as which colors, that is more color combination or personal choice. 2- Yes, I believe your island is too small to include a 30” cooktop and a sink. Seating- rule of thumb, depending on the height- but 2’ wide seating space per user is a safe bet. Hope that helps.

[@mariagomes9882]

@@KitchenDezign thank you so much for your expertise from your forever subscriber.

[@KitchenDezign]

@@mariagomes9882 How nice of you!

[@writerinfact1768]

As far as cabinets, especially lower ones, are concerned, another big factor is that you can't even SEE what's behind that first 12 inches. I hang mini-LED flashlights on most cabinet doors so there's always light available. I agree wholeheartedly about replacing those static shelves with drawers - but not "tray" drawers inside a cabinet door (1990s kitchen). That's probably the worst of both worlds! I don't do trendy and that's all that needs to be said. Other than it probably won't take as long as the 5 years you quote for that trend to die a lingering death; more like what seems to be about 5 minutes, depending on how quickly the trend was followed. My mom's kitchen had blank wood, as in not doors to anything, above the upper cabinets. As it was, we all needed the step stool to reach the back of the upper cabinet shelves, so we didn't miss the dead space above. Since I seem to spend half my life on a step ladder, I've grown used to it, and recognize that the very top upper space is for the things that get used 2 or 3 times a year - like the Christmas platter. Lighting? What lighting? Everything I do in this rental kitchen is in my shadow. Which is another reason for baby flashlights hanging from cabinet pulls. Oh! As someone else commented, dimmers were a fabulous invention that should be utilized frequently. Thank goodness! My basic kitchen "plan" includes a baking station, with a surface at my perfect height for kneading bread dough and rolling pie crusts. And, of course, the double wall ovens plus appropriate storage for baking "stuff" - it's mostly different than cooking stuff. What isn't different, such as measuring cups, should be duplicated. In my opinion. Plus there's a walk-in pantry, butler's pantry, and the door to the mud room. And the dogs' dishes. I can't comment on range hoods except for the piece of cheap crap in my current rental kitchen. It doesn't vent to ANYWHERE (and neither does the clothes dryer). It also doesn't manage to actually absorb any steam or odors. I would do better to open the patio door that's across the dining room and aim the big floor fan out the door. The mistake I fear the most is when someone gets the brilliant idea to put the microwave over the stove - instead of a functional vent hood. I can guarantee that a built-in MW in that position would put me in the emergency room until I ripped it out and replaced it with something that won't result in burns from whatever I was heating up - and spilled. And since I already mentioned the dryer, it and the washer are in a "closet" IN THE KITCHEN. It may just be that I'm very, very picky, but I am rather grossed out by having dirty laundry in the kitchen. Sorry for the essay, but my sister used to be a designer, and she "consulted" when the parents' house was built, to ensure ADA compliance. That was in the early 1990s, so I don't know how much has changed since then. I know that I'm looking to build my "forever" home, so I have some firm ideas about how accessible I need my home to be NOW, let alone in 20 or so years. Elevators come immediately to mind! 😉 Thanks for the kitchen info. Kitchens are really easy to mess up.

[@KitchenDezign]

Wow, we love your feedback. Some really great points. The elevator concept for any multi-level homes would be great if they can find a way to make them more affordable and take less space. Regarding your point about base cabinets, we definitely see a surgence of lighting in all types of cabinets, and roll-out accessories in bases to make that pesky remaining 12" in the back easier to access. Thank you so much for commenting.

[@kathysyphrit5713]

ALL I care about is , if I like it ,I will have it in my kitchen. NO matter what other designers say. If the people after I leave this house do not like it, then too bad.

[@KitchenDezign]

There is a lot to be said about making your space yours.

[@rrain3375]

Buying a new built home from a builder you will often find trends that are current that year. But, do not last long. Example are kitchen cabinets or flooring. Try to find something that will last a few years into the future,

[@KitchenDezign]

Good point. Many times builders are stuck with having to show what is trendy, or even a simple fad right now to make their property very sellable. Some things are timeless, others certainly are not.

[@dmitriykagan3883]

Uh oh. Protruding refrigerator.. oh the horror. I'll waste my time on counterdeep, which is the same thing but smaller and more expensive. To waste more money I'll buy panels to cover those fridge doors. IT IS A KITCHEN! There are refrigerators there. Refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, stove, frying pans, and pots. The kitchen's aesthetics are important, but its functionality tops it all.

[@KitchenDezign]

Appreciate your emphasis on functionality. I can't agree more that functionality is top priority. You'll hear that more from me than most. Then, address the form. Sometimes a deeper fridge can restrict walkway space, and even access into the fridge. So it can turn into a functional issue. One beautiful thing about innovation- there are now some counter depth refrigerators such as LG has one that is actually the same cubic foot storage as it's standard depth companion because of more condenses insulation. Hope you'll find more value and valuable information in some of my other videos. I would love to have your critique on my more comprehensive one on planning your kitchen like a pro: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-4n6mIrKdqj6s.

[@lauraspleen6046]

One more thing...don't surround the hood with cabinets...they get filthy

[@KitchenDezign]

Isn’t that so true. If the ventilation was 6” or more wider than the cooking surface, that helps reduce the exposure to grease, steam and smoke. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@jenliu7526]

It’s someone else’ content!

[@KitchenDezign]

Yes, we are sharing professional commentary on great content from others in this space. This is just one format of videos we are providing our viewers.

[@freedomofreligion3248]

Plus, he gives the full link and Channel name, plus invites us to see the originator's "full video".

[@tidalwaves8761]

made the fridge mistake

[@KitchenDezign]

One way to learn those lessons, huh?

[@nutsandbolts432]

So, you just repeated everything she said.

[@KitchenDezign]

Thanks for the response. We are trying to be conscientious to enhance the original content with at least one or two other pieces of consideration. Such as where she talked about the sticking out fridge, Shad spent time addressing the measuring, including the handle, etc. We will certainly take your feedback into consideration for future videos. Thank you again.