13 Scary Kitchen Design Mistakes

[@MTKDofficial]

Hey, I don't actually hate quartz btw. It's just a good idea to do a little research! I'd love to connect with you. Check out my weekly e-letter mtkd.ck.page/newsletter

[@bluedrummajor2876]

Beware the ghosts of countertops past.

[@LynleyMcKernan]

I stood out against the "of course you'll have quartz" and chose Corian in a plain white for my counter tops. The builders cabinetmaker still insisted on drawing in quartz countertops - including marking in where the JOINS would go! Big countertops, but really. Basically all over the place! So very glad I had already stood out for Corian.

[@papoochacoo]

As a former kitchen remodeling purchaser, I'll mention that quartz and any tile material orders are fraught with dilemmas. Personally, I'd opt for easily altered materials for future remodels/moods. I'd invest the budget very frugally for first remodels. And budget 3x more time for eta of material orders if they are not "in stock".

[@kellyblaxton3189]

Yes! I'm so glad you addressed the ease of cleaning a cabinet door. I have been concerned about shaker cabinets for the same reason. Here's something else to think about - undermount sinks. I'm a Realtor and recently I had a client who moved out and I cleaned their kitchen sink to get ready for resale because it was undermount and had gunk all around the seam where the sink meets the granite. Man! It totally changed my mind about undermount sinks! And those new multi functional sinks with movable parts...no thanks! It will be gunky in all those seams and tracks in no time!

[@avagrego3195]

I have a lazy susan corner cabinet, maybe someone else would not like it but it works for me and I love it.

[@darlene19668]

I couldn't agree more...have a great weekend to the Happy Tobin Crew👍🏻❤️👍🏻& Gammy too💐💐💐

[@LynleyMcKernan]

I love the idea of designing the kitchen first and then having the rest of the house designed around it. Simple. Radical. I can see appalled architects all over... It could even work. It would certainly be a way of making the point that the kitchen absolutely NOT a mere after thought, and getting some traction for going with the details, early on.

[@helendorning4450]

If you follow this excellent advice from Mark @Mark Tobin Kitchen Design you will definitely have a next level kitchen🏅

[@mavisjones4750]

I think I've mentioned this before. I actually wanted solid surface (Corian brand) countertops but they ended up being more than quartz. I ended up going with Corian brand quartz countertops and so far I love them. I did nix the OTR microwave. I've never liked them but thought about it briefly. Decided that 1) I don't use the microwave that much these days and 2) I'm short and a klutz. Didn't want to be reaching over hot pots to get in and out of the microwave. Also, reduces the likelihood of me dropping something on my brand new glass top range.

[@TMB62]

Good morning 🌞 A great video! I believe people underestimate the power of a cleared off counter top and a sufficient amount of drawer banks.

[@MilaN-lt2mq]

Great advise. We just finished our kitchen renovation and we installed all drawers on the bottom and no corner cabinets. I love it! Instead of pull downs at the top, I have a folding step stool in the walk in pantry and I use it to reach all the top shelves where I store seldom used items. You are right, the shaker style cabinets do require cleaning, but I love the look. So for me, it is worth it. Not sure why you are so against quartz countertops. I love mine.

[@i.m.7777]

After 23 years with the same kitchen, I finally renovated it in 2020 and was very excited about the Caesarstone quartz that was installed. Now it's been two years and my countertops are full of dings and chips. I called Caesarstone because they have a lifetime warranty but was told the warranty is only good before installation. Veered off the subject but just venting. I live alone and take good care of things, never bang stuff around so I can't figure out why the countertops are so damaged. Maybe I got some lemon countertops? I hope none of these things will happen to your beautiful new kitchen. Blessings.

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks so much for watching! I love my shaker cabinets too. I’m not against quartz, just against not researching other options.

[@MilaN-lt2mq]

@@i.m.7777 I am sorry you had a bad experience. Our quartz countertops are from Cambria. My understanding is the installer inspects the slab and then fabricates the counter top to your specifications. The installer gave us a life time warranty on installation and on the materials. So, if there are any problems we are to contact the installer and not the manufacturer.

[@JackieofAllTrades]

Loved it! Thanks for the reminder about the area under the sink. In my kitchen, it's a nightmare. I'm pretty sure there's a troll living in the cave under there. I've got to get that space under control. Great video. Loved the theme. Keep 'em coming!

[@gammytobin7754]

Easy to clean, I like that!

[@meganharper6566]

Great tips, Mark! Thanks!

[@richardvasquez4079]

Great video ! I almost at an end of a design, I have debated with myself with the sink cabinet adding the liner on bottom or pull outs when I check the cost it added 60% more to the sink base but after watching your video I am going to try to talk the customer into why you should spend a little more so it will last as long as the other cabinets will last... I will let you know how that goes... again great video thanks

[@mavisjones4750]

I went with the sink cabinet with the liner but I ended up wasting money doing so. I forgot that my plumbing is in the floor and of course my designer at Reico failed to ask about the plumbing. A hole had to be cut to accommodate the plumbing.

[@richardvasquez4079]

@@mavisjones4750 you are so right... The person that does the measurement that's pictures one is with the sink cabinet doors open plumbing came out of wall... But you make a great point, I hope that designer learned from this experience

[@bettypang4971]

Sage wisdom in 8 mins !😂 awesome contents ! Many thanks 🙏

[@MTKDofficial]

Thanks for watching Betty!

[@betsylatham5023]

Our corner cabinet is in our peninsula and works well for us. It has a super Susan, so we use it to store small appliances (waffle iron, large food processor, hand mixer, etc) and our mixing bowls. Since the mixing bowls and hand mixers are used the most, those are on the top shelf in front - no twirling required. The bifold door is a bit odd, but ok once you get used to it. It also gave us an easy place to install a pop up outlet the inspector insisted on (we have frameless cabinets, so couldn’t put them under the counter).

[@MTKDofficial]

Sweet. That’s a great way to store small appliances. I love the pop up outlet too.

[@lauran6944]

Hi Mark, I have 2 questions. How do you feel about a microwave drawer as far as reliability , and are wood cabinets coming back? I love all your videos and you are so informative!

[@MTKDofficial]

Hey Laura. Thanks for the comment. I guess for the microwave drawer, my issue is quality of the pullout mechanism. Otherwise, I think they are a good idea. I've never had one personally but have had clients with them. Wood cabinets will always be around to some degree. Many RTA companies use them as do custom shops. Since particle board is more cost effective and arguably as durable, I don't see them going away.

[@venice0100]

Love the video. Can you please explain the quartz countertop warning? They are so durable vs granite. Is there a problem I’m not aware of?

[@MTKDofficial]

Hi Jane. Quartz is a great all around surface. However, I really lean toward surfaces that won’t burn with higher heat (porcelain or other sintered stones or granites). Quartz has a binding resin that can discolour or burn. However, use a trivet and you’ll likely never have an issue. I’m just encouraging consumers to research all the options. Hope that helps and thanks so much for watching.

[@venice0100]

@@MTKDofficial thank you for the clarification! I really love your videos. Found you via Lisa Holt’s Dezign Club!

[@EthanShalev]

6:17 can you please elaborate regarding quartz counter top? I've seen and read many pro and con and comparisons, but here you say almost difinitively not to choose quartz. How come? Thanks!

[@MTKDofficial]

Maybe I should clarify and I probably have in other videos. If heat resistance is an important feature, quartz is not the best option. The resin and binders are very susceptible to heat damage. Otherwise it would be a fine choice.

[@kursatosmanoglu6888]

I am surprised you didn’t mention about the open shelves 😅

[@MTKDofficial]

Shoot. I knew I was forgetting something.

[@hazelmac5310]

Good morning Mark from sunny Halifax ~ hope it’s the same in CB today! What do you mean we shouldn’t listen to someone on the internet? 😉 hehe just kidding. What are the options you are referring to other than slab for an easy to clean cabinet front? I’m curious. I do like a slab & minimal modern look with hardware only on the bottom cabinets, lots of clear countertop space. Thank you for the tips, another great video.

[@MTKDofficial]

Hi Hazel. Super nice day here too. Yeah slab fronts are one way to go. But you can also get one piece shaker doors (or other styles) that do not have grooves. They come either painted or polyester wrapped and even thermofoil (laminated). Much easier to clean for the person who cares about that detail.

[@hazelmac5310]

@@MTKDofficial Ahh gotcha, thanks Mark!

[@TravelersWarden]

We designed our pantry with two corner cabinets and I literally only put items in there that I use once a year. Otherwise corner cabinets as a whole are just so useless to me. We've had lazy susans in the past and I just loathe them.

[@janelagerquist454]

My kitchen is small. I cant lose storage for a microwave under counter. Honestly it irritates me every time you suggest it. Might work for larger kitchens.

[@Ninjamom4]

❤❤❤

[@buildergradetocustommade]

"Buying quartz countertops is a big mistake."

[@MTKDofficial]

Hahaha. I knew I’d get that reaction. But I’m all fairness I did say to do your research.

[@Theaterbuddy717]

Comment

[@Wazupu]

Half of the things you spoke about…you didn’t show examples. I guess we are supposed to somehow visualize what your brain is internally seeing.

[@MTKDofficial]

or you could use your brain.

[@dml1514]

What are your thoughts on sintered stone over quartz?

[@MTKDofficial]

100%. I’m a huge fan of sintered stone.