8 Kitchen Design Regrets & Common Mistakes To Avoid

[@kathleenhunt7613]

My husband was unsure about spending as much as we did to get a top quality reno done of our kitchen space but, let me tell you, all your points hit home and 8 years later we're not suffering any regrets as we avoided all the pitfalls you show here because of having a quality contractor. So worth it!

[@BradThePitts]

I understand, as a handyman myself I say to get multiple estimates, and take the SECOND highest bid, not the absolute lowest. Do it nice, or do it twice!

[@BradThePitts]

I've worked on 40+ kitchens and my advice is if re-using an existing fridge, always future-proof and leave space for a bigger fridge, for example, if you have a 30" fridge, leave space for a 32" fridge. Don't worry - your existing 30" fridge won't have huge gaps on the sides and it's worth it to prepare to squeeze-in a 32" fridge in the future.

[@vivb.2817]

I always advise my clients to leave room at the top covered with a filler for a taller fridge if they are going for cabinetry on top & panels on the sides. People want them to stick out less, they are going taller and wider to give the same cubic feet of storage inside. There are standard widths of fridges in the US - 30" wide & 36" or more but fridges range from not-so-standard heights of 68" to 72" and even 84". You can still swap out a 30" wide fridge for a newer 30", but they make them taller, so it is impossible to slide them into the same opening without having to remove the upper cabinet.

[@DawnM-g3d]

When we downsized to our retirement home, we needed to replace both the fridge and stove. The house was built in 92 and the appliances came from the old owners old home. The stove was not an issue, but the fridge was. I had to rip out the cabinet over the fridge. Then I needed to find a fridge that would fit the space. Danby had one which would have fit with the cabinet in. Not sure what I would have built to fit the extra space. Maybe a bookshelf. The actual cabinets are solid oak, so I will never remove them. Other than the one over the fridge. No choice. The fridge fits. Barely. The freezer draw works fine, but the left hand door does not open enough to get shelves out for cleaning. It needs to be pulled out first. Now add in that modern appliances are built to break within a few years of buying. Mine has a 10 year warranty on the compressor, but the plastic parts inside are already breaking. And I have tried getting replacements. Five years old. On the other hand, modern cabinets are starting to fall apart by 5 years. Still, if I was building a new kitchen the fridge would be on an open end where you could replace it with what ever the new size fridges will be.

[@domramsey]

I work in a kitchen, so it was really good to see you concentrating on functionality here. Every kitchen is a work place, and functionality should always come first.

[@rockshot100]

I worked as a chef for many years also. I do NOT care what the kitchen looks like. It is nothing more than a workshop, I keep people out if they are not working, I have to concentrate since I have a few things going at the same time. Having worked in so many different kitchens, sanitation is the most important thing, then very organized, so everything works properly and is convenient. MOST people agonize about the color and style of the cabinets and countertops, just seems crazy to me; that makes NO sense. Rather than redecorating, I blocked off the kitchen so you really don't see in, but easy to move stuff in and out. I put pull out hardware on the bottom shelves, but that was it. I keep it clean but the most important thing is how the food tastes. Yes, FUNCTIONALITY to make my work as easy as possible. NO chit chat and gossip, that is for the living room, and all that talk makes it easy for me to make a big stupid mistake. I never wait with nothing to do, there is always a sinkful of dishes and stuff to put away. One big puzzle is the big deal they make about the backsplash, are they really that sloppy? The other is a special spigot over the stove to fill a pot? One way or another, you will have to pick it up and dump it. Sorry for the rant, but good to see somebody else is not crazy. This is why I like Reynard, he makes sense.

[@maboomazibuko2242]

@@rockshot100 spoken like someone who's really passionate about their job😊. Well said coming from a real practical P.O.V

[@charstar386]

I always thought I liked cabinets because of all the room, but now you’ve convinced me to like drawers better. And that’s a relief since I’m moving into a place with more drawers than cabinets.

[@frankcollins4743]

Cabinets are black holes where nothing can be found, while drawers make all of the contents available. Avoid cabinets at all costs unless there is no alternative, like overhead. We did a new kitchen a few months ago, all draws except where they could not be used. No regrets.

[@tamaramartin4015]

Just an fyi for anyone who's debating between a counter-depth and a standard-depth refrigerator: We went with counter-depth this last time because it would be easier on my back, and i have been amazed at how much room there is. i figured we'd be losing a good amount of space, but since the counter depth is usually taller than a standard depth, we haven't missed out on anything. CD is much easier on my back, and it doesn't dominate the kitchen like our old SD ones did. Really, really happy with it.

[@FigaroHey]

My parents had roll-out shelves in their cabinets in their new-built hoouse in the early '80s. It was a huge upgrade from deep cabinets under the counters. They retired to that house and having to get on their hands and knees and pull out every pan to find the one you want was something they no longer wanted to spend time on. So those pull-out shelves with little fences on the sides and back were a big advance. But he's right about the cabinet doors having to be opened at the same time: it's a pain. At first, I thought, "We needed this in the house we grew up in" (because I hated the job of having to get down on the floor and root around in the back of cabinets for whatever my mother wanted). But very quickly we realized, "These are an improvement, but drawers would make more sense." It was inevitable that drawers would be the next level in kitchen convenience.

[@nini_outdoors]

I'm really enjoying your videos -- so smart and well organized. But adding to your thoughts on pull-outs in cabinets with doors: one advantage is that you can customize the heights of the pullouts to fit the items you're storing. (For example, tall appliances can be accommodated, adding a shallower drawer above them for small storage containers, etc. Or multiple shallow pull-out drawers can be added for short items like canned goods, storage containers, etc.) And this can be done without having to specify drawer heights before building the cabinets, and the pull-out locations can be modified afterwards if needed. I have pull-outs in my kitchen cabinets, and I appreciate their versatility. I've never found having to open the doors much of a hassle.

[@fijaystudio]

I saw the outlets and thought “wow”. He’s Aussie! Yay. More Aussie home content!

[@r-type4945]

About to install a new kitchen and all the thoughts that went into it were likely to be more time consuming than the installation work itself. I've stumbled along all points you just made in this video and am happy to not fallen into any of these traps during the process. Thanks for your uploads, long time fan here 🎉

[@Riri-qi2fu]

I can see all your videos are thoughtful and carefully designed. It's really helpful for a beginner like me, as I don't know where to start.❤❤❤

[@edgar9651]

Thanks. I watched many of your videos and I learned a lot from you. I finished my kitchen maybe half a year ago and I just watched this video to see if I did anything wrong. And I am very happy to be able to say: I didn't make any of these 8 mistakes. Hurray! I will continue to watch your videos. I am sure soon there will be good ideas and tips again which I didn't think about.

[@rockshot100]

You are so right about the fridge protruding out from the counter, I never even considered that. Mine sticks out about 7" from the counter. BUT I have to redo the counter and sink next to it, so the counter will be 5" deeper than standard. 5" along the length of the countertop will be much needed work surface. Around the sink, dishwasher and fridge is exactly where I need the space. I hate the shelves in the lower cabinets, the back is wasted space with a lot of junk. I got shelf pull out hardware (heavy duty, about 15.00/pair for each shelf) from Amazon, then took the shelves out, cut about 2" off width, for the hardware. I still have the doors, but that isn't a problem. Now I can pull the whole shelf out and get that stuff in back very easy. BTW, I put a 4" "fence" on the back and sides of the shelf, so nothing falls off. Easy to do, makes a huge difference, and not expensive. Hope this helps somebody.

[@gisaw.5623]

We have ceramic tiles on the floor and countertops made from ceramics in our kitchen - this material is genious, very easy to clean, stands heat like no other, looks fabulous!

[@richdobbs6595]

For new construction, folks should use ceramic tiles that are color through porcelain for these services, rather than merely glazed. It costs more, but is stronger, and if it is scratched the damage is much less visible.

[@jchendrix]

Hi Reynard, quick question, what type of tiles and tile colours would you use for your walls in a kitchen please?

[@juzcar3244]

Built in appliances are the biggest bane for new owners when the appliances needs replacing and there are no suitable replacements.

[@camellia8625]

Unless one is planning to sell on in the foreseeable future one should design for their own tastes and needs.

[@DawnM-g3d]

Appliances are built to bread in 5 to 7 years now, so something to think about if you plan on staying in the home as well.

[@destructionman1]

Yeah surprised he even mentioned them. They are a nightmare waiting to happen come time to replace, or even do standard maintenance like change a filter or troubleshoot a leak. A built-in fridge also heats up the surrounding cabinets.

[@rockshot100]

Reynard, love your channel and I try to leave lots of comments, because they say comments greatly increases your channel. This shows YT that people are engaging in your channel. Most of the very big channels will say things to elicit comments. You give some very good solid advice and you are easy to understand, and explain the reason of the concept. Maybe you used to be a teacher? I am an architect but interiors are very hard to design. I understand design very well in general, but interiors are so hard to do. Thank you for explaining it all without all the fake "personality", and please don't get a dog to show in every vid and kiss the dog on the mouth. Reynard, advice (that you didn't ask for) is that you should encourage people to leave comments, "I think marble is too hard to take care of, but leave a comment below if you like it." Or, "Let me know what YOU think in the comments about drawers in the kitchen". Thanks for another great vid.

[@reynardlowell]

Ohh that's a good way to drive engagement. I'll keep this in mind for future videos. Thank You!

[@_Ag-]

Your seemingly random dog comment made me laugh. What’s that about?

[@WeTopia_]

I always learn so much from your videos but this one was exceptional.

[@TheFilmCouple_]

Great tips, I would also add to avoid Glossy shiny tiles in the kitchen and house as they are so hard to clean once oil get on them and is walked through the houses. Stick with matte tiles for sure

[@JaneNazzal-cq6ry]

Each of your points are absolutely valuable. I wish I had seen this video before renovation of my kitchen.

[@skeenasiren3796]

I love the look of handles that stick out, but they may not be the most practical. Your point about them catching pockets on clothing is a good one, and it made me think that as sort of a klutz, I should also watch out for whacking my shins on handles from low drawers as well. Lots to think about here, thank you!

[@AndreasLindholm]

And make sure the pipes to the Fawcett are accessible so if it starts leaking you can replace it with something new. At my old job, we had to remove a part of a cabinet as they didnt make so short Fawcetts any more

[@mindqt]

Loved all 8 of your points here. ❤ A regret I had when I owned my condo was not having a dedicated space for seasonings. I love to cook, thus I have a lot of spices and baking goods. Wholesale sized and regular sized spice containers take up a lot of valuable real estate, especially if your kitchen (and home) is on the small side. While using similar sized jars is a great idea, it is not always an option or practical for everything, especially liquids.

[@rockshot100]

Maybe this will help. I got 2 restaurant quality bins, actually 3. Made sure they fit on the shelf, but the bigger the better. There are lots of used restaurant equipment "junkyards", so they were 2-3 dollars, and extremely durable. Anything will do if it is the right size. I divided savory from sweet spices and put all those little jars and bottles in those. Savory is like rosemary, oregano, etc., Sweet is vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. Third bin is like baking powder, skewers, soda, food color, cream of tartar, all that kind of junk. I never had anything leak. Some seasonings can be used either way, but separate them as you usually use them. For me, this is less frustration, and saves a lot of time. I used to knock every thing over looking for just one thing, then have to put it all back. It takes the fun out of cooking. 2 restaurant sized smoked paprika was cheaper than a a tiny jar. I wrapped one jar in lots of plastic and put it into a dark cool cabinet, I think it will keep. .

[@mindqt]

@@rockshot100 Great advice! Thank you!

[@Diana-gx3tx]

Use a drawer

[@camellia8625]

You can have spice racks and also bottle racks for condiments and other ingredients on the back of cupboard doors and arrange the small jars in some sort of order. I personally put my spices in alphabetical order. This uses otherwise dead space.

[@krisy-in-italy]

Excellent advice. I just finished my L shaped kitchen with an island and followed most of your recommendations.

[@allisonfisher9304]

When we moved into our house, I had to replace all the cabinet knobs in the kitchen. The knobs were pretty, but their shape was flat, and slightly rounded concavely back towards the drawer, without much clearance space, so we were constantly getting our fingers caught behind them. I nearly broke a finger after only a couple weeks, I ordered new, safer-shaped knobs that day. Had no issues since, and they’re beautiful🌟

[@rhutchison2k]

If you live in America, outlets below the height of the countertops are no longer allowed per code. This goes for islands or areas "common" to the kitchen, like an island bar or otherwise.

[@richdobbs6595]

Yeah, the current code has punted, forbidding builders to provide what is needed, because it is unsafe. Instead, they require the builder to provide a means where someone can circumvent the code after the inspectors leave. I think the solution is there should be a place where you can plug in crock pots below the counter top, but then close a door around it to create strain relief so toddlers and pets can't pull on the cord.

[@rhutchison2k]

@richdobbs6595 It's not an issue about people unplugging said devices, but rather dragging said devices off the counter. You'd have to have an anchored strain relief at the island.... Which IMHO, at that point, just put a surface mount outlet.....

[@richdobbs6595]

@@rhutchison2k I agree that it is not an issue of unplugging the devices, but on pulling the appliance off the counter. My suggestion was to basically box in the outlet and cord so that cord was protected from being grabbed by a pet or a kid.

[@richdobbs6595]

@@rhutchison2k Surface mount receptacles are comparatively expensive and quite expensive for installation into a stone counter top. So I don't think that will be the common solution. Instead, It is more likely that flat islands will go extinct if this was widely enforced. In practice, I think that obedience to the NEC will degrade, as it increasing becomes more gold plated.

[@rhutchison2k]

@@richdobbs6595 I think it's more likely that we'll stop seeing such deep (4'+) island countertops. More than likely, the partial wall will come back as a bar to bisect the island. Anything to get space for a typical wall mount outlet. Although, honestly, if you're buying a slab of stone that large, adding a non-polished hole for a pop up receptical is comparatively cheap. We're talking in the realm of a couple hundred dollars for an additional hole likely cut at the watjet level or with a lubed hole saw. Then the outlet, from what I've seen, is in the realm of 20-80 bucks depending on what you get.

[@yanalist3232]

My kitchen floor is cherry wood (open plan between kitchen, living, and dining) and it is impossible to keep clean. It looks gorgeous when clean, but every bit of dust and grime shows immediately. I have no plans to change my floor, but I definitely think choosing a lighter color is the right path for most people.

[@fahmidamiah]

I like how you mention having more outlets for a kitchen space at 03:30 - what about living rooms and dining rooms? I'd love a video on this!

[@dbnpoldermans4120]

The blindly fishing in cabinets perfectly constructed. Thank you for the laughter and the tip, because ... yeah ... I have those moments

[@haphazard1342]

Heads up, the NEC and IRC no longer permit outlets on islands to be on the ends. They have to be on the counter somehow, either at a dining bar shelf or inset or retractable. Apparently outlets on the end walls of the island are seen as a cord-pulling hazard especially for small children.

[@mariannewestrope3888]

I love my lower drawers. Also, don't use knobs on lower cabinets. Ages ago, in an apartment we were renting, I walked too closely to the counter and a knob caught in my housecoat pocket. The door swung open as I was passing and the corner dug into the top of my foot. I wanted to die. From then on, it was knobs on the uppers and rounded handles on the lowers.

[@megdahlin1118]

A bit off topic but would like to ask you where I could find the dual shade black task lamp that is sitting behind you in this video. I've loved it since I first started watching you and have yet to find it. And of course, thank you for another wonderful video!

[@neilmccoy9390]

Great video. However, I love my t-bars (especially long ones) - I have mild arthritis in my fingers - my hands slip when using knobs on cabinets. I have only ever caught my clothing on my t-bars a couple of times in the 20 years since my renovation.

[@denisechavoya2813]

Great video. Very helpful!!

[@PrettyBrownEyes718]

Excellent video and advice! Very helpful. Thank you!

[@rosieposie9564]

I am absolutely not bothered by pull out shelves with a slightly raised edge or pull out drawers in cabinets, in fact I prefer them in many cases to just simple drawers as they are often height adjustable (unlike plain drawers) and allow you to see taller items better than in simple drawers.

[@basicallymid]

This....I have large pots and small appliances I don't use enough to keep in the counter that just don't work with drawers. They are too limiting for storage. A kitchen should have a mixture of different kinds of storage space to provide flexibility

[@mabunda5726]

Great video King! you never disappoint!

[@venylai]

Thank you for this. I am currently renovating a house and while I do use an interior designer who I hope have your knowledge 🤞it’s good to learn these things to keep an eye out on our proposed design.

[@dianeleone1634]

Great tips!!!

[@irenegann]

Always enjoy your videos! So informative! We are presently building our home. What are your thoughts about concrete countertops, love the look and the organic feel.

[@callicordova4066]

Excellent video!

[@neelubird]

thanks for the tips. I hadn't considered that about the T shaped handles

[@MichelleQuintiaVLOGS]

Im in the process of building my own home from the ground up and it’s in its finishing phase! Thanks for reminding me of these regrets! Such a big help! I almost forgot the kitchen island outlets even tho I already told my foreman to put one, he forgot. 😓

[@Cocolicious08758]

Great video thank you

[@Pollischa]

Can you also make suggestions, not just mention the regrets - re: marble countertops

[@dalevearncombe9672]

Hi Reynard, thanks for the great videos. We are designing a new kitchen at the moment, a key question I have is what to do with Tea & Hand towels? I want them to be accessible (high frequency usage) and practically placed, but in a stylish way. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

[@RamperChampion]

thanks so much

[@Bobrogers99]

The one huge mistake I made for my kitchen was grouted ceramic tiles for the floor. The tiles have tiny "pockets" that catch dirt, but the bigger problem is the grout. Even after spending money to have it professionally cleaned and sealed, the grout is deeply stained. It still soaks up grease. It was originally the same light beige as the tiles, but I have given up and decided that it looks OK if it's dark brown! When I asked the installer about keeping the grout clean, they said, "We don't install grouted floors in kitchens anymore for that very reason. They're too hard to keep clean."

[@scasny]

I have ceramics tiles floor. Know about this problem so i opt for black/graphene color grout and add wood glue to the mix to make it waterproof (and hard). I walk in the kitchen in shoes sometime and cook regularly. Its been a year and they still look the same. They dont change color even when wet. There is a old trick to use the tile glue it self and after it properly dried out soak it with cooking oil and have similar grey look. Any other color will eventually stain and get grayish tint, even in bathrooms.

[@robinburrell4421]

Mix baking soda and vinegar to make a paste and apply to the grout. Then let dry. Get a wire brush, wet it, and scrub the grout line. You will be astounded at the amount of grime that comes out.

[@LadytheKingsmother]

Thanks for sharing. Never have I thought ceramic is hard to clean

[@scasny]

@@LadytheKingsmother not ceramic it self but the grout. That is why they push big tiles with no gaps. Which look good but its a nightmare to install and not DYI friendly.

[@LadytheKingsmother]

@@scasny maybe dark grout( black) for light ceramik is not a bad idea, it gives some highlights and at the same time not so obvious when get dirty

[@c.s.102]

Low budget and money saving for me in a rental flat and a thiny kitchen. I bought foldable crates that fit on every lower shelvings. You can buy these in almost every size. Put thiny 360° wheels on the bottom.Make sure you place wheels on flat areas. It works fantastastic. An extra benefit was also this made me declutter bunch of kitchensuplied I never used. And things are always in sight.

[@debbiemartell8100]

Great video as usual….such helpful tips

[@clwest3538]

The only point I disagree with is drawers instead of lower cabinets but mostly for 1) aesthetics and 2) cleaning under bottom drawer. I have both and really dislike the 'look' of stacked drawers and don't mind 'opening the cabinet to pull out shelf.' When I clean I have to pull out the heavy drawer to clean under them; it is easy to slide out the drawer 'insert', give it a quick wipe and reinstall .... As I get older, I am looking for lighter and lighter things in my home to keep it clean!

[@rosieposie9564]

Same, are some people so extremely lazy that pull outs behind the cabinets are too much work? I did not even have to adjust to my pull outs, much prefer them to simple drawers.

[@TH-eb5ro]

I moved from a well designed modern space in Hong Kong to a high dollar but developer built US condo and am frustrated daily. Appearances vs function was the focus.

[@luulu8404]

Love your content wish for your channel to grow and grown 🌸

[@ulhas16]

One of the best & top quality video

[@dorinatudisco1308]

I learned so much. Thank you! Subscribed 😊

[@richdobbs6595]

The purpose of drawers behind cabinet doors is to fix the mistake of purchasing too many cabinets instead of drawers. Although it is inconvenient to have to deal with the open cabinet doors, it is even more inconvenient to get things out of the back of deep baseboard cabinets, especially on those short half shelves at the top back.

[@brknnphx]

Im planning out my kitchen redo right now. I plan on keeping anotebook for what i wish was different and the easier i need it. We are getting older, so i plan on keeping that in mind, too. I have to use a rolling walker sometimes already due to health and want to make it as functional as possible for my future use also. Im thinking of having no top cabinets as they will be hard for me to access as only 5'2" and the mobility issues already. I see lots of drswers and pull up and out etc in my design.

[@manggaiganesan5281]

Tq so much for the info

[@Lazarosaliths]

Great video 🎉

[@angelicareyes9596]

Thanks for the tips! keeping these in mind for our house remodel :)

[@mandyvatougios2447]

Thanks for the good tips!

[@Jessica-uv4lt]

if I have in the kitchen, Calacatta gold on the floor, light gray cabinets, plateau color in the wall, similar backsplash as the floor, an oak table top that come with a black piedestal, what color should i use for the countertop?

[@Odium1731]

Would be nice if showed some alternatives for counter tops and or cabinet handles.

[@cxa340]

I disagree on under-counter cabinets versus drawers, but I think this is a good debate question to ask home owners. We have cabinets and that works for me, because I have so many large items that need to be stored (stand mixer, slow cooker, bread machine, rice cooker, pressure cooker, electric griddle), so cabinets work but for me because I need that large volume of storage space. But, if you have a large pantry that can store these items, or if you do not have them, then it is a good question to ask why you would need more cabinets than drawers. I think this is a valuable debate to figure out how someone actually intends to use their kitchen, where they intend to store food/dry goods, and what appliances or cookware they intend to have in the kitchen. If you have a pantry then you will not be storing food in drawers, but if you have a large enough pantry your small appliances may fit there as well? If you have stainless steel cookware you may need less space as it is stackable, but if you have enameled cast iron like me then you will want cabinet space.

[@honeytgb]

9:50 I swear that is a pet peeve of mine!!!

[@geraldinekelly-london]

Very valuable information. ❤ Thank you for sharing.

[@johng9562]

Drawers are fine but pull outs in cabinets are just as good with the added flexability to be removed when no longer needed.

[@rosieposie9564]

I actually think pull outs in cabinets are better than drawers. They give better visibility if the height of the edge is lower and you can also adjust the height of the pull outs in some cases whereas drawer positions are fixed.

[@cm96yyc]

@@rosieposie9564 the visibility only really benefits in a situation like a pantry where there are things at waist level and above. Below that you are bending down anyway to look in so why not a drawer in the first place. Lower drawers are king.

[@user-fv2py4pj8e]

Can you review bathroom design regrets too?

[@janeann3331]

I second that!

[@reynardlowell]

Yup I’ve done that. Here you go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6TOYn1jmJdof8U

[@janeann3331]

@@reynardlowell Of course you did. I am sorry for wasting your time

[@karenhanson359]

Can you speak more about kitchen hardware in a future video? Specifically, the proper way to combine knobs and handles based on drawer/cabinet style to achieve the most designer look?

[@gamesinfoprofile]

An island with outlets is an amazing idea. The tip about lighting is so obvious but we only realise it after we start using the kitchen. 😭😭

[@janeb3024]

It is hard to find (and more expensive when you do) appliances that do not extend beyond cabinetry. Wouldn't it be great if appliance manufacturers and cabinet makers worked together?

[@mathildemaijer2396]

I think it is a typical American issue. Here in Europe I have never seen protruding fridges.

[@richdobbs6595]

In practice, this means that standard depth counter tops are the wrong choice for most full sized refrigerators. Even though this might lead to empty space behind base cabinets, it might be the least cost option. It is easy to get dishwashers and ranges that are sized for standard counter tops and cabinets.

[@mariastathopoulos744]

My kitchen is a heavy traffic area as part of my open plan space. My benchtops are laminate because l'm the everyday cook and l don't want high maintenance products. The two things l don't like about modern kitchens, which aren't in your video are: the microwave above the stove top. I always think it's an accident waiting to happen and taps on an island. Too much spillage and reminds me of a school science lab classroom.

[@karlaj.5923]

You are right about the microwave over the stove. Wait till you are older and don't have the strength to lift things up there

[@GeometryMatters]

I once tried to persuade a neighbor, who was designing a new kitchen, to do mostly drawers. Her kitchen "designer" told her to do doors with pullouts. But, I told my neighbor, why do you want to add the step of having to open the doors fully open in order to extend the pullouts inside. She decided to do both cabinets with pullouts and drawers. Later on, she told me..."You were right, drawers are a no-brainer, and I rarely use the cabinets with pullouts inside."

[@rosieposie9564]

I have pull outs and I prefer then to the drawers I had before.

[@ninaotan7811]

Agree with you as I prefer to do one more instead of two.

[@GeometryMatters]

@@rosieposie9564 Well, perhaps you have wrongly sized drawers for the items you are storing. I can't understand why anyone would want to work harder and not smarter.

[@rosieposie9564]

@@GeometryMatters I want flexibility and drawers are not flexible as they are not height adjustable. I also prefer the external look of a single cabinet door to a row of drawers.

[@GeometryMatters]

@@rosieposie9564 To each, his own.

[@Leeuwenhart10]

Oh yes yes yes, just finished our renovation where we have not made these mistakes or better said we did make the right choices. There is something to say for everything and it always depends on the possible space and budget.

[@lindagear9014]

Can I just add to your comments on how much marble can/will mark, we have very hard water and even that causes etching if we are not vigilant, fortunately we only have a marble topped old French buffet to worry about but as it is the coffee/tea area it still needs care.

[@nogames8982]

When I redid my kitchen, I thought I had too many outlets. And actually I do. The problem is there’s one spot that really needs an outlet and I don’t have one there. I don’t know how me, my friends, my contractor and the electrician all missed that little detail. Too late now. But how irritating. I did do bottom drawers and I love them. And counter depth refrigerators are wonderful things. I got a couple things right anyway.

[@taniaeloomian7900]

Is there white granite? My future medium size kitchen (3x4 m) will have classic wood cabinets. I want to use white countertops, but I do not like marble, quartz, or porcelain tiles. I have heard that Granit doesn't come in white. Is it true? And if yes, what could you suggest? Thanks. (PS, I live in France, in an old country house in the mountains, and we are renovating it step by step).

[@jobond3317]

I'm thinking about using vinyl or something that's waterproof long lasting low maintenance as I will be living on a farm and lots of pets. Any suggestions? I like soft comfeel warm feel to the floors. Asking to much???

[@Jessica-uv4lt]

if I have in the kitchen Calacatta gold on the floor, light gray cabinets, plateau color in the wall, similar backsplash, an oak table top that come with a bblack piedestal, what color should i use for the countertop?

[@b4804514]

Nice touch with the underwear catching on the handle. It is a real thing

[@ChocolateKitty864]

I wish this video was out before we renovated the kitchen. We have tall drawers under the sink for rubbish bins but a cabinet might have been a better choice.

[@Halfful]

Um… about the fridge. I chose a bigger fridge knowing it would stick out. However, I choose the Samsung bespoke fridge with the flat panels. It does stick out but its better than having to store an extra freezer somewhere. Also there’s no handles so the look is very clean. No regrets

[@scasny]

He mostly mention of forgetting about things like fridge when designing a kitchen or suddenly realizing its too small. It took me few days looking up, asking around and even looking in the stores at the real thing. Now i am so glad i opted for the bigger freezer space as i use the extra space to buy cheap meat in bulk. While the actual fridge space is rarely full. So you buy something what you need and use not what you just want.

[@stevensyrko7109]

I screwed up the lightening in my open concept house. the kitchen, dinning room and living room are all one big space. during the day I have tons of natural light from 12 windows, but at night OMG it is very dark.

[@Lilnewtynewt]

Haha the amount of wired headphones I damaged due to handles that stick out. Very good point. I’m currently wondering if someone has ideas on good flooring for the kitchen?? I’m looking to take up this travertine that always seems to look dirty. I’m over tile being used in a kitchen and bathroom.

[@Evan_Adams]

Island outlets under counter level are now against USA electrical code.

[@helenatan1030]

Where did you buy your black floor lamp

[@beena8510]

Thanks 🙏

[@philliptemple9841]

Upvoted for 1 and 4, which I've seen too many times. Disagree with 5. Nice things sometimes take more effort to maintain but it doesn't mean you shouldn't do them. I would have mentioned maybe tiled around the kitchen area as a washing machine or dishwasher leak onto hardwood flooring can warp the wood meaning expensive repairs. Phillip.

[@chellywaskey3353]

Unfortunately outlets in kitchen islands are no longer to code here in the US

[@hugohernandez4259]

What's a good alternative to marvel? Thanks

[@applesauceandhoney2407]

what would you use if you cook a ton but love the black splash and counter to be marble? You said the cons of marble but what is the altervative? Ty

[@scasny]

I am a stone sculptor and work installing marble and granit countertops. If you are not a candy maker there is no benefit to have stone in your kitchen just visual. All stone is porous and even whit proper maintenance and applying sealant it will stain eventually. Today imitations are so good you have to touch it to be sure its not a stone. And if its the feeling go for ceramics. Interesting as in US stone countertops increase the house value. In EU it have no or even negative effect. Generally i install the countertops in homes where the big kitchen will be not use at all, because the rich owners eat outside and dont know how to cook in the first place. I have one instance where after i install the countertop they call next year if i be willing the discard it because they hate it, how dirty and scratch it become and was considering the ceramic or even stainless. I personally have stainless and going to make swirl/circular pattern finish.

[@applesauceandhoney2407]

@@scasny someone told me there is a new product a pvc that comes in a sheet that can be cut and lasts for a while way cheaper . Have you heard of this?

[@scasny]

@@applesauceandhoney2407 So why you want marble if you put plastic on it. Like if you already have a marble countertop its ok, just dont go extra mile and money to get one as they are not worth it.

[@applesauceandhoney2407]

@@scasny It was a thought to use the pvc to save $$ on back splash instead of using the countertop material as the back splash. someone else told me porcalain granite is a great money saver and super durable? you recommend ?

[@scasny]

@@applesauceandhoney2407 (sorry there, little misunderstanding) well for splash wall why not. Granite is good. Just use stone wax instead of sealer. Dont have much experience with ceramic/porcelain. But its not porous like stone. And yes its super hard. Its basically the same stuff plates are made from. But i recon a normal or large format tiles will also be good. Then its the question, you pay a contractor or DIY. Only advice i can give you is pay attention to where the seams are and try to make them symmetric or line up with something to incorporate them to the over all look. Use chalk, tape or pencil and mark things out. Sit down and look at it. Even for few days. Week of prep can save your regret. I was planning my kitchen/living room for more then a month. Measure and draw the real dimensions on the floor. I move in the kitchen fluently, dont bump or hit anything.

[@NokBok-i3e]

Which range hood I should buy.. two of my range hood broken… ☹️

[@merrygoround4965]

We are planning to renovate our bathroom and specially the kitchen and do not know where to start? We are living in apartment less than 100sqm. I hope you could help me. Our kitchen is small and enclosed galley kitchen and kitchen is a bit dark because of the brown cabinet

[@angelaberni8873]

I'm a darn good expert on kitchens,so here goes. Many i agree with him. The biggest mistake people make is choosing porous materials for their worktops. So mable ,granite etc is an absolute NO. Too small sinks horrify me.BIG,BIG MISTAKE. Get the biggest sink possible and not stainless steel or you will be forever drying it. Personally i utterly hate top cabinets and because of their highth i find them a totally waste of time and aesthetically ugly. Far better bottom draws( definitely NO cabinets)or if you dont have sufficient storage room,use floor to past worktop cupboards. Then lots of shelves inside. I have problems with taps that are too high and splash all over the place.

[@angelaberni8873]

I also find cooker hoods a total waste of time. They don't work well,look bloody awful and collect grease. I never use them and believe me ,I cook every single day and being Italian most things that I cook take a long simmering time. No problem whatsoever. One of my hobs has a window behind it. No problem. Save your money on those stupid useless things.

[@LadytheKingsmother]

How about the stone Quarz working platte? Are they easily stained?Anyone has experience ?

[@juanitahardy8583]

My most hated feature is a lazy Susan corner.

[@bobxstar]

Employee at lowes told me it's illegal to have outlets in newly made kitchen islands now?

[@MV8]

My flat has a builder kitchen and it has all of those design flaws 😭

[@susansawyer2475]

My house was built in 1949. I swear the designer,/builder hated his mother, because all the "regrets" are a part of the design: think 6' of counter space with a bend and a large sink. Cabinets are too tall to reach w/o a ladder, no real storage and the best part is the kitchen is 15'x15' and poorly designed! Can hardly wait to remodel the kitchen and these tips are timely!

[@akuzminsky]

Marble is the worst mistake in my kitchen. It stains and it etches. No sealant will help. The sealant makes the surface only resistant to acids, meaning it just gives you extra time to wipe it off before it's too late. If you overlook and leave stuff overnight, etching is guaranteed. I put a cork coaster under a plant pot to prevent a ring and ended up with a brown stain that I discovered weeks later. Hate it.

[@collyn89]

They make basically an enormous screen protector to cover marble countertops. Might be something for you to look into.

[@ironman2326]

My kitchen has the same cabinets and stone countertop shown in the left of the thumbnail 😆

[@HypatiaK]

Counter depth refrigerators cost more.

[@susannovak8263]

Yes, they do. We prefer them, however, because they don’t stick out so much. There are only two of us in our home, so we don’t mind the slightly produced cubic footage.

[@scasny]

Another example of charging more for less. I always wonder as Americans have generally larger houses but somehow not enough space for fridge and a freezer. But thing its similar to bragging about anything large. Car, Tv, house, and even fridge.

[@HypatiaK]

@@scasny Probably our houses are bigger because more land is available to spread out. The counter depth refrigerator has similar storage space, but the “works” on the back are made less bulky somehow. I decided that for a significant difference in price, I could live with my fridge sticking out a couple of inches beyond my counter.

[@scasny]

@@HypatiaK Can be but you have many things bigger for no reason. We can use the car stereotype. Even on villages and outskirts with family houses people rarely have a big cars and rarely you find pick ups. Its just culture, just like with the metric system america is slow and hard to change. There was a era of big families, big fridges and cars. The items stay or keep getting bigger but the reason why no longer exist. The moment when almost no one will buy bigger fridge, they will rump up the more desirable product and even lower price to compete. In EU 99% of the fridges are counter depth and rarely someone want a ice dispenser. And your bigger two door fridge is supper expensive and rare.

[@HypatiaK]

@@scasny You’ve got me thinking. Reading your reply, it occurred to me that one reason American cars and refrigerators are big has to do with the fact that a large part of the population lives in residential suburbs and must travel a long distance to shop. This means you need to carry a big load of groceries home, and you need a big place to store the cold stuff. I wonder if we eat more frozen food than other western countries. In the end individuals consume reasonably similar quantities of food.