5 kitchen renovation mistakes to avoid

To be successful, be aware of what not to do you before you start

Your long-awaited kitchen renovation is almost here. You’ve done all the research and are confident you know ever ything there is to know. But before a hammer or paintbrush touches any wall, take a look at five common pitfalls that renovators often make:

1. Not having sufficient task lighting

Task lighting illuminates a sur face so you can do a specific chore, such as cutting an apple. “Your kitchen counter top is your workspace, and this is where it’s most important to make sure the sur face is well illuminated,” said Sharon Flatley, owner of Sharon Flatley Design in Dallas. “Consider where you will stand and the correct position of lighting to eliminate any shadows where tasks are to be performed.”

2. Ignoring the budget

“Going overbudget is easy to do unless you lock it down from the beginning,” Flatley said.

“Make a list of all of your priorities: If a built-in cof fee maker is a necessity, then add that to the cost from the beginning.” Next, define the look that you want. “Don’t be swayed by glossy photos of ‘million-dollar’ kitchens,” she said. Research costs associated with a kitchen remodel. If an appliance you want doesn’t align with your set budget, find an alternative with the same features but at a lower price. “Do this with all products to be used in the space: lighting fixtures, tile, faucets, cabinetry hardware. If you understand what costs are before you start, you’ll have a better idea of how to stay on budget.”

3. Making too many trendy choices

Nothing’s wrong with wanting to update your kitchen, but that doesn’t mean featuring multiple of-the-moment styles that don’t really work in the space. To temper this tendency with her clients, Flatley asks them to put together an idea book for their first meeting. “They could be images from a magazine, Houzz, Pinterest or anything that illustrates what they like.” This usu

ally points to a par ticular style. From there, “it’s my job to keep them on track, so they don’t deviate into styles that are not consistent with the home’s architectural style.” The result? A kitchen that’s seamlessly integrated into the entire home.

4. Picking out appliances last

Appliances should always come first, Flatley said. “They will drive the design, so it’s extremely important to know if you prefer a double oven and separate cooktop versus a full range.” A good designer “will work with clients to discuss what the space can do and its limitations and come up with creative ways to give the client the best that the space can handle.”

5. Painting the cabinets glossy white

If you’re not doing a full-on remodel but just trying to spruce up the kitchen, painting the cabinets a bright white is a great idea — but only if the rest of the kitchen has a bright palette too. “If your floor tile is a warm color, instead of painting cabinets a bright white, which is cool, look for soft white colors that enhance what’s already in the space,” Flatley said.

GETTY IMAGES To stay on budget, research costs before starting, and avoid too many trendy items so that the kitchen will blend with the rest of the home.