Designing a Kitchen? Here’s What I’d Never Do—And Why

The kitchen is one of the most important spaces in any home—but it’s also one of the easiest to get wrong. With endless kitchen inspiration online, it’s easy to prioritise style over function and end up with a layout that doesn’t suit your lifestyle or daily routine.

Some kitchen design decisions look beautiful but don’t hold up in real life. In this blog, I’m sharing the five kitchen design mistakes I’d avoid—and what to do instead to create a space that feels thoughtful, practical, and tailored to the way you live. 

1. Install Open Shelves Without a Plan

I see you gathering inspiration for your dream kitchen, and it ticks all the boxes—including those perfectly styled open shelves. And yes, they look stunning in a magazine.

But in real life? They collect dust, grease, and let’s be honest—they won’t stay styled the way they did on install day. You might have every intention of keeping them picture-perfect, but the daily upkeep will wear thin quickly.

Do you really want to add another chore to your to-do list?

Designer Note: Open shelving only works if you’re committed to keeping them curated, clutter-free and clean. If that’s not your thing, opt for closed cabinetry—or consider glass-front cabinets so you can still showcase your beautiful pieces without the dust and grime.

2. Use Natural Stone If You Won’t Maintain It

Natural stone countertops are stunning—and yes, they get a bad rap for being “high maintenance.” But they’re also unmatched in character, movement, and uniqueness.

Yes, they’re porous. Yes, they require sealing every 12 to 18 months. But when sealed properly by a reputable company, nothing will soak into the surface. And if something does sit a little too long? Most marks can be buffed or rehoned back to life.

No two slabs are the same. The imperfections, the veining, the wow factor—it’s all part of the story.

Designer Note: Natural stone isn’t as high maintenance as it’s made out to be. My role is to help you make the best choice for your home and lifestyle. If that means natural stone, amazing. If not, there are plenty of beautiful alternatives that are just as hardworking. 

3. Put the Sink in the Island (Without Thinking It Through)

Your kitchen island is prime real estate. It’s where you gather, prep, entertain—and the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes front and centre.

That said, if you have the luxury of a generous island with great depth, and seating far enough away from the splash zone, it can still work beautifully.

Designer Note: Unless there’s a separate butler’s pantry or prep area, I prefer keeping the island clean and clear. Let it shine as the heart of your kitchen—not the dishwashing zone.

4. Skip a Proper Bin Solution

It’s not the most exciting part of a kitchen—but trust me, it’s one of the most used. If you’ve ever tried to slide food scraps off a chopping board into a tiny bin crammed under the sink, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Bins are a functional essential that often get overlooked in the planning phase, but they can make or break your workflow—especially during meal prep.

Designer Note: An integrated kitchen bin near your prep zone makes everything feel more seamless. Whether you’re cooking solo or hosting a dinner party, having a bin exactly where you need it saves time, mess, and a lot of frustration.

5. Choosing Style Over Workflow

That Pinterest kitchen you saved? Gorgeous. But does it actually work for you and your lifestyle?

The materials matter—but they only shine when paired with a layout that fits how you live. Good kitchen design starts with a functional layout. The foundation is always the work triangle: refrigerator, sink, and cooktop. This creates a natural flow—grab, wash, prep, cook.

And it’s not just about layout. If your budget doesn’t allow for custom cabinetry, be aware that standard flat-pack sizes might not suit your space. That can mean wasted corners, gaps, or the need for bulkheads or fillers to close things in.

Designer Note: How you cook, host, store, and clean matters. A kitchen should support your lifestyle, not fight it.

Kitchen Design, Done Right

A beautiful kitchen isn’t just about finishes and fixtures—it’s about function, flow, and the small design decisions that make daily life easier. The right layout, materials, and details can completely change the way your kitchen works for you.

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or building from scratch and want a design that feels considered, elevated, and tailored to how you live, I’d love to help.

Ready to design a kitchen that looks beautiful and works beautifully? Click through to see how we can work together.