Minimalism has compiled a list of common flaws that are often found after a kitchen renovation is completed. Maybe you…
… made a few sockets
Many use standard wiring standards. But it should be borne in mind that the number of appliances in a modern kitchen can grow every year. Multicookers, kettles, coffee makers, toasters, waffle irons, microwaves, and refrigerators – everything needs sockets. And it’s better to make extra connectors on the apron during repairs than to wrap the countertops with meters of wires from extension cords later. Provide sockets for both constantly connected equipment and rarely used ones – a blender, mixer, and juicer.
…choose the wrong countertop height
For typical repairs from the developer, universal measurements are used, in which the height of the countertop is 86 cm. Designers and foremen are guided by the same rule unless otherwise discussed. Quite often, kitchen owners want to make countertops taller, as a result, they hide sockets because even half a centimeter plays a big role. Therefore, decide in advance how high the furniture will be, and only then conduct the electrician. Repairs from the builder often have to be redone in order for the kitchen to meet certain requirements.
… made a mistake with the size of the apron
It is worth considering the number and dimensions of not only the lower but also the upper cabinets, as well as what you plan to put in them. Will it be convenient to get a plate from the microwave overhead? And lift the lid of the multicooker if it rests against the wall cabinet. It also happens that there is a place to connect the equipment, but there is no space left on the countertop because of it. Or you didn’t provide storage cabinets, but the apron occupies half the wall. Of course, it can be supplemented with hanging shelves and hooks, but it is better to think over this moment before you accept work from the construction team.
… did not take into account the location of the equipment
In addition to the inconvenience of constantly switching household appliances, serious safety issues can arise. It is important to remember the requirements for placing appliances in the kitchen. For example, there must be at least 40 cm from the stove to the sink or refrigerator. Otherwise, thermal insulation will not save you from melted parts, spoiled food, and electrical appliances. Familiarize yourself with the detailed characteristics of the equipment – in some cases, the rules can be neglected. But these nuances must be foreseen before you place an order for the kitchen and install sockets.
…didn’t take enough measurements
It is not enough to know the length and width of the room. Dimensions should be taken into account to the millimeter, especially if you decide to make retractable shelves and “pockets” for equipment. Do not try to save time on measurements – double-check each of them several times, preferably not on the same day. It happens that the parameters of the room have changed due to repairs: you made soundproofing and plastered the walls. As a result, the carefully calculated dimensions of the headset do not correspond to the area of the room. Conclusion – always send the final version of the furniture arrangement to the designer after the redecoration is completed.
…hadn’t thought through the habits
Someone loves culinary experiments and spends a lot of time in the kitchen, others prefer to have a snack on the run and do not need a space filled with tables. In any case, an individual project implies that the finished room will match your habits. Try to make a list of what, when, and how you do in the kitchen, what you like (for example, the light from the window), and what annoys you (you have to stand on a chair to put the cups in the dryer). Much depends on whether you are right-handed or left-handed, how tall, what dishes you use most often, and what equipment you rarely get. Add to the list when you discover something new because at the final meeting with the designer, it is impossible to remember everything at once.
… saved on lighting
Countertop lighting is no longer a novelty, but many do not remember it because of the habit of the old kitchen. Once it was lit only by a light bulb on the ceiling, but now it is possible to connect as many additional lights as required. Perhaps you often cook in the evenings or like to drink tea in the early morning without turning on the dazzling chandelier. In addition, it is located above the head and behind the back, creating a shadow on the tabletop. Therefore, it will be more convenient to make the backlight over the entire work surface. The color of the lamps is also important so that the space does not seem too warm or cold due to the light; designers advise neutral, at 3500–4000 K.
…choose the wrong colors
There is nothing wrong with making an original kitchen. Many people prefer bright colors as opposed to the standard whites, beiges, and greys. But it is important to take into account the opinion of the one who will spend the most time in the renovated space: not every housewife will appreciate the bright orange cabinets that are in front of her eyes for half a day. Even with ordinary colors, there are mistakes: scratches will instantly appear on a black acrylic tabletop that cannot be removed without professional polishing. White furniture, so popular in modern Scandinavian interiors, can become a source of stress – it shows prints, streaks and the smallest dirt. To avoid such problems, focus on the quality of materials and reviews of the owners of similar kitchens, and not be guided only by color preferences.
… forgot about the open doors
In addition to the size of closed cabinets, you need to consider the width of the furniture with open doors. It is unlikely that you will place drawers opposite each other, but the corner ones can rest against the neighboring ones, and the extreme ones against the radiator, open refrigerator, or door jamb. It also happens that the hinged doors of the upper cabinets cannot be fully opened due to the overhanging ceiling or overhead lights, and the mixer handle rests against the wall. Be sure to check how much space is needed for the free opening of doors and drawers. Think about what else will be in the kitchen and how convenient it is (for example, a window that you need to reach through a wide countertop).
… made spontaneous purchases
If you are planning a renovation in the kitchen, your eyes automatically cling to contextual advertising, feature articles and store signs. Try to make a detailed plan, discuss it with the designer and stop thinking about possible optimization after the contract is signed. Otherwise, it may turn out that you buy another dishwasher or microwave at a sale that does not fit into the agreed measurements of the kitchen. Each niche and cabinet is adjusted to certain parameters, and you should not change them in the process. Many types of household appliances have standard sizes, but even a difference of one centimeter can spoil the appearance of the kitchen: an ugly gap will appear between the oven and the countertop or the refrigerator and the wall.
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