5 kitchen layout mistakes and how design experts say you can avoid them

Deciding on the best type of kitchen layout for your new cooking space involves a serious amount of consideration. Make fundamental kitchen layout mistakes and you could end up with a cramped space that makes cooking feel a complete and utter chore rather than an enjoyable experience.

Get it right and will make the weeks of waiting for your dream kitchen worthwhile. But with space, size and shape of your kitchen all influencing the layout you can have, what are the main kitchen layout mistakes that can impact on the end result?

We asked kitchen designers for their top tips for avoiding kitchen layout mistakes and how to make sure they don't feature in your home.

Mistake one: Not planning ahead

Kitchen layout mistake number one? Not thinking enough about what you want and planning in advance says Richard Davonport, founder and managing director of kitchen specialists, Davonport.

“Architecturally, kitchens come in all shapes and sizes and while there are various stages to designing a kitchen, none is as critical as deciding on the right kitchen layout," says Richard. "Think of your kitchen layout like the foundations of your home, it will either make or break the room, both in terms of how your kitchen looks but also how well it functions.

“Your final kitchen layout will determine how successful your kitchen is; how easy it is to use, how well it functions in different roles and whether it works to the best of its ability in whatever size space your kitchen is," he adds.

“When starting to think about layouts, think about how you’d like to use your new kitchen and not how you currently use an existing kitchen," advises Richard. "Consider the flow of traffic and general pattern of usage, for example, is the whole family in the kitchen in a morning? What can be done to make this an easier experience.

"Do you need different dining areas? Do you like to entertain and is the kitchen the main hub when you do? All of these questions and more will have an impact on the best layout for you," says Richard. "Get the answers right and you should be on the right path to avoiding any potential kitchen layout mistakes."

Richard Davonport

Richard Davonport is a luxury cabinetmaker, designer and the founder and Managing Director of kitchen specialists, Davonport. The company designs and makes bespoke kitchens from its workshop in the heart of East Anglia. He has a vast wealth of experience in kitchen design, layout and creating beautiful kitchens for all type of homes.

Mistake two: overlooking the kitchen work triangle

"The relationship between the sink, hob, and fridge – known as the work triangle – is key to a smooth and efficient kitchen," says Tom Pigram, designer at Nolte Kitchens.

"If these elements are too far apart, awkwardly placed, or obstructed, it disrupts the flow of cooking and preparation, making the space feel frustrating rather than functional," he explains.

But what are the consequences of this kitchen layout mistake? Does it really change how you feel about your kitchen?

"It does," confirms Tom. "An inefficient work triangle means more steps, more effort, and less enjoyment. Cooking should feel intuitive, not like an obstacle course. If your fridge is too far from the prep area or the hob is awkwardly placed, even simple tasks become inconvenient.

"My advise is to keep the sink, hob, and fridge within an efficient distance – ideally between 4 and 9 feet apart," advises Tom. "Avoid unnecessary obstructions, and ensure the layout allows for smooth movement between tasks."

Tom Pigram

Tom has 8 years of experience in high-end kitchen and bathroom design. He is part of the team at Nolte Kitchens in Milton Keynes – the brand's largest UK showroom.

Mistake three: Neglecting the importance of layered lighting in a kitchen

"Kitchen lighting ideas are often an afterthought, but they have a huge impact on both practicality and atmosphere," says Tom Pigram. It's vital to ensure you avoid kitchen lighting mistakes as this can impact on every part of your kitchen, turning even the most well thought out kitchen layout into a failure.

"A well-designed kitchen should include task lighting (for food prep), ambient lighting (for general illumination), and accent lighting (to highlight features). Relying solely on ceiling lights can leave work surfaces dim and the space feeling uninspired," warns Tom.

"Lighting isn’t just about brightness," he adds. "It’s about creating an inviting atmosphere while ensuring visibility where it’s needed. Without task lighting, you might find yourself chopping in the shadows. Without accent lighting, premium finishes and cabinetry lose their impact."

For a successful kitchen lighting scheme that complements your kitchen layout, Tom suggests you consider using, "under-cabinet lighting to keep worktops visible, pendant lights for adding warmth, and LED strips to highlight key design details."

Mistake four: overloading your kitchen layout with too many features

While it can be easy to get carried away with trying to ensure your new kitchen has all the bells and whistles – be it the latest kitchen innovations or trying to squeeze in a pantry design, overloading your kitchen is guaranteed to result in a kitchen layout mistake that impacts your daily use of the space.

"From oversized islands to unnecessary appliances, it’s easy to get carried away," agrees Tom Pigram, "but adding too many elements can clutter the space, making it feel busy rather than beautifully designed. A well-balanced kitchen blends form and function, allowing key design details to stand out without overwhelming the eye.

So even if you prefer a more eclectic freestanding vs fitted kitchen, try to remember that "a cluttered kitchen feels chaotic rather than considered," says Tom. "Too many gadgets, bulky storage solutions, or competing design elements can reduce both functionality and aesthetics. A well-designed space should feel effortless, not overwhelming."

A prime example is trying to fit in a kitchen island idea when really, a breakfast bar would be more appropriate. While they can work in small kitchen diner ideas, Richard Davonport offers the following tips to help avoid kitchen island mistakes too.

"You’ll need to try and ensure that you have at least 1.5 metres of floor space between opposing units, so that it doesn’t feel too cramped and that you can comfortably open up cupboard doors. You’ll also need to consider how many people might be in the same, especially at busy times of the day."

But, regardless of your eventual style of layout, be it L-shaped kitchen ideas or galley kitchen ideas, Tom Pigram's top tip is to, "prioritise timeless design and smart storage solutions over excessive features. A clean, well-planned layout with thoughtfully chosen materials and appliances creates a space that feels premium, effortless, and made for living."

Mistake five: Getting your kitchen storage and cabinet placement wrong

The final kitchen layout mistake? Choosing the wrong kitchen storage and not considering the importance of ergonomic solutions, says Sophie Devonald, designer at Crown Imperial.

"Planning your new kitchen layout without considering the importance of ergonomic storage, may mean more time is spent bending or stretching to reach your daily essentials," explains Sophie.

"Before you decide on the units that will form your kitchen layout ideas, "take time out to make a storage wish list, look at your current kitchen design to see where you want to improve the functionality and accessibility and then visit a kitchen showroom to ‘test drive’ different types of storage to ensure they meet everyone’s ergonomic needs," she suggests.

Sophie's preferred choice when designing a family kitchen is to consider organised tiered storage. "This offers dedicated lower zones for younger children to easily reach breakfast items and higher tiers to safely store away breakables such as bottles and jars."

Sophie Devonald

Sophie Devonald, Designer at Crown Imperial has over 20 years’ experience in the interiors industry and is passionate that the kitchen is the heart of the home.  On a personal level, she enjoys spending time with her family, and they often provide the perfect inspiration for creating kitchen designs for every life stage. 

Sophie Devonald shares these final tips for helping to avoid kitchen layout mistakes.

"Ensure you prevent pinch points when moving back and forth to retrieve daily essentials, and consider creating defined organised zones with ample space, so everyone can move freely between areas, independently carrying out tasks whilst reducing unnecessary flow," she advises.

"Bottlenecks often occur close to doorways, so where possible position appliances and pull out storage away from these areas to maintain a free flow."

While kitchen layout mistakes are avoidable, make sure you also consider these kitchen design mistakes too so that your kitchen costs are well spent and you don't end up regretting your investment.