3 Big Kitchen Reno Mistakes

1.        Putting new countertops on old builder grade cabinets

This is a common mistake, and no better than putting lipstick on a pig. Depending on how old/new your home is, you may be able to get away with this, but if your property has original cabinets that date back to the early 90s or prior, chances are it’s not worth the thousands of dollars you will spend on slabs, fabrication, and the new sink and cooktop, etc. Even if you paint the old cabinets, it’s really not the finish that is your biggest problem, but the frame style, the panel style, and the particle board construction. It’s like taking a 1986 Toyota Tercel, repainting it, putting new rims on, and expecting it to look and function like a new car. It just doesn’t work. Flips are one thing, but if you're trying to improve your home for your benefit and enjoyment, do it right.

2.        Bright colored kitchen islands

I have seen many folks attempt this, but seldom have I seen it tastefully executed. The key with bright colors is (generally) to use them in small doses. More often than not, a kitchen island is large enough to be too overwhelming in a loud color. Of course, to each their own. If you LOVE bright colors, you should have them around you in a way that makes you happy. I am not against bright colored cabinets in general. There is a right and a wrong way to do them though, and there is something about a bright colored island that feels...amateur; Like you want color, but aren’t sure you could live with a whole kitchen in that color.

This is one good reason to hire a designer. Designers know how to use color in a way that looks professional and will stand the test of time. When you’re spending thousands of dollars on cabinetry and stone, make sure you do it right (especially if you are not budgeted to remodel every 10 years). If you want color, terrific, but if you want to use it in a tasteful way that will please you for many years to come, find a designer with examples of work that are consistent with your style and colorful taste, pay their fee, and LISTEN to them.

3.        Tasking your contractor with selections/design decisions

My apologies to the diamond-in-the-rough contractors with consistently impeccable taste. Friends, contractors are not designers. Just as designers are not contractors (or at least the vast majority). A general contractor should not be considered a stand-in designer for those on a tighter budget, but they often get dealt that hand.

It’s always crystal clear to me when I look at a kitchen renovation after the fact that the contractor played a heavier role than they should have in selections—whether it be the cheap prefab cabinets that stop a foot shy of the ceiling, or the 2 inch Home Depot stocked crown molding, or the sloppily designed backsplash (if there even is one). Generally speaking, don’t assume your contractor can make good design decisions, even if they seem confident.

Ultimately, contractors make higher profits when they can turn projects quickly and easily. I can't tell you how many times I've witnessed a contractor whipping out his I-pad to show the client an example of what he did "on another project". The client looks at the photo/s and says, "Oh, that might work, sure...." because they are starting to hit overload. In the most critical phase that can really make or break the results, the client is exhausted and just ready to be done. So they approve whatever the contractor suggests, and the contractor wraps up the project, collects the balance due, and disappears.

A seasoned designer has the majority of critical design decisions made before demo even begins--at least when brought in early enough in the project. Yes, it is an investment, but if you're trying to set up your home for YOU and your enjoyment, rather than a quick flip on the cheap, an interior designer can be a very worthy investment.

Even if you’re on a tight timeline, consider scheduling a consultation with a noncommissioned designer. They can help you determine the best approach for your space and your budget, as well as your timeline. And the mistakes you might make without designer guidance can cost a LOT more than one day worth of design fees.

If you’re considering a renovation project, reside in the East Bay Area, and need some design guidance, reach out via my inquiry page. I’m happy to help connect you with good solutions and resources.

You can also follow me on Instagram @getitdonedesigner