Avoid These 10 Kitchen Layout Mistakes

Functionality is one of the most important considerations when it comes to designing a kitchen, but it often gets overlooked due to flashy fixtures and finishes
June 10, 2025
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Functional kitchen design
Using proper lighting, not wasting kitchen island space, and using vertical wall space are just a few ways to make your kitchen more functional.

As one of the most high-traffic areas of the home, a kitchen’s functionality is one of the most important parts of its design. That’s according to home remodeling and design platform Houzz, which suggests home building and design professionals consider the layout of a kitchen above finishes, fixtures, and other aesthetic features of the kitchen.

To help pros navigate their next kitchen project, Houzz asked design experts to reveal the 10 most common layout errors that they encounter and how to avoid them.

It causes even more issues when your kitchen doubles as a thoroughfare. A lack of space can also make it difficult to open appliances such as the fridge and dishwasher.

- Jenefer Gordon, principal at interior design firm Eat bathe Live, on not planning for adequate circulation

Some of the top mistakes they identified include:

  • Not taking workflow into consideration
  • Not planning a space for smaller, commonly used appliances like coffee machines, microwaves, and toaster ovens;
  • Poorly planned lighting placement;
  • Not making use of vertical wall space; and
  • Wasting kitchen island space. 
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