Top 10 Kitchen Layout Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Designing a kitchen can be one of the most exciting – and overwhelming – parts of a home renovation. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your kitchen a refresh, it’s easy to fall into common layout traps that affect both style and functionality. The good news? With the right planning, you can sidestep these issues and create a kitchen that works beautifully day in and day out.

Here are the top 10 kitchen layout mistakes to avoid – and how to get it right the first time.

Ignoring the Work Triangle

The work triangle (sink, hob, and fridge) should form a practical path for movement. Too far apart and your kitchen feels exhausting; too close, and it becomes cramped.

Avoid it by: Keeping each “point” of the triangle no more than 2.5 metres apart, and ensuring there’s a clear flow between them.

Poor Lighting

Many kitchens suffer from either too much ambient lighting or none in the right places.

Avoid it by: Layering your lighting – use overhead lights, under-cabinet strips for task lighting, and pendant lights for style. Always opt for brighter task lighting over food prep areas.

Not Enough Worktop Space

You’ll need more prep space than you think – especially around the hob and sink.

Avoid it by: Allocating at least 600mm of clear worktop on either side of your hob, and using corners wisely with pull-out solutions or chopping boards over the sink.

Blocking Natural Flow

Placing a fridge or dishwasher where it blocks drawers, doors, or walkways can create daily frustrations.

Avoid it by: Opening appliance doors in your design software (or in real life with cardboard mockups) to ensure clearance and space to move.

Misplacing the Sink

Your sink isn’t just for washing up – it’s central to food prep too.

Avoid it by: Positioning the sink close to the dishwasher and bin, ideally with a clear view of the garden or open space if possible.

Inadequate Storage

Relying on cupboards alone can lead to cluttered surfaces and chaos.

Avoid it by: Mixing cupboard types – use deep drawers for pots and pans, pull-out larders for food, and overhead storage for occasional items.

Forgetting About Bin Placement

If your bin is miles from your prep area, your workflow suffers.

Avoid it by: Installing an integrated bin under or near the sink. Ideally, place it where you can scrape leftovers, rinse dishes, and load the dishwasher in one easy motion.

Skimping on Plug Sockets

Modern kitchens are full of gadgets – from coffee machines to blenders and air fryers.

Avoid it by: Installing multiple sockets along your backsplash and considering pop-up sockets in islands or corners.

Oversized Kitchen Islands

Islands are popular, but too large or poorly placed islands can restrict movement and flow.

Avoid it by: Allowing at least 1 metre of clearance around all sides of the island. Don’t force one into a kitchen that’s too small – a peninsula or movable trolley can be just as effective.

Following Trends Blindly

What looks great on Pinterest might not work for your family or space.

Avoid it by: Prioritising your lifestyle – whether that’s a breakfast bar for quick mornings, a double oven for big Sunday roasts, or a pantry for bulk shopping.

The key to a successful kitchen layout is planning. Think about how you use your kitchen every day – from morning coffee routines to big family dinners – and design around that. Avoiding these common layout mistakes will save you time, money, and stress, and help you create a kitchen that truly works for your life.