Avoid these pitfalls by talking to local experts!
When it comes to buying a new kitchen, many people are full of excitement and ideas. It’s a chance to finally create the heart of your home, transforming it into a functional, beautiful space. However, without careful planning and expert advice, this excitement can quickly turn into frustration and regret.
At Thomas Victor Kitchens in Bedford, we’ve seen it all. As a bespoke kitchen company, our head designer Tom Hutchings has helped many customers avoid costly mistakes. Here, we share the ten most common kitchen-buying mistakes and how you can avoid them to ensure your new kitchen is exactly what you want.
- Lack of Proper Planning
One of the biggest mistakes people make when buying a new kitchen is rushing into the design phase without a clear plan. It’s tempting to jump straight into choosing the colours, appliances, and finishes, but without careful consideration, you could end up with a kitchen that doesn’t meet your needs or one that looks outdated far too soon.
How to avoid it:
Take the time to think about how you use your kitchen daily. Do you need more storage? Are you a keen cook and need additional worktop space? Is your kitchen the social hub of your home? At Thomas Victor Kitchens, we always begin with an in-depth consultation to help you clarify your needs before starting the design. This way, your new kitchen will be not only stunning but also practical and future-proof.
- Ignoring the Kitchen Triangle
The kitchen triangle refers to the ideal placement of the three most important areas: the sink, the fridge, and the cooker. If these elements are poorly positioned, it can disrupt the flow of the kitchen, making it awkward to cook and move around.
How to avoid it:
Keep the kitchen triangle in mind during the design phase. Ideally, these three elements should form a triangular layout, making it easier to move between them. At Thomas Victor Kitchens, Tom Hutchings designs kitchens with efficiency in mind, ensuring your space flows effortlessly.
- Choosing Aesthetic Over Functionality
It’s easy to get swept up in the aesthetic details of your new kitchen – the gorgeous worktops, sleek appliances, and stylish cabinets. However, aesthetics shouldn’t take priority over functionality. A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t work for your lifestyle can quickly become frustrating.
How to avoid it:
Think about the functionality of each element of your kitchen. For instance, open shelving looks great but requires constant cleaning, and glossy finishes may show smudges and fingerprints. Our team in Bedford designs kitchens that strike the perfect balance between beauty and practicality, so you don’t have to compromise on either.
- Underestimating Storage Needs
One of the most common regrets people have after installing a new kitchen is the lack of storage space. It’s all too easy to get carried away with design features and forget about practicalities like cupboard space, drawers, and pantry options.
How to avoid it:
Consider your current storage issues and plan accordingly. Do you find yourself constantly running out of space? Do you need more room for appliances, pots, pans, or pantry items? Our bespoke designs at Thomas Victor Kitchens ensure that every inch of your kitchen is optimised for storage, from clever corner solutions to deep drawers and built-in pantry units.
- Not Considering Lighting Early Enough
Lighting is often an afterthought, but it’s one of the most important aspects of your kitchen. Poor lighting can make your kitchen feel dark and uninviting, while the wrong lighting type can hinder cooking tasks.
How to avoid it:
Plan your kitchen lighting during the design phase. Layer your lighting for different purposes – ambient lighting for general use, task lighting for work areas, and accent lighting for highlighting key features. At Thomas Victor Kitchens, we incorporate lighting solutions into the design from the outset, ensuring your kitchen is both practical and inviting.
- Forgetting to Factor in Ventilation
Ventilation is one aspect of kitchen design that is often overlooked but is essential for maintaining a clean and pleasant atmosphere. Without proper ventilation, cooking smells can linger, and the accumulation of grease can damage surfaces.
How to avoid it:
Make sure your kitchen design includes a high-quality extractor fan or range hood. Consider the placement of your hob and how you’ll direct fumes and smoke outside. Our kitchen designs at Thomas Victor Kitchens always include optimal ventilation solutions, ensuring your kitchen remains fresh and clean.
- Not Measuring Appliances Properly
A surprising number of people forget to measure their appliances accurately or assume they’ll fit standard-sized spaces. This can lead to awkward gaps, appliances that stick out too far, or even a need to reconfigure cabinets post-installation.
How to avoid it:
Before ordering any appliances, measure your space carefully and consider how each appliance will fit into the overall design. Built-in appliances are a popular choice, but they need to be measured precisely. Tom Hutchings and his team will take exact measurements to ensure all your appliances fit seamlessly within your kitchen design.
- Overlooking Electrical Outlets
Another common mistake is not including enough electrical outlets or placing them in inconvenient locations. This oversight can lead to frustration when you’re trying to use multiple appliances at once or charge devices in a busy kitchen.
How to avoid it:
Consider how many outlets you’ll need and where you’ll need them. Think about the placement of large appliances, as well as small kitchen gadgets like kettles, coffee machines, and mixers. We ensure that all our kitchen designs include ample, strategically placed electrical outlets for both convenience and functionality.
- Trying to Do It All Yourself
The DIY approach can be tempting when it comes to designing and installing a kitchen, especially if you’re looking to save money. However, without expert knowledge, it’s easy to make costly mistakes that end up negating any savings.
How to avoid it:
Work with professionals who can guide you through the entire process, from design to installation. At Thomas Victor Kitchens, we have a dedicated team of skilled designers, craftsmen, and installers who ensure your kitchen is completed to the highest standard. Our bespoke approach means you’ll get a kitchen that not only meets your aesthetic and functional needs but is also built to last.
- Focusing Too Much on Current Trends
While it’s fun to follow the latest kitchen trends, basing your entire design on what’s currently in vogue can be a mistake. What’s trendy today may not age well, and you could find yourself wanting to redo your kitchen sooner than expected.
How to avoid it:
Choose a timeless design with elements that can be updated easily, such as replacing handles or repainting cabinets. Tom Hutchings specialises in creating kitchens that stand the test of time, combining classic design principles with modern conveniences. A timeless design ensures your kitchen will still look fresh and functional years down the line.
Why Choose Thomas Victor Kitchens in Bedford?
At Thomas Victor Kitchens, we understand that a kitchen is much more than just a place to cook. It’s the heart of your home – a space where family and friends gather, where meals are shared, and memories are made. That’s why we work closely with our clients to create bespoke kitchens that reflect their lifestyle, taste, and needs.
Our Process
Our head designer, Tom Hutchings, will guide you through the entire process, from the initial consultation to the final installation. With years of experience designing kitchens in Bedford and beyond, Tom knows how to avoid the common mistakes that can derail a kitchen project.
Quality Craftsmanship
All our kitchens are crafted with care, using the finest materials and attention to detail. Whether you’re looking for a modern, minimalist kitchen or something more traditional, our team has the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Tailored Designs
At Thomas Victor Kitchens, every kitchen we create is tailored to the individual needs of our clients. No two kitchens are the same because we believe your kitchen should be as unique as you are.
Conclusion
Buying a new kitchen is a significant investment, and getting it right requires careful planning and expert advice. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your new kitchen is both beautiful and practical. At Thomas Victor Kitchens in Bedford, we pride ourselves on helping clients navigate the design process smoothly, resulting in kitchens that are timeless, functional, and truly bespoke.
Ready to start planning your dream kitchen? Get in touch with Tom Hutchings and the team at Thomas Victor Kitchens today to arrange your consultation.