The Most Common Kitchen Design Mistakes and How To Avoid Them

Designing a Kitchen That Works — and Lasts

A well-designed kitchen is the heart of a home — but even beautiful spaces can fall short if planning, proportion, or functionality are overlooked.

Before you begin your remodel, here are the most common kitchen design mistakes to avoid — and how thoughtful design-build planning ensures your new kitchen feels as good as it looks.

1. Overlooking Kitchen Work Flow

The relationship between the sink, stove, and refrigerator — known as the work triangle — and, more specifically, functional task zones for storage, prep, cooking, cleaning, and serving remains one of the most important layout principles in kitchen design.  When these elements are spaced too far apart or obstructed by islands or cabinets, meal prep becomes frustrating. By carefully balancing efficiency and aesthetics, a proper kitchen design plan can ensure every zone supports how you actually use your kitchen.  While we don’t always stick to the hard and fast rule of the official kitchen triangle, we do work with the space in your home and how you use your kitchen to ensure that the final design works for you and your daily life.

In addition to the work flow, modern kitchens are more than places to cook — they’re gathering spaces, workspaces, and design statements.  A well-zoned use layout includes dedicated areas for cooking, storage, eating, socializing, and work. By prioritizing logical flow between these zones, multiple people can use the kitchen comfortably without overlap.

2. Skimping on Lighting Layers

A single ceiling fixture won’t do your new kitchen, or your eyesight, justice. Great lighting combines ambient, task, and accent sources to make the space both functional and inviting. Lighting design should be integrated early in the process, highlighting architectural details, islands, and cabinetry with balanced illumination.  Consider your work and use spaces, as well as the amount and type of lighting needed for each.  A proper lighting plan will integrate light temperature combinations as well as dimming capabilities so that your space can accommodate multiple situations and natural light changes throughout the day.  Flexibility is the key and designing layers of lighting options can ensure that you’re never left in the dark.

3. Forgetting About Storage and Organization

Even the most beautiful kitchen can feel cluttered without proper storage. From deep drawers for pots and pans to custom in-cabinet organizers and pull-out pantries, smart storage is essential. Your design should include custom storage solutions that reflect your habits — whether you’re a home chef, entertainer, or minimalist. Don’t underestimate small appliances and pantry needs when planning cabinetry dimensions.  Evaluate each of your work and use areas in the design and plan accordingly for where items will be needed and best accessible.  If possible, allow for growth in your storage plan with room to accommodate changes in family needs or that new small appliance.

4. Prioritizing Trends Over Timelessness

Trendy colors, flashy fixtures, and loud materials may look great today but could feel dated quickly. We believe the best kitchens blend timeless design with modern touches — ensuring your remodel feels relevant for years to come. When remodeling in historic and established neighborhoods, we pay particular attention to context — pairing updated functionality with design elements that respect your home’s character. Your new space should feel integrated into the existing parts of your home and feel as if it was always a part of it.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t make a statement with your design choices.  One of the main points of a remodel is to create a space that you love and can enjoy everyday! As with lighting and proper layout, layering of design elements is important for the cohesiveness of your design.  Thoughtful combinations of cabinetry material, counters, hardware, fixtures, colors and finishes should feel purposeful and come together to create an inspiring and timeless space.

5. Overcrowding the Space

There is such a thing as too much.  Too many features can make a kitchen feel cramped, even in large homes. Avoid over-designing with excessive cabinetry, oversized islands, or unnecessary details. We guide clients toward balance and proportion, ensuring every element serves a purpose. The result? A clean, cohesive kitchen that feels spacious, not cluttered.  Sometimes, less is more.

6. Choosing the Wrong Team

Even the best design can fall apart without skilled execution. When selecting a contractor or company to complete the work, take the time to evaluate if they are the best for you and your project.  Meet with them and ask questions to learn more about them and the process. See our blog post here.  Look at examples of their completed work.  Ask for and contact references.  See if it's possible to see a completed project in person.  Remodeling your kitchen is an intimate, time intensive, and invasive process.  Make sure that you are comfortable with whom you are partnering.

Looking for a cohesive project from design to finish?  A design-build firm may be a good fit.  Working with an experienced design-build firm like Connor Design-Build provides a single, coordinated team for design, planning, and construction. We manage every detail — from layout optimization to finish carpentry — so your kitchen renovation unfolds seamlessly and delivers exceptional quality.

Final Thoughts: Build for the Way You Live

A great kitchen is the perfect balance of beauty, performance, and personalization. By avoiding these common pitfalls — and partnering with a trusted Harrisburg kitchen remodeling expert — you’ll create a space that elevates both your home and your lifestyle.

At Connor Design-Build, we’ve spent years refining the art and science of kitchen renovation throughout Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania. We bring thoughtful design, precise craftsmanship, and concierge-level service to every kitchen renovation. If you’re ready to begin planning your kitchen remodel, we’d love to collaborate with you.

Kitchen Renovation Services | Our Design-Build Process | View Recent Kitchen Projects in Harrisburg | Contact Connor Design-Build