How to start a kitchen renovation: possible mistakes

1. Handles interfering with opening drawers

Protruding handles are a tricky thing. They are able to reduce the angle of opening of the door of the cabinet located in the corner, from 90 degrees, say, to 87. It would seem a trifle, but the drawer stops sliding at the same time (D.H.).

2. Too long working surface

If the kitchen area is large, it is tempting to line up all the furniture in a row along the wall. But as a result, the cooking process will turn into a series of sprint races from one end of the kitchen to the other. If the layout of the room allows, it is better to choose an “island” or a U-shaped structure: the area of ​​the working surface is the same, but there is no need to run anywhere. The tops of the so-called “working triangle” – sink, stove and refrigerator – should be close to each other (D.H.).

3. Worktops and floors made of natural marble

This material has a porous structure – when viewed under a microscope, it resembles the underside of a mushroom cap. The dirt penetrates deep into the marble, and it is impossible to wash it off. Artificial stone or granite countertop

much easier to clean

(D.H.).

4. Narrow “labyrinths”

The distance between the facades of a U-shaped kitchen or a kitchen with an “island” should be at least 120 cm. Then the drawers will be pulled out completely, and the owners will have a place for passage (D.Kh.).

5. Belief in the “invulnerability” of corian

Korian is one of the most practical and

durable materials for countertops

, therefore, many consider it eternal, like the Egyptian pyramids. Mistake! Sooner or later, the tabletop can be “decorated” with knife scratches or stains from tea bags – and this is not a sign of the approaching end of the world. The advantage of Corian over natural stone is not in its invulnerability, but in the fact that the damaged surface is easy to restore. But only specialists (D.Kh) can do this. More >>

Kitchen renovation with WDay.ru

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• Fashionable kitchen: a mix of styles A kitchen design project that will appeal to both classics connoisseurs and those who strive to keep up with fashion.
• Kitchen with bay window: before and after renovation Kitchens with a bay window are common in modern homes. But successful planning and decorative solutions for such premises are rare. One of them is in front of you. Take over ideas!
• How much does a retro kitchen cost? How to turn a small kitchen into a comfortable and cozy place to gather the whole family? Design project in detail and a rough estimate.

6. Bulky air ducts

It is not necessary to fence these structures if the stove is located far from the ventilation hole. A more aesthetic solution is a cooker hood with a charcoal filter. She does not need an air duct, she just needs to regularly change the filter (D.H.).

7. Kitchen facades faced with mosaics

This finish is not suitable for doors and drawers, as it greatly burdens the structure. In this case, the gypsum plasterboard base for the mosaic “eats up” the usable area (D.Kh.).

8. Glossy facades

They look, of course, impressive, but fingerprints remain on them. You need to wipe such surfaces every day, so immediately add the salary of a housekeeper to the cost of the kitchen. It is strange that the manufacturers did not think of immediately including it in the kit! (V.Z.)

9. Dining tables with glass tops

Such models are very popular, as they do not visually clutter up the space, but they are not suitable for the kitchen! Firstly, even on the most durable glass, scratches appear sooner or later. Secondly, no matter how carefully you put the dishes on the table, setting it for breakfast, the knock will still rise so that you will wake up all the household members (V.Z.).

10. Wooden floors

If you have small children, you should not put in the kitchen

solid wood floors

… Lovely crumbs constantly spill something, so the coating is unlikely to keep its “presentation” for a long time! (V.Z.) More >>

Kitchen renovation with WDay.ru

• Top 10: trendy kitchens What kind of cuisine do you prefer? Classic, Art Deco, or maybe hi-tech? We present the top 10 most fashionable kitchens of 2010 according to the ELLE Decor magazine.
• How kitchen color affects appetite The principles of color therapy work in the kitchen as well. Choosing the right color for the walls and dishes will help you keep your appetite in check and even lose weight.
• Fashionable kitchen: a mix of styles A kitchen design project that will appeal to both classics connoisseurs and those who strive to keep up with fashion.
• Kitchen with bay window: before and after renovation Kitchens with a bay window are common in modern homes. But successful planning and decorative solutions for such premises are rare. One of them is in front of you. Take over ideas!
• How much does a retro kitchen cost? How to turn a small kitchen into a comfortable and cozy place to gather the whole family? Design project in detail and a rough estimate.

11. Shelves instead of drawers

A common mistake is to plan regular shelves where they can be replaced with boxes. The fact is that the contents of the pull-out drawer are easy to look at. To get to the things standing in the depths, you do not have to carry out archaeological excavations. Shelves, on the other hand, often turn into a “graveyard” of dishes and supplies, which the owners simply forget about (D.Kh.).

12. Too wide drawers

Kitchen drawers with a width of 100–120 cm that can be pulled out with a flick of the hand? In furniture stores, this is common. But do not forget that in the cabin, these boxes are pristine empty. If all these 120 cm are tightly packed with porcelain dishes or jars of pickles, the “lightness of being” disappears irrevocably (D.Kh.).

13. “Extra” seams

Wallpapering a kitchen apron and protecting it with glass is an effective solution, but keep in mind that it will not be possible to achieve 100% tightness. Dust and dirt will still penetrate the glass. Therefore, one long glass sheet is more practical than several short ones mounted end-to-end. The fewer seams the better! (D.H.)

14. Sink “irregular” shape

Some people like it when

inner contour of the sink

round, while others only recognize square. Oddly enough, neither one nor the other can be re-educated – the “wrong” shell will annoy for years. Therefore, do not experiment and for all repairs, keep the form to which you are accustomed (V.Z.). More >>

Kitchen renovation with WDay.ru

• Top 10: trendy kitchens What kind of cuisine do you prefer? Classic, Art Deco, or maybe hi-tech? We present the top 10 most fashionable kitchens of 2010 according to the ELLE Decor magazine.
• How kitchen color affects appetite The principles of color therapy work in the kitchen as well. Choosing the right color for the walls and dishes will help you keep your appetite in check and even lose weight.
• Fashionable kitchen: a mix of styles A kitchen design project that will appeal to both classics connoisseurs and those who strive to keep up with fashion.
• Kitchen with bay window: before and after renovation Kitchens with a bay window are common in modern homes. But successful planning and decorative solutions for such premises are rare. One of them is in front of you. Take over ideas!
• How much does a retro kitchen cost? How to turn a small kitchen into a comfortable and cozy place to gather the whole family? Design project in detail and a rough estimate.

15. Heavy cabinets on light walls

You can hang storage systems directly on the wall only if it is capital. The plasterboard partition may not support their weight. If the wall does not inspire confidence, you need to install a special support (in the secret jargon of builders – “embedded part”) to fix the upper cabinets (OK).

16. Lack of space for small household appliances

Built-in appliances are good, but you can’t do without freestanding appliances! Immediately provide a place for them on the countertop (and sockets). It is absolutely impossible to embed everything! (A.P.)

17. Insufficient number of lamps

A kitchen needs several levels of lighting: an overhead light aimed at the work area (not your head!), Recessed lights under the top drawers, a lamp over the dining table. A separate (and difficult) task is to place the switches so that it is easy to reach them (A.P.).

18. Technique “at the wrong” height

Built-in ovens, steamers and

coffee machines

too high or too low. Ideal height is at waist level (MV).

19. High base

How high should the base of the kitchen be? This is not a question of aesthetics! The standard height is 10 or 15 cm, but for some reason most built-in dishwashers are designed for a 10 cm plinth (D.H.).

20. Lack of “buffer zones” on the table top

Between

a fridge

, sink and stove need areas of the work surface. After all, first you need to get the food out of the refrigerator (and put it somewhere), then wash it (and put it somewhere again), and then fry or cook (A.P.).

Kitchen renovation with WDay.ru

• Top 10: trendy kitchens What kind of cuisine do you prefer? Classic, Art Deco, or maybe hi-tech? We present the top 10 most fashionable kitchens of 2010 according to the ELLE Decor magazine.
• How kitchen color affects appetite The principles of color therapy work in the kitchen as well. Choosing the right color for the walls and dishes will help you keep your appetite in check and even lose weight.
• Fashionable kitchen: a mix of styles A kitchen design project that will appeal to both classics connoisseurs and those who strive to keep up with fashion.
• Kitchen with bay window: before and after renovation Kitchens with a bay window are common in modern homes. But successful planning and decorative solutions for such premises are rare. One of them is in front of you. Take over ideas!
• How much does a retro kitchen cost? How to turn a small kitchen into a comfortable and cozy place to gather the whole family? Design project in detail and a rough estimate.