5 Common Kitchen Design Mistakes — And How to Avoid Them

Designing a kitchen is more than picking beautiful finishes—it’s about crafting a space that supports the rhythm of daily life. Whether you're remodeling your forever home or refreshing a dated layout, even small missteps in kitchen design can lead to big regrets later.

At ES Designs, based right here in Parker, Colorado, we’ve helped homeowners transform kitchens from chaotic and cramped into spaces that feel effortless, elegant, and deeply personal. As a Certified Kitchen and Bathroom Designer (CKBD), founder Erica Swanson brings specialized training that goes far beyond trends—ensuring each detail is intentional, functional, and built to last.

Here are five common kitchen design mistakes—and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring the Work Triangle

The "work triangle" connects your sink, stove, and refrigerator - the three key zones in almost every kitchen. When these areas are too far apart, too close, or blocked by islands or cabinetry, your kitchen becomes inefficient fast.

Avoid it: Before picking surfaces or styles, map out your kitchen’s flow. Prioritize ease of movement between the major zones. A CKBD like Erica is trained to optimize spatial function without sacrificing beauty.

2. Not Enough Lighting (Or the Wrong Kind)

Overhead lights alone won’t cut it. A well-designed kitchen needs task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting - especially around prep zones.

Avoid it: Layer your lighting. Think under-cabinet LEDs, statement pendants, and dimmers for flexibility. As a certified designer, Erica incorporates lighting plans early to ensure functionality never falls behind form.

3. Sacrificing Storage for Style

Open shelving might be trending, but it’s not always practical—especially for busy households.

Avoid it: A well-designed kitchen balances open and closed storage. Deep drawers, tall cabinets, and built-in organizers keep clutter at bay. CKBDs understand how to plan storage solutions that make life easier and look beautiful.

4. Choosing the Wrong Materials for Your Lifestyle

Some materials are gorgeous—but not always durable. Marble, high-gloss cabinets, and light floors may not hold up to everyday wear.

Avoid it: Match your materials to your lifestyle. A certified designer can recommend finishes that align with how you live, cook, and clean—especially important for growing families, busy professionals, or home chefs.

5. Overlooking the Details

From trash pull-outs to outlet placement, it’s the little things that often matter most.

Avoid it: Work with someone who asks about your daily routine. Where do you make coffee? Do you need a charging drawer? Where’s the pet bowl going? At ES Designs, we obsess over the small details so you don’t have to.

Local Design, Certified Expertise

When you work with a Certified Kitchen and Bathroom Designer in Parker, CO, you’re getting more than a kitchen—you’re getting peace of mind. From code compliance to color coordination, we help you avoid costly mistakes and design a space that feels like home.

Ready to Design a Kitchen That Works for You?

If you're in the Parker, Castle Rock, or South Denver area, we’d love to help you build a kitchen that fits your lifestyle—and your long-term vision.

Let’s bring your ideas to life with thoughtful, certified design.