Designing a new kitchen is one of the most exciting home projects — but it can also be one of the most challenging. With so many styles, layouts, and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to overlook the small details that make a kitchen truly work for you.

At Krystal Kitchens in Basingstoke, Hampshire, our expert designers help homeowners avoid the most common kitchen design mistakes — creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical.

Here are some of the most frequent pitfalls we see (and how our team can help you steer clear of them).

❌ 1. Ignoring the Kitchen Work Triangle

The work triangle — the relationship between your sink, hob, and fridge — is key to a functional kitchen. If these elements are placed too far apart or too close together, cooking becomes awkward and inefficient.

✅ Our solution: At Krystal Kitchens, our designers use professional planning software and real-world experience to ensure your layout flows seamlessly — whether you’re cooking solo or as a family.

❌ 2. Not Enough Storage

It’s easy to underestimate how much storage you need, especially as families grow. A lack of organised storage can make even the most beautiful kitchen feel cluttered.

✅ Our solution: We offer custom storage solutions such as deep pan drawers, hidden larders, pull-out racks, and bespoke cabinetry — designed to make every inch of your kitchen count.

❌ 3. Poor Lighting Choices

Lighting is often an afterthought — but it has a massive impact on both the look and usability of your kitchen. Relying on a single ceiling light can leave work areas too dark.

✅ Our solution: We recommend a mix of task lighting (under-cabinet or pendant lights), ambient lighting for atmosphere, and accent lighting to highlight your favourite features.

❌ 4. Choosing Style Over Function

Of course, you want a kitchen that looks amazing — but it needs to work for your lifestyle too. High-gloss finishes, for example, may look stunning but can show fingerprints easily in a busy family home.

✅ Our solution: Our design team will help you find the perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality, ensuring your kitchen is as easy to live with as it is beautiful.

❌ 5. Forgetting About Electrical Points

It’s surprising how often sockets are an afterthought! Not planning enough electrical outlets for appliances, charging, and gadgets can cause daily frustration.

✅ Our solution: We’ll help you plan the perfect placement for sockets, lighting switches, and integrated appliances — ensuring your kitchen is future-ready.

❌ 6. Neglecting Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential to keep your kitchen fresh, especially in open-plan spaces. Without it, cooking odours and condensation can become a real issue.

✅ Our solution: We offer a range of discreet, powerful extractor options to keep your kitchen air clean while maintaining your design aesthetic.

❌ 7. Not Considering Workflow and Family Use

Every household uses their kitchen differently. A layout that works for a couple might not suit a family with young children.

✅ Our solution: Our designers take time to understand how you live — ensuring the layout, storage, and finishes are tailored perfectly to your routine.

✨ Design It Right the First Time — with Krystal Kitchens

Avoiding these common kitchen design mistakes starts with expert advice — and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Krystal Kitchens in Basingstoke. Visit our large showroom to explore stunning kitchen displays, meet our friendly team, and discover how we can design your dream kitchen for free.

📍 Krystal Kitchens
Units 17 & 18 Winchester Road, Basingstoke, RG22 4AU

• 🅿️ Free parking
• 🎁 In-store offers
• 💷 Flexible finance
• 🧑‍🎨 Free expert design service

💬 Ready to Start Your Kitchen Journey?

Drop in today or book your free kitchen design consultation — and let Krystal Kitchens help you create a space that’s beautiful, functional, and perfectly tailored to your home.