A kitchen renovation is one of the most tiresome jobs that you must pay close attention to. In this, there are many mistakes that you may potentially make. So, to make sure that you don’t make those mistakes, we have curated a list of the top common mistakes that most people in Sydney make. Make sure to avoid them at all costs if you want to ensure a perfect kitchen.
1. Ignoring the Workflow
Your kitchen might look beautiful on paper, but if it’s a hassle to cook in, you’ll end up frustrated every single day. The classic work triangle, stove, sink, and fridge, still holds up for a reason. If those elements are too far apart or blocked by an island or cabinetry, things start to feel clunky fast.
Make sure your layout makes it easy to move between prepping, cooking, and cleaning. Even small changes, like the direction a fridge opens or whether your dishwasher blocks a drawer when open, can be annoying in everyday use. Function over form always wins in the kitchen.
2. Prioritising Style Over Functionality
You need to focus on functionality first. Yes, we agree that those open shelves and some fancy designs look great on Pinterest. But do you really want to dust your dishes every single week or every few days? It’s tempting to focus on the look, but kitchens are workspaces first. Choose materials, surfaces, and storage that suit how you actually live.
Drawers over deep lower cabinets, soft-close hinges, and splashbacks that clean easily, they matter more than trendy finishes you’ll tire of in a year. Remember, a kitchen isn’t a showroom. It’s where you boil, bake, fry, spill, and clean every day. Choose finishes that are both attractive and practical to maintain. One such functionality is storage.
3. Skimping on Storage
It might not feel exciting, but good storage is one of the most important things about renovation. For this, you need to think beyond just cupboards. Add pull-out shelves, vertical dividers for trays and baking sheets, and even toe-kick drawers under your cabinets.
Storage isn’t just about volume, but accessibility too. No one wants to bend over and dig through a dark corner cabinet just to find a saucepan. Even if your kitchen is small, clever solutions like pantry pull-outs or built-in spice racks can make a big difference in how it feels to use it daily.
4. Poor Lighting Choices
Lighting can make or break your kitchen design. Relying only on ceiling lights is one of the most common missteps. You need proper lighting to see through storage cabinets, right?
You’ll want layered lighting: task lighting under cabinets, ambient lighting for the room, and a few well-placed pendants over the island or dining area.
It’s not just about mood, it’s about being able to see what you’re chopping, cooking, or reading on a recipe. A shadowy bench space is annoying and even unsafe. Dimmer switches also help you shift the vibe from work to unwind, especially if your kitchen doubles as a dining area.
5. Not Setting a Clear Budget
Renovations can easily go way over budget. So, you need to make sure the budget is properly set. Be honest about what you can spend, and always include a buffer for unexpected costs. Plumbing surprises, electrical upgrades, or delays can happen, even with the best planning.
A good rule is to keep around 15 to 20 per cent of your total budget aside, just in case. And remember, it’s not just the cost of materials, trades, permits, disposal fees, and small extras like handles or light fixtures that can add up quickly. Track every dollar. It’ll save you stress later.
6. Forgetting Ventilation
It might not be glamorous, but proper Ventilation is crucial. A powerful rangehood helps clear out smoke, steam, and cooking smells. If it’s too noisy or ineffective, you’ll end up not using it.
Make sure it’s vented outside (not just recirculating), especially if you cook often or love bold flavours and spices. Good Ventilation keeps your kitchen and nearby rooms from smelling like last night’s curry and helps reduce grease build-up on walls and ceilings. Don’t leave it as an afterthought.
7. Rushing the Planning Stage
Planning might not be the most fun part of a renovation, but skipping it can cost you more in the long run. Take time to research appliances, measure carefully, and live in your current layout for a while to notice what does and doesn’t work.
Don’t feel pressured to rush into decisions just because a showroom has a sale. Take the time to ask questions, compare materials, and visualise how you’ll actually use the space. Planning well can prevent frustrating design choices and expensive corrections later.
Final Thoughts
To conclude, these are some of the top kitchen renovation mistakes you must avoid at all costs. Try to find similar mistakes and follow our advice in each step. In this way, you will get a perfect kitchen renovation that you will love.
