Kitchen Design: Expert Advice on Fixing Common Problems
Does the perfect kitchen design exist? According to these experts – quite possibly. As long as homeowners avoid these common kitchen planning mistakes and create a space that works for their surroundings and lifestyles. From selecting the most ambient lighting to understanding how many cabinets is simply too many, here’s how to create a timeless, considered kitchen this year…
Lead with functionality, not aesthetics
Al Bruce, kitchen expert and founder of Olive & Barr advises:
“The biggest mistake we see is homeowners leading their design with aesthetics rather than thinking about how the space needs to work. When designing a kitchen, it’s key to consider lifestyle factors, space and flow as these will determine the best layout.
Another common mistake is the desire to add in as many cabinets as possible. Instead, we work with our clients to assess the essentials and encourage them to really consider what items are being used and what are simply taking up space. Too many wall cabinets can make the space feel top-heavy, but smart internal storage and open shelving keep the kitchen feeling open, airy and stylish.
A final detail to consider – especially in taller rooms – is avoiding cabinetry that runs all the way up to the ceiling. Allowing the kitchen to sit comfortably within the architecture, rather than dominating it, therefore creating a more balanced, considered look. The kitchen should feel like it belongs in the room, not like it’s trying to become part of the structure itself.”
Introduce warmer tones
Natalie Mudd, home expert and co-founder of Knot & Grain, comments:
“2026 will see more homeowners and designers opting for bespoke flooring. With options readily available on the market, it means people no longer need to settle for anything less than perfect. Bespoke wood flooring ensures your floor matches perfectly, from the tone, thickness, texture and style – bespoke opens up a world of possibilities.
This year we’re seeing the sharp decline of grey tones, that were once all the rage. The undertones can make the space feel uninviting and cold. A modern alternative is a warm, natural wood tone such as oak or walnut; either of these tones brings a cosy and timeless appeal to your kitchen.”
Lighting: materials matter
Massimo Buster Minale, founder and creative director of Buster + Punch on planning pendants and working with materials:
“One of the most common kitchen mistakes designers are asked to fix is poorly planned pendant lighting over islands. Pendants are often hung too low, spaced unevenly, or chosen at the wrong scale for the island, which can disrupt both sightlines and functionality. Getting the height right is crucial, as lighting should provide practical illumination without overwhelming the space.
Another frequent oversight is ignoring how materials interact; clear glass pendants paired with glossy worktops can cause distracting reflections. Designers also often add dimmers retrospectively, even though they make a huge difference, allowing kitchen lighting to shift easily from bright and functional to a softer, more atmospheric setting.”
The value of the right appliance
Joanna Humphreys, stove specialist at Direct Stoves suggests:
“One of the most common kitchen mistakes is underestimating how much value the right appliance can add to both how the space functions and how it feels to live in.
Range cookers are arguably the most versatile kitchen appliance you can buy. Not only do they typically have two ovens, but they’ll have a hob, warming compartments, grills, and other features. Whether you want to cook a stew, fry some bacon, heat up a kettle of water, keep some freshly baked bread warm, or cook a pizza – a range cooker is likely going to let you do these things (and more!). Wood-burning range cookers also give off a lot of heat and can be used to keep your kitchen warm. In fact, if you enjoy spending time in your kitchen, a range cooker can save you from having to put your central heating on at all.
A wood-burning range cooker can also be a more efficient way of cooking food and heating your kitchen, because they are multifunctional, you can use your range cooker to heat water rather than turn on an electric kettle – saving you even more money on your electricity bills. Should you choose a wood-burning range cooker with a boiler, you can even heat your home beyond the kitchen with the cooker providing hot water for your radiators.”
Engineered to last: stainless steel
Massimo Buster Minale, founder and creative director of Buster + Punch comments:
“After years of warm metallics dominating interiors, steel and chrome are making a confident return. They bring a refined, modern edge with a nod to ’90s minimalism and the raw appeal of industrial design.
At Buster + Punch, we see solid stainless steel as the natural evolution of chrome. While chrome is essentially a plated finish applied to cheaper metals (which can chip or corrode over time) stainless steel is solid through and through. It’s engineered to last, maintaining that crisp, lustrous finish for decades. Investing in solid stainless steel not only elevates an aesthetic but also guarantees it will last.
“Steel and chrome have a timeless versatility when used with intent. In kitchens, pair solid stainless steel taps, handles and sockets with darker cabinetry or stone for a strong, contemporary contrast. In bathrooms, polished fittings against matte tiles or natural stone create a clean, elevated look with an industrial edge.
And in living spaces, use steel lighting, switches or furniture detailing as subtle highlights against rich materials like wood, leather or velvet. The key is balanced, sleek, precision-engineered metal grounded by warmth and texture. A crisp, timeless finish that will remain lustrous, built to look as good decades from now as it does today.”
