The kitchen is often called the heart of the home, and for good reason. It’s where families gather, meals are shared, and memories are made. While functionality is the number one priority in this high-traffic space, aesthetics matter, too. In fact, kitchen design experts say that certain everyday choices, like cluttered countertops or tired finishes, can quietly sabotage your kitchen’s style, chipping away at its comfort and appeal.

So, what makes a kitchen truly well-designed? And which everyday mistakes should you watch out for to get the most out of your kitchen? We asked interior designers to weigh in on what’s working and what’s definitely not.

Meet Our Expert

  • Sina Almassi is a designer at nobilia North America, a kitchen cabinetry and furniture manufacturer.

  • Emily Ruff is the owner and principal designer of Cohesively Curated Interiors.

Elements of a Well-Designed Kitchen

“A well-designed kitchen balances both form and function to support how the space is used every day,” says Sina Almassi, designer at nobilia North America. “Functionally, it offers smooth circulation—enough room to move comfortably between appliances, prep areas, and adjacent spaces—while supporting the natural flow of tasks like unloading groceries, cooking, and cleaning.” Good lighting, intuitive storage, and easy access to essentials are equally important for a successful kitchen design. “Aesthetically, the layout should feel proportional to the space, with a cohesive finish that complements the overall style of the home,” Almassi adds.

Emily Ruff, owner and principal designer of Cohesively Curated Interiors, echoes this statement, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful organisation. “We always ask our clients: Do you cook as a family or individually? Are you big into baking? How much storage do you require for large appliances or specialty cookware?” Understanding how you use your kitchen is the first step in designing it well.

How to Avoid Kitchen Eyesores

According to Ruff and Almassi, there are two key windows to prevent or fix design missteps. The first, and best opportunity, is during the initial planning and design phase. “Working with a kitchen designer is invaluable,” says Ruff. “They’ll help you plan out the best use of your space, using floor plans, elevations, and 3-D renderings to help you visualize your new kitchen and plan where things will go.” She also recommends taking a full inventory of your kitchenware to eliminate unnecessary items and assign storage before clutter creeps in.

The second opportunity comes after the kitchen is already in use. Even without a full remodel, small, intentional updates can transform a tired kitchen. “Simple solutions, like thoughtful organization solutions or investing in stylish storage accessories, can dramatically boost both function and appearance,” Almassi notes. “The goal in either case is to make every element feel purposeful and integrated into the design.”

7 Most Common Kitchen Eyesores

Discover our list of designers’ most noticeable kitchen design mistakes so you know what to avoid. The good news: most of them take little to no time to fix.

1. Misaligned Cabinet Doors and Drawers

It might seem minor, but uneven cabinet doors and drawers can disrupt the visual harmony of a kitchen. Thankfully, this is an easy fix involving a screwdriver, patience, and some simple adjustments to the hinge screws on swing doors. “Drawer fronts can be a bit more complex to adjust, depending on the cabinet construction or mounting style, but following the manufacturer’s installation guidelines typically resolves the issue.” Aesthetics aside, you’ll also find that the operation of the drawers and cupboards will be significantly improved, making everyday life that little bit smoother.

2. Overloaded or Disorganized Open Shelving

Open shelvies might look chic in magazines, but in real life, they require constant upkeep. “Personally, I prefer closed cabinetry for a cleaner look,” Almassi admits. “But, if you do opt for open shelves, it’s essential to keep them purposefully styled to avoid visual clutter.” To help you achieve this, she recommends investing in small organizing tools, such as trays, baskets, jars, and platters, to group similar items and maintain order. “Even subtle labels can ensure everything has a designated spot, keeping the shelves both functional and aesthetically pleasing.”

Related: 10 Organization Tips for Optimizing Open Kitchen Shelving

3. Cluttered Countertops

“Like open shelving, cluttered counters can make even the most high-end kitchen feel chaotic,” says Almassi. In spacious kitchens with abundant storage, countertops should be kept as clear as possible and reserved for food prep. In smaller kitchens where storage space is a premium, Almassi suggests creating dedicated zones to enhance both function and form.

“For instance, essentials like oils, vinegars, salt, and pepper can be neatly corralled in a tray by the stove, or set up a coffee or tea station with a tray for brewing equipment and a basket or container for accessories, such as filters, beans, or pods.” Organizers like baskets and trays might feel like a small detail, but they can have a major impact. “Don’t limit them to open shelves and countertops. Inside drawers and cabinets, they make every item feel purposeful and easy to access, too.”

4. Everyday Appliances on the Counters

Daily-use appliances are practical, but they’re not exactly design-forward. “Appliances left out on the counter are one of the biggest eyesores I see,” says Ruff. If you’re lucky enough to be designing a kitchen from scratch, Ruff suggests designating easy-to-access spaces for your most frequently used appliances within the design. For example, opt for a built-in microwave in a tall unit, hide toasters and coffee machines in an appliance garage or breakfast cupboard, and have large drawers for pans and skillets. “Corner cupboards with a half-moon pull-out are a great place for larger appliances, like air fryers and slow cookers,” she adds.

For existing kitchens, do a simple audit. “Having an appliance cull will create additional cabinet space so you can tuck the rest away,” she says. “If some items must stay on the counter, place them in corners to free up space in your work zones.”

5. Visible Trash Cans

There’s nothing stylish about a trash can in plain view, especially a dirty, overflowing one. “While sometimes unavoidable, it’s best to integrate waste bins within dedicated cabinetry, under the sink, or in a nearby cupboard whenever possible,” says Almassi. If a freestanding bin is unavoidable, choose a sleek and durable model that complements the kitchen’s style, and keep it spotless to maintain a tidy, intentional look.

Related: The 6 Best Kitchen Trash Cans, Reviewed by BHG

6. Dirty or Neglected Appliances

No matter how beautiful your kitchen is, grime on your appliances immediately ruins its look. “To keep them looking fresh, wipe down surfaces after each use, and give your appliances a deep clean weekly,” Almassi suggests. Tackle the bigger jobs monthly, such as pulling out the stove to clean underneath, running oven and dishwasher cleaning cycles, and refreshing the refrigerator by removing expired food and wiping down surfaces. “Consistent care is key to keeping both function and aesthetics in top shape,” she says.

7. Tired and Dated Finishes

Nothing dates a kitchen more than old, stained countertops, worn cabinet hardware, or yellowed grout. The good news? “These elements can be big eyesores, but they also offer some of the easiest and most impactful updates, especially for clients working within a budget,” says Almassi. Countertops can easily be replaced without overhauling the whole kitchen. Butcher block and laminate are budget-friendly, and stone offcuts can work for small spaces.

You can also refresh cabinets with a lick of paint or new doors, scrub grout, or try peel-and-stick backsplash tiles. Top the space off with updated hardware, and you’ll have a space that feels completely new, without a full reno.

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens