The most common mistakes when renovating a kitchen (and how to avoid them)

Renovating the kitchen is one of those decisions that are taken with illusion… and many times, also, with nerves. Between the dust, the deadlines, the budget and the thousands of aesthetic and functional decisions to be made, it is easy to make mistakes. But don’t worry: at ParatuReforma we know that with good planning and some key tips, you can avoid the most common mistakes and have the kitchen you always dreamed of.

1. Starting without a clear plan

Many renovations start with a vague idea (“I want something more modern”) and end in chaos. Lack of planning is the big mistake that complicates everything.

The first thing is to have a global vision: distribution, materials, needs, and above all, a detailed budget. It is not enough to choose nice furniture: you have to know what kind of kitchen you need for your daily life, what problems you want to solve and how much you are willing to spend.

Setting aside 10-15% of the budget for contingencies is a smart decision. And remember: always ask for itemized budgets, with the same items, to be able to compare with criteria.

Failure to respect the work triangle

There is a golden rule in kitchen design that you should not overlook: the work triangle. This concept distributes the three key zones of a kitchen –storage, preparation and cooking– to optimize movement and convenience.

In open kitchens with island or U-shaped, it is easy to implement. The problem comes in elongated or small kitchens, where you have to be more creative. In these cases, it is recommended to maintain a logical sequence: refrigerator >sink> cooktop. If the distances are correct, your kitchen will flow like never before.

3. Choosing for aesthetics and not for functionality

It’s very tempting to get carried away with what you see on Pinterest or in magazines. But what works in a magazine kitchen may not be useful in yours. One of the most repeated failures is to prioritize aesthetics over functionality.

For example, countertops made of delicate materials, unintegrated appliances in open kitchens, or islands in spaces that are too narrow. Before deciding on the design, think: How do you cook? What do you use most? What bothers you about your current kitchen?

Designing with your routine in mind is much more useful than copying a pretty picture.

4. Illumination poorly thought out (or thought out too late).

This is one of the most invisible mistakes – until it is too late. Lighting affects not only aesthetics, but also safety and comfort.

Plan from the beginning:

• General warm light (ideally LED) in the ceiling.
• Spot lighting under the wall units for the work area.
• Decorative points if you have an office or island.

Don’t let the connections get misplaced because you didn’t think of this in time. Walls and ceilings should be cut at the beginning of everything, not at the end!

5. The great forgotten: the interior equipment

Many people spend a lot of money on doors and countertops, but forget what’s important: what’s inside the furniture.

A beautiful cabinet on the outside is useless if it is uncomfortable on the inside. Swivel trays, full-extension drawers, baskets, organizers… All this makes a difference in everyday life.

Investing in interior equipment is like laying a good foundation: you can’t see it, but you can feel it.

6. Poorly designed storage

Has it ever happened to you that you buy new cookware… and you have nowhere to store it? You are not the only one. A renovation without a storage strategy is a lost opportunity.

To optimize space:

• Use as much height as possible up to the ceiling.
• Install open shelves in high areas.
• Take advantage of corners with custom-made modules.

And please, clean before you renovate. Keep only what you really use. Your new kitchen deserves to start out light and tidy.

7. Materials that do not stand up to day-to-day use

A beautiful kitchen is not always a practical kitchen. If you choose delicate, porous or difficult to clean materials, you will regret it in less than a year.

Better options:

• Synthetic stone countertops such as Dekton or Silestone.
• Porcelain or water-resistant vinyl flooring.
• Coatings on fronts that are cleaned in one pass.

Materials must withstand moisture, heat and grease. Choose logically, not just with your heart.

8. Visible appliances in open kitchens

A kitchen open to the living room should be functional, yes, but also harmonious. Leaving all the appliances in view breaks the aesthetics and can look cluttered.

What to do?

• Panel dishwasher and oven.
• Hide the washing machine if it is in the kitchen.
• Choose decorative or ceiling-mounted hoods.

The more discreet they are, the better the kitchen will blend in with the rest of the home.

9. Poor ventilation: odors and smoke for everyone.

There’s nothing worse than cooking fish… and having the whole room smell like it’s frying for hours. Ventilation is key, especially in open kitchens.

Be sure to install a powerful and quiet extractor hood, suitable for the size of your kitchen. If possible, it should have a direct outlet to the outside. If not, choose a good recirculation system with quality filters.

10. Poorly functional or poorly utilized layout

Having a spacious kitchen does not guarantee that it is comfortable. Often functionality is lost by not respecting minimum distances between elements or by misplacing areas such as the sink or the cooktop.

Some basic rules:

• Leave at least 1.20 m between furniture fronts or between an island and the rest of the kitchen.
• Don’t stick the sink in a corner: you need space on both sides.
• The cooking area should have a free surface of at least 50-60 cm on each side.

A well thought-out design avoids shocks, discomfort and improves the daily experience.

11. Failure to upgrade old installations

A major renovation is the perfect time to review the water, electricity and gas installations. Skipping this step can be a costly mistake in the medium term.

Think about this: what would happen if after laying your new tiles you discovered that a pipe needed to be replaced? You’d have to chop again.

Ideally, if the installation is more than 15 years old, you should renew it completely, even if it is not giving problems now. It will be an investment in future peace of mind.

12. Furniture that does not reach the ceiling

This mistake is as common as it is avoidable. Leaving a gap between the furniture and the ceiling not only wastes space, but creates an area that collects grease and dust.

If your ceiling is high:

• Install modules up to the top.
• Use the higher ones to store what you use infrequently.
• Gain storage space without taking up more surface area.

In narrow kitchens or kitchens with little light, you can compensate with light-finished furniture without handles to visually lighten.

13. Giving up a social area

Today more than ever, the kitchen is a living space. If you have the opportunity, think about integrating a small bar, a breakfast nook or a compact office.

You don’t need a large kitchen to create a social area. A simple folding tabletop, a cantilevered countertop or a small table with stools can make all the difference.

This type of elements not only add functionality, but also warmth and versatility to the environment.

14. Making decisions without professional advice

Nowadays it’s easy to find inspiration and ideas online, but that’s no substitute for the expertise of a professional.

Expert interior designers, architects or renovators know how to anticipate problems before they arise, adjust layouts, and help you get the most out of your budget and available space.

Saving on advice may seem like a good idea at first, but it can be expensive if you make a wrong installation, measurement or technical choice.

15. Failure to realistically compare budgets

Many people receive several budges, but compare them only by the final price without checking what is included in each one. This can lead to mistakes such as choosing lower quality materials or being surprised by cost overruns.

Before deciding:

• Make sure that all budgets include the same line items.
• Check if the materials are well specified.
• Ask about labor, lead times and warranties.

Transparency is key to avoid misunderstandings during the reform.

Avoiding mistakes in our kitchen renovation is a matter of foresight.

Renovating a kitchen can be a transformative experience… or chaos. The difference is your ability to anticipate needs, respect best practices and surround yourself with professionals.

With these tips, you’re that much closer to having the comfortable, beautiful and durable kitchen you imagined.

And remember: at ParatuReforma we are here to help you with quality materials, expert advice and the best solutions to make your renovation a success from day one.