Kitchen consultants and designers in Marbella

Common mistakes when designing a kitchen (and how to avoid them)

What seems obvious and then turns into a disaster

Designing a kitchen shouldn't be complicated, but when done without planning or advice, it's easy to make mistakes that later cost money, time, and patience.

Here we tell you the most common mistakes we see... and how to avoid them before it's too late.


1. Incoherent distribution


Everything looks good... until you use it

Poor layout is the most common mistake. Not considering the famous "work triangle" (sink – stove – refrigerator), or placing everything far from each other, creates daily discomfort.

👉 Solution: Design with real-life journeys in mind and how you move within the space. Don't copy photos. Think about your routine.


2. Lack of smart storage


Nice drawers but no useful bottom

Too many tall cabinets. Too many dead zones. Lack of planning for pans, small appliances, or pantry space.

👉 Solution: Describe what you need to store. Literally. And prioritize modules that fit your daily life, not the most visually appealing catalog.


3. Poor lighting (or poorly located)


Design without thinking about the shadow of your body

Ceiling-only lights = dark countertops. Decorative lights without functional lighting = frustration and cut fingers.

👉 Solution: Opt for functional lighting under tall cabinets and in strategic areas. And don't leave this for the end of the project.


4. Materials not very resistant to real use


The white countertop of your dreams can be your nightmare

Delicate finishes, fronts that scratch just by looking at them, countertops that can't stand the heat of a cup of coffee. Welcome to the world of "looks pretty, but it's no good."

👉 Solution: Learn about maintenance, durability, and actual use. Ask questions. Compare. Not everything that's expensive is the best. And not everything that's beautiful lasts.


5. Lack of sockets or poor location


And now where do I plug in the coffee maker?

The most elegant design in the world is useless if your microwave, blender, and cell phone charger have nowhere to plug in.

👉 Solution: Plan shots according to your routine. Don't be afraid to ask for connections. Spoiler: it always takes more than you think.


Conclusion: designing well means avoiding errors before they appear

A poorly thought-out kitchen can't be fixed with a pretty lamp.
And most mistakes are avoided if you have someone around you who advise you with criteria and make you think before deciding.


🟦 Team Note: Fran & Yann weigh in

“Most of the mistakes we see aren't design mistakes… they're from not asking the right questions in the beginning.”
Fran

"We're not here to tell you 'how nice it looks.' We're here to tell you if what you want is going to give you problems six months from now."
Yann

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About Nova Kitchen Concept

We are not design influencers.

We are Yann and Fran, expert advisors on custom kitchens in Marbella.

Here we share ideas, tips, and truths we learned while designing real kitchens for real people.

No smoke. Just useful content.

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