Kitchen remodeling is one of the most rewarding home improvements you can undertake, but it's also one of the easiest to get wrong. After years of designing and building kitchens across Naperville and the western suburbs, we've identified the mistakes that trip homeowners up most often. Here's how to sidestep them.

1. Ignoring the Work Triangle

The relationship between your sink, stove, and refrigerator drives how efficiently your kitchen functions. When these three points are too close together, you feel cramped. When they're too far apart, cooking becomes exhausting. A good layout keeps each leg of the triangle between four and nine feet, with no obstacles in the way. Before choosing finishes and colors, make sure your floor plan works.

2. Underestimating Storage Needs

Beautiful kitchens become frustrating quickly if there isn't enough storage. Deep drawers for pots and pans, pull-out shelves in lower cabinets, a dedicated spot for small appliances, and a pantry with adjustable shelving make daily life easier. We recommend listing every item that needs a home in your kitchen before finalizing the cabinet plan. It's far cheaper to add a cabinet during the design phase than after installation.

3. Choosing Trends Over Timelessness

That bold backsplash tile or ultra-trendy cabinet color might look stunning in photos today, but kitchens are long-term investments. We encourage clients to use timeless choices for permanent elements — neutral cabinet colors, classic countertop materials, and quality hardware — and express personality through easily changeable elements like bar stools, pendant lights, and accessories.

4. Skimping on Lighting

A single overhead fixture cannot properly light a kitchen. You need layered lighting: recessed cans for general illumination, under-cabinet task lighting for countertops, and pendant lights or a chandelier over an island for ambiance. Dimmer switches on every circuit give you control over the mood. Plan your lighting layout early because it affects electrical rough-in and ceiling structure.

5. Not Hiring a Design + Build Firm

The cost of a professional designer is a fraction of the overall remodel budget, yet the value they bring is enormous. A designer catches layout problems before construction begins, has access to trade-only products and pricing, coordinates all the moving parts, and ensures the finished kitchen is both beautiful and functional. But the real advantage comes when your designer and contractor are the same team.

At Olive + Baxter, we're both interior designers and licensed general contractors — a true design + build firm. Your designer and contractor work as one team from day one, which eliminates miscommunication, prevents costly change orders, and keeps your project on track and on budget. From concept to completion, you have a single point of contact who understands both the creative vision and the construction realities. Ready to start planning? Contact us for a kitchen remodel consultation.