Kitchens are one of my favourite spaces to design and style. They’re the true heart of the home - a place where we cook, gather, connect, and create. But as much as I love working in kitchens, I also notice many of the same design mistakes appearing again and again. Individually, they might seem small, but together they can make a kitchen feel flat, impractical, or lacking in personality.

The good news? Once you know what to look for, these mistakes are incredibly easy to fix. Whether you’re renovating, refreshing, or planning your dream kitchen, here are the 8 most common kitchen design mistakes I see and how to correct them. 

1. A STARK WHITE KITCHEN

All white kitchens certainly have a timeless quality, but leaning too far into white can actually strip a space of warmth and character. When every surface is pale and uniform, the room risks looking cold, minimal-showroom rather than inviting and lived in.

To remedy this, try introducing contrast and texture. Incorporate warm timber in the joinery, layer in natural stone with subtle veining, and pick out a few metallic elements in tapware or hardware. Even a modest splash of colour - whether on cabinetry or tiles - softens the overall effect and helps your kitchen feel curated rather than clinical. 

2. THE WRONG COLOUR BALANCE

Choosing the right colour palette is a delicate balancing act. Too neutral and the space can feel flat; too bold and it can quickly overwhelm or date the room.

The key is to layer muted, soft and desaturated tones. These colours integrate easily into a palette, adding just enough colour to add personality while having a chic and timeless appeal. For example in this kitchen designed by Parker Studio, a striking Monroe quartzite benchtop introduces dusty pinks, clays and terracotta hues to contrast the off-white walls, soft beige cabinetry and timber joinery. 

3. AN INCOHESIVE DESIGN SCHEME

It’s tempting to pin all kinds of kitchen inspiration on Pinterest and try to combine them  but without a guiding principle, you risk creating a collage of mismatched materials and finishes that don’t speak to each other.

I always recommend beginning with a hero material - something you genuinely love, such as a particular stone, tile, timber or your favourite hardware finish. That material becomes the anchor for your whole scheme. From there, building a mood board helps you visualise how colours, textures and materials interact together. Once you’ve found your hero, select two or three secondary design motifs or materials to carry through other parts of the home - perhaps a timber tone, a gently curved profile or a consistent metal finish. These repeating elements create subtle harmony and visual flow that ties whole spaces together.

4. BEING AFRAID OF NATURAL STONE

Natural stone is often admired but rarely chosen, simply because of fear. Whether marble, travertine or something else, people worry about staining, maintenance or cost. But not all stone is high-maintenance, and many options are far more resilient than you might think.

For my own kitchen, I chose Brazilian quartzite - it's heat-resistant, durable and less prone to staining once properly sealed. With the right sealant, even softer stones like marble can be protected, making them functional for daily life. The beauty of natural stone is that it brings depth, visual interest and a sense of permanence to a kitchen, while also ageing beautifully over time.

5. DESIGNING FOR AESTHETICS ALONE

Designing a kitchen purely to look good is a mistake I see often. Your kitchen shouldn't feel like a showroom, it should allow for real life: dirty dishes, groceries, cooking messes. Without proper planning for how you move through your kitchen and where key tasks happen, even the most beautiful space will become frustrating.

To design with both form and function, think about how you use your kitchen day to day. For instance, group your dishwasher, sink and plate storage so you can unload efficiently. Place frequently used drawers and utensils near your cooktop. Think through where you’d like to store everyday appliances or where your bins might sit, rather than relegating them to afterthoughts. These small decisions can have a big impact on usability and make a beautiful kitchen truly liveable.

6. NOT INCLUDING ENOUGH STORAGE

One of the biggest regrets I hear from clients is that they didn’t build in enough storage. Beautiful kitchens are wonderful, but when they lack storage, the result is a cluttered countertop and a chaotic pantry.

Wherever possible, I lean into drawer storage instead of just cupboards - drawers are friendlier, more accessible, and make better use of depth. I also recommend concealing appliances, such as the fridge and dishwasher, when it’s within your budget - it keeps the lines clean and uncluttered. Vertical solutions like tall pull-out pantry drawers also help maximise space, while internal organisers or dividers keep everything tidy and functional. Storage done well means every item has a place, and that brings calm to the room.

7. NEGLECTING LIGHTING

Too many kitchens rely on a single overhead 'big light' which can make the space feel flat, harsh or unwelcoming. Layered lighting is one of the most powerful design tools - when done thoughtfully, it supports both function and ambiance.

My preferred lighting strategy is to balance ambient lighting with task and accent pieces. Recessed ceiling lights provide soft general illumination. Under-cabinet LED strips make your prep zones practical and well-lit. Sculptural pendants or wall sconces offer personality and a warm, inviting glow during evening meals. This layered lighting creates a kitchen that works well for cooking, for gathering and for relaxing.

8. OVERLOOKING HARDWARE

I think of hardware as the jewellery of a home - it's these small details that elevate the space more than you might think. But too often, it’s left as an afterthought or missed entirely.

To get it right, choose hardware that feels intentional. Consider textured knobs, knurled handles, oversized pulls or a finish that speaks to your style, whether it’s brass, matte black or polished nickel. Thoughtful hardware doesn’t just feel more considered - it gives the kitchen a distinct character, making the design feel curated rather than generic.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Creating a kitchen that feels timeless, functional, and uniquely yours doesn’t mean a full renovation or a high-budget overhaul. Sometimes all it takes is refining your material palette, thinking through how the space works for you, layering lighting, or making strategic styling decisions. With these eight adjustments, your kitchen can become a space that is both beautifully curated and genuinely liveable.

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For more inspiration, you can also explore my favourite kitchen styling picks here.

Image credits: 
Kerrie-Ann Jones, Montana Burnett, Patrick Biller, Sequence Studio, Milly Mead, Parker Studio, Jacqui Turk, Amanda Burnett, Maree Homer, Five Foot One Design, Brahman Perera, Alicia Taylor, Col Studios.