The 4 Worst Kitchen Cabinet Mistakes Designers See Day After Day, and What to Do Instead
When it comes to kitchen renovations, it’s hard to say if anything is more important than picking out the right cabinets. Simply put, they can make or break the entire design, as they’re one of the most prominent features in a kitchen. And, due to the importance of this decision, there are plenty of minor mistakes homeowners can make that can turn into long-term regrets. From choosing style over functionality to not thinking about the importance of storage, these cabinet errors can turn a dream kitchen into one that desperately needs a remodel.
Luckily, although it’s easy to make mistakes, it’s just as easy to fix them. I spoke to designers and industry experts to learn more about the biggest cabinet mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Whether you’re doing a full-scale renovation or just looking to update your cabinetry, these tips and tricks are all you need to avoid common mishaps in the heart of your home.
The Most Common Mistakes People Make When Picking Kitchen Cabinets
1. Being Cheap
If you can help it, you really should avoid skimping on your kitchen cabinets. “People try to save a few thousand dollars by ‘cheaping’ out on the cabinets, and it is literally the furniture of the kitchen,” says Gina Cito, senior kitchen and bath designer at Colorado Homes & Design. “The cabinets are the biggest part of the remodel and the item that creates the most functionality — and are the hardest to replace.”
While it might be tempting to cut costs, especially during a major renovation, choosing low-quality materials or budget cabinetry can lead to long-term issues. Cheap cabinets often lack durability, leading to problems like warping, peeling, or sagging over time. On top of that, low-cost options usually don’t have the customizability or storage solutions that a kitchen might need, making them less functional. While it might hurt to swallow the price tag, investing in quality cabinets pays off in the long run.
2. Following Trends
Another common mistake people make when selecting kitchen cabinets is blindly following trends. While you might like some of the trendier designs, they can quickly become outdated, leaving you with a space that feels dated just a few years down the line. “I always recommend clients go with what they have always loved, not with what is in,” explains Cyndy Cantley, interior designer and co-owner of Cantley & Company. “Look back at pictures of kitchens you have saved over the years and there will be a pattern of what you like — painted, stained, light, or dark.”
Because cabinets are a major investment and a long-term fixture in your home, it’s important to choose styles that have lasting appeal. Relying too heavily on current trends might also fail to reflect your unique taste, which can make your kitchen feel less homey. Instead, consider classic designs or a blend of timeless elements with subtle, more current accents to create a kitchen that remains elegant and functional over time.
3. Forgoing Functionality
It can be fun reimagining your kitchen cabinets by focusing solely on how they’ll look. However, don’t forget that the cabinets’ primary purpose is to provide storage and organization. To make sure you keep this top of mind, Ashlie Partridge, senior CAD/project designer at Earth Saving Solutions, suggests asking yourself these questions: 1. What internal or upgraded features are being used daily that add value to your routine? and 2. Are there any storage features that would support a frequent task and/or preferred cooking style?
Once you have those answers, you’ll get a good read on exactly what kind of storage solutions you’ll need. “Assess the most often used tools within your kitchen (pots, pans, cooking utensils, small appliances, cutting boards, etc.) and make a list of not only how these items will be stored, but also where, and how convenient and accessible they are within your daily routine,” she says.
Designers also suggest being strategic about the actual design of the cabinets. “It’s crucial to find the right balance of movable mechanical and bulk storage for your needs,” explains Bob Bakes, cofounder and head of design at Bakes & Kropp Fine Cabinetry. “Too many pullouts and mechanisms restrict your accessible storage space. Ensure you make accommodations for high-volume storage to house bulkier cookware and items you may not reach for day to day.”
4. Ignoring the Little Things
“Every designer knows it’s the smaller details that often make the biggest impact,” says Paul Kropp, cofounder and head of operations at Bakes & Kropp Fine Cabinetry. Details like cabinet hardware, hinges, and soft-close mechanisms might seem minor compared with the overall design, but trust the pros. They play a big role in the functionality (and longevity!) of your cabinets. Ignoring these seemingly small things can lead to cabinets that are clunky, noisy, hard to open, prone to wear and tear, or just flat-out dysfunctional.
Picking the right kitchen cabinets involves more than just choosing a design that looks good — it’s about making small but impactful choices that balance functionality, quality, and overall aesthetics. By avoiding common mistakes like those above, you can turn your kitchen into the best (and most functional!) room in your home.
Have you ever made one of these mistakes? Let us know in the comments below!