Beware of sneaky places for dust, dirt, and grime to accumulate
If it feels as if you’re constantly cleaning your kitchen, that's because you probably are. Even if you prioritizes organization and enjoy a neat and tidy space, kitchens demand a level of spill wiping, crumb sweeping, and general scrubbing that can be daunting to even the most fastidious among us. But what if it's not just the perpetual cycle of cooking, eating, dishwashing, and general life chaos that is to blame—what if yourdesign choices are sabotaging your clean kitchen? There is always some tension between functionality and aesthetics when designing or decorating such a hard working space. You may have found counter stools with luxurious fabric to place on your island, but then you're doomed to spend more time scrubbing out food stains than you expected. Or you finally invested in that marble countertop you’ve dreamed of forever, only to find yourself scrubbing it down frequently to get rid of stains and markings. A kitchen is first and foremost a space for cooking and entertaining, so when considering certain materials, it’s important to weigh both use factors and practicality with aesthetics.
Fortunately, the range of options that are as durable as they are beautiful has expanded widely in recent years. There are so many amazing brands and companies now that make the most aesthetically pleasing tiles, hardware, and even appliances. So you really don’t have to compromise on style as long as you know all your options. You just have to know what you're looking for. From shelves that are too high to poor traffic flow in your kitchen, here are eight design mistakes that are making it harder to keep your kitchen spick and span.
Mistake 1: Putting Shelving Up Too High
While placing shelves up high can help maximize your storage space, It can also result in more of a mess to clean up, as you won't be able to dust or wipe down those areas easily. Don’t put items up there that you need on a daily basis as they can gather dust or be hard to keep clean.
Mistake 2: Marble Countertops
Sure, marble countertops are a gorgeous addition to your kitchen, but they require constant vigilance. Maintaining them requires very particular cleaning products and techniques, and even if you're careful, they will probably stain over time. It is also extremely expensive–you can buy something like quartzite instead to achieve a similar look.
Mistake 3: Cabinets That Aren’t Flush With The Ground or Ceiling
Floating cabinets that aren’t attached to the ground or ceiling can trap dust and other mysterious substances. This design choice invites crumbs and build-up. You would also be wise to choose a flat-front cabinet, rather than one with intricate grooves or raised panels. They’re much easier to clean, minimizing dust and grime buildup. And don’t forget a gloss paint finish to make them even more durable and easy to wipe down!
Mistake 4: Upholstered or Fabric Bar Stools
Upholstered stools are cozy but more prone to absorbing spills and stains than other finishes. Opt for materials like leather or other easy-to-wipe surfaces for a busy kitchen environment. If you’re set on fabric, consider moisture and stain-resistant options like Crypton or Sunbrella for a more practical solution.
Mistake 5: Poor Traffic Flow Around the Sink and Trash
If your sink or trash are placed too far from prep areas, it can lead to more messes and spills as you move around the kitchen. The farther you have to carry food waste, the more likely you are to drip or drop things along the way. When designing your kitchen, try putting in a built-in trash drawer near the sink for seamless clean-up.
Mistake 6: Open Shelving
Exposed shelving is a great way to display your stylish kitchen ware and dinner plates for all to admire, but it is also an invitation to dust. Reserve this for a sleek bar area but not for an actual kitchen. While open shelving can look stunning on a Pinterest board, it often adds visual clutter in real life. Items can quickly collect dust and grease from cooking, and dishes may not stay as neatly organized as you’d hope. It is recommended avoiding this trend for a more practical, low-maintenance kitchen.
Mistake 7: Mismatched or Fragile Materials
Countertops and backsplashes are prone to messes, and when they’re made from delicate or porous materials, like marble or light-colored grout, they may stain easily and require constant cleaning. Lighter grout can show dirt and grime more quickly over time. Choosing durable, low-maintenance options like quartz will save you hassle in the long run.
Mistake 8: A Counter Full of Small Appliances
It may seem that you need a separate appliance to brew your coffee, blend up your daily smoothie, and air fry the meal of your dreams, but all those gadgets can clutter up your counter and make it harder to wipe everything down. Instead of leaving them all out on your exposed shelves or countertops, opt for built-in appliance garages. This makes it easier to regularly clean surfaces without constantly moving things around.
Adpated from: HB
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