Designers Reveal 9 Things They'd Never Do During a Kitchen Renovation

Careful planning is vital to avoid regrettable design choices, say experts.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Renovating a kitchen can be an exciting project, but it's important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to regrettable design choices. Design professionals share the decisions they would never make, from overlooking lead times to misallocating space and underestimating storage needs. The key is to create a kitchen that is both functional and personal, rather than one that reflects a fleeting design trend.

Why it matters

A well-designed kitchen can significantly increase a home's value, but a rushed or ill-planned renovation can result in layout, storage, and aesthetic issues that homeowners end up regretting. By heeding the advice of experienced designers, homeowners can ensure their kitchen renovation project is a success.

The details

According to the experts, some of the biggest mistakes to avoid during a kitchen renovation include prioritizing looks over function, leaving major decisions until the end, and underestimating the amount of storage needed. Designers emphasize the importance of starting with the layout, traffic flow, and lighting before focusing on aesthetics. They also caution against incorporating overly specific or trendy elements that risk quickly aging the space, instead recommending a more timeless, cohesive design that complements the home's architecture.

  • The article was published on February 17, 2026.

The players

Paloma Contreras

A Houston-based interior designer who advises against rushing the design process or leaving major decisions until the end.

Stephanie Bruss

The founder of Designs of the Interior, who cautions against incorporating overly specific or trendy elements in a kitchen renovation.

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What they’re saying

“We never prioritize looks over function or leave major decisions until the end. A beautiful space still needs to work seamlessly day to day, so we begin with layout, traffic flow, storage, and lighting.”

— Paloma Contreras, Interior Designer (Veranda)

“Trends naturally influence design conversations, but kitchens are long-term investments. Anything overly specific or novelty-driven risks aging quickly. The most successful kitchens feel personal and cohesive with the architecture of the home rather than reflecting a fleeting moment in design.”

— Stephanie Bruss, Founder, Designs of the Interior (Veranda)

The takeaway

By heeding the advice of experienced designers, homeowners can avoid common pitfalls and ensure their kitchen renovation project results in a functional, timeless, and personal space that complements the overall architecture of their home.