5 Kitchen Cabinet Mistakes You’ll Regret (and How to Dodge Them)

But before you pick out finishes and handles, let’s talk about the sneaky design mistakes that could turn your culinary haven into a daily frustration. Most of them are totally avoidable.

Here are five common kitchen cabinet blunders—and how to get your design right from the start.

1. Messing Up the Layout and Cabinet Positioning

One of the biggest kitchen missteps? Misplaced cabinets that throw off the whole flow. If your cabinets are too far apart or awkwardly spaced, you’ll end up wasting valuable room and possibly bumping elbows while reaching for your favorite coffee mug.

Pro tip: Think about the kitchen triangle—sink, stove, and fridge should all be within a smooth glide of each other. Also, keep your upper cabinets within reach. Going custom can make all the difference, especially in kitchens with unusual dimensions.

2. Underestimating Your Storage Needs

We all love clean, open countertops—but that’s impossible if you don’t have enough space to store your stuff. Shallow drawers, missing spice racks, and zero planning for bulky appliances? It’s a recipe for chaos.

Instead, opt for functional kitchen cabinet designs with deep drawers, pull-out pantry systems, and clever corner solutions like lazy Susans. You’ll thank yourself later.

3. Ignoring the Natural Flow of the Kitchen

Your kitchen should feel open and easy to navigate, especially during busy mornings or when guests are over. One of the worst offenders in bad cabinet design? Cramped walkways or islands that turn into traffic jams.

Keep at least 42–48 inches of clearance around major work areas, and make sure your cabinet doors don’t block essential pathways. Smooth flow = better cooking vibes.

4. Prioritizing Looks Over Function

We get it—everyone wants that Pinterest-worthy kitchen. But don’t sacrifice usability for aesthetics. If your cabinets don’t match your lifestyle, you’ll quickly find yourself frustrated with the daily grind.

Love baking? Add deeper drawers for mixing bowls and baking sheets. Cook frequently? Consider pull-out shelves and utensil dividers. Function first, style second (but yes, you can have both).

5. Forgetting About Lighting

Ever tried chopping veggies in a dimly lit kitchen? Not fun—and not safe. One of the most overlooked aspects of kitchen cabinet design is lighting, especially under-cabinet and task lighting.

Add LED strips beneath your cabinets to brighten up workspaces. Combine that with pendant lighting above your island and recessed lights for general glow, and you’ve got yourself a well-lit, functional kitchen that looks just as good as it works.

Final Thoughts: Build a Kitchen You’ll Love for Years

Kitchen cabinets are more than storage—they’re the foundation of your cooking space. By sidestepping these five common mistakes, you can create a kitchen that’s not just beautiful, but also incredibly practical.

Want more in-depth tips from cabinetry experts? Check out the original guide from FMD Cabinets: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Designing Your Kitchen Cabinets

Ready to Design Like a Pro?

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or building from scratch, don’t wing it. Reach out to professionals who understand layout, storage, style—and how to tie it all together. With a bit of planning and some expert help, your kitchen can be everything you imagined and more.

Need ideas for your bar room cabinetry or inspiration for the perfect bar and wine cabinets? Check out our top-rated bar cabinet ideas to take your home’s entertaining space to the next level.