A kitchen remodel is one of the best ways to add value and function to your home — but if the layout isn’t right, even the most stylish finishes won’t make up for poor flow.
At RMR Decks, we’ve remodeled kitchens across Ocean County, NJ, and we’ve seen firsthand how layout mistakes can hold back an otherwise beautiful renovation. If you’re planning your own kitchen project, make sure you avoid these five common missteps.
🚫 1. Forgetting the Kitchen Triangle
The kitchen triangle — the distance between your sink, stove, and refrigerator — is a golden rule for good workflow. If these elements are too far apart or blocked by islands, the kitchen becomes frustrating to use.
✅ Fix it: Ensure there’s a clear, efficient path between the three key zones, with no major traffic bottlenecks.
🚫 2. Not Enough Counter Space
Even the best-designed kitchens can fall short if there’s not enough room to prep, cook, and serve. We often see this issue in older Ocean County homes.
✅ Fix it: Include extended countertops, consider adding a central island, or widen existing surfaces. Think about your daily routine — and build around it.
🚫 3. Poor Appliance Placement
Opening the fridge only to hit a wall or having a dishwasher door block cabinets? We see it too often.
✅ Fix it: Measure appliance clearance zones and ensure doors can open fully without blocking walkways or other fixtures.
Pro Tip: Place the dishwasher next to the sink for fast cleanup and minimal mess.
🚫 4. Too Many Upper Cabinets (or Not Enough)
While storage is key, too many upper cabinets can make a kitchen feel cramped. On the other hand, too little storage leads to cluttered counters.
✅ Fix it: Balance storage with open space. Mix upper cabinets with open shelving or extend lower cabinets with large drawers and pantry towers.
🚫 5. Neglecting Lighting
A poorly lit kitchen not only affects function — it makes the entire space feel smaller and less inviting.
✅ Fix it: Use layered lighting:
- Ambient: Ceiling lights or recessed fixtures
- Task: Under-cabinet lighting
- Accent: Pendant lights over islands or sinks
Modern LED lighting not only looks great but improves energy efficiency.
🧭 Plan With Purpose. Build With Experts.
The best kitchen remodels combine smart design with quality materials — and they start with a layout that fits your lifestyle. At RMR Decks, we walk Ocean County homeowners through every step, from layout planning to the final cabinet install.
📞 Contact RMR Decks Today
RMR Decks
Serving Ocean County, NJ and surrounding areas
📍 Address: Toms River, NJ 08753
📞 Phone: (732) 800-6087
🌐 Website: www.rmrdecks.com
📧 Email: renewmyrealestate@gmail.com