Putting in new cabinets should be thrilling – but it can easily become frustrating if you don’t lay the groundwork carefully. Whether you’re revamping your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, the key is in the planning. A skilled kitchen cabinet maker will help you avoid design flaws, and both your design and build will fit well and work as intended.
Here’s what people get wrong in cabinet planning – and how you can avoid it.
1. Forgetting About Function
Yes, you want your cabinets to look great. But if they’re not practical you’ll feel it every day. A lot of homeowners get bogged down in style and forget about how they use the space.
Plan for:
- Easy access to essentials
- Clear movement between cooking zones
- Smart placement of storage
In the kitchen, abiding by the “work triangle” (sink, fridge, cooktop) rule is a good beginning.
2. Picking Off-the-Rack Cabinets That Don’t Fit
It’s hard to reconfigure the layout of your kitchen once you remodel, and cabinets can be one of the biggest expenses for a complete renovation.
All houses are not the same size. When you try to cram generic cabinets into your kitchen, silly gaps happen, and space gets wasted. The result? A forced look and an ineffective setup.
Which is why it is wise to go for custom cabinets tailored to your Melbourne home. Custom cabinetry keeps everything perfectly-fitted and maximises every available inch.
3. Underestimating Storage Needs
Cabinets are not all about good looks – they have to work for you. If you won’t have a place to store everything, you could end up with cluttered counters – or purchasing additional shelves down the road.
Think about:
- Pot and pan pull-out drawers
- Hidden bins
- Corner units
- Separate compartments for utensils and cutlery
Think ahead about your daily schedule.
4. Not Thinking About Lighting
Even if you strategically design them, the cabinets can block light and turn your room into a dark hole. Light, which affects not only function but also mood, is overlooked by a lot of people.
Easy solutions:
- Under-cabinet lighting
- Open shelves that let in more light
- Design stage – planning the lighting profile
It’s a lot more —and far more expensive – to fix bad lighting after the fact.
5. Choosing Cheap Hardware
Handles, hinges, and runners matter more than you believe. Sagging, sticking drawers, and damage can be caused over time by inferior hardware.
Invest in:
- Soft-close hinges
- Smooth drawer runners
- Solid, durable handles
Quality hardware ensures your cabinets remain user-friendly for years.
6. Not Planning for Future Appliances
You may not be upgrading your appliances today – but what about five years from now? Cupboards should be flexible enough to be used if things are added or removed in the future.
Tips:
- Wiggle room for bigger or taller appliances
- Use adjustable panels
- Don’t measure too tightly that you’re limiting yourself in the later designs
7. Going DIY Without Experience
There’s more to installing cabinetry than drilling and screwing. It requires precision. Make one little error in alignment or leveling, and all that precise calibration goes to waste.
That’s why hiring a pro like Fit My House is a smart move. They have the power tools, expertise, and know-how to get it right the first time. A professional kitchen cabinet maker can help you steer clear of design issues that DIY kitchen redecorating projects may overlook.
Final Word
Cabinet installations can be a big upgrade to make to your home, but only if they’re planned and executed appropriately. From design and storage to contingency planning and high-quality hardware, every decision matters.
Fit My House can ensure that customers receive high-quality cabinets that look great and give you confidence that they are made to last. Best of all, with custom cabinets that Melbourne home owners can rely on, we custom-make each piece to suit your space, and your way of living.
So, ditch the mistakes – strategise wisely and savor the perfect end.
