5 things I'd never do as a kitchens expert

It's not every day you embark on a kitchen renovation, so it's easy to make mistakes that can disrupt the flow of your space, or even end up costing time and money to put right. 

Read on to discover the renovation blunders I see regularly, and what I've learnt about choosing durable units and a reliable brand while researching kitchen companies for Which?. 

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1. Buy cheap kitchen units 

As a Which? researcher, I’ve overseen lab tests for kitchen units from nine major brands, and they are certainly not all created equal. I also know from my pricing research that quality doesn't always correspond with price. 

Our surveys of kitchen owners have uncovered instances of hinges tearing off cabinets, damaged cabinetry being delivered, and finishes being scratched within a year of ownership. 

If I’m investing in something, I want to make sure it’s the best quality I can get, so I’d always check our reviews to ensure the kitchen I was planning to buy was going to last. 

Find out how leading brands such as DIY Kitchens, Howdens, Ikea, Magnet and Wren performed in our rigorous lab tests and customer surveys.

Compare these brands and more in our guide to the best kitchen brands

2. Fail to plan my storage

Storage is one of the most important elements of your kitchen, so it would be one of the the first things I'd think about during my renovation. 

I hate rummaging through cupboards to find that bottle of soy sauce, battling to get the air fryer out of the cupboard, or restacking pots to try to get the drawer to close. 

Making sure everything has its place is a game changer for keeping your kitchen tidy and saving you time, effort and frustration. 

I’ve seen so many genius storage solutions for kitchens – from deep pan drawers to swing-out shelving for corner cabinets, and steps that pull out of a base cabinet plinth – that I’m confident I could make use of any awkward spaces. 

Storage solutions can also be a design statement, from vintage pantry cupboards to open shelving and wall-mounted wine racks.

For more tips, see our guides to planning your kitchen layout and kitchen storage ideas

3. Neglect the working triangle 

I enjoy cooking but I can be a lazy chef, especially after a busy day, so I hate having to keep traversing the kitchen to get what I need. 

To keep your kitchen easy to use, most designers recommend sticking to the rule of the working triangle – positioning your oven, fridge and sink within about two meters of each other, ideally in a triangular shape. 

Some people find this rule too prescriptive, but it’s a good starting point for considering how you'll move around your kitchen. The same rule also applies to smaller items – keep spices near the oven, knives near the food prep space, and mugs and teabags by the kettle.

You might also consider ‘the second working triangle’ which includes the bin, sink and dishwasher. Keeping a food bin near the sink also saves the need to walk back and forth to scrape off plates when you're clearing up after eating. 

Find out how much you can expect to spend on a renovation in our guide to how much a kitchen costs in 2025

4. Choose a trendy kitchen colour 

I love thinking about colours and design, and magazines are full of beautiful kitchens in statement colours such as forest greens, pastel pinks and cheery yellows. 

But, like many of us, I go through phases when it comes to interior design. If I opted for a bold colour, I'd probably get sick of my kitchen when current trends change. 

A kitchen renovation is pretty expensive, and manufacturing them requires a lot of energy and water, so it’s better for your wallet and the planet to opt for a timeless colour. 

I love natural wood-effect kitchens, and some brands even make textured finishes to closely mirror the real thing if you’re on a budget. 

If I had my heart set on a bold colour scheme, I'd introduce it through smaller elements that are easier to change, such as statement lighting, a bold splashback or a brightly coloured kettle and toaster set. 

See our round-up of the top no-nonsense kitchen trends for 2025

5. Go with the in-store fitting service

Most kitchen brands offer their own kitchen fitting service, and our research shows that, more often than not, they’re pretty good. However, while it is really convenient, you can end up paying a pretty big premium for these services. 

I’d want to reserve as much of my budget for my kitchen design as possible, so I’d always shop around for quotes from independent kitchen fitters to get the best deal on installation. 

I’d try and get fixed-price quotes if possible – this means the price of the job can’t change, except in a few specific circumstances. 

Most independent fitters will be able to offer bespoke elements for any awkward spots in your design. It’s also useful to get a fresh pair of eyes on your kitchen design. You can use Which? Trusted Traders to find a reliable professional near you.

See our guide to renovating your kitchen on a budget for more money-saving tips