Curious what folks tend to love after their kitchen renovations? What about their biggest regrets?
A few day ago, someone posed the following questions to a local Foodie page:
“We are on to the organization, arrangement, and configuration of the interior our kitchen cabinets and pantry for our remodel. Fun but a little daunting.
What do you love about yours? What do you wish you had? What do you wish you could do away with?”
Kitchens are highly personal and subjective space. It’s tough to determine what’s best for one specific person based on what others like in theirs. I strongly advise against generally crowdsourcing your design. However, based on my experience, here are some of my clients’ top answers:
What they love:
1. An unencumbered island – large counter with nothing in it (no cooktop, no sink). Of course, this may not be possible with your layout (it’s not in my personal kitchen), but I’ve never had anyone say, “Gosh, I wish I had less counter space on my island)
2. A large 18” trash pullout with two trash cans. No drawer above – you can fit large trash bags in these trash cans, plus you can divide trash and recycling easily.
3. A microwave drawer. Way more ergonomic than a microwave over the stovetop, plus more aesthetically pleasing.
4. Paneled appliances that blend better into the kitchen (versus stainless steel).
5. Way more drawers than lower cabinets. Deep drawers can hold all but the largest pots and portable kitchen appliances.
6. Deep full-height pantry cabinets with pullout drawers up to around 54” high. These can hold SO MUCH STUFF and it’s easier to see what’s what, versus having things stacked on stationary shelves.
7. Quality faucets. The cheap ones from big box stores have plastic components. They leak. Don’t do it. Spring for the good quality ones with metal components. There may be sticker shock. It’s cheaper than a plumbing bill.
What they wish they had:
Regrets usually come from not properly doing an inventory of your kitchen items and making sure they’ll have a “home” in the new kitchen. Sometimes people get so excited about the “look” of a certain kitchen design that they forget to actually consider the functionality of it.
Also, put in a backsplash instead of a 4” splash of the counter stone.
You cannot successfully add a backsplash later if you’ve put in the 4″ stone splash. It always looks like an afterthought because it is. See what I mean? That penny tile was clearly added sometime after the dark granite. (In case it’s not clear, this is a “before” photo.)
What they could do away with:
The second prep sink is the biggest “Why did we do that?” item that I’ve run across. Most people find they don’t use it as often as they thought they were going to. (There are exceptions of course.)
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, contact us to walk through your individual wants and needs. Kitchen are complex – you don’t need to do it alone!
Quinci Haller
| 5 June 2024This post is super helpful, I will be referring back to this often. I want to get a head start on remodeling our kitchen, similar to some of these examples! These tips are great as well! As soon as our dumpster rental arrives we will get started!
Kitchen Remodel Vancouver
| 12 January 2026Great tips! This really makes you think about what will actually work in your kitchen and what to avoid.
Salem Tile Setters
| 9 February 2026Great kitchen renovations teach you what works—and what doesn’t. A guide to loves and regrets helps homeowners make smarter choices, highlighting the features that bring joy daily and the pitfalls to avoid in future projects.
AHI Restoration
| 2 April 2026At AHI Restoration, we understand the complexities of a kitchen remodel and the importance of getting every detail just right. From unencumbered islands and high-quality faucets to pantry organization and cabinetry, our team specializes in creating kitchens that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. We guide you through the entire process, ensuring that your kitchen meets your needs for both design and efficiency.
Kate Parker
| 12 April 2026Great post! It’s so true that while crowdsourcing is fun, kitchen functionality is incredibly personal. I couldn’t agree more on the **unencumbered island**—having that sprawling, flat workspace is a total game-changer for meal prep and entertaining.
I also really appreciate the tip about the **4-inch stone splash**. It’s one of those “standard” builder additions that people don’t realize will limit their design choices later on. Avoiding that “afterthought” look is worth the extra planning!
For anyone in the middle of this “daunting” organization phase, [Kitchen Remodeling Bethesda MD](https://kitchenremodelingbethesda.com/) has some great visual examples of how to integrate those deep drawers and paneled appliances seamlessly.
Thanks for sharing these insights—it’s a great reality check for anyone currently staring at a floor plan!
AHI Restoration
| 16 June 2026Thanks for sharing these insights. Modern kitchen remodeling isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about creating efficient storage, better workflow, and improved functionality.
AHI Restoration
| 18 June 2026A thoughtful kitchen remodeling plan can completely change how a home feels and functions. Kitchen remodeling enhances storage solutions, workflow, and overall design balance. With expert kitchen remodeling services, homeowners get customized solutions that match their lifestyle. Quality kitchen remodeling is a smart upgrade for both comfort and resale value.
Joe Denly
| 21 June 2026Really useful guide for anyone planning a kitchen remodel. I like the focus on real-life function, not just how the kitchen looks. Details like drawer storage, pantry pullouts, quality faucets, backsplash planning, and avoiding unused features can make a big difference in how the space works every day.
Caleb Evans
| 21 June 2026I really enjoyed this article. It’s refreshing to see a discussion about both successes and regrets, as those insights can help others avoid common remodeling mistakes and make more informed design choices.
James Carter
| 21 June 2026Great read. I like how this article shares both the wins and the regrets after a kitchen remodel. That kind of honest feedback helps homeowners think more carefully about storage, layout, lighting, finishes, and the small details that affect daily use long after the renovation is finished.
James Robert
| 21 June 2026Great article. Looking back on a completed kitchen renovation often reveals lessons that aren’t obvious during the planning stage. Insights like these can help others prioritize features that add lasting convenience and value.
David Young
| 21 June 2026Very helpful kitchen remodel guide. I liked how it shares both the loves and regrets, especially around storage, backsplash choices, and daily function. It’s a useful reminder that a kitchen should not only look beautiful but also make cooking and cleaning easier every day.
Steve Bianco
| 21 June 2026Great kitchen remodel insights. The part about learning from real design regrets stood out most because those details are easy to miss during planning. Storage layout, backsplash choices, and everyday cleaning needs can completely change how comfortable the kitchen feels later.
Sarah
| 21 June 2026Helpful and honest kitchen remodel guide. I liked how the article shows that small choices, like drawer layout, pantry storage, and backsplash height, can affect daily use long after the project is finished. It’s a good read before making final design decisions.
Jaxon Campbell
| 23 June 2026Really enjoyed reading this post! Kitchen design decisions can have a big impact on how comfortable and practical a home feels, so learning from others’ experiences is extremely valuable. The points about balancing style with everyday functionality are especially important because trends may change, but a well-planned kitchen should remain useful for years. Thanks for sharing these thoughtful ideas and helpful reminders!
Adam Morgan
| 23 June 2026Such a great and honest take on kitchen renovations! I really appreciate how you shared both the things you love and the lessons learned along the way. Kitchen projects can be exciting but also overwhelming, so hearing real experiences like this makes the planning process much easier. The tips about thinking through functionality and everyday use are especially helpful. Thanks for sharing these valuable insights and inspiration for creating a kitchen that truly works for your lifestyle!
Steve Goldberg
| 29 June 2026This was such a helpful look at kitchen design from a real-life perspective. I like how the article focuses on the choices people actually appreciate after living with the space, not just what looks good in photos. Details like open island space, better drawer storage, pullout pantry features, and quality fixtures can make a kitchen feel easier to use every single day.