I’ve Remodeled 3 Kitchens—These Are My Biggest Design Regrets in Each One

Interiors & Decor

Kitchen Remodel Regrets and What I'd Do Differently Now
Photo by Wing Ho

Every remodeling project has one thing in common: It will require you to make tons of decisions along the way. Inevitably, some of the decisions you make will be things you’ll continue to love for years and others will be things you’ll wish you did differently. In my experience, reflecting on the things you wish you did differently helps you better understand your preferences over time. It helps inform design decisions you’ll make in future projects.

Some of the largest remodeling projects we’ve tackled in our two houses have been our kitchens. Since 2015, we’ve done three total kitchen remodels (with the help of our contractors)—one in our current home and two in our previous home.

Today I’m sharing what I regret from each of these kitchen remodeling projects and how I would approach them differently now.

First Kitchen Remodel: 2015

Kitchen Remodel Regrets and What I'd Do Differently Now
Photo by Wing Ho

These are two things I would have done differently in our first kitchen remodel.

Selected a Different Kind of Flooring

The flooring in this kitchen is the main thing I would have done differently. We installed a beautiful cement tile flooring, unaware of the issues it would soon present. The primary issue was that the top of the tile was porous and, therefore, it stained almost immediately. While I loved the design, the amount of visible wear left a lot to be desired, especially from Joe’s point of view.

Overhauled Our Approach to Storage and Organization

When we remodeled this kitchen in 2015, our only “child” was Winnie. By the end of 2017, we had two kids under the age of two. Thanks to the influx of “kid stuff,” the way we utilized this space completely changed. There were issues with storage—partially because of the relatively small footprint of the kitchen and partially because we weren’t using our storage space as wisely as we could have.

Photo by Wing Ho

With two young kids, I wasn’t hosting nearly as much as I had been before, yet things like serving dishes still took up prime real estate in the kitchen. Our storage and organization approach didn’t work for our new lifestyle, and changing it would have definitely improved the way we interacted with the kitchen in our everyday lives.

Second Kitchen Remodel: 2019

Kitchen Remodel Regrets and What I'd Do Differently Now
Photo by Judith Marilyn

When we remodeled our kitchen a second time in 2019, we were looking to address the two issues listed above and create a better flow from the kitchen to the rest of the main floor. Looking back, there aren’t very many specific things I would have done differently in this kitchen. It served its purpose really well during our last year in our home and was a key selling point when we sold this house in 2020. My biggest regret is more about how I approached the design process.

When I was designing this kitchen, I made decisions more from the lens of my job as a content creator than from the lens of a person who was going to be living in the space. I sought out others’ opinions rather than trusting my own vision, and the design process was less enjoyable than it could have been. Reflecting back on this process has been a good reminder to follow my gut when I’m designing my home.

Photo by Judith Marilyn

P.S. If you subscribe to my newsletter, House Call, you can read more about my thoughts on designing this kitchen in the following essay: “What Designing for Myself Feels Like vs. Designing for the Internet.”

Third Kitchen Remodel: 2021

I have so much love for this kitchen. We had good reasons for making every one of the design decisions in this space, many of which came down to budget and product availability. Yet as with any space, the more you live in it, the more you notice things you might want to change. Knowing what I know now, these are three things I would have done differently in our current kitchen.

Photo by Wing Ho

Installed Custom Cabinetry

I wish I would have spent the extra money on custom cabinetry, which we opted not to do because of budget constraints. The cabinets we have do the job perfectly well, although they do require a bit of upkeep. The paint on our cabinets is chipping in some areas—my hunch is that this is because we opted to try a paintable cabinet prototype which wasn’t yet publicly available.

This early design elevation shows an example of the diamond pattern flooring I wanted to install.

Installed the Flooring I *Really* Wanted

Don’t get me wrong: I love the flooring we selected for our kitchen. It’s beautiful and has held up really well in this high-traffic space. Yet I wish we would have gone with the flooring I wanted at the very start of this project.

From the onset of our kitchen remodel, I wanted to install flooring in a diamond pattern using two different kinds of marble. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the contact or the right suppliers to make it happen in a cost-effective way. I think if I would have kept looking for the right fit, I could have made it work. The moral of the story here would be to know when a delay or extra work is worth it!  

Kitchen Remodel Regrets and What I'd Do Differently Now
Photo by Wing Ho

Selected an Antique Table Instead of an Island

The island we opted for in our kitchen’s dining area is functional and offers additional storage, which I love. However, over the years, I’ve continued to think about my first choice for this space: an antique table. I’ve always wanted the dining area to feel more separate from the cooking side of the kitchen, and there’s something about the style of an antique table that feels so relaxed and charming to me. 

Knowing how we actually use the island, I also wish I would have selected a different countertop. I’m totally cool with the marble in our kitchen developing a patina over time, but I’m finding myself less forgiving when it comes to the butcher block countertop we installed on the island. I plan to sand it down and apply a coat of mineral oil this spring! 

BY Kate Arends - April 10, 2023

Subscribe
Notify of

21 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
swaantwee
April 11, 2023 5:29 am

I’m totally cool with the marble in our kitchen developing a patina over time, but I’m finding myself less forgiving when it comes to the butcher block countertop we installed on the island.

Nelly
April 11, 2023 11:07 am

Wow! Who can redo a kitchen 3 times in 8 years? And have regrets?!? That last remodel must have cost a fortune- all those windows are awesome 🤩. I wonder what she’ll do NEXT year, since that seems to be the schedule she remodels on!

Jlb
April 13, 2023 2:15 pm
Reply to  Nelly

the third remodel is a different house. lol

Janine
April 12, 2023 8:10 am

I love the 2nd kitchen remodel. Love the color and industrial farmhouse feel. For me, the diamond pattern for the 3rd remodel would have been too busy with all the wood and brown color, hanging pots and wall hanging. I agree with you on the antique table/island tho, since it brings an element of coziness and eclectic vibe.

Janine
April 12, 2023 8:18 am

Oh, and a marble floor! A contractor told me not to use marble on my kitchen floor or bathroom due to house settleling (sp?) cracking and replacement pieces and being extremely slippery and dangerous when wet!

Jacqueline
April 15, 2023 8:27 am

I love your current kitchen, so unique! An antique table would be the icing on the cake in this space.

Sarah
April 17, 2023 6:26 pm

Funny story, your kitchen (with the cement tile) was a major inspiration for my 1938 Tudor kitchen remodel. We bought the exact same tile you used and found out how finicky the tile was straight away during the install. From there all the stains- I freaked out anytime anything acidic hit the floor while cooking. We even tried resealing it, which didn’t do much. Long story short, this tile is super high maintenance (as you know), but I’ve embraced the “patina”, as I call it, bc I love it so much and it makes the space feel so special. Let… Read more »

Amy V
April 17, 2023 8:27 pm

We used Rubio monocoat 2c on the butcher block counters in our kitchen and LOVED the finish. Not sure if that’s an option when you look to refinish, but it’s an incredible product!!

markrodos
May 12, 2023 7:40 am

When visit a car service, it is important that the service technician you contact has sufficient experience and qualifications to correctly determine the cause of the failure and reliably repair the car air conditioner, fully restoring its performance.

weed near by me
May 18, 2023 7:51 am

Weedopedia Niagara’s top online dispensary that offers 1-2 hours deliveries straight to your door! Select from a wide selection of affordable and high quality cannabis products. From cheap ounces to a large variety of Hybrid, Indica and Sativa flowers, Pre-rolls, Edibles, Concentrates, Vapes and so much more.
<a href=”https://wpdniagara.com/home.php”>weed near by me</a>

Grerores Millereres
May 18, 2023 2:48 pm

From start to finish, the team at Carolina Carports was professional, efficient, and knowledgeable. They took the time to listen to my needs and concerns, and provided me with a solution that exceeded my expectations. I would recommend Carolina Carports to anyone in need of construction or repair services. Their team of experts is top-notch, and their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is unparalleled. If you’re looking for a company that truly cares about their customers and their work, look no further than Carolina Carports. Check out their reviews at https://carolina-carports.pissedconsumer.com/review.html to learn more about their services and see… Read more »

May 19, 2023 8:33 am

This design suits my taste very well. Thank.

janegrant0023
June 1, 2023 1:44 pm

WPS website is a true treasure for college students who are short of time for accomplishment of difficult academic projects. Detailed reviews, based on personal experience enlighten the most critical facts.

tomswizh
June 2, 2023 3:51 am

Modern men began to pay more attention to their appearance. It is the type of person that affects the first impression. The way you look affects how people perceive you. Therefore, in order to achieve success in personal and professional life, it is necessary to be stylish and well-groomed. Particular attention should be paid to the hairstyle and beard (if any) because they can greatly change the appearance. Visit

kokolod21d
June 2, 2023 5:43 pm

In the bustling streets of New York City, Barber Shop NYC stands as a symbol of style and tradition. This iconic establishment has been catering to the grooming needs of discerning individuals for decades. With its skilled barbers and inviting atmosphere, it offers a haven where clients can escape the chaos of the city and indulge in a moment of relaxation and self-care. From haircuts to luxurious shaves, Barber Shop embodies the essence of timeless grooming in the heart of the Big Apple.

June 3, 2023 9:07 am

Thank you for the informative article! It provided valuable insights and answered my questions perfectly. Keep up the great work!

June 4, 2023 4:39 am

I am very impressed with your post.

Vsegda
June 5, 2023 6:51 am

Prepare to be enchanted by a symphony of innovative technologies and personalized care meticulously crafted to unlock your auditory potential. Our team of dedicated audiologists and compassionate professionals is committed to redefining your relationship with sound, guiding you towards a world of clarity, connection, and unparalleled joy. Immerse yourself in the magic of conversations, as every word resonates with crystal-clear precision, enabling you to effortlessly engage with loved ones and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of human interaction. Experience the full spectrum of music’s emotive power, as melodies envelop your soul, stirring your deepest emotions and transporting you to… Read more »

Most-read posts:

Did you know W&D now has a resource library of  Printable Art, Templates, Freebies, and more?

take me there 

Arrow Alone

Get Our Best W&D Resources

for designing a life well-lived

MORE STORIES

Arrow Alone

the latest

Thank you for being here. For being open to enjoying life’s simple pleasures and looking inward to understand yourself, your neighbors, and your fellow humans! I’m looking forward to chatting with you.

Hi, I'm Kate. Welcome to my happy place.

follow  @WITANDDELIGHT

ELSEWHERE

PINTEREST

FACEBOOK

351k

3m

12.5k

INSTAGRAM

CREATE

A LIFE THAT

follow us on instagram @witanddelight_

DELIGHTS