5 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Kitchen Refurb Project

Thinking of giving your kitchen a fresh new look? A kitchen refurb is a fantastic way to breathe new life into your home, but it’s not without its challenges. At JA Horne Starlight, we know the common mistakes people make when it comes to planning a kitchen facelift, so we’re here to help you sidestep them and make your project run as smoothly as possible. Here are five mistakes to avoid to make sure your new kitchen is everything you hoped for.



1. Ignoring the Layout

It’s easy to get swept up in choosing gorgeous cabinets or that perfect countertop, but don’t overlook the importance of layout. Your kitchen needs to function as well as it looks good. A beautiful island is great, but if it’s right in your path, it’ll just become a stylish obstacle.

To avoid this, think about the “kitchen triangle”—the flow between your sink, stove and fridge. Our made-to-measure kitchens are all about making sure your space looks incredible and functions perfectly.

2. Skipping Out on Storage

A lack of storage can quickly make even the most stunning kitchen feel cramped and cluttered. People often underestimate how much storage they need, so make sure you’ve got enough space for all your pots, pans, gadgets and food items.

Beyond regular cabinets, think about features like pull-out shelves, deep drawers and hidden organisers. With a kitchen facelift from us, we can design storage solutions that are both smart and sleek.

3. Choosing Style Over Substance

We all want a kitchen that looks amazing, but don’t forget to pick materials that will stand the test of time. While that matte black finish or marble countertop might look stunning, some finishes scratch easily, stain, or require frequent maintenance.

Instead, go for materials that are both stylish and durable. Our made-to-measure kitchens are designed with high-quality, long-lasting finishes that won’t have you worrying about every spill or scratch.

4. Overlooking Lighting

Lighting is so often an afterthought in kitchen refurbs, but it can make a huge difference. Without enough light, even the most beautiful kitchen can feel dark and uninviting. Aim for a mix of task lighting (like under-cabinet lights), ambient lighting and some mood lighting.

5. Trying to Do It All Yourself

A kitchen refurb is more than just a bit of DIY, it’s a big project with lots of moving parts. Getting professional help means avoiding costly mistakes and getting a result that looks polished and feels amazing to cook, dine and spend time in.

To make sure you secure the kitchen of your dreams, work with a team who knows kitchens inside and out. At JA Horne Starlight, we’ve got years of experience bringing kitchen refurb projects to life. We’ll help you every step of the way, from planning to finishing touches.

Let’s Make Your Dream Kitchen a Reality

Avoid the stress and dive into your kitchen refurb with confidence with JA Horne Starlight. We create stunning made-to-measure kitchens and do incredible kitchen facelifts that are built to last. Give us a call on 0114 250 0161 to start planning.