A kitchen remodel is one of the biggest investments you can make in your home. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the finishes, countertops, cabinet colors, backsplash tile, the layout is what really makes or breaks your space.

At Woodsman Kitchens & Floors, we’ve helped thousands of Jacksonville-area homeowners design kitchens that work just as beautifully as they look. So before you finalize your plans, here are five layout mistakes to steer clear of.

Overhead view of a spacious kitchen layout with the classic work triangle illustrated in red, connecting the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator for optimal workflow. Features a large island with barstools and light wood flooring throughout.

1. Not Respecting the “Work Triangle”

The work triangle connects the sink, stove, and refrigerator, the three most-used points in your kitchen.

Mistake: Placing these too far apart (or too close together), which creates unnecessary movement or crowding.

Fix: Make sure there’s a smooth, unobstructed flow between each point. If you're working with a small space, don’t worry, even a compact kitchen can have a functional triangle with the right placement.

2. Ignoring the Importance of Landing Space

You need somewhere to set things down. Period.

Mistake: Not leaving enough countertop space next to appliances like the fridge, oven, or microwave.

Fix: Always plan for “landing zones” next to major appliances. For example, keep a few feet of counter space next to your cooktop for prep or near the fridge for unloading groceries.

Bright and cozy kitchen with white cabinetry, subway tile backsplash, and open wooden shelves. A rustic rolling cart with a butcher block top and wicker baskets serves as a central island. Potted plants by the window add natural warmth to the space.

3. Underestimating Storage Needs

We’ve never heard anyone say, “I have too much storage.”

Mistake: Focusing only on upper and lower cabinets without thinking about function.

Fix: Maximize your layout with features like pull-out drawers, corner storage, deep drawers for pots and pans, or a tall pantry cabinet. If you’re working with a designer, tell them how you actually use your kitchen, it makes all the difference.

4. Skipping Seating Considerations

Even if your kitchen isn’t large, you still need to think about how people will gather there.

Mistake: Overloading an island with seating or placing stools where they’ll block walkways.

Fix: Make sure you have at least 36 inches of clearance behind seating areas so traffic can still flow. And if you don’t have room for an island, a peninsula or even a small eat-in area might be a better solution.

Warm, cozy kitchen on Amelia Island with under-cabinet lighting, white subway tile backsplash, double wall ovens, and white cabinetry at dusk.

5. Not Thinking Through Appliance Placement

Appliances need room to breathe, and open.

Mistake: Placing dishwashers or ovens in a way that blocks traffic when open, or causes drawers to crash into each other.

Fix: Pay attention to appliance swing and clearance. Your designer can map this out ahead of time so you're not stuck with surprises during install.

Avoiding Mistakes Starts with Smart Planning

You don’t need a massive space or unlimited budget to have a well-functioning kitchen. You just need a layout that’s designed around your lifestyle.

That’s exactly what we help with.

Let’s Design a Kitchen That Works Beautifully

Thinking about remodeling? Our Jacksonville design team can walk you through layout options, cabinetry styles, and materials that bring out the best in your space, and make daily life easier.

Stop by the Woodsman showroom or book your free design consultation today.

5 Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes to Avoid