Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms of your home. It is where meals are cooked, cookies are baked, and families and friends gather to eat, drink, and celebrate special occasions or each other’s company. With so much activity going on, it is important that your kitchen design is not only spacious and hospitable; it must be conveniently designed for efficient cooking.

Designing a new kitchen bears its own set of challenges. Some aspect of the original idea often does not come out the way you planned. The layout may be insufficient, the colors may not blend well, or the furniture and cabinetry may not compliment each other. Regardless of the issue, here is a list of some of the most costly remodeling mistakes.

Thinking that bigger is better. A small yet well-designed kitchen can go much farther in value than a larger design that is lacking efficiency. Many people think ‘bigger’ when it comes to kitchen remodeling. However, bigger is not always better. If you have a big kitchen with a lot of space, but you have to walk all the way across the space to reach the pantry while you cook, it is going to be an inconvenience. A slightly smaller design with convenient fixtures and adequate space makes for a more efficient kitchen.

Taking the cheaper option. “Sometimes the cheaper option is fine, but not when it comes to home remodeling,” said a spokesperson for Edina Painting Company. “Your kitchen cabinets must be sturdy and able to last. Spending a few extra dollars on solid, reliable cabinetry that can resist wear and tear is in your best interest when remodeling your kitchen. It may be more expensive up front, but it will save you big expenses in the long run.”

Following trends. Style comes and goes. With that being the case, do not let current trends or fads influence your design too much. You may end up hating the design a few years down the road. You will then have to spend more money on a completely new design. Focus on complimenting the rest of the house and showcasing your personality with your design instead.

Not sticking to your plan. It is easy to get distracted during the construction process and want to try ideas you have not thought of before. This will only result in a higher bill at the end of the project. Sticking to your original plan makes the remodeling process much smoother. It will keep you within budget.  Do not become sidetracked by new furnishings and fancy accessories. Make your plan and follow it faithfully.

Not trusting the professionals. “Unless you have experience working in construction or home remodeling, leave it to the professionals to see your project through to completion,” said a spokesperson for a Minnesota home building company. “Without experience, doing it yourself is a safety hazard. Just as you trust you mechanic to fix your car and your barber to cut your hair, you should rely on professional contractors to complete your new kitchen design.”