Planning for a kitchen makeover? You’ll want to avoid these mistakes.
Embarking on a kitchen makeover is no mean feat. From cabinetry and countertop finishes, there are plenty of tough decisions to make to achieve the dream kitchen that you covet. But when it comes to the material selection, many first-time homeowners have limited knowledge on what exactly to look out for – which could lead to unexpected problems and lasting consequences along the way.
Here are some of the common kitchen mistakes that most homeowners make, plus tips on how to avoid them!
Mistake #1: Not having the right storage solutions
Anyone who cooks often enough will know that efficient storage and organisation are key ingredients (pun intended) in a good kitchen design. The issue with conventional kitchen cabinets, though, is that they tend to have a lot of dead space and hard-to-reach corners.
For instance, many homeowners install large/deep cabinets to store large cookware, but this often leaves the vertical space within under-utilised. As a workaround, many homeowners end up stacking items in the cabinet - but that can prove to be a hassle when you’re looking to grab say, a tray or pan, buried all the way at the bottom.
A better alternative would be to go for drawer systems built for efficient storage, like Song-Cho’s Japanese lines CENTRO and STEDIA that come with 25%-30% more storage capacity as compared to the usual open-door cabinet style. They’re equipped with multiple configurations for various storage needs, along with other space-saving features such as inner pockets and storage compartments that provide room to store big pots and pans vertically.
With compartments for efficient storage, STEDIA lets you store more items and find them quicker than a regular kitchen cabinet would
And to truly ensure that not a single square inch – particularly at awkward corners – goes to waste, CENTRO and STEDIA also come with corner storage options for U-or L-shaped kitchen layouts.
Corner pull-out trolleys (left) and tiered cabinet (right) to store items of varying heights while maximising space in otherwise awkward corners
For better accessibility, all of Song-Cho’s drawer systems are fitted with a BLUM mechanism that makes them easy to pull open, even with one hand – no matter how heavy the drawer may be. These drawers are fully extendable so you can easily reach for contents that are kept deep within, while keeping everything neat, organised and in clear view.
Smooth opening and closing enabled by BLUM’s renowned soft-closure mechanism
Mistake #2: Prioritising aesthetics over day-to-day practicality
Granted, you would want to design a kitchen that can best reflect your personal style – but it’s also important to think about functionality. Countertop materials such as marble and other natural stones may be an attractive option, but the downside is that they are extremely porous and can be susceptible to damage.
Instead, consider a more practical alternative of using Song-Cho’s stainless steel countertop solutions. Made of 304 food-grade stainless steel, they’re non-porous, waterproof, and more durable than ever. Plus, they come with anti-mould properties, are hygienic and easy to clean, making them ideal for food preparation.
Take your pick of STEDIA’s wide array of finishes to go with your stainless steel countertop
And if you think a stainless steel kitchen means a dull, industrial look, you couldn’t be further from the truth! Whether wood-free or a mix of stainless steel and wood combinations (more on that next), Song-Cho’s stainless steel kitchens are available in a variety of colours and finishes to match your interior, giving you the best of both style and function. Win-win!
Style meets function with STEDIA | Source: Cleanup
Mistake #3: Simply going for the most popular materials
Laminates are touted as a popular choice for kitchen cabinets for good reasons – they’re easy to clean, relatively hygienic and can hold up against regular wear and tear – but they also come with their fair share of challenges. As a wood-based material, laminates are ultimately still prone to mold, wood rot/warp and even termite infestations (yikes!).
Made of quality stainless steel, Song-Cho kitchen systems are durable and built to last for years. | Source: Cleanup
Opting for a fully stainless steel kitchen from the Song-Kitchen range solves all that in one comprehensive system. Or, as a middleground, choose Song-Cho’s Japanese series CENTRO or STEDIA that come fitted with stainless steel carcasses and drawer bases for minimal wood use, in turn reducing the chances of issues associated with woodwork.
A stainless steel drawer carcass and base paired with a wood combination exterior
A common problem with kitchens is that water tends to accumulate at the sink area. Over time, this seeps into surrounding carpentry, resulting in aforementioned woodwork issues like wood rot and warping. Additionally, sealants lining the sink often trap moisture, leading to unwanted mould growth.
To prevent such damage, Song-Cho kitchen systems have been thoughtfully designed to allow the sink to be seamlessly integrated with the countertop. This leaves no gaps in between for water to seep through, and eliminates the need for sealants altogether.
Song-Cho sinks can be seamlessly integrated with countertops to prevent moisture-related issues and make cleaning easier.
Plus, unlike standard kitchen designs, sinks in CENTRO and STEDIA systems are not raised. Instead, their level design allows you to easily sweep food waste into the sink, making cleanup a breeze!
Mistake #5: Not knowing that some materials can pose health risks (!!)
Have you ever been knocked over by a ‘toxic smell’ when unwrapping new furniture? Chances are, you inhaled formaldehyde – a chemical by-product in the manufacturing of furniture, flooring and upholstery. While generally harmless when encountered in small amounts, some people may have adverse reactions ranging from respiratory issues to chest pains and skin rashes.
Stainless steel also makes for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly material as it does contain toxic chemicals
The Song-Kitchen range comes with a woodless structure that is completely free of formaldehyde. Alternatively, if you prefer a mix of stainless steel and wood combinations, the CENTRO and STEDIA series use wooden panels treated to reduce the levels of formaldehyde, giving you a space that’s safe for you and your family.
With Song-Cho’s stainless steel kitchen systems, homeowners can put their kitchen troubles to rest with a high-quality solution that’s built to combat them all. Their durable, no-fuss designs make them a practical solution for modern kitchens, all without sacrificing aesthetics. Now, who says you can’t have a functional yet beautiful kitchen?
Visit Song-Cho's website to find out more, or have a look and feel for yourself at their Kitchen Design Hub, located at 37 Jalan Pemimpin #01-09 (Mapex building) and open daily from 10am to 7pm.
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