I've reviewed hundreds of kitchen designs from beginners, and the same mistakes come up every single time.

1. Ignoring the work triangle. The sink, stove, and fridge need to form a triangle with no leg longer than 2.7m. Break this rule and the kitchen becomes a nightmare to cook in.

2. Not enough counter space next to the stove. You need at least 40cm of landing space on each side. Sounds obvious until you see how many people skip it.

3. Forgetting about the garbage. Where does the bin go? If you can't open it without blocking a cabinet or pathway, the layout has a problem.

4. Placing the dishwasher too far from storage. Unloading should be a 2-step process: open dishwasher → place in cabinet. If you're walking across the kitchen, something's wrong.

5. Poor lighting plans. Under-cabinet task lighting isn't optional — it's the difference between a pro kitchen and an amateur one.

These aren't style opinions. They're functional principles that separate a kitchen people love from one they tolerate.

If you want to learn how to avoid every one of these (and design kitchens & bathrooms professionally), check out our certification program.

Welcome aboard — you've just taken the first step toward a career in kitchen and bathroom design.

Here's how to get started:

1. Start the Course — Head to the Design Training Course and begin with Module 1. Each lesson builds on the last, so go in order.

2. Join the Community — The Student Community chat is where you'll connect with fellow students, share your work, and get feedback.

3. Check Updates & Resources — This is where I'll post new materials, industry news, templates, and bonus content.

4. Ask Questions — No question is too basic. This is a learning environment. Drop anything in the chat or comment here.

Let's build something great together. Your first client is closer than you think.