These kitchen designers have seen it all, from stainless-steel overload to poor-quality cabinetry. Here they share what not to do when remodeling. 
"The best kitchens have a soul or a spirit that's warm, inviting, and
personal," designer Mick De Giulio says. "Every project is a chance to
do something new and creative. It's not just about the cabinets and
countertops - the whole room has to sing." Adhering to that principle,
he updated an Illinois kitchen in a former barn
by keeping the architecture of the horse stalls, adding a
tongue-in-cheek stovepipe to the range, and installing a pot rack that
resemble a wagon wheel.
See More: 101 Easy Home Makeover Ideas
2. Cabinets That Fall Short of the Ceiling
"They collect dust and un-needed accessories," designer Joan Schindler says. In this Connecticut kitchen,
cabinets are full height and create the maximum amount of storage,
while glass fronts keeps the space feeling airy. The panes are
restoration glass, which is uneven. The cabinets are painted Decorators
White in semigloss by Benjamin Moore.
Related: Secret Places to Store Things
"It drives me crazy when a kitchen is over-designed.
Knowing when to stop is the real challenge," designer Christopher
Peacock says. He used restraint in designing this New York kitchen,
achieving a soft, mellow look by using old wood floors and vintage
marble counters. The Country Kitchen sink is paired with the Amarillis
Heritage faucet, both by American Standard.
"Stainless steel can be a wonderful accent. However, as
with all good design, there should be a rhythm with the placement.
Splashes of stainless all over the place make any kitchen look and feel
choppy and small," kitchen designer Matthew Quinn says. For this kitchen
in Atlanta, the designer chose white cabinetry over stainless to create
a more room-like, livable kitchen. "Be especially careful with those
stainless-steel coffins - giant stainless refrigerators," he warns.
"They can quickly overpower a kitchen design if it's not balanced
correctly."
5. The Notion That Bigger is Always Better
"A well-designed kitchen with high-quality materials and thoughtful
details can make even the smallest space suit you perfectly," designer
Tish Key says. In this compact California kitchen, an island on castors
can be easily be moved around to where it's needed most.
See More: Beautiful Designer Bedrooms
6. Too Much Storage
"There's rarely a need to completely fill a room with
cabinets. A good layout is a balancing act between storage, function,
and aesthetics," designer Robert Bakes says. In this modern New York kitchen he designed with Cecil Baker, open space above the sink means there's room to breath. Viking range and Sub-Zero refrigerator. Cabinet pulls from Doug Mockett & Co.
See More: Top Design Bloggers' Reveal Their Favorite Green Spaces
7. Poor-Quality Cabinetry
"Think about it - you're opening and closing those doors
and drawers all the time. Get something strong and good-looking.
Hardwoods, a good finish, and strong hinges are essential," kitchen
designer Beverly Ellsley says. In this French-inspired Connecticut kitchen, all of the cabinetry is of her own design. The intricate woodcarvings are from Ellsley's Villa Collection for Enkeboll Designs.
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8. Not Having Countertops Around Wall Ovens
"Where are you going to put the turkey when you take it out of the
oven?" points out kitchen designer Terry Scarborough. For a Connecticut
kitchen, she made sure there was plenty of counter space next to - and
across from - the ovens.
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