Designing a kitchen is an ever-evolving process because how we use our kitchens continues to change. What was once a space where one person cooked is now a family hub for cooking, entertaining, dining, working, and even lounging.

That’s why detailed planning from the start is crucial. We’ve consulted top kitchen designers to help guide you through the process. Below, we break down the steps to blend your creative kitchen ideas with practical considerations, drawing inspiration from some of the best kitchen designers in the world to create a perfectly balanced space.

1.  Plan the Layout:

Kitchens are the ‘heart of the home’ and should be designed by thinking about different moments—places to cook, eat, entertain, and even sit and work. 

Designing a kitchen involves more than just creating a layout that fits the space; it also requires careful planning around how you actually use the room. Your kitchen should be tailored to your daily routines and needs to ensure it functions perfectly for you.

Saying that, even in a spacious kitchen, it’s important to keep the prep, cooking, and washing areas close together for maximum efficiency.

2. Choose the Right Cabinet for your Kitchen

Base your kitchen cabinet colour choice on how it will make the room feel. Consider the amount of natural daylight the room receives and where the kitchen is situated. Light-coloured cabinets reflect light in darker rooms, making them feel larger. In contrast, darker units suit south-facing, light-filled kitchens, adding a homely feel.

Besides lighting, consider textures like grainy wood finishes for added interest in contemporary, featureless spaces. If you prefer bold colours, ensure you love the scheme now and in the future, especially if you plan to sell within five to ten years. 

For a bold touch, paint a kitchen island for maximum impact and easy transformation. Smaller pops of brighter shades can add depth and personality to a neutral kitchen space. Painting a cabinet front, bar stool, or shelving unit is a cost-effective way to inject unique bursts of colour. Finally, ensure your cabinet colour complements the rest of your home’s colour scheme for a cohesive feel.

3. Pick the Best Appliances for your Kitchen

Selecting the right appliances is essential for a functional and stylish kitchen. Here are key considerations to guide your choices. Think about how you use your kitchen. Are you an avid cook needing a double oven and a professional-grade stove, or do you prefer quick meals and a high-quality microwave?

Tailoring your appliance choices to your cooking habits ensures they meet your daily needs. It is also essential to invest in high-quality, energy-efficient appliances. Look for good energy ratings to reduce utility bills and benefit the environment. Durable brands might cost more upfront but offer better performance and longevity.

Ensure your appliances fit into your kitchen layout. Measure spaces for proper fit, allowing room for doors to open fully and for easy access. Built-in appliances can save space and create a seamless look, while freestanding models offer flexibility in placement.

Plan for the future when choosing appliances. A growing family might need a larger refrigerator or dishwasher. Consider an extra oven or a larger cooktop if you plan to host more gatherings.

Choose appliances that complement your kitchen’s style. Stainless steel is popular for modern kitchens, while retro appliances add charm to vintage-inspired spaces. Consider finishes and colours that blend well with your cabinetry and overall design.

By carefully selecting appliances that suit your needs and style, you’ll enhance both the functionality and appearance of your kitchen, creating a space that’s truly your own.

4. Go for the best worktop for your Kitchen

Planning your kitchen starts with envisioning the desired look and feel. Consider how it connects to the living and dining areas, especially in an open-plan space, and how it complements your overall home design. Think about the kitchen cabinet style you want from a purely aesthetic view. You may love the traditional feel of a Shaker-style kitchen, but would the sleek lines of a handleless, ultra-modern kitchen suit your contemporary kitchen extension better? Could a curved kitchen be more sympathetic to your small kitchen’s proportions? Gather inspiring kitchen images and refine your ideas based on your space, existing joinery, and the period of your property. Traditional kitchens benefit from detailed cabinetry and painted finishes for a timeless, easily updated look. Contemporary kitchens require careful consideration of long-term appeal due to the investment in cabinetry, though walls and backsplashes can be changed later. Also, consider how the cabinets’ handles and knobs complement other fittings in your home for a cohesive look.

5. Maximise Storage

To make the most of your kitchen, it’s important to consider the amount and type of storage you need right from the start. Since the kitchen is likely where you’ll spend a lot of your time at home, having everything organised and easily accessible will make cooking much more enjoyable. A well-organised space can help you feel calmer and happier.

Think about installing pull-out cabinets for easy access, deep drawers for pots and pans, pantry units for all your dry goods, and tall overhead cabinets for extra storage. These features will help keep everything in its place and make your kitchen a joy to use.

6. Lighting is Key

Enhancing your kitchen with the right lighting choices is crucial once you’ve finalised your design. Lighting can instantly boost the appeal of your space, so take the time to select options that fit perfectly.

Start with accent lighting, like spotlights for overhead illumination and pendant lights over islands and dining areas to create focal points. For task lighting, under-counter lights are essential for food prep, while in-counter lights help find items in cabinets.

Certain features like under-cabinet lights and island pendants can serve dual purposes, also adding accent lighting. Consider adding plinth lighting for a sophisticated touch. Opt for LEDs for their energy efficiency and long lifespan, providing instant brightness without delays.

7. Incorporate the Perfect Island and Seating Solution

Kitchen islands can be an excellent addition to any kitchen if there’s sufficient space. They serve multiple purposes, such as providing additional prep surface, accommodating sinks or hobs, 

serving as a spot for drinks, and allowing cooking in front of guests.

A well-sized island typically ranges from 2m to 3m in length and 1.1m to 1.4m in width; wider islands can often result in wasted space in the centre. Leave at least 1m of space around the island, or more if it serves as a walkway. Consider the seating arrangement carefully; not all bar stools fit neatly under the counter, so measure from the island’s back to the nearest wall or cabinet.

If you’ve incorporated a kitchen island, have you thought about seating options? Is there enough space for seating, or would a breakfast bar be a suitable alternative? Ensure the chosen bar stools or dining chairs are comfortable enough to encourage family gatherings and socialising with friends. These small details can significantly increase the time spent together in your kitchen.

8. Opt in for the best Flooring Options

When selecting kitchen flooring, durability and maintenance are crucial factors. It’s important to choose a material that can withstand high traffic and regular cleaning routines. Wood flooring is a popular choice due to its toughness and availability in scratch and stain-resistant options, making it ideal for kitchens.

Stone is another favoured option, especially for traditional-style spaces, offering a rustic aesthetic. Materials like granite, limestone, slate, and travertine are renowned for their durability, though natural stone can feel cold underfoot. Consider adding underfloor heating if opting for stone flooring.

Vinyl presents a versatile choice with a wide array of designs, including wood and stone effects, as well as colourful tile patterns. Made from PVC, vinyl floors are durable and easy to maintain, making them perfect for busy households. However, wood-effect vinyl can sometimes look artificial. For a more authentic wooden appearance without using real wood, laminate flooring is a suitable alternative.

9. Hire the Right Professionals

Hiring professionals for your kitchen design ensures a smooth and successful transformation of your space. Design experts bring extensive knowledge and experience to the table, helping you navigate through the myriad choices—from layout and materials to colours and finishes—that can overwhelm homeowners. Their expertise ensures that every aspect of the design is thoughtfully considered, optimizing functionality and aesthetics.

Beyond technical know-how, professionals offer valuable insights and creative solutions tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. They can suggest innovative design elements and space-saving solutions that you might not have considered otherwise. Moreover, working with professionals often means access to a network of trusted suppliers and contractors, streamlining the project management process and ensuring high-quality results.

Collaborating with a designer also saves you time and stress by overseeing the project from start to finish, managing timelines, budgets, and unforeseen challenges effectively. They bring a trained eye for detail to create a cohesive design that aligns with your vision while enhancing the resale value of your home. Ultimately, investing in professional kitchen design not only enhances the functionality and beauty of your space but also provides peace of mind throughout the renovation process.

10. Personalise it!

Personalising your kitchen design is about adding touches that reflect your unique style. Consider a vibrant backsplash or distinctive cabinet hardware to make a statement. Open shelving can showcase your favourite items, while custom lighting adds character. Mix textures like glossy tiles with matte finishes for depth. Display personal artwork or photos, and add plants for a touch of nature. Tailor the space to your lifestyle with features like a baking station or wine fridge. By adding these elements, your kitchen will feel uniquely yours.