Are you thinking of updating your kitchen? Sometimes the thought of what needs to be done can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’m here to help with my 13 Top Tips for Designing Your Dream Kitchen.
As an interior designer, I have plenty of experience helping clients design their kitchens. I understand how big a deal it is to think about a new kitchen. In this blog post, the first of a series, I’ll share my expert advice on designing and planning your ideal kitchen. I’ll explain what you need to think about before you even step foot inside a showroom. Then what to do when you are ready to go kitchen shopping.
Are you ready to embark on the exciting journey of redesigning your kitchen? If so, grab yourself a cuppa and let’s start planning your dream kitchen together.
Table of contents
- Set your budget
- Measure Twice, Design Once
- What Do You Want and Need?
- Consider Your Lifestyle
- Can You Extend?
- Explore Different Style
- Prioritise Lighting
- Kitchen Island or not?
- The ‘Working Triangle’
- Embrace Colour
- Material Magic
- Visit Showrooms
- Utility Rooms/Laundry Rooms
1. Set Your Budget
First things first when planning a new kitchen: establish your budget. Knowing how much you’re willing to invest in your kitchen redesign is crucial. Consider all aspects of the kitchen design, from cabinets to appliances to labour costs. Don’t forget the little details like handles and lighting, as they can add up. Whether you’re giving your current kitchen a facelift or starting from scratch, having a clear budget will guide your decisions and priorities.
Of course, if you are hoping to have a brand new kitchen including all new cabinets, appliances and worktops, your budget will look a lot different if you want to give the existing cabinets a paint job.
Have a good look at what you have already and see how it aligns with your budget. If you think you may struggle to afford your ultimate dream kitchen right now, maybe look at areas where you can save money. Keeping an oven that works perfectly well or repurposing the cabinet carcasses maybe? Be realistic about what you can afford and work towards that.
Think about whether you are going to do all the work yourself or perhaps ask a local trade to help. Or are you going to use a kitchen designer, or an interior designer to help? These will add to the cost (but can save you money in the long run).
2. Measure Twice, Design Once
Before you start thinking about kitchen layouts, get familiar with your kitchen’s dimensions. It is essential when designing a kitchen to make a plan. Get out that measuring tape and measure everything from wall to wall and floor to ceiling. I have a handy guide to taking measurements here if you need more help with this.
Take note of windows, doors, and existing fixtures. Make a rough sketch on a piece of paper. It doesn’t have to be a work of art, it’s really for your benefit. Note down all the measurements you’ve taken as well as plug socket points, where radiators sit, what way doors open and so on.
Some kitchen companies like Ikea have an online design tool if you fancy giving that a go. Be warned though, this is something you can while away a good few hours doing – I love it!
When planning a new kitchen, understanding your space inside out will inform your layout decisions and ensure that your design is both functional and visually appealing.
When I design a kitchen with a client, I always do a first measure-up to get a basic idea. I will then go back and spend a good hour or so measuring everything properly and drawing a floor plan of what is currently there. This includes soil stacks, plumbing, electric points, where the extractor goes, and how deep the window ledge is. All these things will have an impact on the layout and design of your new kitchen.
Are there any areas of your existing kitchen that you are not using – maybe there’s an awkward corner that is being wasted. What about the full wall height – or are your existing cupboards stopping short and instead you pile things on top of them looking unsightly and untidy?
Have a really good look around your kitchen and see how you are using the space right now and how it could perhaps be improved.
3. What Do You Want and Need?
With most things, these can be two different things so it’s important to look at this carefully. Let’s talk essentials first. Start by identifying your non-negotiables – those must-have features and functionalities that align with your lifestyle and culinary aspirations. Your kitchen must-have list. Whether it’s a snazzy island or a cosy nook, jot it down. Your kitchen, your rules!
From there, explore your wish list, adding touches of luxury and innovation that elevate your kitchen experience to new heights. This could be your dream of a full-size Aga, an all-bells-and-whistles barista-style coffee machine or simply a space for the dog to sleep.
Remember, it’s all about striking the perfect balance between practicality and indulgence. It’s your kitchen – make it work for you.
This list will be the foundation for your brand-new kitchen design.
These are things that you will plan your new kitchen design around. For example, a couple I recently worked with wanted a coffee station and had a large coffee machine that needed to go on it. Another good example is what hob you want – an electric, gas or induction?
4. Consider Your Lifestyle
Your kitchen should cater to your unique lifestyle. Also, those who live with you and will use the kitchen. Do you love entertaining guests while you cook? Or do you prefer to be left alone whilst cooking? Are you a busy parent juggling multiple tasks in the kitchen and want to keep an eye on the kids doing their homework? Do you want to watch TV in the kitchen? Listen to music?
Consider how you use the space beyond cooking and eating. Factor in seating areas, storage solutions, and entertainment options to create a kitchen that suits your lifestyle perfectly.
Do you want an eating area within the kitchen or separate?
5. Can You Extend?
If you are using your kitchen more often than any other room in the house, and yet it’s the smallest room in the house, it’s time to think about re-siting it, or making it bigger – if you can. Just because the kitchen is currently a galley at the end of the hallway, doesn’t mean it always has to be. You will need to get some advice from a builder and possibly an architect but it could be a worthwhile investment.
An interior designer can help at this stage as we will often see how a home can flow better just by moving a room around or changing a door. I have seen spaces transformed by opening a wall up. Again, the cost involved in hiring a professional is often paid back in avoiding costly mistakes.
If you are a family that likes to watch TV whilst preparing your food, make a note of that so that you can incorporate a TV into the new kitchen design. Or do you want friends to be able to sit and chat with you whilst you’re cooking, or do you like to potter and listen to the radio with a cuppa? In this case, somewhere comfortable to sit is important.
If you like to be around whilst the kids do their homework, allow room for that if you can. A cosy chair or small sofa can also be accommodated to encourage a bit of lingering.
Again, add all this to your ‘must have’ or ‘would like’ list and refer to it later.
6. Explore Different Styles
From sleek and modern to cosy and rustic, there’s a myriad of kitchen styles to choose from. As an interior designer, I see so many beautiful kitchens I want to change mine daily!
Dive into the world of interior design magazines, Pinterest boards, and Instagram feeds to discover inspiration that resonates with your taste. But don’t get overwhelmed. Consider how each style aligns with your taste and complements your home’s existing decor.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match elements to create a look that’s uniquely yours. Who said you can’t have a cosy farmhouse-style window seat in a modern new home? Why not find a spot for that modern high-tech oven in your cottage kitchen? Just be careful that you are not being frivolous with your choices and are going for design elements that will work for how you are going to use the space.
If you are not sure, there are plenty of ways to figure out. My first stop would be Pinterest. Head on over and type in anything related to kitchens. Then start a board (don’t know how to use Pinterest, drop me a message, and I’ll send you my guide as am often asked about that!) of what you like. You’ll soon see there’s a type of kitchen that you prefer.
Another idea is to go on Instagram and do similar. Of course, you can also get yourself a bunch of magazines and make a real mood board – always a winner for me. Tear out any pictures you like and stick to an A4 piece of card. It doesn’t just have to be pictures of kitchens. Anything that has the right ‘feel’ or ‘mood’ will help you start building a picture of what your perfect kitchen looks like.
Again an interior designer can help you with this and can explain to you the different elements of each style of kitchen, and how they may or may not work in your home. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with someone and ask the questions, often, like myself, we are happy to have a free introductory call. I even offer a mood board service where I can help you identify your style and put together a mood board for you to work from and to take with you when out shopping.
7. Prioritise Lighting
Lighting can often be forgotten, or an afterthought when redesigning a kitchen. But is it so important to not only the aesthetic but also the function of the kitchen.
Remember task lighting is essential – who wants to be chopping up the carrots in a dark corner? Make sure there is enough light for the darkest November afternoon. Spotlights overhead are good in a kitchen – but they don’t have to be in rows and rows. Place them above areas you work in – above the oven, sink, prep area and so on.
Then add some mood lighting to give the room some depth. Under wall cabinets are a good place to light up, as is around kitchen islands, in plinths and so on. Go for the best lighting you can afford as it does make a difference.
If you need more advice on lighting, take a look at my lighting blog as it really can make or break a design.
Think about inside cupboard lighting. Particularly in places like large larder cupboards where things can get a little gloomy. I have a sensor light that comes on when we open our breakfast cupboard. Saves the bleary eyes when making that morning cuppa!
What about lamps in a kitchen? I love to see a quirky lamp nestled in a dark corner. The likes of Pooky offer a great range of rechargeable lamps so you don’t even have to worry about finding somewhere to plug it in.
8. Kitchen Island or not?
A kitchen island seems to be part and parcel of most new kitchen designs now – and for good reason. They provide an extra preparation area, somewhere to site the hob or sink and in most cases, THE place for everyone to linger around. There are things to bear in mind though if you want to have an island.
They range in size from 2m long and 1m wide to 4m plus and 1.4m wide. I wouldn’t go any wider than that as if you do, you tend to find the bit in the middle is no man’s land. The island can be the star of the show if you want it to be. You could choose a funky or stand-out worktop and it can even be a different colour to the rest of the kitchen. If you want it for sitting, allow room for knees and stools. Remember not all bar and island stools tuck neatly away so make sure you have room around it too. The recommendation is 1m space all around it.
You can incorporate things like a wine cooler, chopping boards, drainers, sockets as well as sinks and hobs (and therefore extractors) into the island if you wish.
Alternatively, a compromise on an island is a breakfast bar at the end of a run of base units. This works well in open plan areas as can serve as the ‘end point’ to the kitchen. Again, remember to allow for room around it.
Also, a new trend that Living Etc recently wrote about is the ‘chopped island’ – have a read of the article here – the jury is out on if it’ll catch on, but for a smaller home, it could be worth a look.
9. The ‘Working Triangle’
The actual layout is the backbone of your kitchen design, dictating flow, efficiency, and overall functionality. Explore different layout options, from classic work triangles to open-concept configurations. Consider how you move within the space and prioritise ergonomics and convenience. Remember, a well-designed layout maximises space utilisation and minimises clutter, creating a harmonious environment that inspires creativity and relaxation.
The concept of the working triangle—connecting the sink, oven (hob), and refrigerator—is still relevant in modern kitchen design. However, it isn’t the be-all and end-all. Aim for a balanced layout that minimises unnecessary movement between these three areas. Consider additional zones like prep areas, storage zones, and cleanup stations to optimise workflow and efficiency.
But what is ‘the working triangle?’
Essentially it’s the gap between the three main working areas of the kitchen. The washing up area, the cooking area and the storage area (the fridge).
Ideally, the gap should be no more than three metres and no less than 1.2m. This ‘triangle’ should also be obstruction-free so that you can walk between areas easily enough. It was actually something architects came up with in the 40s to cut construction costs, but does have some worth still. After all, you don’t want to be schlepping from one end of the kitchen four times a day to make a coffee.
However, if you have a galley kitchen, for example, it’s impossible to have the ideal ‘triangle.’ Also, with the hob now often being separate from the oven – and then the air fryer being a mainstay for many, your triangle can start looking a bit odd.
‘When I’m designing a kitchen I think about working zones. More about that in the next blog.
10. Embrace Colour
Time to talk – and think about colour. Choose your kitchen cabinet colour wisely as you’ll be living with it for years to come. But don’t let that stop you from being adventurous. One-colour kitchens are very old school. Having different coloured base units for your wall units is now a familiar design concept when planning a new kitchen. An island in a stand-out colour looks modern and stylish.
Think about what colour worktop you’ll have and how that will work with the units. Figure out how bright, dark, deep, or saturated you want to take the colour. For example, you’re thinking of choosing some lovely earthy wooden units. You could pair them with terracotta-coloured work surfaces and walls to add depth or go light and bright with warm creams and a touch of blue. Bring the colour into a sleek modern white slab kitchen with your kitchen taps in bright yellow, funky bar stools and a fabulous coloured fridge.
Colour can impact how any room in your home feels as I discuss in my previous blog. It’s important to surround yourself with colours that talk to you. But also remember to consider how much natural light the room gets. It’s no good going for one of those gorgeous black matt kitchens that are fabulously popular right now if you have one tiny window in a north-facing room.
Please don’t be a colour hater in the kitchen. Whilst I love a white kitchen unit there is no excuse, in my opinion, to go all white. No, it will not make your kitchen appear bigger, brighter, cleaner or more modern. It will feel a bit clinical. Unless you’re a fan of stark minimal spaces (but I doubt you’d be reading my blog if you were).
Inject personality into your kitchen with a splash (or whole swathes!) of colour. Whether it’s bold cabinet hues, vibrant backsplashes, or colourful accents, don’t shy away from adding some visual interest. Experiment with different colour palettes to create a kitchen that feels vibrant and inviting. Just remember to consider how colours interact with natural light and the overall mood you want to achieve.
Want to know what colours are trending this year? Have a look at this blog I contributed to earlier in the year.
11. Material Magic
The choice of materials can make or break your kitchen’s aesthetic appeal. It can also make or break your budget. From luxurious granite countertops to durable hardwood flooring, each material brings its unique charm to the table. Consider factors like durability, maintenance, and visual impact when selecting materials that align with your design vision.
I have always advised clients that good quality worktops, lighting and flooring are the things to invest in if you have to choose. Also, be practical and consider how much wear and tear happens in your kitchen. Choose materials that will withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.
Get samples where you can and feel them. It may sound daft, but if you hate the feel of a porcelain tile underfoot, you really won’t want to be standing on it every day.
12. Visit Showrooms
Now for the fun bit, time to go look at some kitchens. Bear in mind, that all showrooms are trying to sell you something so don’t be caught at the first one. Get hands-on experience by visiting kitchen showrooms in your area. Ask friends and family where they bought their kitchen. Look at the independents on your local high street – it’s a bit of a myth that they will be more expensive than the big hitters.
Visit at least four or five – more if you can. From the high street to local companies, DIY stores and bespoke. Have a good look at as many different kitchen companies as you can before making a decision. My preference is always to shop local, you’ll get good service generally and may find something a little different to everyone else.
When you’re at the showrooms ask what ranges they have and how they are priced – as often they are tiered. There is nothing wrong with going for the lowest priced range, nothing wrong with going with the highest. Just make sure you know the difference between them. Usually, it’s the quality of the kitchen cupboard themselves, (flat-packed versus pre-built etc). See my later blog for more information on this.
Talk to them about what’s included in their prices – some include things like cutlery trays and shelving in their price quotes, while others add them on. Lighting, worktops and things like bespoke shelving units, larder cupboards and other more custom-made elements are usually extras.
Ask if you can take samples of the doors, and worktops back home with you to see how they look in your home. Sometimes you have to leave a deposit if doing this, but it will be returnable (if it isn’t, I’d reconsider using them!).
When I work with clients on kitchens I am happy to go along to the showrooms with them as often I can ask questions they may not think of. The actual design of the kitchen itself is best left to the experts within the showroom who each know their ranges off by heart. They essentially puzzle the pieces together and are well-versed in doing so. I often work alongside a kitchen designer to ensure my clients are getting the best kitchen for their needs.
13. Utility Rooms/Laundry rooms
Finally, a little word about your washing machine. I have written a whole other blog about this but didn’t want to include it here as it is a key element of designing a kitchen.
Where in the rule book did it say that your washing machine has to be in your kitchen? It makes absolutely no sense at all. Why do we want washing cluttering up our kitchen?
If it’s the ONLY space in the house for it, then so be it. But often, there are other options. A separate utility room is a dream. If you do have the space for this, I’m your girl and I’ll do a separate blog on those as I’ve learnt from my own mistakes there. But I do swear by a utility room if it’s at all possible.
If you don’t have space for a whole utility room, look at under-stairs cupboards, downstairs toilets, unused space in the hallway that can be closed off with some folding doors and hide your washing machine in there. Remember to consider the noise of a washing machine though before you pop one in your office!
Guess where I suggest those building a new home site their utility room/washing machine space? Upstairs! Yep, you heard me. Now clearly I’m talking to those people in two-storey or more homes. If you live in a townhouse – hear this loud and clear! Upstairs is where all the clothes are. Where they are all thrown on the floor, and left in piles because nobody can be bothered to bring them downstairs to the washing machine. Upstairs is where all the wardrobes and clothes storage are. Why on earth did we think having a washing machine downstairs made sense? Again, think about how much noise a washing machine makes and plan accordingly.
For more expert advice on home interiors and design, follow me on Instagram @crocusinteriordesign and sign up for my newsletter. If you found this article helpful, be sure to share it with friends and family embarking on their kitchen redesign journey. Happy designing!
Jo