The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house and needs to be functional, as well as stylish. There are therefore many things to consider when designing a kitchen. From the layout and functionality to the aesthetic and overall style, it's important to carefully plan and think through every detail to create a space that is not only beautiful, but also practical for your day to day living.
Things to consider when designing a kitchen
Kitchen Layout
One of the first and most important things to consider is the layout of your kitchen. This will of course depend on the size and shape of your space, as well as the way that you and your family use the kitchen. If you love to cook and entertain, you may want to consider including a large island with plenty of counter space and seating, as well as plenty of storage for all of your cooking tools and gadgets. On the other hand, if you have a smaller space, it could be a good idea to be more strategic with your layout and opt for compact, space-saving options.
Functionality
Another important thing to consider is the functionality of your kitchen. Functionality includes the layout and placement of your appliances, as well as the storage options. The movement between them and around the wider kitchen is often referred to as the 'flow' of the kitchen.
An important consideration in kitchen design is the kitchen triangle - also known as the ‘working triangle’ or the ‘golden triangle’ - a design theory often used to create a sense of flow in our kitchens and a useful rule to follow. A kitchen triangle considers the most used appliances, the sink, the refrigerator, and the cooker. The objective is to achieve a layout that makes performing everyday tasks easy, creating seamless movement between the most used appliances that’s free from obstruction.
To make sure your kitchen is functional, you'll also want to consider the types of storage options that will work best for your needs, such as cabinets, drawers, and pantries.
.jpg)
Aesthetic
It goes without saying that the aesthetic of your kitchen is also a very important consideration. Aesthetic is how the kitchen looks and feels overall and includes the style, as well as the colour palette and materials used. If you prefer a modern and sleek look, you might choose to to opt for clean lines, handleless designs and simple, monochromatic colours. Or, if you prefer a more traditional and warm aesthetic, you may want to include wood cabinets and a colour palette of rich, warm tones. Your personal taste should influence the overall aesthetic so that your kitchen reflects you and your family.
Lighting
Another thing to consider when designing your kitchen is the lighting. Whilst an important aspect of any space, lighting is particularly important in the kitchen where it can impact both the functionality and ambiance of the space. Ideally your kitchen should include a mix of task lighting, such as under-cabinet lights and/or pendant lights over the island, as well as general lighting, which can include recessed lights or even a chandelier or statement light fixture.
Final details and finishes
Finally, don't forget about the little details and finishes in your kitchen. Things like the hardware on your cabinets, the backsplash behind your sink and stove, and the flooring underfoot - all these details count. They may seem like small details, but they can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your space.
Getting an expert’s help
There are a lot of different factors to consider when designing a kitchen and that’s why our top recommendation is to get the help of an expert. They will know all about the different layout, cabinet and appliance options available and can help you design, supply and install the perfect kitchen for your space and lifestyle.
What should you choose first when designing a kitchen?
When designing a kitchen, we usually begin with the layout and functionality of the space first, including the placement of appliances, storage options and the overall flow of the kitchen.
Once the functional aspects of the kitchen have been planned out, you can then move on to choosing the aesthetic elements, like the colour palette, materials, and finishes. Next, you can move on to choosing the smaller details and finishes, such as the hardware on your cabinets, tiles, splash backs, wall colours and flooring.
What should you not forget when designing a kitchen?
1. The overall flow and functionality of the space is often overlooked but one of the most important things when it comes to using your kitchen on a day to day basis. It's important to carefully plan the layout of your kitchen to ensure that it works on a practical level for your daily needs.
2. Adding your own personal style! The design of your kitchen should reflect your personal style to create a space that you love. Choose colour palettes, materials, and finishes to your taste.
3. The lighting in the kitchen. Proper lighting is especially important in the kitchen where it can impact both the functionality and aesthetic of the space. Make sure to include a mix of task and general lighting to create a well-lit and inviting space.
4. Final touches and finishes. Don't forget to the small details and finishing touches! Choose your cabinet colours and materials, flooring and wall colours - this is often the most fun part.
FAQ: What are the 4 basic kitchen layouts?
The four most popular kitchen layouts are the double-linear, L-shaped, U-shaped, and G-shaped. These most common and efficient kitchen layouts can be tailored to fit a variety of different spaces and needs.
1. The double-linear kitchen is a narrow, rectangular space with two parallel countertops, with the sink and stove on one side and the refrigerator on the other. This layout is popular in small spaces and is known for its efficiency and practicality.
2. The L-shaped kitchen has two walls of cabinets and arranges them around a corner in a 'L' shape. This layout is popular because it provides ample counter and storage space, and it can be tailored to fit a variety of different spaces. It’s also a perfect match for the work triangle having two sides to begin with. It’s also very effective and easy to integrate a dining area.
3. The U-shaped kitchen has three walls of cabinets and countertops arranged in the shape of a U. Generally it’s a design that looks homogeneous and self-contained, almost like a room within a room, but at the same time, inviting and communicative.
84. The G-shaped kitchen is an extension of the U-shaped kitchen, but has an additional countertop that extends from one wall to create a peninsula. This layout makes the room area more spacious by opening up the wall to the next room and creates a walk-through.
Find out more about these four basic kitchen plans, and many more in our blog on choosing the perfect kitchen layout.
Final things to consider when designing a kitchen
There are many things to consider when designing a kitchen: from the layout and functionality to the aesthetic and finishes, it's important to carefully plan and think through every detail to create a space that is both beautiful and practical for your daily needs. It can be a big and daunting task and that’s why we’re here to help.
Our team of expert designers will help you carefully analyse your space, lifestyle, needs and tastes to design, supply and install a dream kitchen you and your family will love for years to come.