Top Tips for Designing the Perfect Kitchen
As the days grow shorter and autumn approaches, many of us start spending more time indoors, dreaming about redesigning our kitchens. After all, with Christmas just around the corner, our kitchens become the heart of the home – where we cook, entertain, and make memories with loved ones. So, if you’ve been thinking about investing in a new kitchen, now is the perfect time!
Designing a kitchen isn’t just about choosing sleek worktops or stylish cabinets (though, that’s definitely part of it!). It’s about creating a space that’s both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re starting from scratch or giving your current kitchen a seasonal refresh, here are some top tips to help guide your design.
Image: Mabel Fox
Functional Layout
Let’s start with the foundation – layout. The key to a great kitchen is how efficiently it works for your daily needs. Picture the daily rhythm of your kitchen: you want a seamless flow between the areas where you cook, prep, and serve. The tried-and-tested "kitchen triangle" – connecting your hob, sink, and fridge – is a classic solution many kitchen designers recommend. But if you have more space or an open-plan kitchen, consider adding an island or a breakfast bar for extra prep space and casual dining.
Creating Flow
When designing your kitchen, think about how you use the space. You want a layout that makes multitasking easy – whether you're prepping dinner and reaching for that much-needed pan or serving up food and searching for dinner plates. Keep in mind the tools you need while using the space, keeping them at hand and easily accessible. This creates a natural, effortless flow that makes everyday tasks feel smoother.
Image: Mabel Fox
Maximise Storage
One of the best tricks for maximising kitchen space is thinking vertically. Install tall cabinets or even open shelving that reaches all the way up to the ceiling. Not only does this provide extra room for all those gadgets and cookware, but it also adds a sense of height and grandeur to the room. You can even use the higher shelves for seasonal items or beautiful display pieces, keeping your day-to-day essentials within easy reach below.
Layered Lighting
Lighting can transform a kitchen’s atmosphere. To really enhance your kitchen design, think in layers. Start with task lighting over your prep areas (under-cabinet lighting works wonders here). Then, add ambient lighting – this could be ceiling fixtures or recessed lights to brighten the room overall. Finally, don’t forget about accent lighting to add warmth. Pendant lights over an island or a statement chandelier can really elevate your kitchen’s style. And, as the days get shorter, good lighting is even more important to keep your kitchen feeling bright and welcoming.
Image: Mabel Fox
Colour Choices
When selecting a colour for your kitchen, it's important to choose one that feels timeless and complements your space. North-facing kitchens often benefit from warmer tones, while bold colours work well in large, open-plan kitchens. In smaller kitchens, a top tip is to use darker tones for the base cabinets and lighter tones for the wall cabinets, allowing the space to feel larger. Two-tone colour schemes also work well with kitchen islands, elevating your design finish while also distinguishing the island from the surrounding cabinetry.
A well-designed kitchen balances both form and function. By thinking through your layout, optimising flow, utilising vertical space for storage, layering your lighting, and choosing colours that set the right mood, you’ll create a kitchen that’s not only stylish but also practical for your day-to-day life. Having a space that works for you will make all the difference. Ready to start your kitchen redesign journey? Get in touch to find out how Mabel Fox can help you plan the perfect kitchen.