Knowing how to design a kitchen is something of an ever-evolving learning process, simply because how we use our kitchens is changing constantly. Kitchens are places to socialise, multi-use hubs of home activity, and often areas where guests can be entertained as well.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation or new build, it’s crucial to get the key elements of kitchen design right, in terms of the layout, the functionality and the design style.
Learn how to start planning and designing your kitchen with 6 basics elements.
- Collect kitchen design ideas
First, get inspired! Collect your favourite kitchen design ideas. Here’s where to start:
- The look: what is your favourite style? do you prefer a modern kitchen, a minimalist kitchen, a vintage look?
- Kitchen cabinet ideas: gather ideas for cabinet doors and drawer fronts, handles and materials to suit your style.
- Countertop ideas: there are seven popular countertop materials; natural stone, solid-surfaces, engineered stone, concrete, plastic laminate, ceramic tile, and wood.
- Kitchen colours ideas: define a colour scheme for your space.
- Splash back ideas: small tiles, a mosaic look, or classic subway tiles? Splashes back can span the entire wall; they can cover the area between the countertops and cabinets they can be a pop behind the range.
- Consider how you will use the space
Now, it’s time to think about your needs and priorities. Think carefully about how you wish to use the space and your requirements. Do you want kitchen cabinets or a kitchen island? Does a living area need to be incorporated? Even go into how many appliances you need to fit in.
When considering your kitchen layout, think about how you use your kitchen, what will work best with your kitchen shape, define if it is an open-plan space and don’t forget the working triangle.
- Make room for storage
Smart kitchen storage ideas are important to consider from the very start.
Storage options can be found throughout your kitchen. However, the main function of a kitchen pantry is to consolidate food stores and appliances into one handy location. Sometimes it’s just not possible to fit it all into one space, so remember to set priorities.
- Don’t forget the range hood
To ensure your kitchen looks and feels as perfect as you’ve always wanted, you need to address air quality in your room. Ventilation is especially crucial in open-plan living spaces as cooking smells can permeate soft furnishings but more importantly is also a safety measure.
- Install a range of lighting
The lighting in a kitchen changes the mood of the room just as it does the perceived size of the space. So much goes on in the heart of the home that you not only want a light that looks great, but is functional too. Here are some places to consider a fixture installation:
- Kitchen Table Lights
- Under Cabinet Lights
- Kitchen Night Lights
- Kitchen Recessed Lights
- Kitchen Ceiling Lights
- Include enough power points
We use a surprising number of electrical items in the kitchen, which means that it’s essential you have enough power points. Pop-up plug sockets are a great option or hidden wireless chargers inside cabinets if you don’t want to disrupt the sleek design of your kitchen.
