Key considerations for designing a kitchen!

The kitchen is the heart of any home, and designing it requires careful planning and consideration. A well-designed kitchen not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also makes cooking and meal preparation a joy. Whether you are renovating your existing kitchen or starting from scratch it is important to plan.

Consider Your Needs and Lifestyle

The key to designing a great kitchen is to really understand your needs and lifestyle. Do you cook often, are you a baker or do you prefer ordering takeout? Do you have a large family or frequently entertain guests? These questions will help determine the size of your kitchen, how the space needs to flow, the types of appliances required, and the overall layout. If you have young children, considering incorporating a designated seating area for them to do their homework while you cook can be invaluable…..plus you are close to the wine fridge which lets face it is essential to get through primary school homework (…..what the heck are bundling sticks anyway??). Understanding your needs and lifestyle will ensure that your kitchen design is tailored to your specific requirements.

Plan the Layout

The layout of your kitchen is crucial as it determines how efficiently you can move around and use the space. The three main types of layouts are l-shaped, u-shaped, and galley style, island benches are also very popular. You can have a butlers pantry if the area allows or pantry cupboards that open in the main space -  as much as they are popular sometimes a butlers pantry is not the best option for your home. The magic triangle relating to the position of the fridge, cooktop/oven and sink is often well considered - I like to get my clients to close their eyes and imagine how they will move around their space. Working with an interior designer will help you assess what may suit your home and budget best to allow for a smooth workflow, ensuring things feel natural to the way you like to use your kitchen.

Invest in Quality Appliances

Quality first is always our motto…spend as much as you can afford! Of course this can vary depending on budget, however we’re lucky enough to work with a variety of great suppliers to provide a range of options to suit. Appliances are the backbone of any kitchen, so it's important to invest in high-quality ones that will last for years. Also think about the frequent touch point such as cabinet handles/knobs, bench tops, tapware etc - these surfaces need to feel nice to the touch but also be quality so they are durable and up to the task at hand.

Utilise Storage Space

Can you ever have enough storage though? Never!

A well-thought-out kitchen design should have ample storage space for all your kitchen essentials. List all the things you would like to store in the kitchen, note everyday items which need to be close to hand and less frequently used items which can be tucked away, this will help plan out what goes where. Consider incorporating both shallow and deep drawers, pull-out shelves, and cabinets with adjustable shelving to make the most of your storage space. Thinking about how you like to display things, if you lean towards minimal and ordered then steer away from glass cabinets as internals here need to be ordered and styled to look good. If you like a more eclectic look at using vertical space by installing floating shelves or hanging pots and pans from a rack on the ceiling. This will not only help keep your kitchen organised but also add visual interest.

Incorporate Adequate Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in any kitchen design. Maximise natural light wherever possible however if that's not an option, ensure there is adequate artificial lighting in the form of general lighting, task lighting above work areas, directional lighting and ambient lighting to add interest and create beautiful feeling in the space - warm light always no questions asked! Consider installing recessed under cabinet lighting to amp up the wow factor and provide subtle lighting at light if you like to leave a light or two on for midnight snacking!

Choose Timeless Designs

Much like fashion, trends come and go so it’s no different for your kitchen, a contemporary but timeless kitchen design will never go out of style. We love opting for classic, neutral colours and finishes that can easily be updated with smaller elements such as accessories, lighting, furniture or a new backsplash. This will save you from having to completely renovate your kitchen when trends change!

Don't Forget the Finishing Touches

This is one of our favourite parts! The finishing touches which tie a room together and add personality to your kitchen. We love being able to bring in quirky, personal items from our clients archives, these touches really make their house feel like a home! 

We love pops of colour with a vibrant rug or some statement artwork. Adding greenery with potted plants, greenery from the garden or fresh herbs on the windowsill. Sometimes just the smallest of details can make a big impact on the overall design.

In conclusion, designing a well thought out kitchen requires careful consideration of your budget, needs and lifestyle, efficient layout planning, quality appliances, and utilising storage space effectively. It can seem like a bit of an overwhelming task initially but this is where we come in……an interior designer  can take your wildest dreams and wishes and work with you to bring them to life!

We’d love to assist you if you have more questions. Reach out here to book a Discovery Call and let’s chat.

Angie. x

Frequently asked questions

• What is the process of working with Angie Rogers Interiors?

  Great question! One of the first things we discuss is your budget, to ensure we are spending wisely and appropriately with your best interest in mind. This also makes sure you don’t fall in love with something you can’t afford. Secondly, we ask the client to complete a detailed questionnaire and homework to form a Pinterest board of images, pinpointing subconscious preferences or recurring design elements they may be drawn to. We design a 3D model to figure out the functionality of the space and get the layout and flow right before we start adding furniture. This also creates a visual tool to be able to 'show' rather than just 'tell' what their space will look like. From there, we move through your customised project in a timely manner and agreed timeframe.

• How do I know you’re the right person for me?

  At Angie Rogers Interiors, our mission is to make you feel seen, heard and understood. We are the best listeners in the game - we aren’t going to give you a cookie cutter design. If you are someone who is willing and open to being guided by an expert in your project, reducing your overwhelm, and creating a clear, easy to understand strategy - we are the people for you!