The kitchen is undeniably the heart of the home. It’s where Sunday roasts bring everyone together, friends gather over glasses of wine, and quiet morning coffees set the tone for the day. Because we ask so much of this space, designing your dream kitchen takes careful thought and planning.
We recently transformed our kitchen, fitting new units and appliances and adding extra worktop space to make it more practical for everyday life. We chose a matte navy blue finish for the units, combining cupboards and drawers with integrated appliances, including a fridge, freezer and dishwasher, creating a clean, cohesive look.
You need a perfect balance between stunning aesthetics and everyday functionality. Whether you find yourself drawn to the timeless charm of a shaker kitchen or the bespoke elegance of in-frame kitchens, getting the details right is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essential considerations to help you create a space that looks beautiful and works flawlessly.
Defining Our Needs and Lifestyle
When looking into kitchen styling options, we started by thinking about how we actually use our kitchen day to day. It is easy to get drawn into colours and finishes straight away, but for us, functionality had to come first.
We considered our daily routines and how the space needed to work for us. We wanted plenty of worktop space for cooking, but also an area where we could still chat and socialise while preparing food. Rather than a formal dining setup, we leaned towards a more relaxed and open feel that suited both everyday use and having people over.
We also spent time thinking about storage, what we needed to keep tucked away and what we wanted easily accessible. This really helped shape the layout before we moved on to the design side of things.
Choosing Our Kitchen Style
When it came to choosing a style, we looked at options that would not only suit our home but also feel timeless rather than trend led.
We prefer kitchen units that strike a balance between classic and modern, so we naturally gravitated towards shaker style designs. We liked the simplicity of the doors and how versatile the style is. It works just as well in a more traditional setting as it does in a contemporary space.
We also looked into in frame kitchens, which are known for their durability and more premium feel. The craftsmanship really stood out to us, especially the way the doors sit neatly within a frame, giving a more solid and long lasting finish.
In the end, we focused on choosing a style that would still look great years down the line while tying in with the overall feel of our home.
Layout and Workflow
When planning our kitchen, we quickly realised that it is not just about how it looks, but how it feels to use every day. We wanted a space that was easy to move around in and enjoyable to cook in.
We looked into the idea of the kitchen triangle, positioning the sink, hob and fridge so they are all within easy reach. This made a big difference in terms of flow, especially when cooking more than one dish at a time.
The layout was largely shaped by the size and shape of our room. We explored a few different options before settling on a layout that made the most of the space we had, while still keeping everything accessible. We also made sure to leave enough room between areas so that more than one person can comfortably use the kitchen at the same time.
Storage Solutions
When looking into kitchen styling options, we knew early on that we wanted to keep our worktops as clear as possible. For us, a clutter free space makes the kitchen feel calmer and much easier to use.
We looked at different storage solutions and found that deeper drawers worked better for us than standard cupboards, especially for heavier items like pots and pans. It makes everything easier to access without having to reach to the back.
We also considered how to make the most of every bit of space. Pull out storage and internal organisers helped us keep things tidy and easy to find, while making sure nothing was wasted.
In the end, we focused on creating a place for everything so that it is easy to keep the kitchen organised day to day, without it feeling like a chore.
Materials and Finishes
When looking into kitchen styling options, we spent a lot of time thinking about materials, as we wanted something that would not only look good but also stand up to everyday use.
We looked at a range of worktop options, considering both durability and appearance. Quartz stood out to us as a practical choice that still gives a high-end finish, while also being low maintenance. We also considered natural materials like granite and wood, as we liked the character they bring, but we kept coming back to what would work best for how we use our kitchen day to day.
When it came to finishes, we knew we wanted something that would be easy to live with. We prefer kitchen units with a matt finish, as they are great at hiding fingerprints and everyday marks, which is ideal for a busy space. This is what led us to choose our matte navy blue units, which give a modern look while still feeling timeless.
We also liked the idea of choosing a finish that would not date too quickly, so the kitchen continues to feel fresh for years to come.
Lighting Considerations
When planning our kitchen, lighting was something we did not want to overlook, as it can completely change how the space feels throughout the day.
We looked at different types of lighting and focused on creating a mix that would work for both practicality and atmosphere. Good task lighting was important to us, especially in areas where we prepare food, so we made sure those spaces were well lit.
We also thought about the overall feel of the room, adding softer lighting to make the space feel warm and inviting in the evenings. This made a big difference in turning the kitchen into more than just a functional space.
We made the most of natural light where possible, keeping the space feeling bright during the day. To finish things off, we liked the idea of adding feature lighting, such as statement pendants, to create a focal point and bring a bit of personality into the design.
Appliances and Technology
When looking into kitchen styling options, appliances were a big part of our decision making, as they play such an important role in how the kitchen functions day to day.
We looked closely at different appliances and paid attention to things like energy efficiency, as we wanted something that would be cost effective to run while also being more environmentally conscious.
You will need to decide between freestanding and integrated appliances. Integrated options sit hidden behind matching cabinet doors, maintaining a sleek and uninterrupted design flow. This is particularly popular in premium in frame kitchens.
We also looked into newer technology and how it could make everyday tasks easier. While we did not want to overcomplicate things, we liked the idea of features that add convenience, whether that is quicker cooking times or appliances that are easier to control and maintain.
From ovens you can preheat via an app to taps that dispense boiling water instantly, these additions can significantly enhance your cooking experience.
Budget and Planning
When planning our kitchen, setting a clear budget was an important first step, as it helped guide all of our decisions along the way.
We looked at what mattered most to us and decided where we wanted to invest more. For us, it made sense to prioritise good quality units and worktops, as these are the elements we use every day and really define the overall look of the space. At the same time, we looked for ways to balance costs in other areas without compromising on the final result.
We also made sure to allow for unexpected costs. As with most renovations, there are always a few surprises along the way, so having a bit of flexibility in the budget helped us manage those without too much stress.
Final Touches and Personalisation
Once the main elements of our kitchen were in place, we focused on the smaller details that really bring the space together.
We looked at different hardware options and quickly realised how much of a difference they make to the overall feel. We prefer kitchen units that can be adapted with simple changes like handles, whether that is something more classic or a cleaner, more modern finish.
We also thought about how to introduce a bit of texture and personality. From splashbacks to smaller styling details, these choices helped soften the space and make it feel more like part of our home rather than just a functional room.
Adding a few personal touches made a big difference for us. Things like cookbooks, everyday items and a bit of greenery helped make the kitchen feel more lived in and welcoming, while still keeping it practical for daily use.
Ready to Create Your Perfect Space?
Designing our kitchen has been an exciting process and has completely changed how we use our home day to day. Taking the time to really think about what we needed, plan the layout carefully and choose materials that would last has made all the difference.
Looking back, starting with a clear idea of how we wanted the space to feel and function really helped guide the whole project. We found that gathering inspiration early on and exploring different options made it much easier to make confident decisions as things progressed.
We also found it helpful to look at tried and tested styles that would stand the test of time. We prefer kitchen units and designs that feel both practical and timeless, rather than something that might quickly go out of style.
If you are thinking about renovating your kitchen, taking that first step and building a clear vision really does make the process feel much more manageable. For us, it has been about creating a space that not only looks great but works effortlessly for everyday life.
