Which kitchen design is best for you?

For many, the kitchen is the social hub of the home; whether it’s a focal point for entertaining guests or a cosy space for family mealtimes, it’s important to find a design that suits you.

Step 1: Choose open-plan vs. enclosed

Whether you favour an open-plan or enclosed kitchen will depend on your living arrangements and personal preferences, but there are a few things you need to consider.

Open-plan kitchens create a seamless integration of the kitchen and living area, meaning that there is an increased airflow throughout the room and more natural light. An open room can also make your home feel bigger, so is great for smaller homes. Open-plan is also the more sociable option for families, as many members can be in the same area doing different things.

Closed kitchens are great for people who like privacy when in the kitchen, as the additional wall cuts the room off from the rest of the home. Ideal for keeping cooking smells from spreading to the rest of the house, closed kitchens are also lower maintenance, especially when it comes to keeping it tidy – if you don’t feel like tidying it right away, you can just shut the door and ignore it. There is also the benefit of a whole wall of storage opportunities.

Step 2: Decide on your layout

Single-line kitchen – Also known as a one-wall kitchen, this kitchen has all the cabinets and appliances along one wall. Great for smaller kitchens or those looking to maximise floor space, these kitchens make cooking more straightforward as everything is in one place.

Galley kitchen – Galley kitchens are similar to single-line kitchens, but with more storage space thanks to the additional units. A great option for smaller homes, a Galley kitchen consists of a three to five-foot wide corridor with cabinets on either side, against walls or freestanding, meaning that it will have plenty of storage.

L- shaped kitchen – An L-shaped kitchen can work for an open-plan or closed space, creating the illusion of a more closed-off area and, if open-plan, some degree of separation from the rest of the house.

Double design kitchen - Consisting of two kitchen islands, the double design kitchen transforms the room from a cooking space into a multi-functional area ready for anything; cook while entertaining guests, create a work-from-home space, or turn it into a mini-pantry – there’s a long list of things you can do. While this works better in larger kitchens, it can be adapted for smaller spaces. Simply narrow down the size of the island to accommodate for the more compact area.

U-Shaped kitchen - A similar design to the L-shaped kitchen but benefitting from more storage, the U-shaped kitchen has three walled sides. Great for homes where two or more people are cooking, this kitchen layout is ideal for those with larger families.

Step 3: Consider your shelving

As well as being a handy storage solution, shelves, and top cabinets form part of your kitchen aesthetic. Shelving is ideal for smaller kitchens as they open the room up a little more, and cabinets are better if you have more things to store.

Step 4: Select your colour scheme and aesthetic

Now that you have decided on the layout of your kitchen, it’s time to decorate! While it is a great idea to decorate your kitchen according to your individual tastes, here are a few of the most popular options for inspiration…

If you want your kitchen to be a haven to come home to after a busy day, you may like a minimalist kitchen with a calming colour scheme like light blues, greens, and whites. If you view your kitchen as a place to experiment with recipes, you may like bolder colours and more out-there décor. Another thing to consider is whether you want a contemporary or more traditional finish. Contemporary kitchens feature cleaner detailing like smooth and glossy doors, marble work surfaces, and minimalistic features. Traditional kitchens feature panelling, ornate lighting, and wooden flooring, often painted in colours like white or dark green. If you like features of both, you can opt for a transitional kitchen, which is a blend of a modern and traditional kitchen.

However you choose to decorate your kitchen, it’s guaranteed to be a room that your whole family will love.