7 Essential Features for a Well-designed Kitchen
Fitting a new kitchen? Tick off this checklist of items to ensure it looks beautiful and functions perfectly
When planning a new kitchen, the layout is, of course, key to making the space work efficiently. But as well as the position of your working areas, there are a few more essential elements to think about, from good storage and a durable worktop to the right appliances, lighting and fittings.
Take a look at this checklist to ensure you’ve ticked off the important features that make up a well-designed space.
Beginning your kitchen project? Read How to Start a Kitchen Renovation
Take a look at this checklist to ensure you’ve ticked off the important features that make up a well-designed space.
Beginning your kitchen project? Read How to Start a Kitchen Renovation
2. A strong, stylish worktop
If you like to cook, your kitchen worksurfaces will see some action, so as well as good looks, they’ll need strength and durability. To help you decide which type of worktop to go for, consider exactly how you use your kitchen.
Think about how much wear and tear particular areas in your space will get, as this will determine how durable your worktops need to be.
In this practical space, for example, the designers have chosen two types of material. The preparation areas near the oven and on the island have a tactile wooden surface, but the sink area is fitted with a waterproof stainless-steel worktop.
More: How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Worktop
If you like to cook, your kitchen worksurfaces will see some action, so as well as good looks, they’ll need strength and durability. To help you decide which type of worktop to go for, consider exactly how you use your kitchen.
Think about how much wear and tear particular areas in your space will get, as this will determine how durable your worktops need to be.
In this practical space, for example, the designers have chosen two types of material. The preparation areas near the oven and on the island have a tactile wooden surface, but the sink area is fitted with a waterproof stainless-steel worktop.
More: How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Worktop
3. Efficient appliances
Once again, the appliances you choose will depend on how you use your kitchen and the size and layout of the room. For example, if you entertain often, a large oven and a dishwasher might be a priority. If your room is small, compact appliances such as a well-designed extractor fan will save space.
When you’re searching for appliances, consider how energy-efficient they are. You can find this out by looking at the energy-rating label – an A+, A++ or A+++ is a good indication of an efficient product, but it depends on the type of appliance it is. For more information, take a look at this guide.
Find a local kitchen designer, see their projects and read reviews from previous clients.
Once again, the appliances you choose will depend on how you use your kitchen and the size and layout of the room. For example, if you entertain often, a large oven and a dishwasher might be a priority. If your room is small, compact appliances such as a well-designed extractor fan will save space.
When you’re searching for appliances, consider how energy-efficient they are. You can find this out by looking at the energy-rating label – an A+, A++ or A+++ is a good indication of an efficient product, but it depends on the type of appliance it is. For more information, take a look at this guide.
Find a local kitchen designer, see their projects and read reviews from previous clients.
4. Layered lighting
As soon as you’ve planned your kitchen’s layout, think about where you’ll locate the lighting. Complement functional spots with some strategically placed task lights to create a lighting scheme that adds both depth and practicality to your space.
In this room, the designers have chosen three beautiful pendants (one out of shot) to hang above the island. As well as lighting the island worksurface and creating an ambient glow, these also add a design feature.
Spots have been placed beneath the wall units and extractor fan to brighten the perimeter worktops, while the downlights in the ceiling are perfectly placed to illuminate the centre of the room and the sink area.
As soon as you’ve planned your kitchen’s layout, think about where you’ll locate the lighting. Complement functional spots with some strategically placed task lights to create a lighting scheme that adds both depth and practicality to your space.
In this room, the designers have chosen three beautiful pendants (one out of shot) to hang above the island. As well as lighting the island worksurface and creating an ambient glow, these also add a design feature.
Spots have been placed beneath the wall units and extractor fan to brighten the perimeter worktops, while the downlights in the ceiling are perfectly placed to illuminate the centre of the room and the sink area.
5. Good-quality fittings
If you’re considering which items to spend more on in your kitchen, it’s worth paying attention to the fittings. A standard cabinet can be lifted by a beautiful handle, while a basic sink can look high-end with the addition of a well-chosen tap.
The fittings in your kitchen are going to be used a lot, so it makes sense to invest in quality to ensure they’re strong, durable and nice to touch.
If you’re considering which items to spend more on in your kitchen, it’s worth paying attention to the fittings. A standard cabinet can be lifted by a beautiful handle, while a basic sink can look high-end with the addition of a well-chosen tap.
The fittings in your kitchen are going to be used a lot, so it makes sense to invest in quality to ensure they’re strong, durable and nice to touch.
6. A hard-wearing floor
In a heavy traffic area such as a kitchen, the floor needs to earn its keep. There are many different surfaces you can go for, including natural stone, concrete, ceramic tiles and porcelain. You could also choose some beautiful timber, but take expert advice on how to seal it and protect it from water damage.
Think about how your floor will look with the rest of your scheme, and whether you’ll want to change it in the future. A classic design like these stone tiles will work with most kitchen styles and colours. However, a patterned floor can look stunning and, if you really love the design, it could be worth being brave with your flooring choice.
More: How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Flooring
In a heavy traffic area such as a kitchen, the floor needs to earn its keep. There are many different surfaces you can go for, including natural stone, concrete, ceramic tiles and porcelain. You could also choose some beautiful timber, but take expert advice on how to seal it and protect it from water damage.
Think about how your floor will look with the rest of your scheme, and whether you’ll want to change it in the future. A classic design like these stone tiles will work with most kitchen styles and colours. However, a patterned floor can look stunning and, if you really love the design, it could be worth being brave with your flooring choice.
More: How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Flooring
7. A slick splashback
The surface you install behind your worksurface can completely transform the look of your kitchen. Of course, a splashback’s main function is to protect the walls, but it’s also a great opportunity to get creative in your space.
Choose a durable material that you can wipe clean easily, but also go for a design that suits your style. In this minimal space, for example, the hexagonal tiles add interest and texture to the room.
Tell us…
Are there any other elements you think are important when designing a kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments. section.
The surface you install behind your worksurface can completely transform the look of your kitchen. Of course, a splashback’s main function is to protect the walls, but it’s also a great opportunity to get creative in your space.
Choose a durable material that you can wipe clean easily, but also go for a design that suits your style. In this minimal space, for example, the hexagonal tiles add interest and texture to the room.
Tell us…
Are there any other elements you think are important when designing a kitchen? Share your thoughts in the Comments. section.
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If you want your kitchen to be functional, one of the most important elements to consider is cupboard space.
Think carefully about what you need to store, and choose furniture that works with the size and layout of your kitchen. Research space-saving designs, such as pull-out cupboard racks and tall wall units.
It’s a good idea to do an inventory of all your kitchen kit first to work out exactly what you need to store. Be realistic, and if there are any unused items that are cluttering up the space, now’s the time to recycle them.
Once you know the items you’re storing and where you’re going to be using them, you can consider the best options for your space.
More: How Can I Plan the Perfect Kitchen Storage?