Perfectly Simple Kitchen Design (2024)

• Comfort . Since you'll be spending plenty of time in the kitchen, be sure to browse cosy kitchen designs. Consider things like warm colours and comfortable seating.
• Personal accents. Favourite items in your kitchen will bring up fond memories while you steam and savour.
• High-quality appliances. Invest in a good fridge, cooktop and oven, sink (ideally in a "golden" triangle).
• Plenty of electrical sockets. Handy for elaborate dishes or when sharing the prep work.
• Space for favourite cookbooks. Keep inspiring recipes close at hand.
• Fresh herbs – or a window herb garden. Bring nature into your kitchen.
• That "odds and ends" drawer. Let's admit, it's an essential.
• Flush, easy-to-clean surfaces. Elements like built-in appliances, frameless cabinets, a flush sink and countertop are not only elegant, but simplify clean-up.
• Recycling bins. Think ahead about how to organise recycling in your kitchen (paper, plastic, glass, tin).
• An eyecatcher. Whether it's an impressive range, a cosy breakfast nook, a glamourous chandelier or a family photo, choose a statement piece to set the tone.

• Reflective surfaces. High-gloss surfaces and stainless steel kitchen appliances will reflect light and open up your space.
• Light kitchen colour schemes . Brighter means bigger. Especially in small spaces, choosing lighter colours and pastels will open up your space.
• Natural light. Plan your kitchen with ample lighting – consider overhead options like skylights if possible.
• Add extra lighting. Over your island, under your cabinets and even integrated in your hood.

• Who will use your kitchen?
  Kitchens with one primary cook can easily be designed with a U-shaped kitchen layout. For larger families and collaborative cooking, you might think about an open kitchen layout with different cooking zones for your activities. Or even a kitchen island. Design your kitchen to fit your needs – with convenient countertop heights and easy-to-reach cupboards.
• What are your priorities?
  Avid cooks should make sure to include ample work space – and high-quality cooking appliances. If you love to try out new recipes, plan enough space for all the small appliances you will need. If you love to bake, consider where you will store your baking supplies and moulds. Or do you prefer to entertain? You might think about an open kitchen with plenty of space for mingling.
• Do you want to plan a kitchen on a budget?
  If so, what are the things you cannot do without? For budget-conscious planners, kitchen appliance bundles give you the best quality for your budget and create a put-together look in your kitchen.
• What are your grocery shopping habits and goals?
  If your goal is to go grocery shopping once a week, consider a large fridge-freezer. If space permits, create a large kitchen storage pantry – and remember to leave some space for fresh foods like tomatoes that shouldn't be kept in the fridge.
• Which kitchen styles and layouts suit you best?
  Collect kitchen design ideas and learn about kitchen layouts before visiting the kitchen studio. This will help you get to your goal faster.
• What have you always wanted in your kitchen?
  For years you've dreamed of having an open kitchen, a kitchen with island or a cosy breakfast nook? An integrated seating area or a built-in coffee machine? Think about what would make your kitchen perfect right now and plan to have it in your new kitchen.

• Use dead corners (e.g. with rotating shelves in your bottom cabinets).
• Install ceiling-high kitchen cabinets.
• Add small kitchen storage racks behind your cabinet drawers.
• Place some kitchen storage baskets in the space above your kitchen cabinets.
• Think about integrating garbage can storage or recyclables into your bottom cabinets.
• Add extra kitchen storage shelves to keep counters tidy.

• Overhead in a hanging rack.
• On the wall above your cooktop or stove.
• Nested in your bottom cabinet drawer to maximise space.
• In your kitchen storage island.
• In your pantry (only for less frequently used pots or casseroles).

Organise your kitchen storage cabinets according to your habits and needs.

• Have a designated purpose for each cabinet: tableware, utensils, pots and pans, canned goods, etc.
• Make sure frequently used kitchen items are easily accessible.
• Stock kitchen cabinets and drawers around your stove and sink with large utensils, knives and other items that help you rinse and prepare food.
• Cabinets around your coffee maker should contain coffee filters, measuring spoons, beans and all the accessories you need for a delicious cup of coffee.

While you can store just about anything in this catch-all space, we recommend keeping it stocked with frequently used items:

• Dishwasher tabs.
• Long-stemmed cleaning brushes for water bottles or vases.
• Extra sponges.
• Garbage bags.
• Recycling.