Designing Kitchens That Actually Work: What I Wish Every Client Knew

There’s a reason kitchens are called the heart of the home—but designing one that truly works takes more than choosing a nice tile or copying a Pinterest board.

In the last few years, I’ve helped families, couples, and solo renovators rethink their kitchens. Some had big budgets, some small. But every one of them wanted the same thing: a space that felt right. That worked without effort. That looked beautiful but still made sense on a Monday morning when everyone's running late.

So, here’s what I’ve learned—designing kitchens for real homes and real lives.

Start with how you live—not how it looks

One of the biggest mistakes? Designing a kitchen from the outside in. Picking finishes before you know where your tea towels will go. Or choosing a layout that works for a showroom, but not your daily routine.

Begin by thinking about your habits. Do you batch cook? Grab breakfasts on the go? Love to entertain? That should shape your layout, your storage, and your flow.

Also take stock of what you already own. Got an air fryer you use daily? A stand mixer? A coffee machine that never moves? These things should have a proper home—and ideally, be tucked away behind pocket doors or designed into a dedicated zone.

Think early about the things no one talks about:

• Where will your chopping boards live?

• Will you have space for a dish towel that isn’t flung over a handle?

• Can you prep without clearing clutter first?

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These details seem small—but they’re the difference between a kitchen that works and one that frustrates you every day.

Let the triangle guide you (but don’t be ruled by it)

The classic kitchen work triangle—sink, hob, fridge—isn’t outdated. It still provides a helpful guide for smooth movement in the space. But flow is about more than geometry.

If your prep station is miles from your bin, or your dishwasher opens into a walkway, your day-to-day rhythm gets interrupted. Pay attention to your personal flow, not just what's "standard."

Not every kitchen needs an island

Islands are still top of most wish lists. And yes—they’re gorgeous and practical if you have the space. But cramming one into a room that’s too tight creates more problems than it solves.

If space is limited, consider a peninsula layout. It offers prep surface, storage, and sociability without blocking movement. Sometimes it’s the smarter luxury.

Think like a chef when it comes to storage

I always encourage clients to think vertically and work their awkward spaces. Pull-out larders, deep pan drawers, and smart corner units are non-negotiables for me.

Drawers in particular are magic: no more crouching into the back of dark cupboards. You can see what you have and actually use it.

Light is function and feeling

Lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of a kitchen—and one of the most transformative. It’s not just style—it’s mood and efficiency.

Layer it:

• Task lighting under cupboards

• Pendant lighting for atmosphere

• Wall lighting for warmth and depth

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Get it right, and your kitchen will feel twice the size, day or night.

Design for how you want to feel

I always ask: how do you want your kitchen to feel? Calm? Energising? Cosy? Clean?

Then we design backwards from there. Choose natural textures. Smooth, touchable surfaces. Integrated bins and appliances that reduce visual noise. A boiling hot water tap that makes mornings simpler. A charging drawer that keeps tech tucked away.

These aren’t “extras”—they’re design details that support your life.

Don’t confuse a showroom designer with an independent eye

This is something I feel really strongly about: kitchen designers are often salespeople first. That’s not a criticism—it’s just the system. But it means their design suggestions might be limited by what they’re selling.

If you're investing tens of thousands in what’s often the most expensive room in the home, it can be hugely valuable to get a second opinion from an independent interior designer. A fresh perspective can catch layout flaws, rethink your storage, or simply reassure you that you're on the right track.

Kitchens are too important to get wrong—and they’re too expensive to redo.

Final Word

The best kitchens don’t just look good—they feel right. They support your daily rituals, your mess, your moments. A truly well-designed kitchen is intuitive, calm, and built for the real version of your life—not the Instagram version.

If you're planning your dream kitchen this year, and you're not sure where to begin, I’d love to help. My job isn’t to sell you a set of cupboards—it’s to help you create a space that works beautifully and feels like you.

Need a second opinion? Or a fresh set of eyes on your kitchen plan?

Book a consultation or follow along @noordinaryhouse for ideas, practical tips, and real-life design advice.