Kitchen Design: Ideas & Planning for Your Kitchen

Stunning Kitchen Design Ideas to Create Your Dream Kitchen

A good kitchen isn’t just where meals are made. It’s where you make your morning brew, chat with family, and spend more time than you probably realise. If you're thinking about a new kitchen, getting the design right makes a big difference.

This article shares practical kitchen design ideas to help you plan a space that works well and feels like home - without overcomplicating it.

Outline

1. What matters most when planning a kitchen?

2. How do you choose a kitchen style that suits you?

3. Why layout should come before anything else

4. Are shaker kitchens still a smart choice?

5. Is a handleless kitchen right for your home?

6. When does a kitchen island make sense?

7. Storage: how to avoid wasting useful space

8. How colour choices shape your kitchen

9. Using an online kitchen planner to get started

10. What happens in a free design appointment?

1. What matters most when planning a kitchen?

Before you start choosing worktops and door colours, step back and think about how the kitchen needs to work. It’s easy to get caught up in the visual side of things, but a kitchen that doesn’t suit your habits will feel awkward every day.

Here’s what to think through:

• What do you use the kitchen for - cooking, entertaining, working?

• How many people use the space at once?

• Which appliances are essential, and where will they go?

Planning a kitchen means getting practical first. If you're not sure where to begin, focus on function before features. The more thought you put in now, the smoother the design process will be later.

2. How do you choose a kitchen style that suits you?

There’s no single ‘best’ kitchen style - it depends on your space, your taste, and how bold you want to be. A lot of kitchens today blend classic and modern elements, so you don’t have to stick to one look.

Some starting points:

• Shaker kitchens work well in both modern and older homes. They're simple, solid, and not tied to trends.

• Handleless kitchens suit more contemporary homes or flats. They’re clean and streamlined, especially in gloss or matt finishes.

• For a bespoke DIY kitchen, you can combine colours, trims, and cabinet styles to create something more individual.

The key is to choose a kitchen style that you’ll be happy to live with for years, not just one that looks good in a photo.

3. Why layout should come before anything else

You can have great materials and clever features, but if the layout doesn’t work, the kitchen won’t feel right. Start by thinking about where the main elements will go: sink, hob, oven, fridge. These are your key zones.

Layout tips:

• In small kitchens, a galley or single wall design might be best.

• For medium-sized kitchens, L-shape or U-shape layouts give more flexibility.

• Larger kitchens might include a kitchen island, or even zones for different uses.

Measure everything properly. Not just the room, but also where the doors open, where you’ll stand to cook, and how the cupboards will open. These details add up.

4. Are shaker kitchens still a smart choice?

Yes, and they likely always will be. Shaker kitchens are straightforward and solid, with a framed door design that suits almost any home. They’ve been around for a long time - and for good reason.

Why they work:

• They're easy to update with a change of colour or handle.

• They match with most worktops, from wood to quartz.

• You can combine them with modern appliances without the space feeling mixed up.

Whether you’re designing a modern flat or a country-style family home, shaker units offer a good starting point.

5. Is a handleless kitchen right for your home?

Handleless kitchens are popular for people who want a clean look and a modern kitchen design. They use push-to-open or built-in grip rails instead of external handles.

Pros:

• Looks seamless and tidy

• Easier to wipe clean with no handles in the way

• Suits smaller spaces where protruding handles could be a pain

Possible downsides:

• Not ideal if you have accessibility needs or prefer a firmer grip

• Some handleless mechanisms can cost more

• Might feel too minimalist if you like traditional touches

If you’re going for a contemporary look, handleless cabinetry is worth considering.

6. When does a kitchen island make sense?

A kitchen island is great when you have enough room - but it’s not essential. Some people try to squeeze one in when the space doesn’t allow it, which ends up making the room feel tight.

Before adding an island, check:

• Can you walk comfortably around all sides (at least 1 metre clearance)?

• Will it block cupboards or appliances?

• Do you need the island for prep, seating, or storage?

Islands can double up as breakfast bars, extra worktops, or a spot for the hob or sink. But in a smaller kitchen, you might be better off with a peninsula or simple open layout.

7. Storage: how to avoid wasting useful space

Storage is one of the things people notice most - especially when it’s not there. Good kitchen design makes the most of every available corner, without cramming things in for the sake of it.

Ideas that work:

• Use tall kitchen cabinets for food or broom storage

• Include wide pan drawers for pots and plates

• Add integrated bins, pull-out larders, or corner carousels

A mix of open and closed storage gives a balanced look, and you can keep everyday items within reach while hiding clutter. If you’re designing your ideal kitchen, think beyond cupboard count - think usefulness.

8. How colour choices shape your kitchen

Choosing colour in a kitchen isn’t just about taste - it affects how the space feels. Bright tones make a room feel lighter and bigger. Darker colours can be warmer or more dramatic, depending on the light and layout.

Colour ideas:

• Soft neutrals like white, cashmere or light grey work well in most kitchens.

• Rich shades like navy or graphite bring depth, especially in larger spaces.

• Greens and blues can add warmth without being overwhelming.

A stunning kitchen doesn’t need bold colour everywhere. You can always add accents with tiles, paint, or kitchen accessories later on.

9. Using an online kitchen planner to get started

If you’re not ready to speak to someone yet, you can use a free online kitchen planner to sketch your space. It’s a useful tool for testing layout options, adding appliances, and seeing what fits.

What you can do:

• Add walls and windows to match your real room

• Drop in kitchen cabinet options and rearrange until you’re happy

• Experiment with finishes and layout before you decide

The 3D design view helps you imagine how everything will look. It’s especially useful if you want to build your kitchen online first, then talk it through with a team member later.

10. What happens in a free design appointment?

A free appointment gives you a chance to speak with someone who knows kitchens inside out. Whether you’ve already used the online kitchen planner or you’re starting with rough ideas, the session helps you move things forward.

What to expect:

• A kitchen designer reviews your space and listens to what you want

• You’ll get a full quote based on your layout and choices

• You can ask questions about appliances, cabinetry, finishes, and more

This is all part of the free design service. It’s a straightforward way to get support without pressure. You don’t have to visit a showroom, but if you want to see things in person, you’re welcome to come to our main showroom in Weston-Super-Mare.

Summary: What to Remember When Planning Your Kitchen

• Start by working out what you need from the kitchen - not just what looks good.

• Choose a kitchen style that fits your space and will last over time.

• Layout matters more than size. Get this right early.

• Shaker kitchens are still a reliable, flexible option.

• Handleless styles give a tidy finish, but might not suit everyone.

• A kitchen island adds flexibility, if space allows.

• Think about storage solutions that make daily use easier.

• Colour affects both mood and light - choose with care.

• Use a free online kitchen planner to test ideas.

• Book a free design appointment when you’re ready to take the next step.

Ready to start planning your kitchen? You can design your kitchen online, get expert help when you need it, and order with confidence - all from Better Kitchens.