What Is Kitchen Design?

There’s a saying that goes into creating a perfected kitchen. Creating a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional requires careful planning and attention to detail—and that’s where kitchen design comes in.

But what is kitchen design and how does it work? Here we reveal everything you need to know about the various elements of kitchen design and how the kitchen design process works.

Key Summary

Kitchen design is the process used to formulate the optimal layout, configuration and choice of finishes when renovating or installing a new kitchen.

What Is Kitchen Design?

Kitchen design adopts a methodology that ensures all the key elements of a kitchen will be functional, look great and work cohesively together to make the best possible use of the space.

Whether making minor updates to your kitchen, undertaking a complete kitchen renovation or designing a brand-new kitchen for a newly constructed property, the kitchen design process ensures the new kitchen will successfully meet the expectations of the homeowner.

What Are the Various Elements of Kitchen Design?

Layout 

Depending on the individual space, a galley, L-shaped, U-shaped, peninsula or island kitchen layout may be most suitable. Some kitchens may also be able to accommodate a separate butler’s pantry. Within the chosen layout, you can then play around with the various cabinetry combinations to create dedicated ‘zones’ for cooking, cleaning, storage and preparation.

Surfaces

From your cabinetry surfaces to your benchtops, splashback and flooring, your surface selections will significantly impact the durability and finished look and feel of your kitchen.

Appliances

A key consideration will be whether to opt for freestanding, built-in or integrated appliances. While freestanding appliances offer the benefit of being able to be easily moved or replaced if ever needed, built-in and integrated appliances are very popular options that emphasise a clean and modern aesthetic. 

Ergonomics

From bench height to cabinet depth and the height of your appliances, ergonomics play an important role in how easy a kitchen is to work in. While most homeowners tend to opt for standard measurements, in some circumstances it can be worthwhile departing from the norm.

Lighting

Kitchen design also considers the lighting within the space, taking into account natural light sources from windows or skylights, along with ceiling lights and pendants and any other feature lighting such as under-mount cabinetry strip lighting.

Aesthetics

Kitchen design should also consider how well the combination or materials, colours and finishes will come together to create an appealing and cohesive space that reflects both the style of the home and the client’s personal style preferences.

Budget

Good kitchen design also seeks to find the right combination and quality of features, fittings and fixtures to meet the client’s brief and add value to the home while adhering to budgetary limitations.

What Zones Should You Incorporate Into Your Kitchen Design?

Determining the optimal layout for a kitchen is possibly the most important element of kitchen design. While there is a range of different lines of thought about what constitutes the optimal kitchen layout, most kitchen design principles uphold the idea of creating dedicated ‘zones’ within the kitchen which often include:

• Cooking zone: Typically includes the oven, range hood, stove, microwave and any other cooking appliances and cookware.

• • Cleaning zone: Includes the sink, dishwasher and rubbish bins.

• Storage zones/s: Often divided into consumables and non-consumables, this includes the fridge and storage for non-refrigerated food, as well as storage for cups, glasses, cutlery and crockery.

• Preparation zone/s: Benchtop workspaces.

Beyond establishing dedicated zones alone, kitchen design principles such as the kitchen triangle also consider the relative proximity of each of these zones to ensure the space is easy to work in.

How Does the Kitchen Design Process Work?

While the process utilised by different kitchen renovation companies may vary slightly, here’s an overview of how the process generally works:

1. Concept Formulation – In close consultation with the client, an initial concept for the new kitchen is developed based on the kitchen measurements, considering each of the key elements of kitchen design in line with the client’s lifestyle and preferences.
2. Select Finishes – Select the various products and materials that will be used in the new kitchen including cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, fittings and other selections. This is a critical stage of the design process where you will get to see how all your choices would come together and make any changes, tweaks or adjustments to your kitchen design.
3. Detailed Drawings – Once final selections have been made, drawings can be developed detailing all specifications for the new kitchen.
4. Final Measure, Sign-off and Production – If happy with the proposed kitchen design, the kitchen renovation company will take final measurements and re-confirm the design and finish selections with the client for their sign-off to take the kitchen into production.

Planning a Kitchen Renovation? Get in Touch With Us!

With more than 30 years of experience renovating kitchens across Melbourne, the expert team at Mint Kitchens can help you formulate the ideal kitchen design that ticks every one of your boxes.

Find out more about who we are, take a look at what we can do or find a showroom near you to get started.

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