Designing a Kitchen That Works — Function First, Style Close Behind

When designing a kitchen, it's tempting to start with the pretty stuff — paint colors, tile samples, and Pinterest boards full of dreamy finishes. But as an interior designer, I’ve learned that the most successful kitchen designs start with something far more fundamental: the layout.

Your kitchen’s layout is the backbone of its functionality. Before I ever talk about colors or countertop materials with a client, we start with how they use their space. Do they cook every night or order in more often? Are there two cooks in the kitchen? Is it a space for entertaining, or more of a grab-and-go zone?

Start with the Workflow

We always build around the "kitchen triangle": the ideal relationship between your sink, stove, and refrigerator. It’s an old-school concept, but it holds up. Whether your space calls for a galley, L-shape, U-shape, or an island-focused layout, getting this triangle right makes all the difference.

Storage Is Everything

Once the layout is nailed down, we get strategic about storage. Deep drawers for pots and pans, pull-outs for spices, tall cabinets for pantry items — your kitchen should work with you, not against you. I like to include a mix of open shelving and concealed storage, depending on the homeowner’s style and needs.

Zones Make It Smarter

Modern kitchens thrive on zoning. Cooking, prep, cleaning, and entertaining areas should each have their own dedicated space. This helps avoid chaos and allows for multiple people to use the kitchen at once without stepping on each other’s toes.

Next up, we’ll get into the fun part — picking materials that bring your layout to life while suiting your personal style.

Plan EVERYTHING ahead of the actual design and it will all go smoother.