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Planning a New Kitchen Design

Planning a new kitchen is important; your kitchen is the heart of the home. Not just a place to cook and eat - but also a place for life moments. And the kitchen design process doesn't need to be difficult, in fact we make it very simple. Make the most of our free kitchen design service by booking an online or in-store appointment with our expert designers who will work with you to plan your kitchen. Personalise your kitchen entirely by choosing out the best layout for you alongside features like stylish kitchen taps and sleek complementing handles, then make your new space a calm and inviting environment with extras like smart cabinet lighting and luxurious wine coolers

Ludlow kitchen. Our latest Shaker door, with a modern country-style. Available in all 20 Magnet Create colours.

Consider your needs

A great kitchen design isn’t just about style and colour, it’s also about functionality.

Before you start forming an image of your new kitchen in your mind, first think about how you and your family use your space – and shape your ideas from there.

For example, if you have young children who like to play and eat in the kitchen, you might want to think about including a suitable seating area or storage for toys, books and games.

If you entertain friends and family on a regular basis, an integrated wine cooler could be beneficial. Or, if you have pets, you might want to incorporate a built-in sleeping area for them.

The ‘um’ time in your kitchen design project is arguably the most important time.

Choose the right kitchen layout

Consider the size of your space when choosing your kitchen layout, as some layouts lend themselves better to a small or larger kitchen.

Tatton Kitchen by Magnet. A beautiful easy to use kitchen with traditional features with stylish modern touches.

U-shaped kitchen

If you’re working with a more compact space, then you might want to consider a u-shaped kitchen, which maximises your storage and work surface space. Make sure to consider both upper and lower cabinets, as well as corner cabinets with carousels, for the most efficient use of your storage space. U-shaped kitchens are also a great way to achieve the ‘work triangle’ of fridge, cooker and sink, allowing you to cook with ease.
Nordic Nature. Modern wooden kitchen design with a Nordic influence. Featured floating worktops, a ribbed plinth and rounded end panels.

L-shaped kitchen

An L-shaped layout works well with an open-plan kitchen, as the low-level units that form the jutting out part of the ‘L’ can create a barrier between your food prep and dining zones. This might be a perfect solution for a small kitchen where a u-shaped or galley layout would leave your space feeling cramped. Wall cabinets and open shelving can compensate for the reduced storage space, and stop your work surfaces becoming cluttered.
Dunham kitchen by Magnet. Smooth matt finish traditional or modern style available in over 20 colours.


Galley kitchen

A galley layout works well with a larger kitchen and is favoured by professional chefs for its efficiency. The kitchen units are positioned parallel to each other along opposite walls, meaning everything is within easy reach.

This approach allows for plenty of counter space, and since the banks of units face each other, you can use them for separate purposes, e.g. divide them into ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ workspaces.

Consider your wants

Once you know what sort of functionality and layout your kitchen design needs to have, it’s time to think about what you want from it.

You might already have some design features in mind that you love and want to include in your design. A Belfast sink perhaps, or a statement island with pendant lighting. If you’re planning a small kitchen design, a breakfast bar might be a space-saving alternative to a dining table, with bar stools that can be conveniently tucked away underneath.

You also might already have an idea of the colour you’re looking for. White, grey and cream kitchens are always popular – but recently, blue, green and black kitchens have increased in popularity, too.

If you know what cabinetry style and colour is right for you, the next decision to make is whether you want a gloss or matt cabinet finish – or maybe a mix of both. A matt finish is a practical and low maintenance choice, as it absorbs light to help hide stains and smudges. Gloss adds a subtle sophistication to any kitchen design. Its ability to reflect light off your cabinet surfaces helps make your kitchen feel larger, meaning it’s the ideal choice for a compact or darker space. 

Another important consideration is your kitchen work surfaces. If you have a busy family household, then hardwearing laminate worktops might be for you. Granite worktops have a super-luxurious feel, while also being incredibly durable.

Ludlow kitchen. Our latest Shaker door, with a modern country-style. Available in all 20 Magnet Create colours.

Create your kitchen style

When it comes to cabinet styles, there are three main categories to choose from: Shaker, Modern and Handleless. Each has their own unique look and will transform your space. Don’t forget about cabinet handles, which add the perfect finishing flourish to your new cabinets.

Soho from Magnet. Bold slab doors style this premium contemporary kitchen design available in 20 colours.

Modern kitchens

Choose slab cabinet fronts to create a sleek, stylish contemporary kitchen. Slab cabinets act as a base for a range of modern kitchen designs, from urban minimalism to industrial glamour. Metallic accents, on-trend colours like warm grey, and pared back decoration are all key elements to achieving a contemporary kitchen.
Winchester kitchen by Magnet. A wood grain effect affordable alternative to solid timber built from hardwearing MDF and available in 5 colours.

Traditional kitchens

Our traditional kitchens are characterised by timeless, elegant Shaker cabinetry. Classic style kitchens have withstood the test of time for the cosy, comfortable atmosphere they invoke. Think a neutral colour palette and natural materials. Create a country kitchen with wooden (or woof effect laminate) worktops, teamed with white or cream painted units. You could opt for wooden flooring too, or tiled flooring with warm tones.
Integra Nordic Nature. Modern kitchen concept with a sleek handless design and fluted oak effect wood doors

Handleless

For an ultra-modern, seamless look, opt for our J-pull or true handleless design. If you love clean lines and a minimal feel, incorporate integrated appliances into your kitchen design, which are hidden away until needed.

Ready to start designing?

Considering factors like these is the first thing our design experts do in our Design Consultations – and it’s the first step to creating the best bespoke kitchen design for you and your family.

Ready to start designing?

Considering factors like these is the first thing our design experts do in our Design Consultations – and it’s the first step to creating the best bespoke kitchen design for you and your family.

Kitchen Design Process FAQS

Our expert team of designers will help you to create a bespoke kitchen design when you book an in-store or online design appointment.

At your free design consultation you will be provided with a full quote after your dream kitchen has been expertly designed. You can also get a guide price with our cost calculator

Finding the right kitchen style for you is important when designing your new kitchen, but you should also consider functionality and how you're going to use the space. For example, large families may want to focus on incorporating lots of seating and storage space. Our team will help you to make the right choices for you at your free design appointment.