How to plan your new kitchen like a pro
Dreaming of a new, high-quality kitchen? Proper planning is the first step to making your dream a reality. With our guide, you can approach kitchen design like a pro.
From functionality to design: Your guide to modern kitchen planning
1. Think about how you want to use the space
Do you cook often and gladly? Do you have frequent guests or a big family? Or do you want to make a design statement above all else? The answers to these questions can provide the framework for your design.
2. Take measurements
The next step is to measure the room. Don’t worry: You don't need to be millimeter-precise. A kitchen expert will be happy to take the correct measurements.
The approximate dimensions will help you decide on the shape: Should it be a line, or is there enough space for a new design in a L or U shape? An L-shaped kitchen takes up one corner of the room and can be supplemented with an island. In a U-shaped kitchen, the third branch protrudes into the room and can serve as a counter bar.
3. Write a wish list
Before you think about the cost of a kitchen, determine your priorities. The following questions can help:
- Which appliances do you definitely need?
- Do any connections need to be made or laid?
- Should there be a kitchen island?
- Do you want any special equipment, like a sous vide cooker or an integrated water filter?
- How big should the refrigerator be?
- Do the appliances need to be controlled via smartphone regardless of location?
- Do you prefer an induction or a gas cooktop?
- What materials should the cabinets, countertop, and backsplash be made of?
4. Create a budget - What your kitchen can cost
How much your new kitchen will cost depends on the equipment you want and the work required. For that reason, you should consider the following possible costs before buying a modern kitchen:
- Consultation in a kitchen furniture store
- Planning and drawing
- Kitchen appliances (stove, cooktop, dishwasher, microwave, and fume hood)
- Connections and electrical system
- Material for cabinets and fronts
- Material for the countertops
- Lamps and illuminants
- Installation (hourly wages for craftsmen)
While you’re planning your new kitchen, you’ll soon become aware of the different cost factors. Is the choice more likely to fall on the inexpensive decorative fronts, or the premium solid wood? Should it be simple kitchen appliances, or perhaps the high-priced models with plenty of smart features? No matter how big your budget, it is important that you leave some wiggle room. Experience shows that unexpected expenses will arise during the course of the project.
5. Pick your favorite design
Which style do you prefer? The industrial look with plenty of stainless steel and handle-free fronts is ideal if you like things straightforward and streamlined. Do you love wood and being close to nature? In this case, you’ll hit the bull’s eye with the country style.
6. Plan enough storage space
Sufficient storage space is an important topic in modern kitchen design. The rule of thumb: The more, the better. Plan for as many cabinets as possible, and think of clever solutions like magnetic knife holders to make efficient use of wall space. Pull-outs in base cabinets, for example, will save you from frequent stooping and bending.
It is recommended to leave some room free. You don’t want to completely fill your space with cabinet fronts. If you plan to install a lot of base cabinets, floating wall shelves can create a nice contrast.
Important tips for planning your new dream kitchen
Now you know what steps you can take to plan the design and what possible costs to consider for your new kitchen. Now we’ll tell you what you should pay special attention to.
Tip 1: Pick colors and surfaces you’ll enjoy for a long time to come
Tastes change. A bold color as a design statement is only advisable if you’re absolutely sure about it. White is a classic option: this neutral color can always be revamped with colorful accessories. The same is also true of shades of gray and beige, which usually stand the test of time.
In addition to the color, the surface also plays a role. High gloss looks aesthetic and provides interesting effects when the reflective surfaces reflect rays of light. However, you can also see every fingerprint. Matte surfaces are less susceptible to this.
Tip 2: Consider ergonomics for appliances
The concept of the working triangle is already somewhat outdated; modern, high-quality kitchens hold much more than the three zones of refrigerator, sink, and stove of yore. Nowadays, it’s recommended you think also about the microwave, an additional oven or steamer at eye level, or a grill.
However, the working triangle still provides a good foundation for arranging your appliances. The ideal distance between the refrigerator, sink, and stove is somewhere around 1.5 meters. The perimeter of the entire triangle should be no more than 7 meters. The best plan is to place the sink and dishwasher close to each other; this will loading easier.
Tip 3: Plan all your connections at the right time
Especially in combined living areas, a center island is a good choice that can serve as a room divider and counter at the same time. If you want to place your stove in the island, you should think about the hood and the necessary wiring.
It’s also important to place the dishwasher and sink near the water connections: The shorter the pipelines, the lower the risk of leaks.
Tip 4: Use practical faucets
The sink should be large enough so that you can easily clean pots and baking trays. One key component of a kitchen design are the faucets. Kitchen faucets with pull-out function are especially practical, allowing you to clean large items just as easily as the sink itself.
Tip 5: Ensure sufficient space to work
The same rule applies to both countertops and storage space: Better too much than too little. Even if you live alone or in a two-person household, a large countertop is worth its weight in gold when you have visitors. Not only does it make it easier to cook together, it also leaves enough space for dirty dishes and glasses.
Tip 6: Think about kitchen lighting
One incredibly important detail is thoughtful lighting. In addition to lamps under the wall cabinets or shelves, you’ll need strategically placed ceiling lighting that illuminates dark corners.
In the modern kitchen, design depends on the right strategy
Our guide will get you one big step closer to your new dream kitchen. The intended use, the dimensions, your preferences, and your budget form the foundation. Then you can move on to placing the appliances and picking the colors, design, and faucets. Also, make sure you have enough lighting, storage space, and work surfaces, so you can enjoy your new kitchen for a long time to come.
Before you devote yourself to the details, you should think about and make note of the exact use you’ll need. Do you cook a lot, or do you prefer to order in? Do you do a lot of entertaining?
This term refers to the distance between the stove, refrigerator, and sink. For ergonomic reasons, they should be about 1.5 meters apart.
You can always change up neutral colors like white or gray tones with accessories. You should only choose strong colors if you are absolutely sure.
An island can house a stove and sink while also acting as a counter and room divider – ideal for large, high-end residential kitchens.
The more the better: With a large countertop, you can cook for yourself and your guests as you please without sacrificing floor space.