7 Golden Rules of Kitchen Design (from a kitchen designer!) (2024)

From the very first moment I stepped into the world of interiors, the rules of kitchen design became my guiding light.

There's an undeniable magic in transforming a kitchen, a magic I've been fortunate to wield for years now. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a space that resonates with the heart of the home.

With every project, I channel my passion and years of experience to ensure that the right principles are always at the forefront. After all, a well-designed kitchen isn't just a space—it's an experience.

Here are what I consider the seven rules of kitchen design.

1. Functionality is my top priority

Functionality reigns supreme in kitchen design. I've come to realise that the most beautiful kitchens are those that are also the most functional.

One of the foundational rules of kitchen design I swear by is the work triangle concept. This principle revolves around the three main work areas: the sink, stove, and fridge.

When these three are in optimal proximity, it makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.

7 Golden Rules of Kitchen Design (from a kitchen designer!) (1)2. I always prioritise adequate lighting

Lighting is the unsung hero of kitchen design. Proper lighting doesn't just illuminate; it elevates.

My go-to layers include ambient lighting for general brightness, task lighting for specific work areas, and accent lighting to highlight design features. It's these nuances in lighting that truly encapsulate the rules of kitchen design.

3. Smart storage solutions are key

"A place for everything and everything in its place."

Clutter-free counters and organised cabinets can make a world of difference. Some of my favourite storage solutions include pull-out drawers for easy access and vertical storage to maximise space.

7 Golden Rules of Kitchen Design (from a kitchen designer!) (2)4. Never overlook ventilation

Ventilation is the silent guardian of a kitchen. I've seen kitchens transform, not just in appearance but in ambience, with proper ventilation.

It's not just about keeping odours at bay; it's about ensuring a healthy environment. They preserve the longevity of appliances and ensure a pleasant cooking experience.

5. Safety is always a priority in my designs

A kitchen should be a haven, not a hazard. My designs always prioritise safety, especially in homes bustling with little ones. From rounded countertops to prevent injuries to non-slip flooring for added grip, every detail is considered.

For those looking to make their kitchens child-friendly, this guide on Childproofing Your Kitchen offers invaluable insights.

7 Golden Rules of Kitchen Design (from a kitchen designer!) (3)6. Quality over quantity for appliances

I firmly believe in the mantra of quality over quantity. It's not about having the most gadgets, but the best ones.

Energy-efficient appliances, for instance, are a staple in my designs. They're not only kinder to the environment but also to your utility bills. With the average appliance lasting between 10 to 15 years for UK householders, making the right choice is vital!

7. When in doubt, seek expert advice

The journey to your dream kitchen can be overwhelming, but remember, you're not alone. I've had the privilege of guiding numerous clients through this process, turning their visions into reality.

So, if you ever find yourself in doubt, remember that expert advice is just a call away.

7 Golden Rules of Kitchen Design (from a kitchen designer!) (4)Crafting kitchens with heart and expertise

In the ever-evolving world of interiors, the golden rules of kitchen design remain timeless. These principles, honed over years of experience, are my guiding light. As always, my commitment is to help you craft a kitchen that's not just a space but a reflection of you.

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Need help designing your dream kitchen?

7 Golden Rules of Kitchen Design (from a kitchen designer!) (5)As a kitchen designer, I love creating a stunning space where life is easy and memories are made! If your kitchen needs upgrading, modernising or a complete renovation, let’s have a conversation and see what you could do with your space.

A new kitchen with a specialist design is more cost-effective than you may think – just get in touch with us today for a free in-store kitchen design consultation and we’ll show you how.

Emma Reed – Kitchen designer – 01792 712000

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7 Golden Rules of Kitchen Design (from a kitchen designer!) (2024)

FAQs

7 Golden Rules of Kitchen Design (from a kitchen designer!)? ›

The work triangle connects three important work areas of the kitchen: the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator. This area should be unobstructed and the distance between each zone should range from 4 feet to 9 feet so that one can efficiently move between tasks such as cooking, cleaning and food preparation.

What is the golden rule for kitchen design? ›

The work triangle connects three important work areas of the kitchen: the cooktop, sink, and refrigerator. This area should be unobstructed and the distance between each zone should range from 4 feet to 9 feet so that one can efficiently move between tasks such as cooking, cleaning and food preparation.

What is the golden kitchen rule? ›

Be safe about cleanliness. Wash your hands before you handle any food, keep your equipment and work surfaces clean, and don't let cooked food touch anything that previously touched raw food. You should keep your refrigerator at 40°F and your freezer at 0°F or colder.

What are the principles of kitchen design? ›

There are three main kitchen design principles that designers generally follow, whether knowingly or by instinct. These include kitchen work zones, the work triangle, and visual balance.

What are the six 6 basic kitchen designs? ›

There are six basic types of kitchen layouts: Island, Parallel, Straight, L-Shape, U-Shape, Open, and Galley.

What is the 1 rule in the kitchen? ›

1. Wash your hands well and often. Washing your hands well and often is the golden rule of food safety. Your hands are full of bacteria, and you pick up new bacteria every time you touch something.

What is the golden design rule? ›

The Golden Design Rules were developed by the Consumer Goods Forum to address which plastics should be primarily used for packaging and specific design elements. The purpose is to eliminate unnecessary plastics and increase the value of plastics in the marketplace.

What is the number one rule in the kitchen? ›

1. Kitchen hygiene 101: wash hands. Making sure your hands are clean is at the top of the kitchen hygiene rules list. It's easy for bacteria to be transferred, so wash your hands throughout prepping and cooking food.

What is the kitchen 3 rule? ›

The kitchen triangle rule stipulates that: the total perimeter of the three main working areas cooker, sink and fridge) should be no less than 13 feet and no more than 26 feet (3.9 - 7.9 metres) the distance between each working area should be set between 4-8 feet (1.2 - 2.4 metres)

What are the 7 fundamental principles of design? ›

The fundamental principles of design are: Emphasis, Balance and Alignment, Contrast, Repetition, Proportion, Movement and White Space. Design differs from art in that it has to have a purpose. Visually, this functionality is interpreted by making sure an image has a center of attention, a point of focus.

What are the rules when designing a kitchen? ›

Ensure your kitchen floor plan includes enough room between cabinetry and the island to move through the space easily. Generally, paths throughout a kitchen should be at least 36 inches wide. Aisles within the cooking zone should be 42 inches wide for a one-cook kitchen and 48 inches wide for a two-cook configuration.

What is the golden triangle in kitchen design? ›

The kitchen triangle is a design concept which is also called the golden triangle that controls activity in the kitchen by positioning vital functions in designated spots also known as main work areas. It is also used to design practical and visually acceptable kitchen layouts.

What is basic kitchen layout? ›

There are five basic kitchen layouts: L-Shape, G-Shape, U-Shape, One-Wall and Galley. The size and shape of the room will typically determine your layout.

What are the fundamentals of kitchen layout? ›

The Top 4 Kitchen Design Basics You Need to Know
  • Balance. Sometimes a space may just feel off-balance, and it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly why. ...
  • Symmetry. It's important to have a symmetrical kitchen design. ...
  • Focal Point. The focal point of your kitchen is the first thing people see when they enter the room. ...
  • Scale.
Dec 5, 2023

What is the number one rule in any kitchen? ›

1. Wash Your Hands. Handwashing in commercial kitchens is vital for preventing the spread of germs and bacteria. Washing your hands after dealing with raw food or changing tasks is especially important.

What is the golden ratio in kitchen design? ›

In interior design, the golden ratio is 1:1.618 – the most pleasing ratio for objects and their aesthetics. Designers apply this ratio when choosing the layout of a room.

What are golden 4 rules in design process? ›

The UI design principals are: Place users in control of the interface Make it comfortable to interact with a product Reduce cognitive load Make user interfaces consistent 1.

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