Designing a kitchen: an expert guide to planning a kitchen

In this Bergen County home in New Jersey, Kristina Phillips of Kristina Phillips Interior Design in Ridgewood, New Jersey, hung a roman shade made from Serena Dugan fabric above the sink. Be like designer Kristina Phillips and hang a custom roman shade in the kitchen. Wallpaper is another brilliant way to build dimension and add character to a small kitchen. If the idea of an entire wall or room doesn’t seem like your style, consider accent touches here and there. Not only do they ground the space and offer a touch of personality, but they also can provide some cushion in an area where you’re sometimes on your feet for long periods.

  • A ‘European farmhouse aesthetic’ was what Lucy and Steve Cahill had in mind for their whole-home renovation on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
  • In this stylish Scandinavian apartment from Fantastic Frank, a modern black kitchen is positioned in the center of the main living area between the living and dining areas.
  • While the term retro generally means ‘to look back’, in interiors retro is often used to refer to the Mid-century modern design period which spans from around 1945 to the 1970s.
  • Helen Parker is creative director ofdeVOL Kitchens, the United Kingdom-based manufacturer of elevated timeless kitchens.

Green, symbolizing growth and renewal, can bring a sense of tranquility and vitality to the space. In a galley kitchen where space is premium, lighter shades of green can make the area feel more open and airy, while darker hues introduce an element of sophistication and depth. Pairing green cabinetry or walls with natural light or warm lighting fixtures can accentuate this color’s calming and inviting qualities.

Create room in your working zones

Beautiful inspiration rooms to fuel your imagination on days you’re not feeling the most creative! Kitchen remodeling, or even making minor changes of any kind to an important space in your home can sound like a formidable task. But with the advent of the various free 3D kitchen design software and paid virtual kitchen design tools that are available to shop for today, designing a kitchen can now be far more fun than it’s ever been before.

  • Simply pick out a fabric, measure it to fit your cabinet, allowing for a bit extra so it pleats and hangs nicely and then sew a fold at the top of the piece.
  • Start by determining the work triangle—the path between your stove, sink and refrigerator—which should be efficient to navigate.
  • To create a clean and bright space, opt for light wood or white finishes on cabinets, floors, and walls.
  • These spaces are not just about practicality—they’re also social hubs suited for entertaining.