Transform your home this summer with flexible, interest-free payments, for a limited time only
Our design tips for kitchens emphasise the importance of incorporating accessories and innovative designs when redesigning your space. Even at the planning stage, it’s crucial to consider factors such as storage sizes and capacities to create a functional and stylish kitchen.
Read on to see our kitchen decoration design advice and how we can help you achieve your dream kitchen at Leekes.
Your ideal kitchen design should factor in the perfect layout. As we know, kitchens are now much more of a social hub as well as a practical cooking space, so your kitchen should reflect your lifestyle. Some kitchen layouts available are:
This option features cabinets and appliances on two walls that join at a corner. They’re perfect for small to medium spaces and open-concept designs by providing plenty of counter space.
This shape has three conjoined walls in the shape of a U. The benefit of this is plenty of counter space and cabinet storage, making it popular for larger kitchens.
These consist of two parallel walls of worktops and cabinets with a walkway through the middle. Small and narrow kitchens benefit from this design.
The “working triangle” is a great place to start ensuring that all of your key appliances are located near one another. This makes the space more efficient by stopping you from running around from one appliance to another. Wide walkways between cabinets are ideal and should be at least 90cm wide. In the area around your hob, you may want to consider a wider space of around 100cm. Ideally, your hob will be out of the way of main traffic areas, especially if you’re designing a child friendly space as this will limit any spillages.
When creating your kitchen design, ensuring that your kitchen offers an efficient worktop space is a vitally important factor. Before you even start to consider styling and decorative accessories you need to find a layout that works for you. Consider the amount of work surface space that is required for what you need to prepare in the kitchen, along with the style that suits your home décor. We have a range of options, including stone worktops and wooden worktops, for you to choose from.
Of course, appliances, like stoves and sinks, take up a lot of countertop space too. You’ll want to make sure you have enough room to prepare and serve. You can do this by opting for the perfect appliances that fit your kitchen. See our range here.
We all dream of a clutter free kitchen. Luckily, new innovative storage solutions are being developed all of the time so you can easily factor these into your ideal kitchen design.
Pullout storage drawers are hugely popular as they are nice and deep, meaning a large number of items can be stored in them, as well are large pots and pans. Most kitchen designs come with drawers but you can truly make them your own to fit your lifestyle at Leekes.
Corner solutions are also very popular as it’s often difficult to maximise the space in a corner unit. Independent swivel trays can be integrated into your corner space meaning you can get easy access to your utensils, pans or crockery at any time.
Larder units are also increasingly favoured especially in traditional or shaker style kitchens. These solutions can include a number of shelved and basket options meaning all of your pantry items are easily accessible when required. You can also use display plate racks in these styles of kitchens, which offer a practical and stylish storage solution.
Upper cabinets are a practical solution for a kitchen that requires additional storage. If you are going for a minimal look you may wish to consider only using upper cabinets on some walls. There’s also the option of using glass fronted cabinets to create the appearance of a lighter, more open space. You will want to save these cabinets for your finest tableware and glassware.
An ideal kitchen design should take lighting into consideration. Whether it’s how to make the most out of natural lighting or adding artificial lighting – or both!
Kitchen designs with intentional lighting is what creates the look of a well-thought out plan. That’s why we have all kinds of lighting to choose from. See our accent lighting to add dimension to your space. Pedant feature lights look fabulous over a breakfast bar or dining table. And we also stock ceiling lights for everyday lighting – perfect for everyday tasks.
Nothing beats natural light coming through your kitchen window, and a sink placed in front of a window is a great design feature. If this is not an option within your kitchen keep the window space clear from enclosing high cabinets to give the appearance of a larger kitchen space.
An exterior space outside your kitchen is also very desirable. Consider bi-fold or patio doors to allow in additional natural light to your room. This is also a great option for social kitchens as the space can be maximised during the summer months.
It’s important to pick the right kitchen style for you. This includes choosing a modern, Shaker, or traditional kitchen design – all of which have their own unique features of finishes. From cabinet panelling to worktops with curvature, we’ve got a range of options for you.
Picking the right kitchen colour will create the space of your dreams. Mix and match style painted or gloss kitchens have increased in popularity over recent years. Mixing a darker and lighter contrasting shade adds interest to your space and creates a real focal design element. You may also want to consider mixing materials to create the feel of texture.
If you have a smaller, gallery style kitchen it’s nice to keep the cabinet and wall shades light to give the appearance of a larger kitchen. Darker colour schemes will shrink an already small or narrow space. We have a guide on designing small kitchens. Have a read!
Larger kitchens are versatile for most kitchen designs. Open-planned kitchen dining rooms would benefit from L-shaped or U-shaped designs with an island. This is also a great option for social kitchens as the space can be maximised during the summer months.
It’s easy to create your ideal kitchen design at Leekes. Our team of experts will be with you from start to finish. Here’s what you can expect:
Start planning and designing your new kitchen with our expert design team.
