How to design a kitchen that’s both beautiful & functional

Designing a kitchen isn’t easy. First you have to make sure it’s a functional space, perfect for cooking, prep, washing dishes and socialising with the family. Next, you need to think about making your kitchen look beautiful. 

Balancing these two priorities – functionality and beauty – can be tricky at times, so we’ve asked the experts and put together a few tips. 

Functional

It’s a good idea to start with functionality when redesigning a kitchen. Think about what you use the space for, how you move about the kitchen and what you need to get the job done. 

Lighting

Lighting should be installed above workstations such as the cooktop, benchtops, sinks and oven. That way you can always see what you’re doing, and you’re not likely to cut or burn yourself when preparing a meal. 

Lighting can also add to the space’s ambience, so consider dimming lights to use when you’re not cooking. 

Smart cabinetry

It’s worth spending a little extra money to get quality cabinetry when you’re renovating your kitchen. This will mean you’ve got plenty of storage space for all your kitchen utensils and appliances and that they’re easy to access as needed.

Quality fixtures, fittings and appliances

Another thing it’s worth spending extra money on is quality fixtures and fittings, from your taps and mixers to sinks. Choose items from a brand that you can trust like Abey Australia. 

Workspace layout 

Last but not least it’s important to consider the layout of your kitchen’s workstation. There should be around two large steps (2 metres) between counters, and your key work areas like your sink, cooktop, prep space and fridge should all be relatively close together. This will make prep and cooking much faster and easier. 

Beautiful 

Functional design makes sure you CAN use your kitchen. Beautiful design ensures that you WANT to use it. Here’s how you can make sure your space looks amazing. 

Stick to a design theme

Before you look at a single tap it’s a good idea to consider the theme of your kitchen redesign. Are you going for classic, elegance or Scandi minimalism? Whatever look you’re going for you should keep that theme front of mind and circle back whenever you’re making a decision. 

Tip: If you’re not sure what design theme you’d like to go for, consider the rest of your home. If it’s art deco, something inspired by the 60s and 70s may be a great idea. If it’s an old, stately villa something classic and elegant may work better. 

Check out the latest trends

While you should always try to ensure your kitchen design is timeless, it’s a good idea to check out the latest trends for what will work best in your space. Check out our blog on kitchen design trends here. 

Use beautiful fittings and fixtures

The little details make all the difference when designing a kitchen. That’s why it’s so important to use design-led taps, sinks, and spouts when renovating. 
But where to look? Browse Abey’s huge range of kitchen sinks, taps, mixers, and appliances online to find something that suits your style and taste today.