Top Questions in Kitchen Design

As a kitchen designer, there are some questions that I get asked on a regular basis, so I thought we could run through a few of the most common! Let me know if there are any I missed.

What’s the best layout for my kitchen?

The ideal kitchen layout depends on both the size and shape of your room. Open layouts like the island or U-shape work well in larger spaces, while galley or single-wall layouts maximize efficiency in compact kitchens. Think about whether you prefer a social setting or privacy for cooking to help guide your choice. You should also consider the work triangle and try to keep the flow of traffic out of the work triangle if possible.

Which appliances are worth the splurge?

Investing in high-quality, frequently-used appliances like a cooktop or refrigerator can make a big impact on functionality. Think about your cooking habits, like whether a double oven or wine fridge aligns with your lifestyle. You may also want to consider refrigerator or dishwasher drawers if you need the extra capacity and/or would like for littles to have easy access.

Should I go for an open or closed kitchen layout?

It’s no secret that open-concept kitchens are the modern choice in most homes, but that doesn’t mean that it’s automatically the right solution for your home! Open kitchens promote social interaction and natural light, ideal for families or those who entertain. Closed kitchens, however, offer privacy and contain cooking smells—great for people who want a more focused cooking space.

What countertop material should I choose?

Quartzite is one of my favorite countertop materials at the moment! It’s super beautiful and durable, especially if you get it in a honed finish. Other materials to consider include natural stones like marble & granite and man-made stones like quartz and porcelain. Every option will have pros and cons so it’s important to think about the level of care & maintenance you’re willing to accept. Read more about the pros & cons of different countertop materials in this blog post.

What’s the best flooring for kitchens?

In full remodels a lot of clients are choosing to carry their general flooring into the kitchen, instead of transitioning to a tile or a similar more durable flooring solution. Manufactured or engineered wood flooring is a great choice to achieve the look of wood floors with increased water, humidity, and UV resistance. You can also specify metal trays or stainless steel cabinet bottoms under your sinks, dishwashers, and other plumbed appliances to reduce the risk of water exposure over the years.

How can I make my kitchen more sustainable?

Over the past few years, some sustainable options have become the industry standard— energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and low-VOC (off-gassing) materials to name a few. In addition to these items, you can choose from various sustainable measures based on your values: choosing materials that are locally sourced, selecting finishes with low or no off-gassing, donating old cabinets & appliances to Habitat for Humanity or similar, etc.

Should I follow design trends?

Most homes are designed with some inspiration from the trends of the time. That’s why it’s so easy to differentiate kitchens from the 70s versus the 90s. With that said, kitchens are a huge investment! Most people want their kitchen to last 10-20 years or longer, so it’s important to choose a design that will last beyond a current trend. I typically recommend that the base—the cabinets, countertops & flooring—lean more timeless, then you can add in trendy elements with hardware, lighting, curtains, rugs, stools, etc that are more easily replaced if you grow tired of the look.

Have any burning questions you’d like us to answer? Leave a comment on Instagram or TikTok — if you’re curious about something, others probably are too! Need more guidance getting started on your kitchen design? Explore our Virtual Kitchen Design package to see if it’s a good fit for you & your project. Happy designing!