Kitchen design: How to plan your dream kitchen

Of course, the most important thing about a kitchen is that it works. But it can still look good. Here are our tips and ideas on style, storage, and durable materials to help you plan your kitchen.

Well-organized: Kitchen layout.

One room, many functions: The kitchen is where cooking, washing up, and storage take place. Each of these zones has its own requirements. Clarity and a smooth workflow are the most essential characteristics of a well-equipped kitchen. This means: short distances, a logical layout, and sufficient work surface for each zone. 

Oils and spices can be stored directly by the stove so they are easily accessible while cooking. Knife blocks and cutting boards, on the other hand, are best kept where you actually use them – near the worktop. Tea and coffee are ideally located near the kettle and coffee maker.

Ergonomics in the kitchen

Ergonomically designed heights, widths, and depths make working easier and prevent back pain. Therefore, try to consider the following points when planning your kitchen:

• Frequently used items should be stored at working height; everything else can be placed higher or lower.

• Install the oven and microwave at eye level.

• Adjust the height of the work surface to your height (rule of thumb: elbow height with bent arms minus 15 cm. For a height of 175 cm, this corresponds to approximately 97 cm).

Practical planning: Walking routes and safety

Regarding freedom of movement within the kitchen, there’s a rule of thumb: at least one meter of space should remain between two rows of cabinets or between the cabinets and the wall. If cabinets with doors or the dishwasher are located opposite each other, you should plan for even more space to allow for unrestricted movement. Stools, trash cans, and freestanding appliances that could become tripping hazards must also be considered in the kitchen design from the outset. It helps to mentally visualize a work triangle formed by the sink, stove, and refrigerator. This allows tasks to be completed remarkably quickly and safely.

The ideal kitchen layout.

The kitchen layout that’s right for you depends mainly on the room’s size and floor plan. However, various layouts are always possible, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Single-row: Ideal for long, narrow rooms, but this layout offers limited storage space.

Double-row: More storage and work surface, but the workflow is often interrupted by the two separate kitchen units.

L-shape: Allows for smooth, efficient workflows. Rotating corner units are available for the inevitable corner cabinets.

U-shape: Makes optimal use of space and enables fluid processes by keeping everything close together. However, this layout requires a large room.

Open-plan kitchen: Combines different kitchen layouts. This design promotes communication and makes a room appear more spacious. However, smells and noise can permeate the living area.

Cleverly organized: Storage space with a system.

Storage space is essential in the kitchen. Cooking utensils, food, and dishes – all of it needs to be stored there. It’s not just the amount of storage space that matters. Still, also how cleverly it’s planned: Well-thought-out interior organization with pull-outs, tall cabinets, and drawer inserts, or integrated solutions like corner pull-outs, are ideal. Open shelves can create a more open look, but are only suitable for visually appealing items, such as attractive coffee cups or glasses. 

Everything in base cabinets must be easily accessible – pay attention to the depth of the cabinets here. For cooking and baking utensils used infrequently or seasonally, such as waffle irons, raclette grills, or cheese fondue sets, the upper part of the wall cabinets is ideal, as it can only be reached with a ladder or step stool – this also makes optimal use of the room’s height.

Well-lit: the right light for cooking.

Well-placed light sources are essential in the kitchen. Firstly, because you’re handling sharp knives, boiling water, cooking oil, and other potentially hazardous materials. Secondly, you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially in open-plan kitchens where you might enjoy a glass of wine while cooking or entertain friends. A combination of functional lighting and cozy accent lighting is therefore ideal for the kitchen. In addition to a ceiling light, you should also provide atmospheric lighting at the kitchen table and plan for focused task lighting.

Ideally, light sources should be positioned at multiple levels – for example, LED spotlights under wall cabinets, indirect lighting in the plinth area, or pendant lights above the kitchen island. Table or wall lamps create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Tough and durable: robust materials in the kitchen

Water stains, grease splatters, tomato-sauce-covered fingerprints: When planning a kitchen, one should choose easy-care, durable materials – and not just focus on appearance. Continuous surfaces with few seams are ideal, for example. White sinks are easier to clean in everyday use than black, matte basins. And cleaning smooth, closed-pore worktops requires less time than cleaning open-pore natural stone or wood. 

Colorful or monochrome: Colors in the kitchen

The colors of kitchen cabinets, walls, and backsplash require careful consideration. Neutral white, gray, and natural tones in the kitchen are timeless and adaptable. A kitchen with colored or specially designed cabinets looks more striking—but should be well thought out, given the long-term nature of the purchase. In this case, the rest of the kitchen decor should ideally be more subdued in color. Painting just one wall in a different color can also be an alternative to colored cabinets. 

Besides walls and kitchen fronts, small accents can add splashes of color to the kitchen: colored handles and furniture knobs, colorful lights, or decorative items such as vases or storage containers provide visual variety. 

More than just beautiful: Decoration with function

Too much decoration in the kitchen can hinder cooking and workflow – but you shouldn’t forgo it entirely either: Sparingly used and thoughtfully arranged accessories can add splashes of color and break up the clean look of a tidy kitchen. Practical choices include attractive everyday items that are always within easy reach in the kitchen anyway, such as stylish tea towels, colorful trays, or beautifully shaped cutting boards. A striking light fixture and kitchen herbs can also transform this functional space into a place you enjoy spending more time in. 

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