Kitchen Design Considerations from Herbert William
This blog comes from the brilliant Alice Murphy at Herbert Williams, and it’s full of expert advice and key considerations to think through before embarking on a kitchen project. We’re actually working alongside Herbert Williams on one of our current projects right now, so this is a very natural collaboration. Whether a kitchen renovation is just a seed of an idea of something you’re ready to act on, we hope Alice’s insights give you plenty of food for thought.
“A great kitchen is about so much more than good looks. It should feel effortless to use, suit the way you live and bring people together every day. Whether you are planning a full renovation or tweaking an existing space, a few thoughtful design choices can make a big difference to both the style and practicality of your kitchen.
Think about how you use your kitchen. Before choosing colours or finishes, consider your daily routine. Do you love to cook from scratch, need space for family breakfasts or want an island for entertaining?
Designing around real life helps every decision feel more purposeful. It is also worth thinking about what you use every day, what can be stored away and what you may no longer need. A little decluttering at the planning stage can help you make the most of every cupboard, drawer and worktop.
Get the layout right first. The position of your sink, hob, oven, fridge and preparation areas will shape how smoothly the kitchen works. A well-planned layout can make cooking, serving and clearing away feel simpler and make spending time in the kitchen enjoyable.
Creating clear zones for preparation, cooking and cleaning also helps everything sit where it is needed most. If you have an island, we often stagger the hob and sink rather than placing them back-to-back; this way, two people can work in the kitchen at the same time without getting in each other’s way.
Make storage work harder. Deep drawers, pull-out larder drawers, corner solutions and appliance/breakfast cabinets can help keep worktops clear while making everyday items easier to reach. The location of this storage is just as important as the storage itself; for example, we always recommend a base pull-out near the hob for oils and spices, so they are within reach and can be put straight back after use rather than cluttering the worktop. Vertical storage for trays, chopping boards etc can be fitted above eye level ovens to make use of hard to reach areas. Drawer dividers, pantry sections and labelled storage can make ingredients, utensils and everyday essentials easier to find at glance. On a tight budget? Consider shelved larders, however a clever design would include slimline shelved larders, as they are more effective with all of the essentials at the forefront.
Keep worktops clear where you can. Clear worktops instantly make a kitchen feel calmer, cleaner and easier to use. By giving small worktop appliances (eg toaster, air fryer etc) a home hidden within a bi-folding dresser, you can reduce visual clutter and create more space for food preparation. This also makes it quicker to clean down surfaces, which is especially helpful in busy family kitchens.
Consider the mundane – Far from glamorous or exciting, but important.. consider the smaller details. For example, your dishwasher – does it have a cutlery basket or a pull out cutlery tray? Many modern dishwashers offer the latter, so we would always design a drawer pack with an oak cutlery insert close to the dishwasher for ease of unloading.
Layer your lighting. Combine practical task lighting for food preparation with softer lighting for dining or relaxing. This helps your kitchen feel bright when you need it and welcoming when the day slows down.
Choose finishes that suit your lifestyle. Worktops, flooring, splash-backs and cabinet fronts should be beautiful, but they also need to stand up to daily use. Durable, easy-care materials are especially important in busy homes. Our designers will always ask how you & your family plan to use the kitchen and pair you with the perfect materials.
Add personality in the right places. From exciting colour pallets and statement handles, to artwork and family photos - small details can make your kitchen feel truly yours without overwhelming the design.
At the heart of every successful kitchen is careful planning. Taking the time to understand you, your space, your style, your storage needs and your everyday routines will help create a kitchen that looks beautiful and works brilliantly for years to come. A good designer will talk about budget, there are always ways to trim costs but maintain ease of use and stunning looks for less. With the right layout, clever storage and a place for everything, your kitchen can feel organised, efficient and welcoming every day. If you are ready to start planning your new kitchen, our design team would be happy to help you turn your ideas into a practical, personal and inviting space.”
If you’d like to explore options for your kitchen, from an update in furnishings through to a full renovation, We’re ready and waiting to hear your ideas. Get in touch today
If you would like to read more about kitchen design you can find our newsletter here, or read Darren from Searle and Taylors blog all about the top 8 trends in kitchen design