Ask the Experts: How to Design a Kitchen That Matches Your Lifestyle

Have you ever wondered how to design a kitchen that matches your lifestyle? In this blog, we caught up with Broomside Design owner and overall winner of our Top Real Stories 2024 competition, Gary Short – where he shares his expert tips on layout options, material choices, and practical solutions to help you create a space that aligns with your unique lifestyle and design preferences.

What are the first steps when designing a kitchen?

At Broomside Design, listening is always our top priority. We cannot create any designs until we thoroughly understand our clients, their lifestyles, personal styles, wish lists, and budgets. The initial consultation with us is simply a meet-and-greet, allowing us to listen effectively. Once we have a clear picture, we share our expertise and present options. After taking the time to reflect and visualise the best possibilities for our clients, we then proceed with a 3D design.

Rezana – Espresso & Zola Matte – Taupe Grey | Retailer: Broomside Design | Real Stori: Mr & Mrs Simpson

How do I choose the right kitchen layout for my space?

The best way to achieve a beautiful and functional design is to consult an expert—specifically, turn to an independent retailer who values design over sales. Each project presents various options, limitations, and challenges. The layout primarily involves functional decisions and should be a harmonious blend of the client’s lifestyle desires and any boundary constraints. Factors such as the direction and amount of natural light, key service positions, and the flow of the workspace are crucial to getting it right.

How can I incorporate my personal style into my kitchen design?

Your project should always be uniquely yours. A good designer will create a design that is tailored to work aesthetically, functionally, and financially to suit your preferred style and desires. Online research is invaluable and greatly assists designers in understanding your tastes, as these can vary from client to client. Therefore, being well-researched—even if just through images—and communicating clearly will help you convey your personal design style in the kitchen.

Rezana – Espresso & Zola Matte – Taupe Grey

What are the best ways to balance aesthetics with practicality?

It’s always a balance, but a kitchen must prioritise efficiency above all else. It should be carefully designed to be aesthetically pleasing while blending both aspects as seamlessly as possible. The Bauhaus principle of “Form Follows Function” is a mantra we firmly believe in and use to guide our initial design elements. That being said, we always keep in mind the aesthetic implications of functional decisions. If a functional choice proves detrimental to the overall look, we work diligently to find alternative solutions that harmonise both functionality and aesthetics.

How do you recommend a colour palette for a kitchen space?

It entirely depends on the client’s style, their home, and the space in question. While we have tried-and-tested palettes from previous successful projects to reference, the best designers customise a design and colour palette specifically to meet the client’s needs.

Rezana – Espresso & Zola Matte – Taupe Grey

How do I choose the right materials for countertops and cabinetry?

It can be overwhelming for consumers to fully grasp all the options available in various areas of the kitchen—such as worktops, cabinetry, appliances, and more. The key is to break it down into manageable layers, using imagery, literature, and samples for clarity. A good designer will outline the options, including their features, benefits, limitations, colour choices, and impact on budget, then recommend the best selections to suit the client’s brief.

What recommendations do you have for families with kids or pets?

Most projects will involve kids or pets. While I wouldn’t say that a kitchen should be fundamentally different for those with kids or pets compared to those without, common sense and practicality should certainly guide the details. There are various cabinetry options available that provide easy-to-clean surfaces that won’t tarnish or fade with regular maintenance. Additionally, pet-friendly features such as dog beds, showers, and feeding stations can be seamlessly incorporated into kitchens and utility rooms.

Rezana – Espresso & Zola Matte – Taupe Grey

How do you plan for future upgrades or changes?

Kitchen renovations can be as costly as cars, so it’s essential to choose wisely. I encourage homeowners to consider longevity and practicality rather than focusing solely on options like repainting cabinets later. It’s more sensible to make the right decisions from the outset, and partnering with the right company will help you make choices that stand the test of time.

Simple considerations, such as providing power in the appropriate areas—even if you don’t require it initially—can facilitate future upgrades, like adding a boiling water tap or installing LED lighting in the island. These are examples of options worth discussing with your designer.

L to R: Gary Short (Broomside Design Owner) and Sam Scott (Installation Manager)

Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast, a busy parent, or someone who loves to entertain, the right design can elevate your daily routines and enhance your living experience. Book A Design Appointment with one of our independent STORI retailers across the UK & Ireland & begin your dream kitchen journey today!