After working alongside kitchen designers for 2 years, I’ve had the chance to observe what it takes to be great at the job and just how much attention to detail is involved! Here are a few things to keep in mind when designing a kitchen or other cabinetry project. Believe me, some of these details I would have never considered myself!

Watch Your Appliance and Pantry Heights

Have you ever looked at a kitchen and felt like something was off, but couldn’t quite figure out what? It might be the alignment of the cabinetry with the appliances! Symmetry is key in creating a seamless design that’s visually pleasing. One simple way to maintain this is by ensuring that the pantry cabinets around an appliance, like a fridge, are the same height. This gives the kitchen a balanced, cohesive look.

Or like in this kitchen, calculating every drawer to perfectly align with the oven creating the perfect step.

The Nitty-Gritty of Design

I enjoy the details of design…but figuring out the exact numbers and restrictions? Not so much! And I know I’m not alone in that. This is where your designer comes in—they know how every piece fits together to create a functional space. Designers can guide you through important technical details like:

• How wide should a functional bank of drawers be?
• How far should your countertop overhang without additional bracing?
• How much walkway space should you leave between your island and perimeter cabinets?

Plus, they’ll make sure your design meets building codes and provincial regulations, so you can avoid any costly or unsafe mistakes.

Knowing what is truly worth it

Let’s be honest: there are tons of trends, accessories, and design elements you could include in your kitchen. But a timeless space comes from choosing what’s truly worth it for your lifestyle. It may look great on Pinterest, but will it function well in your home? For example, islands are great, but in a small kitchen, they might not make sense. Or maybe you love the idea of a large butler’s pantry, but would it actually be useful for your everyday needs?

A kitchen designer is there to help you make these decisions and visualize how the design will actually work for you.

Collaboration is Key

Being a kitchen designer isn’t just about creating a space you love with your personal style; it’s a collaborative process that involves both the clients and other designers.

Collaboration with Clients:

At the start of each project, it’s crucial for designers to understand the homeowner’s vision—how they plan to live in the space and what aesthetics they prefer. A good designer is both a great listener and an expert at guiding clients, knowing when to share professional insight and when to rework an idea that may not suit the space.

Collaboration with Other Designers:

Even though the design industry can be competitive, experienced designers know the immense value in sharing ideas and knowledge. In our office, designers regularly collaborate, helping each other with tips, files, and creative solutions to push projects forward.

For many people, a kitchen isn’t just a place to cook—it’s where their world comes together. To design that space is something our team takes great pride in. An experienced designer will work alongside you, helping you make the best decisions to create the kitchen of your dreams. If you’re ready to get started with one of our designers, send us a message. We’d love to hear about your project!

Joanne Penner

Joanne joined the Winnipeg team as the project coordinator in 2022. When she’s not keeping the Winnipeg team on schedule, she can be found (with a coffee in hand) capturing images of their beautiful kitchens and managing the Two30Nine social media.