When it comes to renovating your kitchen, it’s easy to get swept up in trends and Pinterest-perfect aesthetics. While finding your aesthetic feels fulfilling, this is only half the battle! Whether you’re a passionate home chef, a content creator, a busy parent or simply someone who appreciates an organized, functional space. Your kitchen needs to work for you and it should reflect your lifestyle, habits, and daily routine. So, you might be wondering, how do you create a kitchen that’s more about you and less about just looking good?

1. Start with how you use your kitchen

Before you pick out any new appliances or shop for backsplashes, you should consider getting to know yourself and your daily habits, just ask yourself:

• How often do you cook? If it’s daily, investing in drawer organizers, prep stations, and smart storage will streamline your routine.
• Do you cook solo or with others? If you regularly share the kitchen, consider adding a larger workstation or an island to improve flow.
• Do you entertain often? Consider adding features like an island with seating or a layout that opens into your dining or living room.
• Do you work or help kids with homework in the kitchen? Task lighting or under-cabinet lights can make all the difference.
• What frustrates you about your current kitchen? It’s okay to be honest, each of those annoying details are key to what you need most.

Asking these questions to help better understand your habits is a great foundation for every good design decision to follow.

2. Pick the right layout

Once you’ve got a handle on your kitchen habits, you can begin considering your layout. The layout of the kitchen is a foundation for functionality. Without it, everything from functionality, circulation and workflow would feel un-intuitive and more chaotic.

Here are a few popular layout options:

• Galley: Well known for being used in smaller spaces, galley kitchens are narrow and often have two parallel walls with cabinets and countertops, where everything is within reach.
• L-Shaped: Great for both small and open-concept homes. Easily paired with an island for extra functionality.
• U-Shaped: This layout offers plenty of counter space and storage, arranging cabinets, appliances and countertops on three sides of the kitchen.
• Straight Line (One-Wall): A one wall kitchen that fits cabinets, appliances and counters along one side, often paired with an island or peninsula for additional storage space.

If you find yourself constantly shuffling between the fridge, sink, and stove, look into creating a proper “work triangle” to make movement feel effortless. Check out these blog posts to read more about kitchen layouts and the work triangle.

3. Choose storage that makes sense

You can never have too much storage in your kitchen, however you can have the wrong kind of storage. To avoid this, make sure you know what items you have in your kitchen, and plan ahead of time:

Think ahead about what you actually use, and plan your storage accordingly:

• Deep drawers for pots and pans.
• Pull-out shelves or Lazy Susans for tricky corners.
• Utensil dividers for everything from spatulas to steak knives.
• Custom organizers for spices, teas, and coffee pods.

Bonus tip: Organize by zones. Keep dishes near the dishwasher, cooking tools near the stove, and cleaning supplies under the sink. It’s a simple shift that can totally streamline your day.

In the end; your kitchen, your rules!

Designing a kitchen that truly works for you is about more than picking pretty finishes. It’s about creating a space that supports your real, everyday life.

When you focus on how you live and cook, everything else falls into place. From your layout to your lighting and storage, every decision should serve you. Because the best kitchen isn’t the trendiest, it’s the one that feels like it was built just for you.

Ginette Dupas

Ginette joined the Two30nine team in October 2024 after earning her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design with a focus on Interior Design, from the University of Manitoba. She has a strong passion for interior design and enjoys creating thoughtful, functional spaces that reflect both creativity and her clients’ needs.

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