How to Plan a Kitchen That Works for Real Life (And Not Just Instagram!)
It’s easy to get swept up in the scroll. Sleek marble worktops. Gold hardware gleaming in filtered light. Colour-coded larders that look more like art installations than real storage. Yet, when you plan a kitchen for your home, it has to work as well as it looks. And for most households, that means balancing function with finish. After all, the perfect kitchen isn’t just a space you show off on social media—it’s one you cook in, eat in, clean in, and live in. So how do you plan a kitchen that looks great but actually works for real life?
Here’s how to approach kitchen design from a practical point of view, with expert insight from professional designers as well as support from trusted kitchen brands like Nobilia, Next125, Bauformat, Ballerina, Impuls, and more.
Start With How You Live—Not Just How You Want It to Look
Before you pick colours or scroll through Instagram or Pinterest for inspiration, step back and consider how your kitchen needs to function on a daily basis. Think about:
- How often you cook
- Who uses the kitchen and when
- Whether you eat in or dine elsewhere
- Storage habits (bulk buying, meal prep, baking, etc.)
- Appliances you genuinely use
Do you need space for kids to do homework while you cook? Do you host often? Are you short on storage or frustrated by lack of prep space?
By mapping out your real lifestyle needs first, you’ll avoid designing a kitchen that looks fantastic in a photo but leaves you short on practicality.
Kitchen Layout Comes First
You can have the most beautiful kitchen cabinetry in the world—but if your layout doesn’t flow, your kitchen will never feel right. The starting point when you plan a kitchen should always be the layout. Forget about handles and splashbacks for now, and instead focus on the configuration.
Some tried-and-tested layout types include:
- U-shaped kitchens – great for efficient cooking and loads of storage
- L-shaped kitchens – open and sociable, ideal for kitchens that double as living spaces
- Galley kitchens – space-saving and streamlined
- Island layouts – ideal if you need more prep space, want extra storage, or plan to entertain
Your kitchen designer will help assess the best use of space, but you should also consider your own movement. The distance between your sink, hob and fridge matters (often referred to as the kitchen working triangle or kitchen zones), as you’ll want minimal back-and-forth when you’re cooking, prepping, and cleaning.
Prioritise Kitchen Workflow Over Wow Factor
That fluted glass pantry might look incredible in a photograph, but does it suit the way your family stores food? Do you really want to be reorganising dry goods every weekend just so they look photo-ready?
When you plan a kitchen that works in real life, think about workflow:
- Where will you drop your shopping bags?
- Do you need a dedicated coffee or breakfast station?
- Is there enough space near the hob for oils and utensils?
- Can two people prep at once without bumping into each other?
Brands like Bauformat and Impuls excel at flexible layouts with clever storage that helps you move through your space efficiently—without compromising on looks.
Kitchen Storage: Function First, Style Second
It might not be glamorous, but storage is the backbone of any successful kitchen design. If you skimp on storage early on, you’ll end up with cluttered worktops, jam-packed drawers, and nowhere to put your air fryer!
When you plan a kitchen, build storage into every available area, such as:
- Tall units for larders, integrated fridge-freezers, and broom cupboards
- Pull-out larders or internal drawers to maximise space
- Corner carousels or Le Mans systems to make dead zones usable
- Drawer organisers for cutlery, spices, and utensils
- Deep pan drawers for pots and pans
German kitchen brands like Nobilia, Next125, and Ballerina are particularly strong when it comes to innovative storage solutions, offering systems that are both intelligent and stylish—ensuring everything has its place.
Don’t Let Instagram Decide Your Colour Palette
The reality is, some finishes are less forgiving than others. For example, if you live with young children, pets, or just a busy schedule, high-gloss white cabinets could really test your patience! Fingerprints. Smudges. Daily cleaning.
Instead, think about practicality, and choose colours and textures that fit your lifestyle—not just what’s trending this week:
- Matt finishes are more forgiving and now come with anti-fingerprint technology from brands like Nobilia, Ballerina and Impuls.
- Wood-effect doors are warm and grounding, without the upkeep of real timber.
- Textured or stone-effect finishes can mask wear and tear.
Kitchen Appliances: Buy for Life, Not for Likes
A wall of ovens might look sleek, but if you rarely bake or cook for large groups, it’s probably unnecessary. Instead, consider appliances that make life easier:
- A combi oven instead of two full ovens
- A boiling water tap instead of a kettle cluttering the worktop
- A downdraft extractor for a streamlined look (without the need for a bulky hood)
Work with a local kitchen expert to identify what suits your space and your usage—not just what looks impressive in a showroom.
Think About Cleaning—Yes, Really
When you plan a kitchen, cleaning is often the last thing on your mind. But it can make or break the long-term usability of the space.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Gaps between units and appliances where crumbs collect
- Difficult-to-reach corners or high-level cupboards
- Grooved or shaker doors that trap grease in a busy kitchen
Many modern brands like Next125 and Nobilia offer minimalist, handleless kitchens that are easy to wipe down and maintain—ideal for households that value speed and simplicity.
Include Real-Life Zones
Social media loves a floating shelf moment. But what about that pile of post? The school permission slips? Bills? The unsorted recycling?
When you plan a kitchen, include practical zones that work for your real life:
- Drop zone by the door for keys, post, and phones
- Hidden bins and recycling centres with separate compartments
- Integrated utility zones behind pocket doors for laundry or cleaning supplies
- Charging drawers for devices and cables
These are the features that won’t get a thousand likes—but will make your day-to-day life smoother and far less cluttered.
Kitchen Lighting Should Be Layered
Mood lighting looks fantastic online, but in real life, you’ll need a layered approach:
- Task lighting under cabinets for food prep
- Ambient lighting from ceiling spots or pendants
- Accent lighting in open shelving or plinths
Don’t rely on one central light fitting. And definitely don’t skip planning your lighting during the design phase—it’s harder (and more expensive) to fix later.
Your Kitchen Should Work Hard—Not Just Look Good
The truth is, real kitchens don’t always stay tidy. They fill up with mess, with noise, with life. And that’s what they’re for. So, when you plan a kitchen, resist the temptation to design something you think you should want. Choose something that works for you.
At Kitchen Experts, we work with trusted, reputable partners across the kitchen sector. From bespoke cabinetry and stylish accessories to premium appliances, our Kitchen Experts collaborate exclusively with leading manufacturers whose high standards align with our own. Whether you prefer German precision from Nobilia, Bauformat, or Ballerina, or intelligent value from Impuls, your local kitchen experts can guide you through your options with honest, practical advice tailored to your needs. design phase—it’s harder (and more expensive) to fix later.
Final Thoughts
Planning a kitchen isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about making your space work for your life. With the right layout, smart storage, and finishes that hold up to daily wear, you can create a kitchen that’s not just beautiful, but genuinely functional.
So step away from the filters, and focus on what really matters: a kitchen that fits your lifestyle today—but which can also adapt for tomorrow.
