BTS Part 2: How I Approach Family Kitchen Design
Understanding their Lifestyle
Exactly what do my clients like to do in their kitchen? For every family it is different. Some of my clients place an emphasis on entertaining and hosting gatherings. Another client may prefer for this to be a space where parents can enjoy the cooking process for a few moments in solitude. Yet another client may want the kitchen to be a space where there is a place for everyone whether they are making the meal or merely keeping the cook company.
At the onset of all my projects, I have a brief meeting with my clients - the "Deep Dive Interview" I like to call it. This is where I sit down with them in a relaxed setting in their home and chat with them about their routines. For kitchen renovations, I try to understand things like--- who is the first to make it to the kitchen int he morning? are mornings slow and simple or more rushed for everyone? is everyone in the kitchen at one time? All of these pieces work together to help me understand my client's lifestyles and prepare to design a kitchen that works just as hard as they do.
2. Layout and Flow for their Kitchen
You have probably heard that layout is the foundation to a great design plan and it really is. Once I am able to pinpint the natural flow of my client's lifestyle. I can then begin addressing their functional needs from a technical level. I think through what type of layout clients will need --- L shaped kitchen, U shaped kitchen, island focused, galley style. There is a particualr emphasis on the traffic flow and walkways in a kitchen giving special attention to the work traingle (sink,stove, and refrigerator placement).
Based on what I uncovered in the Lifestyle discovery phase, I can take those needs and make sure that the kitchen space plan is optimized for prepping, cooking, storing items, and entertaining guests. This is also the time that I work on providing my clients with one or two space plan options that give them an idea of whether to opt for an open concept layout or a more traditional layout depending on how the home was designed structurally.
3. Selecting the Right Finishes and Materials
The pros and cons of a plethora of materials is weighed next on my kitchen design thinking process. Based on budget, I consider the options between going cutsom or semi custom for kitchen cabinetry. Some of my clients want plenty of storage with all closed cabinetry while some of my clients prefer glass or completely open shelving to display heirlooms or decorative objects. Additional storage or walk in pantries are a must for some clients while others prefer to keep the design minimal.
Countertops and flooring are some of the most crucial material decisions in kitchen design. This is where allot of the wear and tear goes whether it's mom cooking at the kitchen counter or kids running across the the kitchen floor playing. Durability is key when choosing the materials for these two spaces. I like to select materials for family kitchens that are durable and that give character to the style of the home.
4. Layering the Lighting for Function
I have dicussed multiple times the benefit of a layered lighting plan in previous blog posts and the kitchen is no exception. You have to think about needs when it come to a kitchen lighting plan. Cabinet under lighting is a must for prepping food. Pendant lights can add so much personality to a kitchen while also giving an important functional aspect. Fun, accent lighting could be glass cabinet lights or modern LED strips that give a moody vibe.
Natural light is just as important as artificial in the kitchen. If the kitchen doesn't have the ability for bigger windows, consider a skylight to brighten up a space. Dimmers in a kitchen are also a lighting consideration that I opt for if it fits the client's needs. These can help artificial light not be so harsh in the early morning and late evening hours setting the perfect mood in the kitchen area.
At the end of the day, a well-designed kitchen is more than just a beautiful space—it’s a place where everyday moments happen.
Whether it’s a bustling morning routine, a quiet evening of cooking, or a lively gathering of friends and family, the kitchen should adapt to the rhythms of life. My approach to kitchen design is rooted in understanding how a family truly lives in the space, then crafting a layout, selecting durable materials, and layering in thoughtful lighting to support those needs. Every detail—from the traffic flow to the cabinet finishes—works together to create a kitchen that is both highly functional and deeply personal. Because when a kitchen is designed for the people who use it, it becomes not just a workspace, but the heart of the home where memories are made for years to come.
