Six Key Decisions to Consider When Planning Your Kitchen Renovation

Stacey Sheppard stood in a grey Magnet kitchen

Me when I worked with Magnet Kitchens to style their Tatton kitchen range

When asked, most people would say the kitchen is the heart of the home. Afterall, it’s where we come together to prepare and share our meal, and entertain our friends and family. The kitchen is one of the most-used spaces in a home, so it needs be be both stylish and functional. When embarking on a kitchen renovation it is important to get it right given that a new kitchen can increase the value of your home by 5-6% on average. But a kitchen renovation is a big undertaking and not to be taken lightly. It’s more than just choosing cabinets and worktops; it’s about crafting a space that works for you and your family and your lifestyle and also reflects your personal style.

Whether you’re a fan of contemporary trends or timeless classics, the practical choices you make during your kitchen renovation should ensure that your kitchen remains useful as well as beautiful for years to come. So, here are six key decisions you will need to make during the process to help you create a kitchen that truly feels like the heart of your home.

Refine Your Vision

Nordic-inspired nature kitchen by Magnet

Nordic Nature Kitchen with island from Magnet Kitchens

The process of a kitchen renovation should start with a clear vision. This is the fun bit where you get to dream big and gather your inspiration. It’s where you need to think about how you want your kitchen to feel. Are you looking for a sophisticated and minimalist kitchen? An urban rustic kitchen? A sustainable kitchen? Or a practical and family-friendly kitchen? It can be useful to begin by gathering inspiration from your favourite design magazines, Pinterest, or even your own travels, and create a mood board to map out your ideas. This may be images of bespoke luxury kitchens, shaker-style kitchens, free-standing kitchens or hand-crafted kitchens. Don’t worry too much about the budget at this time, you’re simply looking for inspiration and you can think about the budget later.

Remember though that your vision should encompass more than aesthetics. You’ll also want to create a functional kitchen. Think about how you use your kitchen every day. Do you need more counter space for baking? Perhaps you want a pantry to house all your ingredients. Do you want an appliance garage to hide all your small appliances? Do you want a kitchen island? Or a breakfast bar? Or maybe you need an accessible kitchen that works for small children as well as elderly family members.

Once you have a solid sense of direction, you can look for a reputable kitchen design team that can bring your ideas to life. The right professionals will not only help refine your vision but also ensure that every detail—big or small—aligns with your goals. And that it all comes in on budget.

Incorporate Clever Storage Solutions

Cabinet Plus from Magnet Kitchens

Storage is the backbone of a functional kitchen, but it can be overlooked in all the excitement that comes with choosing finishes, fittings and colour palettes. Before you get too carried away, take a moment to really examine your current storage challenges and think about what you’d like to improve.

Space-saving kitchen ideas like hidden drawers, pull-out pantry systems, and built-in shelving are just a few of the innovative kitchen storage solutions that can make a world of difference. For a sleeker look, consider integrated appliances and handleless cabinetry to create clean lines while maximizing storage space.

Maximizing Natural Light and Layering Your Lighting

Layered lighting in an open plan space by John Cullen

Kitchen Lighting by John Cullen Lighting 

Lighting is incredibly important and often overlooked when it comes to home design. The kitchen being the workhorse of the home requires particular attention when it comes to lighting. The starting point is obviously to prioritise and maximise natural light where possible. Large windows, patio doors, a skylight, or even rooflights can flood your space with natural light. Creating a more biophilic kitchen design that brings nature into the home not only looks great but also improves your sense of wellbeing.

Natural light is only one element though and cannot solve all your problems. You will also need to add artificial light which should be carefully layered. Ambient lighting, such as recessed spotlights or pendant lights, should be installed alongside task lighting under cabinets which will illuminate the work stations. Natural materials like linen or rattan shades for pendant lights bring a soft, biophilic element to lighting fixtures, blending practicality with style. The next thing to consider is adding in some accent lighting that will allow you to highlight interesting features such as open shelving, artwork or architectural details. Creating these different lighting layers will not only create atmosphere but will give you maximum flexibility.

Choosing a Timeless Colour Palette

Sage green kitchen from Symphony Kitchens

Laura Ashley Whitby Kitchen in Atlantic Green from Symphony Kitchens

Interior design trends come and go and the pace is insane when you think about it. Every year we have articles on what’s in and what’s out, and don’t get me wrong, I write those articles both here and for other outlets. I love predicting and following the trends as they come and go, but I certainly don’t adopt them all. I need to know the trends I do adopt are one’s I won’t get sick of in a years time. A well-chosen colour palette sets the tone for your entire kitchen but we really should exercise some caution. While bold colours and trendy finishes are tempting, it’s important to chose something that you know you can live with for years to come. Neutral or earthy tones like soft greys, warm whites, or muted greens, are a safer option and they create a calming and flexible base. But having said that, if navy blue or pink has been your favourite colour for years and you’re unlikely to go off it, don’t let that stop you.

If you want to play it safe, choosing neutral cabinets but adding bold accents, such as a statement backsplash or colourful accessories like bar stools, textiles, or artwork, can be a good option.

Durable and Stylish Flooring Options

Kitchen featuring Nature-Inspired Laminate Flooring by Quickstep

Botanic Concrete Flooring by Quickstep

Another key decision for your kitchen renovation is the flooring. The kitchen in particular needs flooring that can withstand the abuse that it will take. From flooring that can withstand heay footfall or accidental spills to flooring that is pet-friendly, it’s important that you choose a material that is up to the challenge. Hardwood floors are a popular option especially in a classic herringbone pattern, as they add a sense of warmth and durability. Alternatively, engineered wood and luxury vinyl are cost-effective ways to mimic the look of real wood while offering extra resilience.

Reclaimed or antique tiles can provide a low-maintenance solution whilst also adding visual interest to the floor and cork flooring is a great option if sustainability is something you value. The important thing is to choose a flooring that works for you, your family and your lifestyle and complements the rest of the kitchen.

Finishing Touches: Accessories That Complete the Look

Square shelving in a magnet kitchen full of plants and decorative objects

My styling of the Magnet Tatton kitchen

Once the main elements are in place, it’s time to add the details that make your kitchen feel like home. Thoughtfully chosen accessories can elevate your space, adding personality and charm.

Try displaying your favourite cookbooks, ceramic dishes and plants on open shelves for a lived-in feel. Add texture and warmth with woven baskets or a cosy throw draped over a dining bench. A vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of seasonal fruit can add a pop of colour to your countertops.

Don’t forget wall art—it’s an often-overlooked opportunity to bring character into the kitchen. A bold abstract painting or a collection of framed prints can transform blank walls into a focal point.

A Kitchen That Grows With You

Stacey Sheppard styling a grey Magnet kitchen

Me when I worked with Magnet Kitchens to style their Tatton kitchen range

A kitchen renovation is a big deal with lots of important decisions that need to be given careful consideration, afterall, it’s an investment in your lifestyle. By making thoughtful design choices, choosing durable materials, and opting for timeless aesthetics, you can create a space that grows with you, serving the needs of you and your family for years to come.

Whether you’re updating lighting, rethinking your storage, or adding the finishing touches, every decision matters. Hopefully this guide will make those decisions that little bit easier for you.

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