Seeing a beautiful kitchen on social media might get us in a renovation mood, but finding the right balance between form and function can be tricky. With creative solutions to the mix of ‘aesthetics’ and ‘ease of use’, we have kitchen design ideas that will give you the combination you’ve been looking for.

Designing for functionality

To make the most of your kitchen, you need to design for useability. So, let’s take a look at some practical kitchen design ideas:

Embrace an open design

An open layout will give you the space to cook your favourite meals and make it easier to socialise with friends and family. Design with open shelving to keep essentials within reach. Opt for contrasting flooring and use a kitchen island as a divider to open the space and increase practicality.

For extra fun, bring in light colours through tiles and fixtures to bounce around light.

Maximise efficiency

There’s only so much an open plan can do — especially when you’re looking for kitchen organisation ideas — so don’t be afraid to explore smart storage solutions to maximise efficiency. Look for vertical cabinets, pull-out shelves and under-counter drawers to make the kitchen dance more seamless. 

For an added touch, consider the ‘work triangle’ concept, where the sink, stove and refrigerator are arranged in a triangle for better flow.

Layout for success

If you’re designing the kitchen from scratch, this is your chance to have fun with the layout. These are our favourite kitchen layout ideas for effectiveness:

• L-shaped kitchens: This design layout uses two right-angled walls to create a more usable kitchen. All cabinetry, bench space and appliances will be on these two walls, leaving an open area in the centre. 
• U-shaped kitchens: As the name suggests, the U-shape makes the most of three walls with integrated kitchen cabinets, appliances and benchtops. The design gives you quick access to everything you need.

Bringing your design to life

Now that you’ve figured out the layout, it’s time to add the ‘bold’ to your ‘bold and functional kitchen’.

Identify your style

Being bold means getting creative with your style. Think about your favourite design aesthetic. Are you a minimalist who prefers black hardware with white colouring for defined lines? Or is a rustic and homey feel with warm brass hardware and natural colours up your alley? Identifying your style will make picking the materials and colours for your bold kitchen easier.

Bring in the bold

Making your kitchen stand out will be easy when you combine bold colours with purposeful bases. Choose experimental and visually interesting kitchen floor tiles or an eye-catching backsplash for added design flair. If you want to add more interest, look for contrasting colours for your base and upper cabinets. One of our favourite ways to do this is to use darker colours on the lower cabinets and light colours on the upper cabinets.

Don’t forget quality

Quality materials will make your kitchen look all the more beautiful. Look for quality countertops, premium fixtures and good appliances. As an added bonus, this upfront investment means you won’t have to worry about replacing your kitchen items every few years.

Want to get started?

Creating a usable kitchen doesn’t mean compromising on beauty. With a little thought and planning, your friends and family will be envious of your bold and beautiful design. 

Where better to start than with the Yabby range? Our premium tapware may be just what you need to execute your vision. Need more help? Contact the Yabby team to kickstart your design journey.