Designing Kitchens That Actually Work (and Look Like They Belong in a Magazine)

Kitchens are the workhorses of the home. Let’s be honest – they have to work hard to look good. And with Pinterest and Instagram constantly showing us picture-perfect spaces, it’s no surprise our own tired, cluttered kitchens might start to feel like the poor cousin nobody talks about.

But here’s the truth: magazine-worthy kitchens aren’t born, they’re planned. And the planning part? That’s where the real magic happens (and luckily, it’s what we love doing).

Organisation: The Unsung Hero

When everything has its place, your kitchen doesn’t just look better – it functions better too.

One of my favourite solutions is the Blum Space Tower – essentially four deep drawers inside a tall cupboard. It’s a clever, space-saving alternative to fixed shelving, and makes everyday access a breeze.

If you have the room, consider adding an appliance garage – somewhere to tuck away the toaster, air fryer or coffee machine. It keeps your worktops clear and gives your kitchen a calm, tidy look without hiding the things you use every day.

And while we’re clearing those worktops: invest in a Quooker tap. It replaces your kettle, your SodaStream, and even frees up fridge space – no more bottles of sparkling water taking up a whole shelf.

What Makes a Kitchen Feel “Magazine-Worthy”?

In my opinion? It’s not about chasing trends.

If you happen to love what’s trending, go for it – but balance is key. Try limiting your palette to three colours in the room, then experiment with tones, textures, and finishes within those.

For longevity, stick with neutral units and worktops, and consider colour-drenching the walls or ceiling for contrast. The overall effect can be dramatic, but still timeless.

What pulls it all together are the extras – open shelving with cookbooks, vintage glassware, a statement light, a handmade bowl from your last weekend away. That’s what turns a showroom into a home.

Add a Bit of You (and a Bit of Bear)

Anthony and I love a good vintage fair or car boot sale. You never know what you’ll find – a quirky light fitting, a stack of old Penguin books, or something we can turn into a talking point in a client’s home.

We also take a lot of inspiration from stately homes, old interiors books, and beautifully curated magazines. And we always keep one eye on what feels genuine, not just glossy.

Your Kitchen, Your Way

Designing a kitchen is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our job is to make sure your kitchen isn’t just beautiful, but practical too, for real life, real cooking, and real mornings.

If you’d like to chat through your ideas, book a visit to our Fakenham showroom. We’ll pop the kettle on (or the Quooker, if you’re fancy like us).

Want to start a project with us?
Get in touch here or call 01328 856 395.
Showroom visits by appointment only.