How to Design a Kitchen: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Functional and Beautiful Space

Tatiana Artemenko
Jun 24
3 min read

Designing a kitchen is one of the most exciting—and high-impact—projects you can take on in your home. At TADesign Studios, we’ve designed countless kitchens over the years, from compact condos to full custom builds. One thing never changes: function always comes first.

A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t work well for your lifestyle will never feel quite right. And a well-planned kitchen will always elevate even the most modest home.

Whether you're working with a tight layout or planning a modern, open-concept space, here are some key principles to help you make smart, timeless decisions. 1. Prioritize Function — Especially in Smaller Kitchens

If your kitchen space is limited, invest in drawers and inner cabinet accessories. Yes, they’re pricier than standard shelving—but they dramatically improve how much you can store and how easily you can access everything. Pull-out spice racks, utensil organizers, hidden corner pull-outs—they all make daily cooking and cleanup smoother, especially when every inch counts.

2. Know What Drives the Price Up

Pinterest is full of beautiful inspiration—but most of those clever pull-outs, hidden bins, lazy Susans, and built-in dividers are add-ons, not standard features. The more accessories, the higher the cabinetry cost.Also worth noting: drawers generally cost more than basic cabinet doors. They’re worth it in key zones, but budget for them strategically.

3. Go Panel-Ready for a Seamless Look

If your goal is a modern, clean, and easy-to-resell kitchen—panel-ready appliances are a smart upgrade. They’re more expensive, but they allow your fridge and dishwasher to disappear behind cabinetry, giving your kitchen a cohesive, high-end look.Unless your space is intentionally designed around a visible appliance (e.g. a stainless steel Wolf range), this investment goes a long way toward making your kitchen feel custom.

4. Don’t Ruin Your Backsplash with Outlet Placement

If you’re installing a waterfall stone backsplash, don’t let standard outlets interrupt the design. It’s a small detail, but one that can totally undermine the luxury feel of the space.Instead:

Work with your millworker to create hidden outlet solutions
Use stone outlet covers for a seamless look
Consider under-cabinet strips where possible

When you’ve invested in beautiful materials, the details matter.

5. Remember the Work Triangle

This one’s obvious, but still ignored too often. The work triangle (fridge, sink, stove) should allow for a smooth, natural workflow. If one of these zones is out of sync, it can make the entire kitchen feel clumsy—especially in tight layouts. Always start your design with the triangle in mind.

6. Choose Counter-Depth Fridges

Standard fridges are bulky and often stick out far beyond the surrounding cabinetry. It may not seem like a big deal on paper, but in person, that visual “chunk” can disrupt the entire look of your kitchen.Opt for a counter-depth fridge for a clean, integrated feel—and if possible, recess it into the wall for an even sleeker result.

7. Combine Appliance Towers for Better Flow

If you have an L-shaped kitchen and want to include a tall oven tower, pair it with your fridge and pantry in the same zone. This creates a streamlined look and allows your “tall wall” to be functional and visually balanced. It’s a subtle design move that makes a major difference in the overall layout.

Kitchen design is a blend of logic, lifestyle, and long-term vision. At TADesign Studios, we approach every kitchen with function, detail, and resale value in mind—so you don’t have to choose between beauty and practicality.