The 9 steps I follow when I start to design a kitchen, ensuring success every time

Interior designer Ashley Montgomery is one of Homes & Gardens' new Editors-At-Large for By Design, sharing her thoughts on decor. See the rest of her articles here.

Designing a kitchen can be exciting – until it becomes overwhelming. One moment, you’re imagining a perfectly curated island or a striking vintage light fixture; the next, you find yourself debating grout colors for hours, questioning where to even begin.

Step 1 – start with the island

Forget the old rulebook. I like to begin with the kitchen island. It’s the heart of the kitchen, the hub of activity, and, for me, the anchor of the entire design.

Will it house a sink, or stand as a striking, furniture-style island reminiscent of a vintage draper’s table? Perhaps it features open shelving, or soft, rounded corners that bring warmth and balance to the room. Whatever form it takes, the island helps answer many other questions: the layout, the flow, the finishes, the mood.

So yes – I start there. Every. Single. Time.

Step 2 – make it functional (or you'll regret it)

A beautiful kitchen that doesn’t function is money wasted. No matter how dreamy your kitchen backsplash is, if your cabinet doors collide or your workflow is awkward, it’s a space you’ll never truly love.

Think about how you live. Are you cooking three meals a day, or is this more of a wine-and-charcuterie haven? Do you need space for the kids to do homework while you prep dinner? Is it a hub for entertaining, or a peaceful sanctuary for yourself?

Design around your lifestyle. Function always comes first.

Step 3 – layout is everything

Once the island is set and you understand how the space will be used, it’s time to finalise the layout.

Keep the classic kitchen triangle in mind – fridge, stove, sink – and make sure these key points work seamlessly together. The flow should feel intuitive; you don’t want to be walking a marathon just to make a sandwich.

Whether it’s a galley kitchen, an L-shaped kitchen, or an open-concept kitchen anchored by a generous island (hello, dream kitchen), a carefully considered layout is essential. It will shape not just the look, but the everyday experience of the space.

Step 4 – Budget: know it, respect it, bend it (a little)

Of course, we’d all love marble counters, bespoke cabinetry, and unlacquered brass taps hand-forged in England. But in reality, priorities are essential.

Invest where it truly counts: durable countertops, well-crafted cabinetry, and appliances you’ll use every day. Save on elements like tile or hardware – there are plenty of beautiful, budget-friendly options available.

Always set a realistic budget with a 10–15% buffer for the inevitable surprises. Because in renovations, those 'uh-oh' moments aren’t a matter of if – but when.

Step 5 – let your style guide you

Choose a style direction and commit – but don’t be too precious. Whether your kitchen is warm and layered, clean and modern, or infused with a European flair, it should reflect not just the you of today, but the you of the future.

Avoid chasing trends. They’re like fast fashion – exciting for a moment, but soon they feel dated. Instead, build on timeless foundations and express personality through texture, color, and carefully chosen accents. If you truly love it, it will never go out of style.

Step 6 – focus on appliances: let the range be the star

We love a show-stopping range – whether it’s a bold pop of color, matte black, or classic stainless steel – let it shine. It’s functional art, and it deserves to be treated like the diva it is.

For the rest of the appliances, panel them whenever possible. Hide the dishwasher, tuck the fridge into a built-in nook, and let everything blend seamlessly with the cabinetry. Unless, of course, you have one of those glorious residential acrylic fridges – in that case, give it the spotlight it deserves and a well-earned round of applause.

I’m especially fond of styling the fridge as its own hutch. It adds charm, structure, and breaks up a wall of cabinets in the most graceful, considered way.

Step 7 – hardware: keep it small but mighty

Kitchen hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. The right pieces can make everything shine – or fall flat.

Often, the last detail people consider, the right hardware has the power to transform the entire feel of a space. Don’t be afraid to mix styles – a bin pull here, a simple knob there – but keep everything in the same finish to maintain cohesion.

Think of it like an outfit. Your kitchen might be wearing a classic blazer, but the hardware? That’s the bold statement earring that makes it unforgettable.

Step 8 – lighting: break the 'three pendants' rule

Kitchen lighting is where you get to have some fun. Of course, you need task lighting – you don’t want to be chopping onions in the dark – but that’s just the beginning.

Can we retire the rule that says you must have three pendants over the island? Who even made that rule? A single vintage chandelier can be breathtaking, or two oversized pendants can create drama and surprise. If you do stick with three, play with scale – go bold, or don’t bother.

Lighting is an opportunity to infuse personality and style into your kitchen. Don’t let it be boring.

Step 9 – real life matters

Design your kitchen for real life, not just Instagram.

Build in more storage than you think you’ll need. Use durable materials that can handle life’s messes. Plan your zones: prep, cook, clean, and gather. And remember that beauty and practicality aren’t mutually exclusive.

You’re going to live here. The kitchen should work as hard as you do. Choose materials that are going to patina over time and show the memories that you are creating in your kitchen.

Final thoughts

So, where do you start when designing a kitchen?

Start with the island. Let it lead the way. Then design with function, focus on what matters, and don’t forget to have fun. Break a few rules. Make bold choices. Mix the old with the new.

Because the best kitchens aren’t just beautiful – they feel good to be in. They’re the backdrop to your everyday life. So make yours one you truly love.