Planning
Planning a kitchen is one of the most exciting parts of renovating a home, but it’s also where a lot of mistakes happen. People jump straight into picking door colours or worktops without thinking about the bigger picture. A good kitchen isn’t just about what looks nice in a brochure. It’s about how it feels to cook in, how easily you can move around, and whether it suits your daily routine.
This blog isn’t about trends or what’s fashionable this month. It’s for anyone who wants a kitchen that actually works, one that suits your life, your habits, and your future. If you’re about to start planning, these are the things worth knowing first.
1
Don’t Follow Trends – Follow Your Life
Some kitchens look amazing on Instagram. Then you realise there’s nowhere to put a bin or store a frying pan. Start by thinking about how you use your kitchen, not how others use theirs.
Do you cook most nights or only now and then? Do you need space for packed lunches, big Sunday dinners, or baking sessions with the kids? Do you use lots of gadgets? What about pets, visitors, or homework at the table?
Make a quick list of what happens in your kitchen on a normal day. This will help you decide how much space you need, where the busy zones are, and how to avoid getting in your own way when you’re cooking
2
Layout is Everything
It doesn’t matter how beautiful your kitchen is, if the layout is awkward, you’ll notice it every single day. That’s why function has to come before style.
A good starting point is the “working triangle”, the idea that your fridge, cooker, and sink should be positioned in a triangle layout to reduce extra steps while cooking. This works in most kitchens, but it’s not a hard rule. What matters more is how easily you can move around without constantly bumping into cupboards or people.
If your kitchen is long and narrow, an L-shape or galley layout might be the way to go. Got more space? An island could work, but only if there’s still enough room to move comfortably. It’s easy to fall in love with design ideas, but make sure they fit your room, not just your Pinterest board.
3
Storage: The Boring Bit That Changes Everything
People always regret not planning more storage, never the other way around. You might think, “I’ll just declutter,” but let’s be real. Life gets busy, and clutter builds up fast.
Think about what you actually own: the toaster, the air fryer, the stacks of mugs, the lunchboxes, the slow cooker you use once a month. Where’s all that going to live? A few smart storage ideas now can save you years of frustration.
Pull-out shelves, deep drawers, corner units, tall larder cabinets, these aren’t luxury extras, they’re game-changers. Also, think beyond storage quantity. It’s not just how much space you have, it’s how easy it is to use. If it’s awkward to reach, you won’t use it.
4
Plan for the Future, Not Just Today
Think long term. Is this your forever home? Will you need a more accessible kitchen in 10 years? Are your kids small now, but teens in a few years?
A kitchen you love now might not suit you down the line. Plan with flexibility in mind. That could mean leaving space for additional appliances later, using pull-out drawers instead of low cupboards, or choosing materials that are durable and easy to clean.
5
Lighting Can Make or Break the Space
Lighting isn’t just an afterthought, it’s one of the most important things in your kitchen. And yet, it’s something people often leave until the end. Bad lighting makes even the best kitchens feel dull. Good lighting can take a simple layout and make it feel fresh, warm, and functional.
You need a mix of three types:
- Task lighting – This is for food prep, cooking, and cleaning. Think under-cabinet lights or spotlights over your worktops. You want this bright and direct.
- Ambient lighting – This is your main room lighting. It fills the space and sets the overall tone. Usually, ceiling lights, pendants, or a combination.
- Accent lighting – Adds a bit of style. This could be lights inside glass cabinets, or LED strips along plinths or shelves.
Don’t just go for one big light in the centre of the ceiling, that’s what makes kitchens feel flat. Layer your lighting like you layer your storage: put it where you’ll actually use it.
Bonus tip: If your kitchen faces north or doesn’t get a lot of natural light, lean towards warmer bulbs to stop the space from feeling cold and clinical.
6
Your Budget Will Decide More Than You Think
No matter how carefully you plan, your budget is going to be the main decision-maker. Be honest about what you can afford before you get attached to certain finishes or brands.
Here’s a smart way to break it down:
- Spend the most on things you use every day, like your worktops, cabinets, and appliances.
- Don’t blow your budget on things you can easily upgrade later, like lighting fittings or bar stools
- Leave some breathing room. Kitchens almost always go a bit over budget, hidden plumbing issues, extra wiring, or just small add-ons that add up.
Also, watch out for cheap options that cost more long-term. A laminate counter might save you money now, but a more durable surface could last twice as long and still look new.
If your budget is tight, focus on layout, storage, and lighting first. These are the parts that make a kitchen work. You can always upgrade finishes later.
7
Materials: Choose What You Can Live With
It’s easy to get swept up by showroom displays and forget about real life. Your kitchen isn’t being used for photoshoots, it’s being used for dinner at 6pm when the dog’s barking, someone’s spilling pasta, and you’ve got five things on the hob.
So, pick materials you won’t hate cleaning. Some examples:
- Quartz or granite worktops look great and are tough. Laminate is cheaper, but won’t handle heat as well.
- Matt cabinet doors don’t show fingerprints as much as gloss.
- Vinyl or tile flooring is easier to clean than wood if you’ve got pets or kids.
Think about your life. If you cook a lot, go for a splashback that wipes clean easily. If your house is busy, avoid delicate finishes that chip or stain easily. And always check what kind of maintenance is needed before buying, because the last thing you want is a countertop that needs special treatment every week.
8
Appliances: Plan Their Spots Early
Appliances take up more space than people realise. Fridges, ovens, dishwashers, they all need clearances, access to power, sometimes ventilation, and usually water too. That means you have to plan their positions early.
Here’s what to do:
- Choose your main appliances at the layout stage, not after.
- Make sure the doors don’t clash with each other or block key paths.
- Think about noise, dishwashers next to seating areas can be annoying if they’re too loud.
- Leave worktop space beside the cooker and fridge. You need somewhere to put things down, even if it’s just a hot pan or a grocery bag.
If you’re getting integrated appliances, be sure to check the specs, especially if you’re mixing brands. Not all are standard size, and some need extra room behind for pipes or plugs.
9
Professional Fitting Included – No Stress, No Hassle
When you choose Good Brother for your kitchen, you don’t need to stress about finding the right fitter. We partner with the very best in the business, ensuring your kitchen is installed with the highest standards of workmanship.
Our team works with experienced fitters who understand every detail of your design, guaranteeing everything is done right the first time. No scrambling to find a plumber, no guessing if the cabinets are level, and no worrying if the finishes will match up. It’s all part of the service.
With Good Brother, you get:
- Trusted, professional fitters are included with your project.
- Seamless coordination with electricians, plumbers, and tilers.
- Quality checks at every stage to catch any issues before they become problems.
Our goal is to make your kitchen renovation smooth and worry-free. From design to final fitting, we handle every step, so all you have to do is enjoy your new space.
10
Don’t Rush the Finishing Touches
When you choose Good Brother for your kitchen, you don’t need to stress about finding the right fitter. We partner with the very best in the business, ensuring your kitchen is installed with the highest standards of workmanship.
Our team works with experienced fitters who understand every detail of your design, guaranteeing everything is done right the first time. No scrambling to find a plumber, no guessing if the cabinets are level, and no worrying if the finishes will match up. It’s all part of the service.
This includes:
- Sealant along the worktops and splashbacks
- Properly fitted handles and hinges
- Matching kickboards and trims
- Final tweaks to door alignment
Also, this is the stage where people usually start putting things back in cupboards, often in a rush. Take a beat. Plan out what goes where. Set up your storage so it makes sense. It’s a small thing, but it can save you time and frustration every day.
And if something’s not quite right, say, a door is crooked or a drawer sticks, don’t settle. Call the fitter back and get it sorted now. It’s much harder to fix once everything’s in use.
Aftercare: Your Kitchen Doesn’t Look After Itself
Kitchens take a beating. Hot pans, spills, bangs, scuffs, it’s a tough environment. So once yours is finished, don’t forget about looking after it properly.
Ask your fitter or supplier:
- How should I clean the worktops?
- Are there any products I should avoid?
- What do I do if a door panel or hinge needs replacing?
For example, natural stone might need resealing every year or two. Gloss finishes can scratch if you use harsh cloths. Soft-close hinges can be adjusted if they start to go wonky. Knowing this stuff means your kitchen will look better and last longer.
It’s also worth keeping hold of your kitchen plan, supplier details, and any product codes. That way, if anything needs fixing down the line, you’re not starting from scratch.
Common Kitchen Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, kitchen projects can go off track if you’re not careful. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make, and how to avoid them.
Ignoring Natural Light
If your kitchen has a window, don’t block it with tall units or big appliances. Natural light is one of the best features a kitchen can have, and once it’s gone, the room can feel dull and boxed in. Maximise it where you can, use lighter colours, open shelves, or glass-fronted cabinets near the window to keep things bright.
Going Too Trendy
A kitchen is a big investment, and ideally, it should last you 15–20 years or more. So if you’re choosing bold colours, unusual layouts, or statement materials just because they’re “in” right now, ask yourself if you’ll still love it in five years. Trends come and go, but ripping out a kitchen is expensive.
Instead, keep the core of your kitchen timeless, think neutral cabinets, classic worktops, and play with trends using things that are easy to change, like light fittings, stools, or wall colours.
Overdoing Open Shelves
Open shelves look nice in magazines, but in real life, they collect dust and grease. One or two is fine, maybe for mugs or glasses, but don’t rely on them for all your storage. You’ll spend more time cleaning than you think.
Not Thinking About Ventilation
Cook a lot of curries or fry food regularly? You’ll need proper extraction. Don’t rely on a cheap hood that just recirculates air, it won’t do the job. A ducted extractor fan that vents outside is much more effective at removing smells, steam, and airborne grease.
Forgetting The Bins
Yes, bins. Every kitchen needs them, and somehow they’re always an afterthought. Build in a proper bin system that suits your lifestyle: recycling, compost, general waste. Ideally, place them near your food prep area so you’re not crossing the room with veggie peels every five minutes.
Leaving it To Late
Biggest mistake of all? Leaving things too late. Whether it’s getting quotes, picking appliances, or deciding on layout, rushing causes stress, delays, and mistakes. Take your time, ask questions, and start planning early. You’ll thank yourself later.
