When planning a new kitchen, it is easy to start with colours, cabinet styles, worktops and appliances.
All of those choices matter, but the best kitchen designs usually begin somewhere else entirely: with the people who are going to use the space every day.
For homeowners looking for kitchen design in Liverpool, Wirral or other areas across the North West, it is important to think carefully about the available space, how the kitchen will connect with surrounding rooms, where storage is needed and how the layout can make everyday life easier.
Our recent kitchen for Devon and Tom is a great example of how thoughtful design can bring all of these elements together.
Start With the Way the Space Will Be Used
Devon and Tom’s new kitchen formed part of a large extension designed to create an open plan kitchen, utility, dining and living space.
That meant the kitchen needed to work as part of a much wider room. It had to feel connected to the dining and living areas while still giving Devon and Tom a practical space for cooking, storage and everyday family life.
Before choosing finishes or appliances, it helps to think about how people will actually move through the room.
Where will meals be prepared? Where will people sit? Which items need to be close at hand? How much storage is really needed? How will the kitchen connect with the rest of the home?
Getting these decisions right early on can make a huge difference to how the finished kitchen feels and functions.
Making the Island Part of Everyday Life
A kitchen island can become the focal point of an open plan space, but it works best when it has a clear purpose.
In Devon and Tom’s kitchen, the island was designed to do much more than simply sit in the centre of the room.
It includes:
- Additional storage
- The main sink
- An integrated dishwasher
- An internal waste bin
- Informal seating
Bringing these features together helps create a practical working area while also making the island a natural place to gather.
The Ice White Quartz worktop adds a fresh contrast against the deep Regiment Green cabinetry and helps the island stand out as one of the main features of the room.
Storage That Works Around Daily Routines
Good storage is not simply about fitting in as many cupboards as possible.
It is about thinking carefully about what needs to be stored, where it should go and how often it will be used.
One of the standout features in Devon and Tom’s kitchen is the Bi Fold Pantry.
Positioned directly on the worktop, it gives them a dedicated space for the microwave, kettle and toaster. Everything is easy to reach when needed, but can be neatly hidden away when not in use.
It is a small detail in the overall design, but one that can make a noticeable difference to how tidy and organised the kitchen feels every day.
Thinking Beyond the Kitchen Units
In an open plan room, the kitchen should not feel separate from everything around it.
The dining area in Devon and Tom’s home was positioned towards the Bi Fold doors, helping make the most of the natural light and creating a strong connection with the garden.
The seating arrangement was also designed specifically around the space, allowing the dining table to work comfortably without making the room feel overcrowded.
This kind of planning is an important part of kitchen design. The kitchen itself is only one part of the room, so it needs to work naturally with everything around it.
Bringing the Look Together
Once the layout and practical details have been considered, the materials and finishes can really bring the character of the kitchen to life.
Devon and Tom chose Craythorne cabinetry in Regiment Green, which gives a contemporary feel to a traditional Shaker inspired design.
The slimmer frame keeps the look clean and modern, while the deep green tones and wood grain add warmth and character.
This was paired with Ice White Quartz worktops and upstands, creating a crisp contrast against the darker cabinetry.
Other finishing details include:
- Warm Oak Parquet Karndean flooring
- Matt black Furnipart handles
- A black sink and tap
- LED spotlights
- A feature pendant light
Together, these choices create a kitchen that feels fresh and contemporary while still retaining a timeless quality.
Planning Appliances From the Start
Appliances also play an important role in the overall kitchen design.
Rather than treating them as an afterthought, it is often better to plan them into the layout from the beginning so they feel like a natural part of the finished room.
Devon and Tom’s kitchen includes a Rangemaster eight burner gas range, LG American fridge freezer and Neff integrated dishwasher.
The adjoining utility room also provides space for a stacked washer and dryer, along with cabinetry to conceal the boiler and provide storage for cleaning products and other household essentials.
Planning these areas together helps keep the main kitchen organised while making sure practical items still have their place.
Watch the Transformation
Sometimes the best way to understand a kitchen project is simply to see how it comes together.
Our latest video follows Devon and Tom’s kitchen from the empty extension through the installation process and on to the finished result.
You can also view the full Devon and Tom kitchen case study, including more photographs and details from the project:
View Devon & Tom’s Kitchen Case Study
A Kitchen Designed Around You
Every home is different, which is why every kitchen should be approached in its own way.
At HB Kitchens, we design, manufacture and install bespoke kitchens for customers across Liverpool, Wirral, Merseyside and the wider North West, taking the time to understand the space, the practical requirements and the look each customer wants to achieve.
From the first layout ideas through to cabinetry, storage, worktops, appliances and finishing details, the aim is always to create a kitchen that feels right for the home and the people living in it.