The Kitchen Kit Handbook: Everything You Need to Know About Planning a New Kitchen in Cornwall & Devon

By Kitchen Kit | Kitchen Design and Installation Across Cornwall and Devon

Planning a new kitchen is one of the most exciting home improvement projects you’ll ever undertake. It’s also one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. A well designed kitchen adds value, improves everyday living and becomes the place where families gather, meals are shared and memories are made. Yet for many homeowners, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. From choosing layouts, cabinetry and worktops to selecting appliances, storage solutions and lighting, there are hundreds of decisions to make before a single cabinet is installed. That’s exactly why we’ve created this handbook. Rather than focusing on selling kitchens, this resource has been written to help you understand the entire journey. Whether you’re renovating a period cottage in Cornwall, extending a family home in Devon, building a contemporary new property or simply replacing an outdated kitchen, you’ll find practical advice, real project inspiration and expert guidance gathered from years of designing kitchens across the South West.

Created by Kitchen Designers, Not Content Writers

This isn’t a generic kitchen buying guide compiled from information found elsewhere on the internet. Everything within this handbook reflects the experience of the Kitchen Kit team, who have designed and delivered kitchens for homeowners throughout Cornwall and Devon. It draws upon hundreds of design consultations, completed projects and practical solutions that have helped transform homes of every size and style. Throughout this handbook you’ll discover:

• Professional kitchen planning advice.
• Real examples from completed Kitchen Kit projects.
• Expert recommendations from experienced designers.
• Practical planning checklists.
• Comparison tables to simplify important decisions.
• Links to more detailed guides where appropriate.

Whether you’re still collecting ideas or ready to visit one of our showrooms, this handbook has been designed to support every stage of your journey. Let’s begin by exploring the foundations of successful kitchen planning.

At a Glance

What You’ll Learn

Buying a kitchen isn’t simply about choosing cabinets. It’s about creating a space that works beautifully every single day. By the end of this handbook you’ll understand:

• How to establish a realistic kitchen budget.
• Which kitchen layout best suits your home.
• The differences between handleless, shaker and contemporary kitchens.
• Why German kitchens have become so popular.
• How to choose worktops, appliances and storage.
• What to expect during the design and installation process.
• How to prepare for your first showroom appointment.
• Common mistakes that can easily be avoided.
• How Kitchen Kit approaches every project.

Contents

Use the links below to jump to the section that interests you most.

• Planning Your Kitchen
• Kitchen Budgets Explained
• How Long Does a Kitchen Project Take?
• Choosing the Right Kitchen Company
• Kitchen Layouts
• Kitchen Styles
• German Kitchens Explained
• Kitchen Storage Solutions
• Choosing Worktops
• Kitchen Appliances
• Kitchen Lighting
• How Kitchen Kit Designs & Fits Kitchens
• Visit Our Showrooms
• Completed Kitchen Projects
• Common Planning Mistakes
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Careful Kitchen Planning Matters

Many homeowners begin their kitchen journey by collecting photographs on Pinterest or Instagram. While inspiration is important, beautiful photographs rarely explain why a kitchen works. A successful kitchen balances aesthetics with practicality. It considers workflow, storage, natural light, appliance placement, family life and the way you actually use your home. Without careful planning it’s surprisingly easy to make expensive mistakes. A beautiful island may restrict movement through the room. Additional cupboards might reduce natural light. Choosing appliances too late could require expensive redesigns. Good planning removes those problems before they happen. That’s why every Kitchen Kit project starts with conversation rather than products. Before discussing cabinet colours or worktops, our designers want to understand how you live.

• Do you cook every evening?
• Do you entertain regularly?
• Do you work from the kitchen?
• Do children use the space for homework?
• Do you need somewhere for pets to eat?
• Is storage your biggest frustration?

Answering these questions allows the design to evolve naturally around your lifestyle rather than forcing your lifestyle to fit the kitchen.

Planning Before Choosing Products

One of the biggest misconceptions in kitchen design is believing that choosing cabinet doors is the first decision. It isn’t. The design process normally follows a much more logical order:

1. Understand how the room needs to function.
2. Develop the best layout.
3. Position appliances.
4. Plan storage.
5. Consider lighting.
6. Select worktops.
7. Choose finishes and colours.

When projects follow this process, every decision supports the one before it. The result is a kitchen that feels balanced, practical and effortless to use.

What Makes a Great Kitchen?

Ask ten homeowners what makes a great kitchen and you’ll probably receive ten different answers. Some prioritise entertaining. Others value storage. Some dream of a statement island while others simply want a calmer space that’s easier to keep tidy. Despite these differences, almost every successful kitchen shares the same foundations.

Everything else builds upon these foundations.

How Much Should You Budget for a New Kitchen?

One of the first questions every homeowner asks is,

“How much should we spend?”

It’s a perfectly reasonable question, but unfortunately there isn’t a simple answer. No two kitchens are identical. A compact replacement kitchen in a modern apartment has very different requirements from a large open plan extension with a statement island, premium appliances and bespoke storage solutions. Rather than focusing on a single figure, it’s far more helpful to understand

where your investment goes

Once you understand the different elements that make up a kitchen project, you can decide where it’s worth investing and where you may wish to simplify the specification.

What Makes Up the Cost of a New Kitchen?

A professionally designed kitchen is made up of several individual elements working together.

Thinking about your kitchen in this way makes it much easier to prioritise your budget where it will have the greatest impact on everyday living.

Where Is Your Money Best Spent?

When budgets are limited, many homeowners assume they should reduce the quality of the cabinetry. In reality, experienced kitchen designers often recommend the opposite. The furniture, drawer systems and hinges are the parts of the kitchen you’ll use every day. Investing in quality cabinetry usually provides greater long-term value than spending heavily on decorative extras that don’t improve how the kitchen functions.

Real Project Spotlight

In this Cornwall project, the homeowners chose to invest in a stunning Dekton Trillium waterfall island while keeping the surrounding finishes deliberately understated. Rather than trying to make every element a feature, the design focused attention where it would have the greatest visual impact. The result feels luxurious without becoming overwhelming.

Planning for the Future

It’s easy to design a kitchen around today’s needs. The best kitchens are designed around tomorrow’s as well. When discussing your project, consider questions such as:

• Will children become teenagers during the next ten years?
• Will more people be working from home?
• Do you enjoy entertaining now or would you like to?
• Could accessibility become important later?
• Would additional refrigeration become useful?
• Will your family continue growing?

Thinking ahead often changes surprisingly small details that make a huge difference later.

Budget Planning Checklist

Before finalising your budget, make sure you’ve considered:

✓ Appliances

✓ Worktops

✓ Lighting

✓ Installation

✓ Flooring if required

✓ Decorating afterwards

✓ A contingency for unexpected costs

A small contingency provides peace of mind throughout the project and helps prevent unnecessary compromises later.

How Long Does a Kitchen Project Take?

Another question we’re regularly asked is:

“How long will everything take?”

Like budgeting, the answer depends on the complexity of the project, supplier lead times and whether building work is also taking place. However, understanding the typical journey helps remove uncertainty.

Your Kitchen Journey

Can the Process Be Quicker?

Sometimes, yes. Kitchen Kit works with leading manufacturers including Nobilia and Ballerina, and selected ranges are available on significantly shorter lead times than many homeowners expect. If your project has a specific deadline, perhaps because you’re moving home, completing an extension or preparing for Christmas, mention this during your first consultation. Knowing your preferred completion date allows the design team to recommend suitable kitchen ranges and manage the programme accordingly.

When Should You Start Planning?

Earlier than most people think. Many homeowners only begin considering their kitchen once builders are already on site. By involving your kitchen designer earlier, layouts, electrics, plumbing and lighting can all be coordinated before construction reaches critical stages. Even if your extension won’t be completed for several months, discussing your plans early often leads to a smoother project and fewer compromises.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Company

Choosing a kitchen is important. Choosing who designs and delivers it is arguably even more important. Two kitchens can look almost identical in a photograph yet provide completely different experiences once they’re installed. The difference is rarely the cabinet doors. More often, it’s the planning, attention to detail and the people behind the project. A great kitchen company doesn’t simply sell cabinets. It helps you avoid costly mistakes, improves the way your home functions and guides you confidently through every stage of the journey.

What Are Your Options?

Homeowners today have more choice than ever before. Broadly speaking, there are four common routes.

None of these options is automatically right or wrong. The best choice depends on the complexity of your project, the level of support you want and how involved you’d like your kitchen company to be from start to finish.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Decide

Before committing to any kitchen company, ask plenty of questions. A reputable designer will always be happy to explain how they work.

• Can I see completed projects similar to mine?
• Will someone visit my home before finalising the design?
• Who carries out the installation?
• Can I see the kitchen in 3D before ordering?
• How are appliances incorporated into the design?
• How are worktops measured and templated?
• What happens if changes are required?
• What support is available after installation?
• Will I have one main point of contact throughout the project?

The answers to these questions often reveal far more than brochures ever will.

What Makes a Great Kitchen Designer?

Good designers don’t begin with products. They begin with people. They’ll want to understand:

• How many people use the kitchen every day.
• Whether you enjoy cooking.
• How you entertain.
• Your storage frustrations.
• Your favourite materials.
• Your long-term plans for the property.
• Your realistic investment level.

Only then does the design process really begin.

Why Visit a Showroom?

Websites are excellent for inspiration. Showrooms are where confidence is built. Seeing a kitchen in person allows you to experience things photographs simply can’t show.

• How colours change in natural light.
• The smoothness of drawer systems.
• The quality of cabinet construction.
• The texture of worktops.
• The feel of handles.
• The practicality of storage.
• The difference between kitchen ranges.

Most homeowners leave the showroom with a completely different perspective from the one they arrived with.

Kitchen Kit’s Philosophy

Kitchen Kit has always believed that every project should begin with conversation, not products. Rather than pushing customers towards a particular kitchen range, the team first works to understand how the space needs to perform. Only once those foundations are established does the design begin to evolve. This collaborative approach means every kitchen is developed around the homeowner rather than adapted from a standard layout. Whether you’re planning a modern German kitchen, a timeless shaker design or something entirely individual, the process remains the same.

Real Project Spotlight

This Dartmoor project demonstrates exactly why early planning matters. Rather than simply replacing an existing kitchen, the design considered how the family wanted to use the space every day.

• Storage was improved.
• Movement through the room became easier.
• Natural light was maximised.
• Every design decision supported the overall layout.

The finished kitchen feels calm, spacious and effortless because every element works together.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

Homes across Cornwall and Devon are wonderfully varied. One week the team may be designing a contemporary kitchen for a new-build property in Exeter. The next could involve sympathetically updating a character cottage near St Ives or planning a large family kitchen for a converted barn on Dartmoor. Each property presents different opportunities and challenges. Local experience helps designers understand these differences, from working around older buildings to creating layouts suited to modern open-plan extensions.

Before You Book Your Design Appointment

You don’t need perfectly drawn plans or detailed measurements before visiting the showroom. However, bringing a little information makes the first consultation even more productive.

Part 2: Designing a Kitchen That Works for Everyday Life

Once you’ve established your budget, chosen the right kitchen company and have a realistic understanding of timescales, it’s time to move on to the most exciting stage of the journey — designing your new kitchen. This is where your ideas begin to take shape. It’s also the point where many homeowners naturally start thinking about colours, door finishes and worktops. While these decisions are important, experienced kitchen designers usually begin somewhere very different. They begin with

how the kitchen needs to work.

A well-designed kitchen isn’t simply attractive. It feels intuitive. Cooking is easier, storage is effortless, entertaining feels natural and family life flows more smoothly because the room has been designed around the people who use it.

Design Before Decoration

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is concentrating on finishes too early. It’s understandable. Colours, worktops and handles are exciting because they’re the parts that appear in magazines and on Pinterest boards. However, experienced designers know these decisions only work well when the foundations are right. Every successful kitchen is built around five principles.

Think of colours as the finishing touch rather than the starting point.

The Kitchen Work Triangle

Professional kitchen designers often refer to the

Kitchen Work Triangle

. The three busiest areas in almost every kitchen are:

• The refrigerator.
• The sink.
• The cooking area.

A good layout keeps these areas comfortably connected without unnecessary walking or crossing paths. The triangle isn’t a strict rule, but it remains one of the best starting points when planning a practical kitchen.

Creating Activity Zones

Modern kitchens are used for far more than cooking. Instead of thinking about one large workspace, successful kitchens are designed around activity zones.

How Your Lifestyle Shapes the Design

No two households use their kitchen in exactly the same way, which is why Kitchen Kit never starts with a standard design. Every project begins by understanding how the room will actually be used.

Real Project Spotlight

Although this kitchen immediately catches the eye because of its contemporary styling, the real success lies beneath the surface. The island creates a natural preparation area while allowing family members to gather without interrupting cooking. Storage has been carefully positioned around the working areas, reducing unnecessary movement and keeping worktops free from clutter. The result feels calm, spacious and practical because every decision supports the way the homeowners use the room.

Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Before Designing Their Kitchen

Before choosing layouts or styles, spend a few minutes answering these questions.

• What do I dislike most about my current kitchen?
• What works surprisingly well?
• Do I need more storage or more worktop space?
• Would an island genuinely improve the room?
• How often do I cook?
• How often do guests gather in the kitchen?
• Do children regularly use the space?
• Where does clutter usually build up?
• Do I need somewhere to work from home?
• Will my lifestyle change over the next ten years?

The answers to these questions will influence almost every design decision that follows.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Layout

No single kitchen layout is better than another. The best layout is simply the one that suits your room, your lifestyle and the way you naturally move through the space. A beautifully designed kitchen should never feel like you’ve had to adapt your routine to suit it. Instead, it should feel intuitive from the very first day. Every decision, from where you prepare food to where shopping bags are unpacked, should happen naturally.

L-Shaped Kitchens

The L-shaped layout remains one of the most popular kitchen designs because it suits an enormous variety of homes. Using two adjoining walls, it creates generous worktop space while leaving the rest of the room open for dining, seating or circulation.

U-Shaped Kitchens

A U-shaped kitchen surrounds the cook with cabinetry on three sides, making it one of the most efficient layouts for keen cooks.

Galley Kitchens

Galley kitchens are often underestimated. In reality they’re one of the most efficient layouts because everything remains close at hand. The key is maintaining sufficient walkway space while avoiding visual clutter.

Kitchen Islands

Few features have transformed kitchen design more than the island. Originally created simply to increase preparation space, today’s islands often become the social heart of the home, providing seating, storage, preparation space and informal dining.

Peninsula Kitchens

Peninsulas provide many of the benefits of an island while requiring considerably less floor space. Connected to the main cabinetry, they create a natural division between cooking and living spaces without closing the room.

Open Plan Kitchen Design

Open plan living has fundamentally changed kitchen design. Today’s kitchens rarely function in isolation. They’re expected to work alongside dining spaces, lounges, home offices and family rooms. This means the kitchen must perform brilliantly while also looking beautiful from every angle.

Real Project Spotlight

This beautiful Devon project demonstrates exactly how thoughtful layout planning creates better everyday living. The island wasn’t included simply because it looked impressive. It created additional preparation space, improved workflow, increased storage and became a natural gathering point for the family. The surrounding cabinetry was deliberately kept clean and uncluttered, allowing the room to feel calm despite offering extensive functionality.

Common Kitchen Layout Mistakes

Even expensive kitchens can disappoint if the layout hasn’t been considered properly.

Kitchen Layout Checklist

Before approving your final design, make sure you can answer “yes” to each of the following:

✓ Is there enough uninterrupted preparation space?

✓ Can two people comfortably cook together?

✓ Is storage positioned where it’s needed?

✓ Does the island improve movement rather than restrict it?

✓ Are appliances grouped logically?

✓ Is natural light being used effectively?

✓ Have seating areas been considered?

✓ Will this layout still work in ten years?

Choosing Your Kitchen Style

Once you’ve decided on the right layout, the next step is choosing the style that reflects both your personality and the character of your home. This is often the stage homeowners enjoy most. Colours, textures, door styles and finishes suddenly begin transforming technical plans into something exciting and personal. However, choosing a kitchen style isn’t simply about following current trends. The most successful kitchens balance aesthetics with longevity. They feel contemporary today while remaining timeless for years to come.

Modern Kitchens

Modern kitchens remain one of the most popular choices throughout Cornwall and Devon. Characterised by clean lines, uncluttered surfaces and carefully integrated appliances, they create spaces that feel calm, spacious and highly functional. Rather than relying on decorative detail, modern kitchens use proportion, lighting and high quality materials to create impact.

Handleless Kitchens

Handleless kitchens have become one of the defining styles of contemporary kitchen design. Without traditional handles interrupting the cabinetry, the eye naturally focuses on the overall architecture of the room rather than individual units. This creates a cleaner, calmer appearance that’s particularly effective in open plan spaces.

True Handleless Kitchens

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, handleless and true handleless kitchens aren’t exactly the same. True handleless kitchens use a dedicated rail system positioned behind the cabinet doors. This allows drawers and doors to open without visible handles while maintaining perfectly aligned horizontal lines throughout the kitchen. It’s one of the defining characteristics of premium German kitchen design.

Shaker Kitchens

Few kitchen styles have remained as consistently popular as the shaker kitchen. Its simple framed doors provide enough detail to create character without feeling overly traditional. Today’s shaker kitchens combine classic cabinetry with contemporary worktops, integrated appliances and modern lighting, creating interiors that feel timeless rather than period.

Which Style Is Right for You?

Kitchen Colour Trends

Colour trends continue to evolve, but one direction has become very clear. People want kitchens that feel calmer. Rather than dramatic contrasts, today’s most successful kitchens use layered natural tones that complement the architecture of the home.

Mixing Materials

One of the biggest trends in contemporary kitchen design is combining complementary materials rather than relying on a single finish throughout. Popular combinations include:

• Painted cabinetry with natural oak shelving.
• Stone worktops with timber breakfast bars.
• Dark islands with lighter perimeter cabinetry.
• Textured timber alongside smooth matt finishes.
• Black feature details against warm neutral colours.

Real Project Spotlight

This Newquay project demonstrates how restrained design often creates the most enduring interiors. Rather than relying on bold colours or fashionable finishes, the kitchen combines natural timber textures, carefully selected worktops and subtle lighting to create a space that feels sophisticated and welcoming. It’s a kitchen that will look every bit as impressive in ten years’ time.

Common Style Mistakes

Design Checklist

✓ Does the style suit the architecture of your home?

✓ Will you still love the colour in ten years?

✓ Does the finish complement your flooring?

✓ Have you considered natural light?

✓ Do the worktops and cabinetry balance one another?

✓ Have you viewed full size displays in a showroom?

✓ Does the kitchen reflect your lifestyle rather than current trends?

Part 3: Why German Kitchens Have Earned Their Reputation

If you’ve spent any time researching kitchens, you’ve almost certainly come across the phrase

“German kitchen.”

For many homeowners, it has become shorthand for quality. But what does that actually mean? German manufacturers have spent decades refining how kitchens are designed, engineered and manufactured. Rather than chasing short term trends, they’ve focused on consistency, precision and creating products that perform exceptionally well over many years of everyday use. That’s why brands such as Nobilia and Ballerina have become trusted names throughout Europe and why Kitchen Kit has chosen them as part of its carefully selected collection.

What Makes a German Kitchen Different?

When people first visit one of our showrooms, they’re often surprised that the differences aren’t immediately obvious. After all, every kitchen is made up of cabinets, drawers, worktops and appliances. The real differences become apparent when you start using the kitchen every day. It’s the quality of the drawer runners, the precision of the door alignment, the consistency of the finishes and the way storage has been considered long before decoration. German manufacturers place enormous emphasis on engineering, repeatability and quality control. Every cabinet is produced using highly automated manufacturing processes designed to deliver the same exceptional standard every single time.

German Kitchen Characteristics

Designed for Everyday Living

One of the biggest misconceptions is that German kitchens are purely about appearance. In reality, functionality comes first. Drawers are designed to carry substantial weight without compromising smooth operation. Storage is positioned where it’s most useful, cabinet dimensions maximise usable space and every detail is engineered for everyday living. It’s this attention to detail that transforms cooking from something frustrating into something genuinely enjoyable.

Why Homeowners Across Cornwall and Devon Choose German Kitchens

Although every project is different, there are several reasons German kitchens continue to grow in popularity throughout the South West.

• Contemporary styling.
• Excellent build quality.
• Outstanding internal storage.
• Reliable engineering.
• Wide choice of colours and finishes.
• Designed for modern open plan living.
• Excellent long-term value.

Whether it’s a coastal home overlooking the Atlantic, a converted barn on Dartmoor or a family property in Exeter, homeowners want kitchens that feel effortless to live with.

Real Project Spotlight

This Newquay project demonstrates why German kitchens continue to be such a popular choice. Rather than relying on unnecessary decoration, the design uses clean architectural lines, carefully balanced colours and intelligent storage to create a space that feels sophisticated, welcoming and highly practical.

Nobilia Kitchens

Nobilia has become one of Europe’s best-known kitchen manufacturers, combining exceptional engineering with practical everyday functionality.

Ballerina Kitchens

Ballerina represents another outstanding example of German kitchen manufacturing, renowned for beautifully engineered cabinetry and innovative storage solutions.

How Does Masterclass Compare?

Although this chapter focuses on German kitchens, Kitchen Kit also offers Masterclass Kitchens, one of Britain’s leading manufacturers. The choice isn’t between good and bad. It’s about selecting the kitchen that best suits your home, lifestyle and design aspirations.

Common Myths About German Kitchens

Intelligent Kitchen Storage: The Secret to a Kitchen You’ll Love Every Day

Ask homeowners what they’d change about their existing kitchen and one answer appears time and time again.

“We just don’t have enough storage.”

Interestingly, the problem is rarely a lack of cabinets. More often, it’s that the storage simply doesn’t work. Deep cupboards become black holes where pans disappear behind slow cookers. Corner cabinets are difficult to reach. Small appliances permanently live on the worktop because there’s nowhere practical to store them. Great kitchen storage isn’t about hiding more things. It’s about making everyday life easier.

Think in Zones, Not Cupboards

Professional kitchen designers don’t think in terms of wall units and base units. Instead, they think about how you live. Everything has a place because everything has a purpose.

Designing storage around these activities reduces unnecessary movement and makes everyday tasks feel effortless.

Deep Drawers vs Traditional Cupboards

One of the biggest changes in modern kitchen design has been the move from traditional cupboards to large drawer systems. It isn’t simply a design trend. It’s a better way of storing everyday items.

Tall Larder and Space Tower Storage

Tall storage has become one of the defining features of contemporary kitchen design. Rather than spreading food across multiple cabinets, modern larder systems keep everything organised in one easily accessible location.

Pantry Cupboards

Modern pantries are far more versatile than traditional food cupboards.

When the doors are closed, worktops remain beautifully uncluttered. When they’re open, everything needed is immediately to hand.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are one of those features many homeowners have never seen until they visit a showroom. Once demonstrated, they’re often impossible to forget.

Corner Storage

Corners are often the least efficient part of any kitchen, but modern storage systems can transform previously wasted space.

The right solution depends entirely on the layout of the kitchen and how the cabinet will be used.

Hidden Bin Systems

Ask any kitchen designer where the bin should be and you’ll probably receive the same answer: next to the sink. Keeping waste and recycling beside the preparation area makes everyday cooking quicker, cleaner and more intuitive while maintaining uncluttered worktops.

Internal Drawer Organisation

Even the best drawer becomes frustrating if everything inside moves around.

These may seem like small additions, but they’re often the features homeowners appreciate most after living with the kitchen for a few months.

15 Storage Ideas Worth Stealing

1. Position the bin beside the sink.
2. Store pans directly beneath the hob.
3. Create a dedicated breakfast cupboard.
4. Keep coffee equipment together.
5. Choose drawers instead of cupboards wherever possible.
6. Use vertical storage for baking trays.
7. Separate recycling from general waste.
8. Add internal drawer organisers.
9. Plan hidden charging points.
10. Store spices close to cooking areas.
11. Include at least one tall pantry.
12. Hide small appliances behind doors.
13. Maximise awkward corners.
14. Use lighting inside tall cabinets.
15. Leave room for future storage needs.

Storage Planning Checklist

✓ Have you planned a dedicated food storage area?

✓ Is there enough drawer storage?

✓ Have you included recycling?

✓ Where will small appliances live?

✓ Is there a breakfast station?

✓ Can everyone easily reach everyday items?

✓ Have awkward corners been used effectively?

✓ Will the storage still work in five or ten years?

Choosing the Right Kitchen Worktop

Once the cabinetry has been designed and storage carefully planned, attention naturally turns to one of the biggest design decisions in the entire kitchen. Your worktop. It’s the surface you’ll prepare meals on every day. It’s where family members gather with a coffee, children complete homework and guests naturally gravitate during parties. It also plays a huge role in defining the overall style of your kitchen. The good news is that today’s homeowners have more choice than ever before. Quartz, Dekton, granite and high quality laminate all offer different advantages depending on your priorities, budget and lifestyle.

Choosing the Right Material

Rather than asking which worktop is “best”, ask which one is best for the way you live.

Quartz Worktops

Quartz has become one of the most popular worktop materials in modern kitchen design. Its appeal comes from combining the appearance of natural stone with exceptional durability and consistency.

Dekton Worktops

Dekton has become one of the defining materials of contemporary kitchen design. Its sophisticated appearance, slim profiles and ability to create seamless waterfall islands have made it particularly popular with homeowners looking for a luxurious architectural feel. Many of Kitchen Kit’s recent projects have featured Dekton because it complements modern German kitchens exceptionally well.

Granite Worktops

Granite remains one of the most beautiful natural materials available for kitchens. Unlike engineered materials, every slab is unique, meaning no two worktops will ever be identical. Many homeowners love this individuality and the natural character it brings to their home.

Laminate Worktops

Today’s laminate worktops are significantly more advanced than many people expect. Modern manufacturing techniques have created finishes that convincingly replicate timber, concrete, marble and stone while remaining affordable and practical.

Waterfall Islands

Rather than stopping at the work surface, the material continues vertically down the sides of the island, allowing premium surfaces such as Dekton and quartz to become genuine design features.

Thickness Matters

Matching Worktops to Cabinet Colours

Common Worktop Mistakes

Worktop Planning Checklist

✓ Does the material suit how you cook?

✓ Have you considered maintenance requirements?

✓ Will the worktop complement your cabinetry?

✓ Have you viewed larger samples?

✓ Would a waterfall island enhance the design?

✓ Have you thought about edge profiles and thickness?

Choosing the Right Kitchen Appliances

Once your kitchen layout, cabinetry and worktops have been planned, attention naturally turns to the appliances. For many homeowners, this is one of the most enjoyable parts of the project. New ovens, induction hobs, integrated refrigeration and intelligent cooking technology can completely change the way a kitchen performs. It can also become one of the most confusing. Manufacturers now offer hundreds of different appliances, each promising to make cooking quicker, easier or more enjoyable. The secret isn’t buying the appliance with the longest specification. It’s choosing appliances that genuinely suit the way you live.

Start With Your Lifestyle

Before comparing brands or features, think about how your household actually cooks.

The more closely your appliances match your lifestyle, the more enjoyable your kitchen becomes.

Plan Your Appliances Before Finalising Your Cabinets

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is choosing appliances after the kitchen has been designed. Modern kitchens are planned around appliances, not the other way round. Oven housing, refrigeration, ventilation, electrical supplies and plumbing all influence the final cabinet layout. Confirming these choices early allows every element of the kitchen to fit together properly.

Integrated or Freestanding?

Modern kitchens increasingly favour integrated appliances. By concealing refrigeration, dishwashers and laundry appliances behind matching cabinet doors, the kitchen feels calmer and more cohesive. Freestanding appliances still have their place, particularly where flexibility or larger capacities are important, but integrated solutions generally create a cleaner overall appearance.

Choosing the Right Oven

Modern ovens are capable of far more than traditional cooking. Depending on your lifestyle, you might consider several different options.

Eye-level ovens continue to grow in popularity because they’re more comfortable to use while reducing bending.

Induction Hobs

Induction has become the preferred cooking technology for many homeowners. Fast, responsive and easy to clean, induction hobs work particularly well in contemporary kitchens. Many also include flexible cooking zones, allowing larger pans to be positioned almost anywhere across the surface.

Venting Hobs

One of the biggest innovations in recent years has been the venting hob. Instead of positioning an extractor above the cooking area, extraction is built directly into the hob. This creates cleaner sightlines, making venting hobs particularly popular for open-plan kitchens with islands. They also allow lighting and architectural features to remain uninterrupted overhead.

Refrigeration

Refrigeration requirements vary enormously between households. Planning refrigeration early allows cabinetry to be designed around your preferred solution rather than compromising later.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers are often positioned beside the sink for good reason. This simple decision improves workflow, making loading and unloading significantly easier. If possible, store crockery and cutlery close by as well. Small layout decisions like these make a remarkable difference over time.

Laundry Appliances

Not every home benefits from a dedicated utility room. Where washing machines and tumble dryers remain within the kitchen, thoughtful planning becomes even more important. Integrated solutions, tall housing units and careful positioning help minimise visual impact while maintaining practicality.

NEFF, Siemens and Bosch

Kitchen Kit works with trusted appliance manufacturers including NEFF, Siemens and Bosch. Each offers outstanding engineering, contemporary styling and dependable performance, allowing homeowners to choose appliances that best match their lifestyle and budget.

Common Appliance Planning Mistakes

Appliance Planning Checklist

✓ Do your appliances suit the way you cook?

✓ Have you planned integrated refrigeration?

✓ Would eye-level ovens improve accessibility?

✓ Have you considered induction?

✓ Is ventilation planned?

✓ Have appliance positions been coordinated with storage?

Kitchen Lighting: The Element That Brings Everything Together

Lighting is one of the most overlooked aspects of kitchen design. Ask most homeowners what they’re planning for their new kitchen and they’ll happily discuss cabinetry, worktops, appliances and colours. Very few mention lighting. Yet it’s often lighting that determines whether a kitchen feels warm, welcoming and luxurious or cold and uninspiring. A beautifully designed kitchen deserves equally thoughtful lighting. Rather than relying on a single ceiling fitting, modern kitchens combine several different layers of light, each serving a different purpose throughout the day.

Think in Layers, Not Light Fittings

Professional kitchen designers don’t think about individual light fittings. Instead, they think about how the room will be used from morning until night.

When these three layers work together, the kitchen feels equally comfortable preparing breakfast, entertaining guests or relaxing in the evening.

Task Lighting

Task lighting illuminates the areas where practical work takes place. Preparation zones, sinks and cooking areas all benefit from dedicated lighting that removes shadows and improves visibility. Without it, your body often blocks the main ceiling lights while you’re preparing food.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting provides the general illumination that allows the room to feel comfortable throughout the day. Rather than creating drama, it provides an even level of light across the entire kitchen. Modern recessed LED downlights remain popular because they distribute light evenly without dominating the ceiling. Positioning is just as important as the fittings themselves. Well planned lighting avoids dark corners while ensuring the room never feels over lit.

Feature Lighting

Feature lighting is where a kitchen begins to feel truly special. Rather than illuminating the whole room, it highlights individual design features. It can be subtle, elegant and almost invisible until the evening.

These small touches help create atmosphere without overwhelming the overall design.

Island Lighting

Kitchen islands naturally become focal points. The lighting above them should reflect that importance.

The aim is to provide practical light while reinforcing the island as the social centre of the room.

Warm White or Cool White?

The colour temperature of your lighting has a huge influence on how the kitchen feels.

Most modern kitchens benefit from warmer lighting that complements timber finishes, stone worktops and softer colour palettes. Extremely cool lighting can make even premium kitchens feel sterile.

Lighting and Colour

One often overlooked consideration is that lighting changes how colours appear. A cabinet that looks warm grey during the day may appear significantly cooler under different artificial lighting. This is another reason why visiting a showroom is so valuable. You can experience finishes under carefully planned lighting before making important decisions.

Real Project Spotlight

This Kitchen Kit project demonstrates how thoughtful lighting transforms the entire atmosphere of a room. During the day, natural light floods the space. In the evening, under-cabinet lighting, carefully positioned ceiling lights and subtle feature lighting create a completely different experience. The kitchen feels warm, relaxed and welcoming without ever becoming too bright.

Lighting Mistakes to Avoid

Lighting Checklist

✓ Have you planned task lighting?

✓ Is the island properly illuminated?

✓ Have you included feature lighting?

✓ Does the colour temperature suit the kitchen?

✓ Will lighting highlight your worktops and cabinetry?

✓ Can different lighting zones be controlled independently?

✓ Have you thought about how the kitchen will feel at night?

The Finishing Touches That Turn a Good Kitchen into a Great One

When people admire a beautifully designed kitchen, they often struggle to explain exactly why it feels different. They might mention the worktops, perhaps the colour, or maybe the lighting. In reality, what they’re noticing is the way dozens of small design decisions combine to create one cohesive space. These finishing touches rarely become the headline feature of a kitchen, yet together they often have the greatest influence on how the room feels every single day.

Handles That Suit the Kitchen

Handles are one of the few parts of the kitchen you’ll physically touch every day. Their appearance matters, but so does how they feel in your hand. Modern kitchens often favour slim brushed metal finishes, while shaker kitchens work beautifully with classic knobs or cup handles. The important thing is consistency. One carefully chosen handle used throughout the kitchen almost always creates a calmer appearance than several competing styles.

True Handleless Rail Systems

In contemporary German kitchens, the handle itself often disappears altogether. Continuous aluminium rail systems create uninterrupted horizontal lines across the cabinetry, allowing the architecture of the kitchen to take centre stage. Besides their appearance, they also provide excellent ergonomics and are particularly practical in busy family kitchens.

Open Shelving: Less Is Often More

Open shelving continues to divide opinion. Done well, it introduces warmth, personality and visual interest. Done badly, it quickly becomes cluttered. The secret is restraint.

If every shelf is full, none of it stands out.

Splashbacks That Feel Intentional

Splashbacks are often treated as purely practical additions. Increasingly, they’re becoming an important design feature. Matching the worktop material creates a seamless contemporary appearance, while textured tiles or feature panels can introduce subtle contrast. The best splashbacks support the kitchen rather than compete with it.

Sinks and Taps

The sink is one of the hardest working parts of any kitchen. Choosing the right combination depends on far more than appearance.

Small improvements here can make everyday cooking noticeably easier.

Kitchen Seating

Kitchen islands have changed the way families use their homes. They’re no longer simply places to prepare food. They’ve become breakfast tables, homework stations, coffee bars and places where guests naturally gather while dinner is being prepared. Allowing enough space for comfortable seating often changes the entire atmosphere of a kitchen.

Hidden Power

One detail that’s rarely discussed until it’s too late is electrical planning.

Discreet sockets positioned where they’re genuinely needed help worktops remain tidy while making everyday life considerably easier.

Texture Creates Warmth

Many of today’s most successful kitchens combine several different textures rather than relying on colour alone. Timber shelving, matt cabinetry, stone worktops, brushed metal handles and soft fabrics can work together to create warmth and depth without making the room feel busy.

The Details Homeowners Appreciate Most

Ten Details Worth Investing In

Real Project Spotlight

This completed Kitchen Kit project perfectly demonstrates how thoughtful finishing touches elevate an already excellent design. The cabinetry is understated, the worktops provide subtle contrast and the lighting adds warmth rather than drama. Every element feels connected. The result is a kitchen that feels elegant today and will continue to do so for many years to come.

The Kitchen Kit Experience: From First Ideas to Finished Kitchen

By now, you’ve explored layouts, styles, worktops, appliances, lighting and storage. The next question is naturally:

“What actually happens when we decide to start our kitchen project?”

At Kitchen Kit, we believe designing a kitchen should feel exciting, not overwhelming. There are plenty of decisions to make, but there should never be unnecessary pressure. Instead, our role is to guide you through each stage, helping you make confident decisions while creating a kitchen that’s designed around your home, your lifestyle and your budget.

Your First Visit

Your first visit is designed to be relaxed and informative. Some customers arrive with architectural drawings and detailed measurements. Others simply have a few photographs of their current kitchen and a Pinterest board full of ideas. Both are equally good places to start. Rather than discussing products immediately, we’ll spend time understanding your project.

The more we understand, the better the eventual design becomes.

Finding Inspiration

One of the biggest advantages of visiting a showroom is being able to compare ideas side by side.

These are things photographs simply can’t communicate.

Developing Your Design

Once we’ve understood your project, the creative process begins. Every kitchen starts with the same question:

“How can we make this room work better?”

Rather than beginning with colours or finishes, we focus on the fundamentals.

Only when these foundations are right do we begin refining the visual design.

Home Survey

Every successful installation relies upon accurate measurements. That’s why a detailed site survey forms such an important part of the process.

Small details identified at this stage often prevent unnecessary complications later.

Visualising Your Kitchen

One of the most exciting moments for many homeowners is seeing their kitchen design for the first time. Detailed visualisations allow you to understand:

Designs are refined together until every detail feels right.

Choosing the Final Specification

Once the layout has been agreed, attention turns to the finer details.

By this stage, every element has been considered as part of one cohesive design rather than as a series of individual decisions.

Ordering and Manufacturing

Once your design has been approved, your kitchen enters production. Lead times vary depending on the chosen manufacturer and specification. Throughout this period, our team remains available to answer questions and keep you informed about the progress of your project.

Professional Installation

The quality of the installation is every bit as important as the quality of the kitchen itself. Beautiful cabinetry deserves careful fitting. Every cabinet, worktop and appliance should be installed with the same attention to detail that went into the design. It’s often the precision of the installation that allows a completed kitchen to feel calm, balanced and beautifully finished.

Handover and Aftercare

Installation isn’t the end of the journey. Once your kitchen is complete, we’ll ensure everything has been checked thoroughly and you’re confident using every appliance and feature. Whether it’s demonstrating storage systems, explaining appliance functions or answering any final questions, we’re here to help long after installation has finished.

Your Kitchen Journey at a Glance

Why Visiting a Kitchen Showroom Is One of the Most Important Steps You’ll Take

There has never been more inspiration available online. Pinterest boards are full of beautiful kitchens. Instagram showcases stunning interiors from around the world, and design ideas are only ever a few clicks away. While that’s fantastic for gathering inspiration, there comes a point where photographs simply aren’t enough. You need to experience a kitchen in person. You need to open the drawers, feel the cabinet finishes, compare worktops in natural light and understand how different layouts work in real life. That’s exactly why visiting a showroom remains one of the most valuable parts of planning a new kitchen.

What You Simply Can’t Experience Online

Even the highest quality photographs have limitations. They can’t show you:

These are the details that influence how you’ll feel about your kitchen every single day.

Experience Complete Kitchens, Not Individual Products

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Kitchen Kit is seeing complete kitchen settings rather than isolated cabinets.

It’s much easier to compare styles when they’re presented as complete rooms rather than individual samples.

Compare Nobilia, Ballerina and Masterclass

Kitchen Kit carefully selects manufacturers that complement one another. Rather than overwhelming customers with endless options, you’ll be able to compare carefully chosen collections that each offer their own strengths.

Seeing these kitchens together makes choosing far easier than relying on brochures alone.

See Intelligent Storage in Action

Storage is one of the areas where a showroom visit makes the biggest difference. Instead of imagining how a Space Tower or deep drawer might work, you can experience them first hand.

Feel the Difference Between Worktop Materials

Quartz, Dekton and natural stone often appear similar in photographs. In person, they’re completely different.

Choosing worktops becomes much easier when you can compare them side by side.

Discover Lighting That Transforms a Kitchen

Lighting is almost impossible to judge online. In the showroom you’ll see how layered lighting changes throughout the kitchen, highlighting worktops, shelving and display areas while creating a warm atmosphere in the evening. It’s often this element that surprises visitors the most.

Kitchen Kit Exeter Showroom

Conveniently located in Exeter, our showroom allows homeowners from across Devon to explore a carefully curated collection of kitchen displays. Whether you’re planning a complete renovation, a new extension or replacing an existing kitchen, you’ll find inspiration alongside expert advice from our experienced design team.

Kitchen Kit Truro Showroom

Located in Cornwall, the Truro showroom features a wide selection of modern German kitchens, classic designs, premium appliances and practical storage solutions. Many customers visit simply looking for inspiration and leave with ideas they hadn’t previously considered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting

Do I need to book an appointment?

Appointments are recommended if you’d like dedicated time with one of our designers, although you’re always welcome to visit the showroom to browse the displays.

Can I bring house plans?

Absolutely. Architectural drawings, room measurements, photographs and inspiration images all help us understand your project.

How long should I allow?

Most first visits last between 45 minutes and an hour, although many customers choose to spend longer exploring the displays.

Can I compare different kitchen ranges?

Yes. One of the biggest advantages of visiting Kitchen Kit is being able to compare manufacturers, finishes, storage and layouts in one place.

Preparing for Your Visit

To make the most of your appointment, it helps to bring:

Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these. Many projects begin with nothing more than an idea and a conversation.

Why Homeowners Across Cornwall and Devon Trust Kitchen Kit

By this point in the guide you’ve explored every stage of planning a new kitchen. We’ve looked at layouts, storage, worktops, appliances, lighting and the design process itself. If there’s one message running throughout every chapter, it’s this:

There is no such thing as the perfect kitchen.

There is only the kitchen that’s perfect for your home, your lifestyle and your family. That’s the philosophy that has guided Kitchen Kit from the beginning. Every project is different, because every customer is different.

Designed Around People, Not Product Ranges

Many kitchen companies begin by asking which door style you like. At Kitchen Kit, we believe a better place to start is understanding how you live. Questions like these shape every design that we create.

• Do you enjoy cooking together as a family?
• Do you entertain regularly?
• Do you need more storage?
• Would an island genuinely improve the room?
• Are you renovating a period cottage or building a contemporary extension?

The answers to those questions influence every decision that follows. Only once the layout is working perfectly do colours, finishes and materials begin to fall into place.

Independent Advice Without the Pressure

Planning a kitchen should be enjoyable. It shouldn’t feel like a sales presentation. One of the advantages of working with an independent kitchen specialist is having time to explore different ideas, compare manufacturers and ask questions without feeling rushed. Sometimes the right answer is exactly what the customer expected. Sometimes it’s something completely different. Either way, our aim is to help homeowners make confident decisions based on experience rather than impulse.

A Carefully Selected Collection

Rather than offering hundreds of manufacturers, Kitchen Kit has chosen to work with a carefully selected collection of brands that consistently deliver outstanding design and quality. Whether you’re drawn towards German engineering through Nobilia or Ballerina, or the timeless British craftsmanship of Masterclass, you’ll receive the same thoughtful design process and attention to detail. The choice isn’t about persuading you towards one manufacturer. It’s about finding the kitchen that’s right for your home.

Local Knowledge Makes a Difference

Designing kitchens throughout Cornwall and Devon means understanding the variety of homes across the region. Over the years we’ve worked on:

• Character cottages.
• Modern coastal homes.
• Victorian townhouses.
• Barn conversions.
• Contemporary new builds.
• Large open plan extensions.

Each presents different opportunities. Each deserves an individual approach. Experience gained across hundreds of projects allows us to recommend practical solutions that genuinely suit the property rather than relying on standard layouts.

Real Homes. Real Projects.

Throughout this guide you’ve seen examples from kitchens we’ve designed across Cornwall and Devon. Those projects include:

• Contemporary family kitchens.
• Luxury German kitchens.
• Character property renovations.
• Barn conversions.
• Open plan living spaces.
• Compact kitchens with intelligent storage.

Every completed project teaches us something new. Those lessons are carried forward into the next design, helping us continually refine the way we approach kitchen planning.

What Our Customers Value Most

Why This Guide Exists

Most kitchen websites are designed to sell kitchens. We wanted to create something different. Whether you eventually choose Kitchen Kit or not, we wanted this guide to help homeowners make better decisions. If you’ve reached this point, we hope it’s given you greater confidence about planning your project. And if you do decide to visit one of our showrooms, you’ll arrive with a much clearer understanding of the possibilities available.

Visit Kitchen Kit

Our showrooms in Exeter and Truro are designed to inspire. Explore complete kitchen displays, compare materials, experience innovative storage solutions and discuss your ideas with our experienced design team. There’s no obligation and no pressure, just an opportunity to discover what’s possible.

Continue Exploring

If you’re still gathering ideas, you may also find these resources helpful.

• Browse our completed kitchen projects
• Learn more about our design and installation process
• Read more kitchen inspiration and advice
• Book your free design consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

Over the years we’ve answered thousands of questions from homeowners planning new kitchens across Cornwall and Devon. Below are some of the questions we’re asked most often.

Planning Your Kitchen

How far in advance should I start planning a new kitchen?

Ideally, begin planning several months before you’d like installation to take place. Early planning gives you more design options, greater flexibility with lead times and allows electrical, plumbing and structural work to be coordinated efficiently.

How long does the average kitchen project take?

Every project is different, but most kitchens move through consultation, design, ordering, manufacturing and installation over several weeks. Your designer will explain the expected timeline based on your chosen kitchen and project requirements.

Do I need detailed plans before visiting a showroom?

No. Many customers visit with only photographs of their existing kitchen or a collection of inspiration images. If you have measurements or architectural drawings, bring them along, but they’re not essential for your first visit.

Should I choose appliances before designing the kitchen?

It’s usually better to consider appliances during the design process rather than afterwards. This allows cabinetry, ventilation and storage to be planned around the appliances from the beginning.

Kitchen Design

What is the most popular kitchen layout?

L shaped kitchens remain one of the most versatile layouts because they work well in a wide variety of homes and can often accommodate an island where space allows.

How much space do I need around a kitchen island?

Most designers recommend generous circulation space around all sides of an island to allow comfortable movement. The exact dimensions depend on the room and the surrounding cabinetry.

Are handleless kitchens practical?

Yes. Modern handleless and true handleless kitchens are designed for everyday use and combine contemporary styling with excellent practicality.

Can I mix colours in my kitchen?

Absolutely. Combining complementary colours, timber textures and different materials often creates more depth and character than using a single finish throughout.

Worktops

Which worktop is easiest to maintain?

Quartz and Dekton are both popular choices because they’re durable, easy to clean and available in a wide range of finishes.

What’s the difference between Quartz and Dekton?

Both are premium surfaces, but they differ in composition and appearance. Visiting a showroom is the best way to compare them side by side and decide which suits your project.

Are waterfall worktops worth considering?

Waterfall end panels create a striking architectural feature, particularly on kitchen islands, and are increasingly popular in contemporary kitchen design.

Appliances

Which appliance brands does Kitchen Kit offer?

Kitchen Kit works with trusted manufacturers including NEFF, Siemens and Bosch, helping homeowners choose appliances that best suit their lifestyle and budget.

Should I choose an induction hob?

Induction has become one of the most popular cooking methods thanks to its speed, energy efficiency and ease of cleaning.

What’s a venting hob?

A venting hob combines induction cooking with integrated extraction, removing the need for a traditional overhead extractor and helping create cleaner sightlines, particularly on kitchen islands.

Installation

Can Kitchen Kit manage the entire project?

Your designer will explain the installation process and the support available throughout your project, from design through to completion.

Will someone measure my kitchen?

Yes. A detailed site survey ensures every cabinet, appliance and worktop is manufactured to suit your home accurately.

What happens after installation?

Once your kitchen is complete, the team will ensure everything has been checked and you’re confident using every feature and appliance.

Showrooms

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments are recommended for a dedicated design consultation, although you’re welcome to visit and explore the displays.

Can I bring my own ideas?

Absolutely. Inspiration images, sketches, Pinterest boards and magazine cuttings are all useful starting points for a design discussion.

Which areas does Kitchen Kit cover?

Kitchen Kit designs and supplies kitchens for homeowners across Cornwall, Devon and the surrounding areas, with showrooms in Truro and Exeter.

Still Have Questions?

Every kitchen project is unique. If your question hasn’t been answered here, we’d be delighted to discuss your ideas during a free design consultation at our Exeter or Truro showroom.

25 Kitchen Designer Tips We Share With Almost Every Customer

Every kitchen project teaches us something new. Over the years, we’ve noticed the same questions, concerns and design opportunities appearing time and time again. These are some of the practical tips we find ourselves sharing most often during design consultations.

1. Design Around Your Lifestyle, Not Trends

Fashion changes quickly. A kitchen designed around the way your family lives will continue to work long after trends have moved on.

2. Spend More Time Planning Than Shopping

The quality of your decisions during the planning stage will have a far greater impact than choosing between two similar door colours.

3. Storage Is More Valuable Than Empty Space

Beautiful kitchens stay beautiful because everything has somewhere to live.

4. Choose Drawers Before Cupboards

Large drawers are usually easier to organise, easier to access and make much better use of available space.

5. Keep the Bin Beside the Sink

Most food preparation happens around the sink, so waste and recycling should be close by.

6. Don’t Oversize the Island

A slightly smaller island with generous circulation space almost always feels better than the biggest island you can physically fit into the room.

7. Think About Tomorrow

Will your family grow? Will children become teenagers? Will you work from home more often? Great kitchens adapt to changing lifestyles.

8. Hide Everyday Clutter

Small appliances, charging cables and breakfast items don’t need to live permanently on the worktop.

9. Let One Feature Become the Star

Whether it’s a beautiful worktop, a statement island or feature lighting, allowing one element to take centre stage creates a calmer design.

10. Visit a Showroom Before You Decide

Photographs inspire. Showrooms build confidence.

11. Layer Your Lighting

Use task, ambient and feature lighting together rather than relying on a single ceiling fitting.

12. Don’t Choose Colours From Tiny Samples

Colours change dramatically depending on natural light and the surrounding materials.

13. Prioritise Workflow

The easiest kitchens to use are the ones where storage, preparation and cooking naturally flow together.

14. Keep Everyday Items Close Together

Mugs, coffee, tea and the kettle all belong in the same area. The same applies to pans, utensils and spices.

15. Plan Your Appliances Early

Appliances influence cabinetry, storage and electrical layouts. They should never be an afterthought.

16. Don’t Ignore Vertical Space

Tall storage often provides considerably more usable space than several smaller cupboards.

17. Keep Your Colour Palette Simple

Texture usually creates more interest than adding extra colours.

18. Invest in the Things You’ll Touch Every Day

Drawer runners, hinges, handles and worktops are used constantly. They’re worth getting right.

19. Leave Space for Life

Not every surface needs to be filled. Empty space allows the important features to stand out.

20. Think Beyond Installation Day

Your kitchen should still work beautifully in ten or fifteen years’ time.

21. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

A good kitchen designer will happily explain every recommendation and every decision.

22. Consider Maintenance Before Appearance

The most beautiful material isn’t always the right choice if it doesn’t suit how you live.

23. Trust the Process

The best kitchens rarely appear fully formed. They evolve through conversation, refinement and thoughtful design.

24. Visit More Than Once

Your first showroom visit is about inspiration. Your second is often where the important decisions begin to feel much clearer.

25. Enjoy the Journey

Planning a new kitchen is a significant investment, but it should also be one of the most enjoyable home improvement projects you’ll ever undertake.

25 Common Kitchen Planning Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Planning a new kitchen is exciting, but it’s also a significant investment. Most homeowners only renovate a kitchen once or twice, so it’s completely understandable that certain mistakes crop up time and time again. The good news is that nearly all of them can be avoided with thoughtful planning. Here are some of the most common issues we discuss with customers during the design process.

1. Starting With Colours Instead of Layout

A beautiful kitchen won’t work well if the layout isn’t right. Always begin with functionality before choosing finishes.

2. Underestimating Storage Requirements

Most homeowners need more storage than they initially think. Plan for future purchases as well as what you already own.

3. Choosing an Island That’s Too Large

A generous walkway is often more valuable than another 200mm of island worktop.

4. Forgetting About Workflow

Think about how you’ll move between the fridge, sink and cooking area during everyday use.

5. Buying Appliances Before Designing the Kitchen

Appliances should influence the design, not the other way around.

6. Not Planning Enough Electrical Sockets

Think about where you’ll use kettles, coffee machines, mixers, phone chargers and laptops.

7. Forgetting Recycling Storage

Integrated recycling makes everyday life significantly easier.

8. Choosing Fashion Over Practicality

Trends change. Well designed kitchens remain timeless.

9. Ignoring Lighting Until the End

Lighting should be planned alongside the kitchen, not after installation.

10. Filling Every Wall With Cabinets

Sometimes less cabinetry creates a calmer, more luxurious space.

11. No Dedicated Food Storage Area

Keeping pantry items together improves organisation and makes shopping easier.

12. Underestimating Drawer Storage

Deep drawers usually outperform traditional cupboards for everyday usability.

13. Choosing Worktops From Small Samples

Always view larger samples or full slabs whenever possible. Colour and veining can look very different at scale.

14. Forgetting About Natural Light

Cabinet colours and worktops change dramatically depending on the amount of daylight entering the room.

15. Not Thinking About Cleaning

Easy clean surfaces and sensible layouts save time every single day.

16. Poor Bin Positioning

The bin should normally sit close to the sink and food preparation area.

17. Overlooking Tall Storage

Larder cupboards and Space Towers often provide the most efficient storage in the kitchen.

18. Too Many Different Materials

Limiting the number of finishes usually creates a more cohesive design.

19. No Space for Small Appliances

If your toaster and coffee machine live permanently on the worktop, your kitchen will always feel busier than it needs to.

20. Forgetting Future Needs

Think about how your lifestyle might change over the next ten years, not just the next ten months.

21. Not Visiting a Showroom

Photographs are inspiring, but seeing full size kitchens in person provides confidence that’s impossible to gain online.

22. Choosing Everything to Match Perfectly

Some contrast in texture and materials creates warmth and visual interest.

23. Rushing the Design Process

The best kitchens evolve through discussion, refinement and careful planning.

24. Focusing Only on Installation Day

A kitchen should be designed to perform beautifully for many years, not simply look impressive on completion.

25. Choosing a Kitchen Without Asking Enough Questions

A good designer should explain every recommendation and help you understand why each decision has been made.

Quick Checklist Before You Place Your Order

Before signing off your kitchen design, ask yourself:

✓ Does the layout support how we live?

✓ Is there enough storage?

✓ Have appliances been fully considered?

✓ Does the lighting include task, ambient and feature lighting?

✓ Will we still love these colours in ten years?

✓ Have we planned enough sockets?

✓ Is recycling integrated?

✓ Have we seen similar materials in a showroom?

✓ Does every cupboard have a purpose?

✓ Are we completely happy before ordering?

Planning It Properly Is Always Worth It

A new kitchen is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your home. Taking the time to ask questions, explore ideas and carefully consider the details almost always leads to a better result. Great kitchens aren’t created by chance. They’re created through thoughtful planning, practical experience and hundreds of well informed decisions that all work together.

Kitchen Glossary: Understanding the Language of Kitchen Design

Planning a new kitchen introduces lots of new terminology. From appliance housings to waterfall worktops, understanding these common terms will help you feel more confident when discussing your project with a designer.

A

Appliance Housing

A cabinet specifically designed to accommodate built in appliances such as ovens, microwaves or refrigerators.

Ambient Lighting

The general background lighting that creates the overall atmosphere within a room.

B

Back Panel

The rear section of a kitchen cabinet that provides strength and stability.

Base Unit

A cabinet positioned on the floor that supports the worktop.

Boiling Water Tap

A specialist tap that delivers near boiling filtered water instantly, removing the need for a kettle.

C

Cabinet

The complete kitchen unit, including the carcass, shelves, drawers and doors.

Carcass

The structural framework of a kitchen cabinet before doors and drawer fronts are fitted.

Corner Storage

Specialist storage systems designed to maximise difficult corner cabinets.

D

Dekton

A premium engineered surface commonly used for kitchen worktops, splashbacks and waterfall islands.

Drawer Runner

The mechanism that allows drawers to open and close smoothly.

E

Edge Profile

The shape and finish applied to the visible edge of a worktop.

End Panel

A decorative panel fitted to the exposed end of cabinetry.

F

Feature Lighting

Lighting designed to highlight shelving, cabinetry or architectural details.

Flat Slab Door

A contemporary kitchen door with a completely smooth surface.

G

German Kitchen

A kitchen manufactured in Germany, typically recognised for precision engineering, excellent storage and contemporary design.

H

Handleless Kitchen

A kitchen that uses integrated grip profiles or rails instead of traditional handles.

Hob

The cooking surface installed into the worktop.

I

Induction Hob

An energy efficient hob that heats pans using magnetic technology.

Integrated Appliance

An appliance concealed behind matching cabinet doors.

Island

A freestanding section of cabinetry positioned away from the perimeter of the kitchen.

K

Kickboard (Plinth)

The panel fitted beneath base cabinets to conceal the supporting legs.

L

Larder Unit

A tall cabinet designed for storing food and kitchen essentials.

LED Lighting

Energy efficient lighting commonly used beneath cabinets, within drawers and on shelving.

M

Matt Finish

A smooth, non reflective cabinet finish that creates a contemporary appearance.

Mitred Joint

A precision joint used to create seamless worktop edges and waterfall panels.

P

Pan Drawer

A deep drawer designed to store saucepans, frying pans and larger cookware.

Pantry

A dedicated storage cupboard used for food and small appliances.

Pocket Door

A door that slides back into the cabinet, allowing appliance stations or pantries to remain open while in use.

Q

Quartz Worktop

An engineered stone surface offering durability, consistency and low maintenance.

R

Rail System

The aluminium profile used in true handleless kitchens to open cabinets and drawers.

S

Shaker Kitchen

A timeless kitchen style featuring framed cabinet doors with clean, simple detailing.

Sink Undermount

A sink fitted beneath the worktop for a clean, uninterrupted appearance.

Soft Close

A hinge or drawer mechanism that gently closes doors and drawers.

Space Tower

A premium pull out storage system that provides exceptional organisation within a tall cabinet.

Splashback

The protective surface fitted behind sinks and hobs.

T

Task Lighting

Lighting positioned to illuminate food preparation and cooking areas.

Template

The precise measurements taken before manufacturing bespoke worktops.

True Handleless

A kitchen that uses continuous aluminium rail systems behind cabinet doors rather than integrated handles.

U

Undermount Sink

A sink installed beneath the worktop to create a seamless finish.

V

Venting Hob

An induction hob with built in extraction that removes cooking vapours directly from the cooking surface.

W

Wall Unit

A cabinet mounted above the worktop to provide additional storage.

Waterfall Island

A kitchen island where the worktop material continues vertically down the sides to create a dramatic architectural feature.

Work Triangle

The relationship between the sink, hob and refrigerator, designed to improve efficiency within the kitchen.

Worktop

The main working surface of the kitchen, available in materials such as quartz, Dekton, granite and laminate.

The End of the Handbook… The Beginning of Your Project

If you’ve reached this point, you’ve completed one of the most comprehensive kitchen planning resources available. We’ve explored everything from budgets and layouts to German kitchens, storage, worktops, appliances, lighting and the finer details that transform a good kitchen into an exceptional one. Whether you’re just beginning to gather ideas or you’re ready to start designing, we hope this handbook has given you the confidence to make informed decisions. Remember, every successful kitchen starts with a conversation. If you’d like to discuss your own project, explore our showroom displays or arrange a free design consultation, we’d be delighted to welcome you to

Kitchen Kit Exeter or Kitchen Kit Truro

Ready to Start Your Kitchen Journey?

• Book Your Free Design Consultation
• Explore Our Completed Kitchen Projects
• Learn More About Our Design & Installation Process
• Visit Our Exeter & Truro Showrooms

Thank you for reading The Kitchen Kit Handbook: Everything You Need to Know About Planning a New Kitchen in Cornwall & Devon.