Kitchen design - design ideas for the kitchen

Kitchen ideas from Villeroy & Boch

A kitchen in the home should be functional, well equipped and stylish. Careful planning is essential when it comes to designing your dining and cooking area. As well as the actual design, the choice of colours and size of the space play an important role when planning a kitchen. This guide looks at different kitchen design ideas. We also show you how to design a small kitchen.

Designing a kitchen: which colours work particularly well?

There are lots of different ideas for designing a kitchen. One important factor when making your choice is the size of the kitchen. For example, the colour choice will be different for a kitchen measuring 5 square metres than for a spacious kitchen-diner.

For small kitchens, the aim for colour ideas is to make the room look bigger and more homely. Light colours are ideal and create a welcoming atmosphere. For example, white, beige or pastel shades. 

For a kitchen-diner, striking colours also work well. Bright cabinet doors look flamboyant and make a statement. You can also start by painting just one wall to see how the colour will look in the space.

Finding design ideas for every kitchen

Design ideas for the kitchen from Villeroy & Boch

When designing a kitchen, the ideal shape is important and this needs to be determined according to the size of the space and layout. For example, a linear space can be used to design a small, narrow kitchen without a lot of storage space. For a small kitchen-diner with two separate areas, a double-linear shape is the best option. An L-shape is another alternative for a kitchen of 10 square metres. In large kitchen-diners, a U-shape is ideal as this makes optimum use of space.

Tip: whatever design you choose for the shape of your kitchen: a work triangle is always useful. The sink, cooker and fridge should be positioned very close together. This will make it easier to work in the kitchen.

The Iconic La Boule Memphis from Villeroy & Boch

Designing an open-plan kitchen

An open-plan kitchen is a dream come true for many people. However, designing this space can prove a challenge. A counter can be very useful to create visual differentiation between the individual areas. It is ideal for serving guests, for raising a toast with a glass of champagne or even for a quick breakfast. Simple breakfast plates are a good choice, for example from the Royal collection with its timeless design. A lightweight kitchen counter can be used as a room divider too. Similar transition effects are also possible with a large cooking island. This will create a spacious feel and add a luxurious touch to an open-plan kitchen. The kitchen island is also ideal to present a decorative eye-catching highlight such as the colourful Iconic La Boule .

The Manufacture collier vase from Villeroy & Boch

Designing a large kitchen

Kitchen design ideas should be guided by the size of the space. When designing large kitchens, it is important to avoid overfilling the space with objects. An open-plan concept works well. A geometric kitchen island and pretty houseplants in the corners are attractive ideas for kitchen design.

If you wish, you can add a stylish note to a large kitchen with exclusive sculptures and other artworks or large vases .

A glass cabinet can also be given a decorative touch with items such as beautiful glasses, for example, the Toy’s Delight champagne flute .

Example for a small kitchen from Villeroy & Boch

Design tips for small kitchens

There are lots of ideas for small kitchens. Careful planning and the right equipment are essential to make best use of space in a small kitchen. Rows of cupboards in a U- or L-shape are good ideas for a small kitchen.

Wall cupboards and apothecary cabinets with lots of space for utensils are also useful in a small kitchen. When choosing modern appliances, opt for space-saving models. For example, very compact dishwashers or mini coffee machines. If you are designing a very small kitchen, make sure that objects used rarely or even never are concealed out of sight.

Stylish equipment for your dream kitchen

Subway 60 flat flush-mounted built-in sink from Villeroy & Boch
Subway 60 XU undermount sink from Villeroy & Boch

Stylish equipment will make a kitchen design extra special. The choice of materials is important and they need to be both functional and attractive. 

Modern styles with stainless steel equipment are very popular. The polished, “clean” look with this contemporary equipment will make the kitchen really stand out. The easy-care aspect of this heat- and acid-resistant material is another benefit. If you wish, you can combine this robust material with ceramic elements. This will give the kitchen a more elegant and premium look. Granite fittings will add even greater diversity to the colour scheme. 

Tip: kitchen equipment comes with different installation options. Space-saving surface installation is the standard for fittings such as the sink. Alternatively, the worktop and fittings can be installed flush on a single level. More cost-intensive but very classy undermount sinks are a popular choice. 

Make your kitchen stand out with a homely decor

Lave glacé bowl from Villeroy & Boch

The right decor can immediately make a kitchen feel more homely. Ideas that emphasise the individual style will create a more welcoming atmosphere in small dining areas. The “basics” include homely, natural materials such as stone, wood and/or ceramic. Combined with creamy white or pastel colours, these accessories will make the room feel more relaxed. Kitchen utensils hung on hooks or displayed on a shelf by the wall are both practical and decorative. For the finishing touch, add decorative highlights in the form of special tableware displayed within easy reach above the kitchenette. Bowls and dishes from collections such as the Lave earthenware series create a very vibrant effect with their Scandinavian charm and will make visitors feel welcome.