What People Forget When Designing a Family Kitchen

The kitchen is often the heart of the home, especially for families. It’s where we cook, gather, and spend so much of our daily lives together. But when it comes to designing a kitchen, it’s easy to get caught up in trends and aesthetics, forgetting to consider how the space will actually be used.

As an interior designer in Bristol, I work with many families to design kitchens that are not only beautiful but also practical and tailored to their lifestyle. Here are some of the most important considerations people often overlook when designing a family kitchen.

Study Your Current Layout

Before making big design decisions, spend time thinking about your current kitchen. What works well? What frustrates you? This will guide your priorities in the new space. A kitchen that looks stunning but doesn’t function smoothly will quickly become a source of stress rather than joy.

The Truth About Kitchen Islands

I often see large kitchen islands installed with bar stools - only for the stools to remain unused, cluttering the space. The key is to be honest about how your family will use the kitchen. If casual dining isn’t going to happen at the island, perhaps the space could be better used for storage, a bigger work surface, or even circulation space.

If you do want an island, think carefully about what you’d like to have central to it. Do you prefer to cook facing the room, in which case a hob is ideal? Or do you spend more time prepping and washing, meaning a sink would suit you better? The right choice depends entirely on your lifestyle and cooking habits.

Don’t Forget the Bins

One of the most common oversights in kitchen design is bin space. With today’s emphasis on recycling, a single bin just isn’t enough. I recommend planning for multiple compartments - personally, I have five in my own kitchen drawers, and I use every one of them! It’s also wise to allow for flexibility in case recycling requirements change in the future.

Laundry, Utility & Storage

Another big question is whether to include a washing machine and dryer in your kitchen, or whether these should live in a separate utility room. If you’re lucky enough to have space for a pantry, this can also be a game-changer for family life, keeping bulk storage and small appliances neatly tucked away.

And don’t underestimate the importance of at least one full-height cupboard. This is invaluable for storing those awkward household essentials - like mops, brooms, vacuum cleaners, and even step ladders - that never quite seem to have a home.

Tidy vs. Lived-In

Every family has a different approach to tidiness. Some love the look of open shelving to display glassware, crockery, and collections. Others prefer the calmness of everything hidden behind closed doors. Baskets can also work brilliantly for organisation, adding warmth and texture while keeping clutter at bay.

Why Work With an Interior Designer?

Designing a family kitchen involves hundreds of small but important decisions. From where the bins go to how storage is configured, these details make all the difference to how the space feels and functions.

As an interior designer in Bristol, I help families think through these decisions, ensuring the result is a kitchen that not only looks beautiful but also supports their lifestyle. My role is to obsess over the details so you can enjoy a space that feels seamless, practical, and timeless.