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How to design a kitchen

A modern kitchen features light wood cabinetry, a sleek white benchtop, vertical tile splashback, and stylish lighting.

Overview

Designing a kitchen is one of the most exciting projects you can take on in your home. It’s a space that needs to look great, work hard, and suit your lifestyle day in, day out. With a bit of planning and some smart design choices, creating your dream kitchen is completely achievable - especially if you’re keen to roll up your sleeves and do some of it yourself. From layout and storage to style, materials and kitchen lighting design, here’s everything you need to know to design a kitchen that’s both beautiful and practical.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Steps

1

Start with the big picture

Before diving into details like handles or kitchen splashback tiles, take a step back and think about the overall look and feel you want for your kitchen. Are you drawn to a modern and minimal space? Something more classic or traditional? Or a mix of styles? Defining the overall style direction at the start will guide all your decisions as you go.
consider how to design your kitchen

2

Sketch your floor plan and map out your layout

Once you have a style direction in mind, sketch out your kitchen space. You can do this by hand or use an online kitchen design tool like this one from Kaboodle to help visualise the space and experiment with layout options. Mark doors, windows, power points and services, and take accurate measurements of the room. This step helps you understand what’s possible and gives you a clear foundation for planning your layout. Also consider your flooring. If you’re keeping the existing surface or installing something new, timing is important. Tiles are typically installed before cabinetry, laminate flooring goes in after, and timber floors are best polished once cabinetry is in. Whatever you choose, be sure to protect your floors during the kitchen renovation to prevent damage. 
A person is sketching a simple kitchen design on paper, marking plumbing and electrical points for a kitchen layout.

3

Plan your layout for function and flow

Now it’s time to shape how your kitchen works. Think about where your sink, cooktop and fridge will go. This forms the kitchen working triangle, which is the key to a practical and efficient layout. Decide on cabinet placement, open shelving, and whether you’ll go with built-in or freestanding appliances. Pantry storage also plays a big role, so consider your options early. As you map out your kitchen, factor in the type of benchtop you want and how much bench space you’ll need for cooking, prepping and small appliances.
A Bunnings Team Member is using a laptop to design a kitchen layout with cabinetry on a 3D planning software.

4

Don’t forget services and compliance

Services like plumbing and electrical are essential and should be planned early. Will plumbing need to move? Do you need a water connection for a fridge? Will your rangehood need ducting? These are jobs for licensed tradies, and they should be included in both your design and your budget kitchen renovation.
A tradesperson wearing work boots and dark pants is installing a vertical white pipe for services like plumbing and electrical.

5

Define your style and find inspiration

Once you’ve sorted out the layout, it’s time to refine the style. Collect inspiration from websites, social media, magazines or even kitchen displays in-store. Be sure to consider your home’s overall architecture and how the new kitchen will tie in with the rest of the space. Creating a mood board can help you visualise how colours, materials and textures will work together.
The image shows a kitchen displays in-store of various cabinet and benchtop styles.

6

Choose your materials and finishes

With your style locked in, start choosing materials that support it. This includes cabinetry profiles, benchtop surfaces, splashback materials, handles and paint colours. Laminate is a great choice for a budget-friendly benchtop, while stone is a popular upgrade if you’ve got more room in your budget. Selecting your materials now ensures everything works together when it’s time to build. 
The image shows a home improvement store's design area with a selection of splashback, benchtop, cabinetry door samples, along with a computer station for virtual kitchen planning.

7

Plan your lighting layers

Lighting is often overlooked, but it makes a big difference to how your kitchen functions and feels. Aim for a mix of task lighting, ambient lighting and feature lighting to get the most out of your space. Task lighting, such as LED strips under cabinets, is ideal for food prep and cleaning. Ambient lighting, like ceiling-mounted downlights, provides general illumination throughout the room. Feature lighting adds personality and warmth - think pendants over an island or LED strips inside cabinetry. Always work with a licensed electrician for advice on placement and installation, especially when planning for switches, power points and ensuring everything meets compliance requirements.
The image shows a hallway with soft wall lighting and a vibrant pink-themed portrait of a woman wearing a hat.

8

Think carefully about storage

Storage can make or break your kitchen design. Think about what you use most and where it should go. Zone your kitchen into areas - like prep, cooking, pantry and general use - to help you stay organised. You might want to include pull-out bins, corner units, vertical dividers or drawer organisers depending on your needs. Consider what you’ll carry over from your existing kitchen and what new storage options you’ll need to accommodate.
The image shows a corner cabinet with a pull-out shelving unit with lots of storage holding glass bowls, measuring cups, and kitchen utensils.

9

Set your budget and scope of work

With your layout and finishes planned, it’s time to run the numbers. Think about what you can take on as achievable D.I.Y. tasks - like assembling flat-pack cabinetry or painting - and what will need professional installation. Don’t forget to factor in costs for demolition, rubbish removal, temporary kitchen setup and deliveries. A well-prepared budget helps avoid surprises down the track.
A green skip bin is being lifted onto a truck in a residential driveway.

10

Get ready to start your build

Once your planning is done, it’s time to prepare the space. Remove the old kitchen, protect floors, confirm your trade schedule, and arrange delivery access. If needed, set up a temporary cooking area to keep things running during your renovation. With all the pieces in place, you’re ready to bring your kitchen to life.
A set up of a temporary cooking area in the laundry to keep things running during your renovation 

11

Now that you’ve learnt how to design a kitchen

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.