I had been dreaming about this kitchen for a very long time. The planning actually started together with the design of the house itself. From the beginning my goal was to create a timeless kitchen that would be functional, allow several people to cook at the same time, and comfortably host large gatherings.
At the same time I wanted the space to feel calm and visually clean, while still having some character. Another important factor was that the entire kitchen had to fit within a very tight budget. Because of that, many decisions had to be made very carefully. I often found myself asking whether something was truly necessary or simply nice to have.
When planning a kitchen it is surprisingly helpful to start with the way you actually live. For me that meant cooking often, hosting large family gatherings and having enough space for several people to move around comfortably.
The Layout
From the very beginning I knew the kitchen needed a large island with seating. In our home the kitchen island is not just a workspace. It is a gathering place where people sit, talk, prepare food together and often stay long after the cooking is finished.
Everything else had to fit into the perimeter cabinets. Since the island is quite large, one side contains drawers for dishes and everyday items. On the other side, where the stools are placed, I decided to add cabinets as well. They are not the easiest to access, but I did not want to waste the space. Those cabinets behind the seating area have turned out to be a perfect place to store things that I use only occasionally.
When planning storage it helps to think honestly about how often you use certain things. Not everything needs to be in the most accessible place.
Another dream was a full height integrated refrigerator and a separate integrated freezer. I also wanted a large ceramic sink, an extra wide induction cooktop and a cabinet for the coffee machine. From experience I also knew that I wanted as many drawers as possible, because drawers are simply much more practical than traditional cabinets with doors. Being able to see everything at once makes daily cooking much easier.
Creating a Symmetrical Kitchen
Since I love traditional interiors, I knew the kitchen needed to be symmetrical. I wanted every wall view to feel balanced and logical so that the eye could rest. At the same time everything still had to fit into the available space.
I moved the cabinets back and forth on the drawings for several weeks before I finally arrived at a layout that felt right. Kitchen planning often takes longer than expected, and I learned that it is worth taking the time to test different options before committing.
I also took a few risks that turned out to work very well. For example, I did not place all the upper cabinets at the same height. Above the sink I created a slightly more open section, which makes that wall feel lighter.
Some cabinets are also slightly deeper while others sit further back. These small variations add depth and interest without making the kitchen feel busy. The full effect will become even more visible once we eventually install the cornice moulding above the cabinets, which will highlight those different dimensions beautifully.
Adding Lightness with Glass Cabinets
I also wanted the kitchen to feel a little lighter and more open. Glass cabinets are perfect for that. At the same time I did not want all of the upper cabinets to be glass, because clutter or colorful dishes behind glass can easily create visual noise.
Instead I placed two glass cabinets on each wall in a symmetrical arrangement. On one wall they frame the cooktop and on the other they frame the sink. I considered using tinted or frosted glass, but in the end I decided that clear glass is the most classic choice.
To make them more interesting I added cross details on the glass doors. In my opinion crosses feel a bit more elegant than the usual square grid pattern.
A White Kitchen with Warm Details
I knew from the beginning that I wanted a white kitchen because it is timeless and classic. I also love how white kitchens feel bright and spacious without taking up too much visual space.
At the same time I know that white kitchens can easily feel sterile. To add warmth I chose brushed brass handles for the drawers and polished brass knobs for the upper cabinets. The warm brass tone gives the kitchen exactly the warmth it needed. I also chose a brass faucet and brass pendant lights above the island.
Originally the countertop was supposed to be quartz with warm veins running through it. Unfortunately something went wrong with the order and we received a completely white quartz countertop. It was not exactly what I had planned, but in the end it did not ruin the overall look either.
Cabinet Doors and Materials
I also wanted the cabinet doors to add texture and character while fitting the traditional style of the kitchen. From experience I knew that the doors needed to be durable and easy to repair. With small children in the house the kitchen gets used constantly, and dents or wear are unavoidable.
Because of that I chose painted wooden frame doors. They were also the most budget friendly option that still met my needs.
For the countertop I chose quartz because with children I wanted something that would be durable and not stain easily over time. To add a little detail while also saving money, I decided to use a decorative routed edge on the island countertop, while the perimeter countertops have a simple straight edge.
Backsplash and Texture
For the backsplash I chose mosaic tiles in a very traditional shape. They felt timeless and added the texture the kitchen needed. I actually found them at a regular hardware store for a very good price.
I also chose the glossy version instead of matte so there would be a contrast between the matte cabinet doors and the shiny tiles.
A small tip. When everything in a room is a similar color or tone, play with the level of shine, texture and size. Even the simplest space will suddenly feel much more alive.
Keeping the Kitchen Visually Clean
I wanted the entire kitchen to feel visually calm and uncluttered, so I chose integrated appliances wherever possible. I even chose a white oven door so it would not stand out too much against the white cabinets.
I also planned a small pantry so the countertops could stay free from small appliances.
Another trick I used was hiding the pantry behind normal cabinet doors. The kitchen company created what looks like a regular cabinet, but when you open the doors there is actually a small pantry behind them. If you are curious about how that pantry came together, I wrote a separate post about it (How I Added a Pantry to My Kitchen Using Just 14 Square Feet).
Smart Budget Decisions
To save money I did not order many internal cabinet accessories, except for the waste sorting system. The wooden organizers for forks, knives and other utensils came from IKEA, and I quickly built my spice drawer insert from plywood myself.
One of my favorite features is the coffee machine cabinet. The coffee machine stands firmly on the countertop inside the cabinet, and when you do not want to see it you simply pull the door down and hide it.
Another layout change I made compared to a typical kitchen was placing the trash bin in the island, directly across from the cooktop. Usually people place it under the sink or nearby. My experience is that I spend most of my time working at the island, chopping and preparing food. When I need to throw something away I can simply sweep the scraps straight into the bin. It has turned out to be incredibly convenient and one of my favorite decisions.
Building the Range Hood Cabinet Myself
One thing the kitchen company could not offer was a built in cabinet for the range hood. When I showed them the style I wanted they immediately said no. They had never built something like that and did not want to start now.
I looked in several other places to see if someone could build it for a reasonable price, but without success. In the end I knew I would have to build it myself. I think it turned out pretty good.
Where I Saved and Where I Invested
In the end I am very happy with the result. The kitchen is large, but the price stayed reasonable because I saved money in places that were less important visually or practically, and invested in the elements that will make the kitchen last for many years.
I saved money by choosing painted wooden frame doors, ordering handles and knobs from China, building the range hood cabinet and island support posts myself, and selecting affordable appliances with good energy ratings. I also searched for budget friendly lighting and started with simple IKEA bar stools.
Where I invested was the quartz countertop, the large number of drawers instead of cabinets with doors, and the statement ceramic sink. I also invested in the overall size of the kitchen and maximizing the number of cabinets.
Finally
Looking back, the planning phase might have been the most important part of the whole project. Every small decision eventually shaped how the kitchen feels and functions today. Even with a limited budget it is possible to create a space that feels thoughtful and beautiful if you choose carefully where to save and where to invest.
For me the most important thing was creating a kitchen that truly works for our family. A place where we can cook together, host friends and family, and spend time even when nobody is actually cooking.
