Kitchens are now viewed as one of – if not the most – important rooms in a house. Far from being a purely practical space, the kitchen is now expected to be a warm, inviting, social hotspot, super stylish and multitasking.
All of this means that, if you are planning on carrying out a kitchen renovation, a huge amount of planning and care needs to go into getting its design just right. This type of project usually doesn't come cheap and you really need to ensure that you don't leave anything out or omit to put certain services or features in place that you might later regret.
To save you kicking yourself later down the line, we reached out to the experts to ask them for the one thing you should always do when renovating a kitchen – take heed if you want to ensure you are nothing but pleased with your end results.
1. Install great ventilation methods
When renovating a kitchen it is vital that you don't get so carried away with the more visible features that you end up neglecting the less glamorous work horse elements of the space that ensure it is comfortable to spend time in – kitchen ventilation being a good case in point.
“I always recommend investing in a high-performance vented extraction appliance in a new kitchen space to effectively manage cooking smells and steam," reveals Selena Quick, MD and founder of PAD Kitchens. "This helps preserve the kitchen’s architectural integrity and eliminates the need for an overhead extractor."
Kitchen expert Richard Davonport, MD of Davonport, agrees. "Ventilation should be approached with the same level of thought as the layout or cabinetry, because it has a direct impact on how comfortable the kitchen feels to use every day,' he explains. "Too often, extraction is treated as a technical requirement rather than an integral part of the design, yet in reality it plays a crucial role in managing heat, steam and lingering odours, particularly in kitchens that open into dining or living spaces.
“The starting point is understanding how the cooking zone will be used, including the type of hob, how frequently the kitchen is used for cooking, and whether the space is open plan or more enclosed," continues Richard. "These factors determine the level of extraction required and influence decisions around ducting routes, ceiling heights and cabinetry design. When ventilation is planned early, it can be integrated discreetly, whether that is through ceiling-mounted extractors, integrated canopy solutions, or systems that are concealed within joinery, allowing performance without visual disruption."
Selena Quick is the founder and director of PAD. Celebrating 10 years in 2026, PAD is a family-owned design practice that specialises in bespoke kitchens and joinery.
PAD clients are both direct homeowners and design professionals. Purposely not on the high street, their approach offers homeowners a curated range of finishes from their core collection. Each PAD kitchen is designed in-house, built in their UK factory using FSC-approved wood and installed by their expert team of fitters.
Richard Davonport is a luxury cabinetmaker, designer and the founder and Managing Director of kitchen specialists, Davonport. The company designs and makes bespoke kitchens from its workshop in the heart of East Anglia. He has a vast wealth of experience in kitchen design, layout and creating beautiful kitchens for all type of homes.
2. Incorporate a pantry or larder
There was a time when walk-in larders or pantries were a staple in UK kitchens – and they have definitely made a comeback in recent years, with homeowners realising just how handy it is to have a one-stop-shop for all their dried goods and produce. If you are renovating your kitchen you are in the ideal position to incorporate some pantry ideas.
"Pantries are fantastic for kitchen storage and when planning a new kitchen bear in mind that there are millions of different configurations which can be designed completely with your lifestyle and personalised usage in mind," explains Selena Quick. "Depending on the size of pantry your kitchen can accommodate, we often consider including narrower shelves along with spice racks on the doors for full visibility.
"We also design internal pantries to have bigger and wider shelves at the top to store things you don’t use very often and that can function as a storage area to store everyday appliances you don’t want out on the surface such as a coffee machine or stand mixer, in addition to a series of smaller shelves to so you can access the little things that you need everyday such as condiments, spices and tea-bags.”
Shop pantry essentials
A kitchen pantry can soon become cluttered without the right type of storage. This pack contains everything you need to stay organised, including labels and marker.
Tiered storage racks make seeing items right at the back of your pantry so much easier and also allow you to group like with like. This one expands and retracts to suit all kinds of spaces.
These handy slide-out drawers are easy to fix into any pantry and can be fully pulled out to allow you a good look of everything you have stored in there. They would also be great to keep an under-sink area tidy.
3. Build-in accessible features
The cost of a new kitchen can be pretty eye-watering and if you don't want to find yourself having to make expensive changings sooner than you need it makes sense to think about your future needs, not just about what you want right now.
"Clients are often not just designing for today; they’re investing in a home that can support their lifestyle for years to come, so introducing accessible features as part of a considered, future-proofed approach can feel empowering, rather than uncomfortable," says Natalie Fry, founder and creative director of Grid Thirteen Design Studio.
"It is important to present accessible design not as a special category, but as a reflection of good design practice – intuitive, comfortable, and inclusive by nature," continues Natalie. "Features such as wider walkways, layered lighting, lever-style hardware, or pull-out storage can be introduced as enhancements that improve the user experience for everyone. These aren’t clinical add-ons – they’re quiet, considered decisions that support how people actually live in their homes."
Natalie Fry is founder and Creative Director of Grid Thirteen, is a multi-award-winning luxury interior design studio based in North Leeds, founded in 2013. With over 25 years of experience working with some of the UK’s leading architects and interior innovators, Natalie leads her all-female design team to create beautiful and functional kitchen, bedroom and living spaces for clients across the UK that are true reflections of clients’ personalities and lifestyles.
4. Create distinct 'zones'
Whether you are working on large kitchen diner ideas or something a little more modest, it is a good idea to think of the space in 'zones' to ensure its day-to-day functionality.
“Rather than starting with a named layout, such as an island, galley or L-shape, we always encourage homeowners to think in terms of zones," reveals Richard Davonport. "Zoning looks at how the kitchen will actually be used day-to-day, identifying where preparation happens, where cooking takes place, how storage supports those activities, and how people move through the space when more than one person is present. When these zones are defined first during a renovation, the final layout tends to fall into place more naturally, and the kitchen feels easier to live with over time, regardless of its size or architectural constraints.
“This approach is particularly valuable in open-plan homes, where the kitchen has to work hard without visually dominating the space," continues Richard. "By zoning activities rather than forcing furniture into a preconceived layout, it becomes possible to soften the kitchen’s presence, allowing cooking, dining and living areas to sit alongside one another in a way that feels balanced and intuitive rather than imposed. A well-zoned kitchen also manages sightlines more carefully, keeping practical elements such as preparation surfaces and appliances subtly anchored to their own areas, while social zones feel more relaxed and connected to the rest of the space.
“Zoning also encourages much more thoughtful decision-making around details that are often overlooked early on, from where taller cabinetry is best positioned to how circulation routes work when doors, drawers and appliances are all in use at the same time," points out Richard. "It allows designers to resolve potential pinch points before they become daily frustrations, and to ensure that the kitchen continues to function comfortably when routines change, whether that is a growing family, different working patterns, or the kitchen taking on a more sociable role within the home.”
5. Make space for sociable seating
Even if you are restricted to small kitchen ideas, it is still very much worthwhile trying to incorporate some seating into your design – this will instantly help create a welcoming feel as well as providing a spot to dine. That said, careful planning is required from the off to ensure it won't encroach on day-to-day activities.
"When planning kitchen seating, it’s essential to consider circulation, height, functionality, capacity, and social interaction," explains kitchen designer Jasmine Cunningham from PAD Kitchens. "The most popular options are bar stools on a kitchen island. We recommend allowing at least 90-120cm clearance around each stool for ease of movement – and we always ensure that a plug pop-up or double plug socket is close to the island seating for charging laptops/phones for when working from home or for kids doing homework.
"For a more social layout, built-in bench seating is an inviting addition, whether positioned on the back of an island or under a window," adds Jasmine.
6. Add thoughtful finishing touches
It is all too easy when renovating a house in general to get so swept up in the larger features and design elements that you neglect to give enough attention to smaller details – but these are what can actually make all the difference to the final finish.
“When renovating a kitchen, it is important to think beyond how cabinetry will look in isolation and consider how it will be used hour by hour," advises Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel. "Heavily loaded pan drawers, integrated dishwashers, tall larders and fridge freezers all place different demands on hardware, and choosing pieces that feel secure, comfortable and well-balanced in the hand makes a noticeable difference over time. This is particularly important in family kitchens where doors and drawers are opened constantly meaning poor hardware choices quickly become a source of frustration rather than something you enjoy using.
“From a practical point of view, quality hardware contributes to a quieter, more comfortable kitchen environment, something homeowners often underestimate during the planning stage," continues Gareth. "Smooth operation, solid brass construction and precise engineering reduce noise and resistance, which becomes increasingly important in homes where the kitchen is used early in the morning, late in the evening, or continuously throughout the day. These are not details that can be easily improved once the kitchen is fitted, which is why hardware should be treated as a core component of the renovation rather than a finishing decision.”
Shop kitchen cabinet hardware
Owners of classic farmhouse kitchens take note, this pretty brass cup handle, with its scalloped design is perfect for adding a little elegance to even the most basic of cabinetry.
Available in a range of sizes, colours and finishes, this pull handle is robust, easy-to-fit and can be used for both kitchen drawers as well as cabinets.
Perfect for tying in with fluted details elsewhere in your kitchen design, this beautiful brass knob is inspired by Art Deco design.
Gareth Hull is the design lead at Hendel & Hendel, a leading UK hardware brand. He leads on the design direction for the brand’s collections and interior styling. With a background in product development and a keen eye for detail, Gareth's approach seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics and his work emphasises refined forms, elevated materials, and a balance between contemporary, traditional and transitional pieces.
7. Set up a temporary kitchen
Finally, and I speak from personal experience here, one of the most important things to do when renovating a kitchen is to be prepared for the disruption it will cause to day-to-day life. Putting a temporary cooking and food preparation set-up in place will help enormously to smooth the whole process if you are living on site while renovating.
What that looks like for you depends on your individual needs. For us, we made do with a simple table with a camping stove, washing-up bowl and a kettle during our first renovation, while second time around we had an old electric cooker in the dining room and washed up in the downstairs bathroom – neither was particularly fun but knowing what was in store helped.
Alternatively, it could be wise to organise to stay with friends or family for the trickiest stages, such as if you will be without water for a day or two or when floors are being dug up for new pipework.
FAQs
Should you retrofit underfloor heating when renovating a kitchen?
When looking at the best ways of heating a kitchen, underfloor heating often comes out at the top, giving a gentle, even spread of heat without taking up valuable wall space. That said, in a renovation, fitting wet systems can be disruptive and will add to your overall costs more than electric mat systems.
If you are carrying out extensive renovation work and perhaps adding an extension too, then it is a very wise idea to consider installing wet underfloor heating at the same time. On the other hand, if you are simply upgrading your worktops and having a bit of a refresh, it might be better to consider another method, such as modern radiators.
Kitchen extensions are often undertaken at the same time as renovations and are one of the most popular ways to add value and space to a property. If you are considering a kitchen extension, along with the above expert tips think about how you could use your new addition to bring in extra light and create a stronger connection with your outside spaces.
