The hard truth about kitchens that look stunning, but don’t actually work.

We’ve all seen them. The beautifully styled kitchen in a showhome or on Instagram. Stone benchtops, matte black fixtures, pendant lights hung just so. But step into some of these spaces in real life, and things quickly fall apart.

There’s nowhere to dry dishes without taking up prep space. The overhead cupboards look sleek but are too high to reach without a step stool. And opening the dishwasher means you can’t open the cutlery drawer beside it. It looks incredible… but it’s frustrating to use.

When looks come before layout

A kitchen might win design awards, but if it doesn’t suit the way people actually cook, it’s going to disappoint. Beautiful surfaces can’t make up for awkward layouts, poor storage, or impractical appliance placement.

Rachel from Kitchen Things puts it simply: the typical kitchen is all about accessibility. “Form follows function,” she says. “It’s really important that you choose the right appliances that are going to fit your lifestyle”.

Because when the everyday tasks aren’t easy, the whole kitchen feels harder to live with, no matter how good it looks.

Flow is more than a buzzword

There’s a reason terms like kitchen work triangle have stuck around. Having a clear, logical flow between your sink, cooktop, and prep zones genuinely makes everyday cooking easier.

But flow isn’t one-size-fits-all. You might batch cook on weekends, prep with kids in the room, or entertain often. The best kitchen layout is one that supports your routines, not just what looks good on paper.

Function doesn’t have to mean boring

There’s a myth that a practical kitchen can’t be beautiful. But the smartest designs are the ones that do both; where the bins are placed where you need them, the dishwasher opens without a struggle, and there’s enough prep space right where you work.

Form and function aren’t enemies. They’re a team. But one has to lead, and it should always be function.

Design for real life, not just resale

Even if you’re renovating to sell, buyers will notice if the kitchen doesn’t feel right. Drawers that hit corners, awkward walkways, or poor appliance placement all make a strong impression, and not in a good way.

That’s why layout decisions should come first. In our Renovating Your Kitchen for Sale Guide, we walk through the key choices that affect how your kitchen actually works, before you get into colours, styles, or hardware. Join MyTrends to unlock the Renovating Your Kitchen for Sale Guide and a full library of other guides designed to support you at each stage of your property journey.

Because at the end of the day, a kitchen that works is a kitchen that sells. And the most beautiful kitchen is the one that makes life easier every day.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a podcast featuring insights from experienced professionals and is intended for general information and inspiration only. While we aim to share valuable guidance, please seek personalised advice from qualified professionals before making decisions about your property, finances, or renovation plans.