It’s easy to get swept up in Pinterest boards and colour palettes. But if your kitchen doesn’t work, it won’t matter how good it looks. Mark Bruce, Operations Manager at Kitchen Studio, has spent decades helping New Zealanders plan kitchens that make life easier, not harder. Here are his top tips for designing a kitchen layout that truly supports how you live.

1. Forget the showroom plan
The most common layout mistakes happen when people copy what they’ve seen elsewhere. A perfectly symmetrical plan with the hob in the middle and pantry at the far end might look good, but if your fridge and pantry aren’t close together, you’ll be doubling back every time you prep a meal.

2. Keep task zones close together
Think about what you do every day. Prepping food, cooking meals, washing up. Group your zones around those tasks. Keeping the fridge near the pantry, the hob near your prep space, and the sink near the dishwasher cuts down unnecessary movement and frustration.

3. Avoid corner chaos
Corner cupboards seem like they add storage, but they often create dead space or need expensive hardware to function properly. Two sets of drawers either side of a blanked-off corner can actually give you more usable storage and save you money too.

4. Don’t design for just one cook
Gone are the days of one person working alone in a U-shaped kitchen. These days, most households have multiple people in the space at once. Plan your layout with clear paths, wide walkways and zones that work together, not in competition.

5. Let function lead the look
Mark recommends designing in grey first. Focus on the layout, then layer in your colours and materials once the plan works. That way, you’re not compromising function for style, and your kitchen will feel as good as it looks.

The bottom line
The earlier you get your layout right, the easier every other decision becomes. From appliance placement to cabinet finishes, it all works better when your kitchen is designed around real-life use. Our Renovating Your Kitchen to Stay and Renovating Your Kitchen for Sale guides will walk you through every step of the process. Join MyTrends for access to these and a full library of expert-led resources to help you plan with confidence.

View more from

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.